When it comes to the .40 Smith & Wesson vs. 9mm there is an endless debate raging. There are benefits to why each is better, but let’s talk about .40 chambered Glocks.
The models are strikingly similar to the 9mm versions, so size isn’t really the differentiator here. It’s the number of rounds they can hold and, of course, the larger caliber.
A lot of people swear by the .40, including many law enforcement and government agencies. It’s that happy medium between the .45 and the 9mm in terms of size, weight, and how many rounds you can carry in a single magazine.
When it comes to the Glock models, each has its place. Most of the calibers have a few variations that offer different features and sizes to fit your needs and use.
So, today, let’s dive in and talk about the various models, what they can be used for, and ultimately help you decide which is right for you!
So keep reading!
Summary of Our Top Picks
Best Glocks in .40 S&W
1. Glock 22
Specs
- Type: Full-size
- Capacity: 15 rounds
- Weight: 22.9 oz
- Length: 7.3″
- Height: 5.4″
- Width: 1.18″
- Barrel: 4.5″
The full-size Glock 22 was made to fill the gap between .45 and 9mm. Because of its usefulness and reliability, many police and government agencies adopted this model as their service pistol.
Its larger size means there’s a lot to hold onto and that helps temper recoil. It offers those familiar Glock aesthetics that you know and love.
The Glock 22 is your go-to if you want a full-size gun that’s really reliable in any environment.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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2. Glock 23
Specs
- Type: Compact
- Capacity: 13 rounds
- Weight: 21.2 oz
- Length: 6.9″
- Height: 5.0″
- Width: 1.18″
- Barrel: 4.0″
The Glock 23 is the compact version and, again, this is a popular handgun for police and government agencies.
One of the big selling points is a large capacity yet lightweight feel. This one is great if you want a compact concealed carry weapon, or if you have smaller hands.
Having the accessory rail on the Gen 4 and 5 lets you add a light or other add-on.
If you’re just starting out, I would look at the Glock 23. The sizing is great for almost everyone, it’s easy enough to conceal, yet big enough to open carry if you’d prefer.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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3. Glock 24
Specs
- Type: Full-size
- Capacity: 15 rounds
- Weight: 26.7 oz
- Length: 8.9″
- Height: 5.4″
- Width: 1.18″
- Barrel: 6.0″
The Glock 24 is what they call a long slide — basically, it has a longer barrel than a similarly sized handgun would. The whole reason for the longer barrel is for accuracy.
Even though it has a longer barrel, it’s still a pretty compact design. That long slide makes it a bit more accurate.
This gun would work well in competition and some carry situations…that’s if you can find one. These aren’t as easy to source as some of the other models.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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4. Glock 27
Specs
- Type: Subcompact
- Capacity: 9 rounds
- Weight: 19.8 oz
- Length: 6.3″
- Height: 4.2″
- Width: 1.18″
- Barrel: 3.5″
The Glock 27 is the subcompact of the group. It’s small, fairly lightweight, and packs a punch.
Having the 9+1 capacity is really helpful when you need it. Armed citizens like to use it for their concealed carry weapon.
This gun is a fantastic CCW or backup weapon. It’s a little guy that packs a punch that’s easy to conceal.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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5. Glock 35
Specs
- Type: Full-size
- Capacity: 15 rounds
- Weight: 24.5 oz
- Length: 8.1″
- Height: 5.4″
- Width: 1.18″
- Barrel: 5.3″
The Glock 35 is the handgun of choice for many competition shooters. Similar to the Glock 24, this 35 has a longer slide.
It also comes in the MOS (Modular Optic System) configuration. If you want a red dot, this is the model to choose.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Final Thoughts
With a durable reputation and multiple models, you’re bound to find a .40 S&W chambered Glock to suit your needs — from competition to carry.
The nice thing about Glock is you get a dependable gun in a very familiar build, so swapping to any model will feel about the same. You can thank those Glock ergonomics for that.
What’s your favorite .40 cal Glock model? Drop it in the comments below. For more Glock goodness, check out the Best Glocks Across Calibers or for a step up, head to our Best .45 ACP Glocks.
23 Leave a Reply
Love my glock 22 gen 3. I enjoy the recoil when fired. Took a few rounds before I got use to the handling. Found that proper grip {thumbs forward} gave the full encompass feel on the handle thus controlling the recoil much better. I fired a 9mm and found it ok but the rush of firing the ..40 much more pleasing . I haven’t fired a gun since I was in my twenties. Mid sixties now and I start with a .40. Real glad I did!!!!!
I’m more a beginner than most commenters here; please forgive my more simple comments. My fave is the 23. The kick is a little more than a 9mm, but a little practice fixed my control. Had the 27 which was hard for me to control; purchasing the pinkie extension solved that, and still kept it very concealable.
My $.02 worth: My experience is the G27 has amazing rapid fire grouping for me. Follow up shots are precise. Maybe it’s my wide hands and bigger forearms? My EDC is a Gen3 G27 with G23 mags, X-grip slip on, and Mepro Tru Dot night sights. 13+1 with easy conceal ability! Bought used on a budget years ago, from a retired motorcycle patrol officer in Atl. It was her backup weapon. Still my go-to favorite today. When I’m grabbing a CCW for mine and my family’s protection, I always go with my G27. It’s my “Ol Reliable”! I have the same setup for my G26; G19 mags with X-grip and Tru Dots. 15+1 with same footprint as above.
If you want a .40 get an H&K Usp or the glock GEN 5 model...I love the USP
jueedkkd
There is a lot wrong in this article...firstly 24s were a limited run so nobody carries them new now. The do no accept a smaller mag than a 22 its infant the same magazine. The slide on a 34 is not longer than the slide of a 24...etc. nbd just saying
Thank you. Had been educated a great deal. I want to use for compatition, as was stuck on the 1911, S&W. I now changed. Sorta. Lol. But going for licence soon and again. Thanks for the know. ledge
Why did I pick a Glock in 40 s&w? Because the sub 2k I bought takes Glock mags. Happily, I can get law enforcement trade in guns and mags at great prices. First time shooting my model 22 I could put 10 rounds in a plate sized, salad not dinner, area.
I’m right there with you, Mike. I got a Sub 2K that takes Glock mags specifically to be a companion piece to my G23. In that vein, I’ve had a S&W 59 for decades so I got a Sub 2K that takes S&W 5900 series mags. Since then I’ve picked up a S&W 915 and a 5906. Yep, same mags work. Coincidentally, I came across, and snapped up a Marlin Camp 9 and those same S&W mags will also function in it. I like the versatility in companion firearms.
I have a Glock 22 S&W40. Great house gun. Looking for a Glock S&W 40 for concealed carry. Any with double stack magazines? Would like to utilize my 15 round Glock 22’s magazines in emergencies!
Why is 9mm even being mentioned when this was an article based on 40s&w Glock models? Also, the better 40s&w self defense ammo exceeds most off the shelf 45ACP rounds in foot pounds of energy and when comparing round capacity of similar sized pistols, 40s&w always wins. So 40s&w is not a compromised between 9mm & 45ACP, it’s more powerful powerful than 9mm and most 45ACP self defense rounds. Recoil is a non factor for 40s&w in full size frames as well. Another great advantage to 40s&w that nobody talks about is the plethora of bullet weights on offer. You can buy off the shelf 40’s in 155, 165, 180 & 200 grain loads. Bottom line is 40s&w is a solid self defense round that is versatile and cheap to shoot.
Well said! Must say cuz as read! Noticed best for me is the 34 as its better for compatition. And I got off track when reading different ones matching this mag ect, cuz cheaper. That's not why I came here. As you no. I love your comment. And I don't believe in mixing and matching to save. No sir. Thanks, what you said needed to be said.
I'm a retired law enforcement officer. I carried a S&W model 10 early in my career transitioned to autos and was not satisfied until my agency approved of Glocks. I still have my 19 gen3, as for the added power of the 40 caliber I prefer the Glock 22 gen4. Fits me like a well worn glove w/o the additional backstraps. I'm 64 now and recoil is not tolerable anymore. The 40 S&W offers a lot of power for it's platform size and it's manageable recoil. I know there's agencies switching back to 9mm a couple of bad shootings and the trend will be back to a bigger caliber, in most cases the caliber wasn't the problem. There's simply way to many variables to use a blanketed solution.
How does the glock 24 have a smaller handle it is a full size frame like the 22,35 and takes the same magazines
I first practiced shooting with a 1911 45 & got pretty good.
No problem hitting the target.
Now I'm thinking about going to the Glock 40.
I find it very interesting
Nothing like a precision 1911....or so I thought until I picked up a Glock Precision in Excellence engineering masterpiece. Still, love 'em both.
Great article ! Especially for someone like me looking into .40 caliber first time purchase and fighting with barrel length for ccw and being able to stand with friends at the range . If there are any mods to the glock 23 to keep me on target . Please let me know .
I carryy a 22 on duty w a 27 as back up. For some reason I shoot the heck out of the 27. Let’s see +p a .40.....9 is ok, I will stick with the .40. .40 is an excellent compromise without having to +P it. Don’t get me wrong I can really shoot the heck out of a G17, but that’s not what I am allowed to carry, so I keep it simple and stick to what I am training with. End of the day, carry what you train with and shoot well. Off duty I carry either gun. For those depating a 9mm is better, then why not go to the .357 Sig.....my opinion, shoot all different the calibers and go with what you can shoot very well under pressure (use a reasonable caliber). Same goes for the gun you purchase. I have been shooting Glocks for 20+ years because that’s what I have to carry at work so I make a point to know this gun inside and out......but when I started shooting handguns a long time ago, a Bareta fit me the best and I was suprisingly naturally accurate with that gun...
Same here, now retired, turned in the model 22, 27 was personal purchase. Now looking for a full size Glock that accepts all the extra magazines I bought.
Love my 27. I carry it with an extended 11 round mag that offers good pinky grip. My extra mag is 15 rounds. I recently traded in my gen 3 for a gen 5 glock 27 & the ergonomics are vastly improved. Where the gen 3 was kinda snappy, the gen 5 pi ots perfectly on the web of my right hand and allows for extremely fast target reacquisition/follow-up shots. Great gun.
Well, OK, I'll bite.
I'm unaware of any genuinely qualified subject matter expert who still thinks the 40SW is a better choice than the modern 9mm JHP or 9mm JHP +P rounds now available.
But ... carry on. Nothing like a good caliber debate to watch.
I'll make the popcorn.
:)
I think .380 is the best caliber for self-defense and combat and I will viciously argue with anyone who things otherwise.
I also enjoy popcorn :D
same here!
colt super 38