Introduction
Glock, an Austrian firearms manufacturer, has become a household name among gun enthusiasts and professionals alike. Known for their reliability, durability, and simplicity, Glock pistols have earned a reputation as some of the best handguns in the world. This guide will take an in-depth look at each available Glock model, examining their attributes, pros and cons, ballistic information, and the specific calibers they utilize. Additionally, we will explore premium ammunition brands that pair well with each Glock model.
Glock 17
- Caliber: 9mm
- Attributes:
- Full-size handgun.
- 17-round magazine capacity.
- Polymer frame with a durable finish.
- Standard Glock Safe Action trigger system.
- Pros:
- High magazine capacity.
- Low recoil.
- Excellent accuracy and reliability.
- Cons:
- Larger size may be less suitable for concealed carry.
- Heavier than compact models.
- Ballistic Information:
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,150 ft/s.
- Muzzle Energy: 364 ft-lbs.
- Premium Ammunition Brands:
- Federal Premium HST: Known for consistent expansion and penetration.
- Hornady Critical Duty: Designed for superior barrier penetration.
- Speer Gold Dot: Renowned for reliability and stopping power.
Glock 19
- Caliber: 9mm
- Attributes:
- Compact size.
- 15-round magazine capacity.
- Similar design to the Glock 17 but smaller.
- Versatile for both concealed carry and home defense.
- Pros:
- Excellent balance between size and firepower.
- Comfortable grip for most hand sizes.
- Wide availability of accessories.
- Cons:
- Slightly less accurate than the Glock 17 due to shorter barrel.
- Some may find it too large for everyday concealed carry.
- Ballistic Information:
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,180 ft/s.
- Muzzle Energy: 396 ft-lbs.
- Premium Ammunition Brands:
- Winchester Ranger T-Series: Offers reliable performance in law enforcement scenarios.
- Hornady American Gunner: Provides precision and consistency.
- Remington Golden Saber: Combines stopping power with controlled expansion.
Glock 26
- Caliber: 9mm
- Attributes:
- Subcompact design.
- 10-round magazine capacity.
- Short barrel and grip for easy concealment.
- Same trigger and safety system as other Glock models.
- Pros:
- Highly concealable.
- Compatible with larger Glock 19 and 17 magazines.
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
- Cons:
- Reduced accuracy due to shorter barrel.
- Smaller grip may be uncomfortable for larger hands.
- Ballistic Information:
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,150 ft/s.
- Muzzle Energy: 350 ft-lbs.
- Premium Ammunition Brands:
- Federal Premium Hydra-Shok: Delivers deep penetration and reliable expansion.
- Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel: Optimized for shorter barrels with consistent expansion.
- Hornady Critical Defense: Designed for personal protection with reduced recoil.
Glock 22
- Caliber: .40 S&W
- Attributes:
- Full-size design similar to the Glock 17.
- 15-round magazine capacity.
- Chambered in the more powerful .40 S&W caliber.
- Popular among law enforcement.
- Pros:
- Increased stopping power compared to 9mm.
- Reliable and durable.
- Versatile for various applications.
- Cons:
- Higher recoil than 9mm.
- Ammunition can be more expensive and harder to find.
- Ballistic Information:
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,150 ft/s.
- Muzzle Energy: 475 ft-lbs.
- Premium Ammunition Brands:
- Federal Premium Tactical HST: Offers superior performance for duty use.
- Hornady Custom: Provides accuracy and controlled expansion.
- Winchester PDX1 Defender: Designed for optimal performance in personal defense scenarios.
Glock 23
- Caliber: .40 S&W
- Attributes:
- Compact size similar to the Glock 19.
- 13-round magazine capacity.
- Balance of firepower and concealability.
- Compatible with larger Glock 22 magazines.
- Pros:
- Suitable for concealed carry with higher stopping power.
- Comfortable for a variety of hand sizes.
- Versatile for personal defense and duty use.
- Cons:
- Recoil is more pronounced than in 9mm models.
- Slightly heavier than the Glock 19.
- Ballistic Information:
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,150 ft/s.
- Muzzle Energy: 485 ft-lbs.
- Premium Ammunition Brands:
- Speer Gold Dot: Known for consistent expansion and penetration.
- Federal Premium HST: Delivers reliable stopping power.
- Remington Ultimate Defense: Optimized for personal defense scenarios.
Glock 27
- Caliber: .40 S&W
- Attributes:
- Subcompact design similar to the Glock 26.
- 9-round magazine capacity.
- Shorter barrel and grip for easy concealment.
- Same trigger and safety system as other Glock models.
- Pros:
- High stopping power in a small package.
- Compatible with larger Glock 22 and 23 magazines.
- Highly concealable and lightweight.
- Cons:
- Increased recoil compared to 9mm subcompacts.
- Smaller grip may be uncomfortable for larger hands.
- Ballistic Information:
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,150 ft/s.
- Muzzle Energy: 500 ft-lbs.
- Premium Ammunition Brands:
- Hornady Critical Duty: Provides superior barrier penetration.
- Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel: Optimized for shorter barrels with consistent expansion.
- Federal Premium HST: Offers deep penetration and reliable expansion.
Glock 21
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Attributes:
- Full-size design.
- 13-round magazine capacity.
- Chambered in the powerful .45 ACP caliber.
- Known for its stopping power and reliability.
- Pros:
- High stopping power.
- Comfortable grip for larger hands.
- Reliable and durable.
- Cons:
- Larger size may be less suitable for concealed carry.
- Higher recoil than 9mm and .40 S&W models.
- Ballistic Information:
- Muzzle Velocity: 830 ft/s.
- Muzzle Energy: 356 ft-lbs.
- Premium Ammunition Brands:
- Federal Premium HST: Known for consistent expansion and penetration.
- Hornady Critical Duty: Designed for superior barrier penetration.
- Speer Gold Dot: Renowned for reliability and stopping power.
Glock 30
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Attributes:
- Compact design.
- 10-round magazine capacity.
- Similar attributes to the Glock 21 but more compact.
- Offers a balance of concealability and stopping power.
- Pros:
- High stopping power in a compact size.
- Comfortable for a variety of hand sizes.
- Reliable and durable.
- Cons:
- Higher recoil than smaller caliber models.
- Slightly heavier than 9mm compacts.
- Ballistic Information:
- Muzzle Velocity: 830 ft/s.
- Muzzle Energy: 360 ft-lbs.
- Premium Ammunition Brands:
- Speer Gold Dot: Offers consistent expansion and deep penetration.
- Hornady American Gunner: Provides precision and consistency.
- Federal Premium Hydra-Shok: Known for reliable expansion and stopping power.
Glock 36
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Attributes:
- Subcompact design.
- 6-round magazine capacity.
- Single-stack magazine for a slimmer profile.
- Designed for concealed carry.
- Pros:
- Slim and lightweight, ideal for concealed carry.
- High stopping power in a small package.
- Comfortable grip for most hand sizes.
- Cons:
- Lower magazine capacity.
- Higher recoil due to smaller size.
- Ballistic Information:
- Muzzle Velocity: 830 ft/s.
- Muzzle Energy: 365 ft-lbs.
- Premium Ammunition Brands:
- Hornady Critical Defense: Designed for personal protection with reduced recoil.
- Federal Premium Hydra-Shok: Delivers deep penetration and reliable expansion.
- Speer Gold Dot: Known for consistent expansion and stopping power.
Glock 42
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Attributes:
- Subcompact design.
- 6-round magazine capacity.
- Slim and lightweight for easy concealment.
- Ideal for personal defense and backup carry.
- Pros:
- Extremely concealable and lightweight.
- Low recoil, making it easier to handle for shooters of all experience levels.
- Slim profile, making it comfortable for everyday carry.
- Cons:
- Lower stopping power compared to larger calibers.
- Limited magazine capacity.
- Ballistic Information:
- Muzzle Velocity: 980 ft/s.
- Muzzle Energy: 200 ft-lbs.
- Premium Ammunition Brands:
- Hornady Critical Defense: Optimized for self-defense, offering reliable expansion.
- Federal Premium Hydra-Shok: Known for deep penetration and consistent performance.
- Speer Gold Dot: Provides reliable expansion and penetration in a compact caliber.
Glock 43
- Caliber: 9mm
- Attributes:
- Subcompact single-stack design.
- 6-round magazine capacity.
- Slim and lightweight for maximum concealability.
- Offers the same reliability as other Glock models.
- Pros:
- Extremely concealable with a slim profile.
- Easy to carry daily, even for extended periods.
- Low recoil, making it manageable for various shooters.
- Cons:
- Limited magazine capacity.
- Some users may find the grip too small.
- Ballistic Information:
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,150 ft/s.
- Muzzle Energy: 365 ft-lbs.
- Premium Ammunition Brands:
- Federal Premium HST: Provides excellent performance in compact 9mm handguns.
- Hornady Critical Defense: Designed for reliable expansion in personal defense situations.
- Speer Gold Dot: Known for consistent performance and deep penetration.
Glock 43X
- Caliber: 9mm
- Attributes:
- Subcompact design similar to the Glock 43.
- 10-round magazine capacity.
- Longer grip than the Glock 43, offering better control.
- Slim profile for easy concealment.
- Pros:
- Increased magazine capacity compared to the Glock 43.
- Comfortable grip for better control and accuracy.
- Slim and lightweight, making it ideal for concealed carry.
- Cons:
- Slightly larger than the Glock 43, which may affect concealability for some users.
- Still limited in capacity compared to double-stack models.
- Ballistic Information:
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,150 ft/s.
- Muzzle Energy: 365 ft-lbs.
- Premium Ammunition Brands:
- Winchester Defender: Offers consistent performance with personal defense in mind.
- Hornady Critical Duty: Provides superior barrier penetration and reliability.
- Federal Premium Hydra-Shok: Known for deep penetration and controlled expansion.
Glock 45
- Caliber: 9mm
- Attributes:
- Crossover design combining the Glock 19 slide with the Glock 17 frame.
- 17-round magazine capacity.
- Full-size grip with a compact slide for better control and concealability.
- Features front serrations and a flared magwell.
- Pros:
- Excellent balance of size, capacity, and control.
- Versatile for both duty use and personal defense.
- Comfortable grip with increased control due to the longer frame.
- Cons:
- Larger frame may be less comfortable for those with smaller hands.
- Less concealable than smaller models.
- Ballistic Information:
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,180 ft/s.
- Muzzle Energy: 396 ft-lbs.
- Premium Ammunition Brands:
- Federal Premium HST: Delivers consistent expansion and deep penetration.
- Hornady Critical Defense: Offers reliable performance in personal defense scenarios.
- Speer Gold Dot: Known for its reliable stopping power and consistent performance.
Glock 48
- Caliber: 9mm
- Attributes:
- Slimline design similar to the Glock 43X.
- 10-round magazine capacity.
- Longer slide for increased accuracy and sight radius.
- Slim profile for easy concealment.
- Pros:
- Slim and lightweight, making it ideal for concealed carry.
- Longer slide provides better accuracy and control.
- Comfortable grip for a wide range of shooters.
- Cons:
- Lower capacity than double-stack models.
- May be less comfortable for those with larger hands due to the slim profile.
- Ballistic Information:
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,150 ft/s.
- Muzzle Energy: 365 ft-lbs.
- Premium Ammunition Brands:
- Hornady American Gunner: Offers precision and reliable performance.
- Federal Premium Hydra-Shok: Known for deep penetration and reliable expansion.
- Speer Gold Dot: Provides consistent expansion and stopping power in a compact package.
Glock 20
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Attributes:
- Full-size design.
- 15-round magazine capacity.
- Chambered in the powerful 10mm Auto caliber.
- Designed for hunting, self-defense, and duty use.
- Pros:
- Extremely powerful with high stopping power.
- Versatile for various applications, including hunting large game.
- Durable and reliable even in harsh conditions.
- Cons:
- High recoil, which may be challenging for some shooters.
- Larger size may be less suitable for concealed carry.
- Ballistic Information:
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,300 ft/s.
- Muzzle Energy: 650 ft-lbs.
- Premium Ammunition Brands:
- Buffalo Bore Heavy Outdoorsman: Designed for maximum stopping power in outdoor scenarios.
- Hornady Custom: Offers precision and controlled expansion.
- Federal Premium Trophy Bonded: Ideal for hunting large game with deep penetration and reliable performance.
Glock 29
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Attributes:
- Subcompact design.
- 10-round magazine capacity.
- Compact version of the Glock 20 with the same powerful caliber.
- Ideal for those who want the power of 10mm in a smaller package.
- Pros:
- High stopping power in a compact size.
- Versatile for both self-defense and hunting.
- Compatible with larger Glock 20 magazines.
- Cons:
- Higher recoil due to the smaller size.
- Limited magazine capacity compared to full-size models.
- Ballistic Information:
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,250 ft/s.
- Muzzle Energy: 625 ft-lbs.
- Premium Ammunition Brands:
- Underwood Ammo: Known for high velocity and deep penetration.
- Hornady XTP: Provides reliable expansion and controlled performance.
- Federal Premium HST: Delivers consistent stopping power and penetration.
Glock 31
- Caliber: .357 SIG
- Attributes:
- Full-size design similar to the Glock 17.
- 15-round magazine capacity.
- Chambered in the high-velocity .357 SIG caliber.
- Popular among law enforcement for its penetration and stopping power.
- Pros:
- High velocity and deep penetration.
- Reliable and durable.
- Versatile for various applications, including duty use.
- Cons:
- Increased recoil compared to 9mm models.
- Ammunition can be more expensive and harder to find.
- Ballistic Information:
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,350 ft/s.
- Muzzle Energy: 506 ft-lbs.
- Premium Ammunition Brands:
- Speer Gold Dot: Provides consistent expansion and deep penetration.
- Federal Premium HST: Delivers reliable performance in duty use scenarios.
- Sig Sauer V-Crown: Known for its reliable expansion and penetration.
Glock 32
- Caliber: .357 SIG
- Attributes:
- Compact design similar to the Glock 19.
- 13-round magazine capacity.
- Balanced size for both concealed carry and duty use.
- Chambered in the powerful .357 SIG caliber.
- Pros:
- High stopping power in a compact package.
- Versatile for both self-defense and duty use.
- Reliable and durable.
- Cons:
- Increased recoil compared to 9mm models.
- Limited magazine capacity compared to full-size models.
- Ballistic Information:
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,350 ft/s.
- Muzzle Energy: 490 ft-lbs.
- Premium Ammunition Brands:
- Federal Premium Hydra-Shok: Offers deep penetration and reliable expansion.
- Speer Gold Dot: Known for its consistent performance in high-velocity calibers.
- Sig Sauer Elite Performance: Provides reliable expansion and stopping power.
Glock 33
- Caliber: .357 SIG
- Attributes:
- Subcompact design similar to the Glock 26.
- 9-round magazine capacity.
- Short barrel and grip for easy concealment.
- High velocity and stopping power in a small package.
- Pros:
- Highly concealable with powerful stopping power.
- Compatible with larger Glock 31 and 32 magazines.
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
- Cons:
- Increased recoil due to the smaller size.
- Limited magazine capacity.
- Ballistic Information:
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,300 ft/s.
- Muzzle Energy: 480 ft-lbs.
- Premium Ammunition Brands:
- Sig Sauer Elite V-Crown: Known for its reliable expansion and performance.
- Federal Premium HST: Delivers consistent stopping power in a subcompact size.
- Speer Gold Dot: Provides deep penetration and reliable expansion.
This guide provides detailed information on each Glock model and caliber, helping you make an informed decision on which one best suits your needs. Whether you're looking for a powerful handgun for hunting, a reliable firearm for duty use, or a compact option for concealed carry, this guide covers all the essential details to help you choose the right Glock model. For additional information on ammunition and accessories, be sure to explore premium options tailored to each caliber.