Glock pistols are a complex and confusing line of handguns, with overlapping generations and similar appearances, blurring the lines between models.
To help you select the best Glock handgun for your needs, we’ll break down the lineup by model, frame size, caliber, and intended use.
This will help you find the ideal Glock for concealed carry, home protection, bear defense, or competition.
Glock Pistol Miscellany
Glock handgun is known for their consistency and modernization. They offer various models appropriate for multiple purposes, available through trustworthy sources for purchase like “Glock handguns for sale online.” These pistols boast excellent performance and robustness and are designed for professional and personal defense requirements.
The Glock Universe Explained
Glock pistols, initially manufactured in Austria and imported to the U.S. in 1986, are polymer-framed, striker-fired handguns.
They are the first commercially successful pistol with an injection-molded polymer frame. Glock’s model numbering is sequential, based on the model introduction, and has changed the handgun world significantly. The G48 is the 48th model introduced to the commercial or military market.
Frame Sizes
Glock offers various frame sizes, including Standard, Compact, Subcompact, Competition, and Long Slide.
Standard frame models are full-sized or duty-sized, with a barrel length of 4.5 in. Compact models are slightly shorter for concealed carry, while Subcompact models are even shorter.
Competition models have a longer barrel and slide for increased sight radius, with a barrel length of 5.3. Extended Slide models have the longest barrels and slides, making them ideal for target or hunting use.
X-Factor
The “X” versions in the Glock model family are one exception. These will match the following size-up frame with a compact or subcompact slide.
Modular Optics System (MOS)
The acronym for Modular Optics System is MOS. Models designated MOS feature a slide cut to take optics through a set of plates included with MOS handguns.
These plates serve as adapters to mount the most widely used micro red dot sights, including the Leupold Delta Point, Trijicon RMR, and several Holosuns. Consider the MOS plates as scope mounts explicitly designed for the most widely used micro red dots.
Generation (Gen 5 vs. Gen 4):
The fifth generation of Glock pistols is currently in contrast to the fourth generation. The factory is still selling Gen 3 and Gen 4 pistols. The 5th generation differs significantly from the previous generations, yet there were only slight differences between the 3rd and 4th generations. The following enhancements are present in the Gen 5s:
- Marksman Glock barrels
- Not a single-finger groove
- A fresh design for a trigger module
- Dual-slide brake lever
- Flip-out magazine catcher
- A new method for ejectors
- captured spring for recoil
Therefore, if a Gen 5 is offered in the desired model and quality, choose it unless you are obsessed with finger grooves.
Glock Pistols By Cartridge
Glock pistol chambers in (left to right).22 lr,.380 Auto,.45 ACP,.45 GAP, 9x19mm,.357 Sig,.40 S&W, and 10mm Auto. Matt Foster
This is where things get a little disorganized, but we can tidy it up. Let’s examine the options by cartridge, beginning with the most often used, the 9X19mm. Unless otherwise specified, all models are Gen 5 models.
9X19mm
Glock is replacing the G17 with the G47, a 9mm pistol model. The G47 has a shorter frame and extended guide rod ring on the slide, allowing mixing and matching with G19 slides to create extended options.
The G47 is compatible with all Glock pistols in 9mm caliber, including standard, compact, compact, subcompact, competition, and extended slide options.