Looking for a great self-defense handgun that is perfect for concealed carry and will never let you down?
A 9mm Glock gives you the best of both worlds. You get the advantages of using a 9mm and the reliability that comes with the Glock name.
In other words, Glock 9mms are powerful, easy-to-carry handguns that can get dragged to hell and back and will still fire without any problems.
Today, we’re going to take a look at the pros and cons of 9mm Glock models to help you decide which Glock makes the most sense for you!
Keep reading if you’re in the market for a new 9mm.
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Full-Size
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Best Mid-Size
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Best Compact Glock
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Best for Competition
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Best for Concealed Carry
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Best Duty Glock
Table of Contents
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9mm Glock Comparison Chart
| Model | Overall Length | Barrel Length | Weight | Capacity | Price |
| Glock 17 | 8″ | 4.5″ | 24.97 oz. | 17+1 | $539 |
| Glock 19 | 7.28″ | 4″ | 23.63 oz. | 15+1 | $599 |
| Glock 26 | 6.42″ | 3.4″ | 21.69 oz. | 10+1 | $456 |
| Glock 34 MOS | 8.74″ | 5.3″ | 26.21 oz. | 17+1 | $708 |
| Glock 43X | 6.5″ | 3.4″ | 18.7 oz. | 10+1 | $399 |
| Glock 47 MOS | 7.95″ | 4.5″ | 25.93 oz. | 17+1 | $620 |
How We Tested the 9mm Glocks
For this article, we gathered a bunch of 9mm Glocks we’ve personally shot, reviewed, and owned here at Pew Pew Tactical. The entire Pew Pew Tactical editorial team and freelance writers contributed to this review to offer different opinions based on ergonomics, size, and experience.
From range shooting to concealed carry to classes to on-the-job….these guns have been taken and shot in just about every environment you could imagine. These Glocks have had hundreds, if not thousands, of rounds put through them in classes and at the range and have stood out as the best of the best based on features, performance, accuracy, and value.
We’ve linked guns we have reviews on so you can read more. Every review handgun undergoes a strict testing protocol that requires a minimum of 500 rounds of both FMJ and JHP ammo through it at 5 and 7 yards, shooting supported on a Ransom Rest and unsupported. We also check the average trigger pull with a Lyman Digital Trigger Gauge.
9mm Ammo in Stock
Best 9mm Glock Models
1. Glock 17 – Best Full Size 9mm Glock
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Large aftermarket
- Proven reliability
- Durable
Cons
- Trigger isn't the best
- Plastic sights
There’s a reason why the Glock 17 is a law enforcement favorite. It’s accurate, weighs less than 1.5 pounds, and comes with a 17-round magazine.
When it comes to self-defense, you’ll have a hard time finding a better overall gun that packs the stopping power, accuracy, and capacity of the Glock 17.
One of the biggest complaints that people have had about Glock handguns is the uncomfortable handle. However, the introduction of backstraps has helped make handling the Gen4 much easier than its predecessors.
For this reason, I recommend giving the G17 a test run before ruling it out.
The G17 was carefully designed with the help of military personnel, competitive shooters, and law enforcement officers. Their valuable input is one of the main reasons why the G17 is dependable, accurate, and easy to handle.
It’s a great all-around gun and is perfect for anyone seeking a 9mm for self-defense purposes.
We have a full review of the Glock 17 if you’re interested in learning more!
Or if you want a little extra length…try the Glock 17L.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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It’s the big older brother of the standard Glock 17, with a longer barrel length of 6.02 inches and an overall length of 9.53 inches.
It also sports a lighter trigger at around 5 pounds. We dropped the video review below so you can check that out. (Or you can check out the official Glock 17L Review if you prefer written)
2. Glock 19 – Best Mid-Size 9mm Glock
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Large aftermarket
- Proven reliability
- Durable
Cons
- Trigger isn't the best
- Plastic sights
If you’re looking for the same punch as the Glock 17 but something that’s easier to carry around, the Glock 19 might be the gun for you.
The size and design of the G19 make it an incredibly easy gun to handle, which is why it’s one of the top-rated self-defense handguns for women.
The Glock 19 is the G17’s compact twin. Its 7.28-inch length makes it a popular gun for security forces and anyone looking for a good concealed carry piece.
The G19 is a lightweight gun that was designed to be carried comfortably. It comes standard with three 15-round magazines, which is more than enough firepower for the average person seeking a gun for home or self-defense.
For starters, the G19 is a reasonably priced handgun that’s dependable and accurate. Its compact size makes it perfect for concealed carry.
You can even comfortably carry the G19 around as a backup piece without having to worry about unnecessary discomfort.
Overall, the G19 is a more mobile version of its predecessor, the G17. Its compact size and built-in accessory rail make the G19 a popular piece among private security agencies.
Alongside the G19 is the G19x, a hybrid of the G17 and G19 that Glock designed for U.S. Military trials.
Since then, it has become MASSIVELY popular, with more than 100,000 units shipped in less than nine months!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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In the firearms world, that is a crazy amount of sales.
3. Glock 26 Gen 5 – Best Compact 9mm Glock
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Large aftermarket
- Easy to conceal
- Reliable
Cons
- Might be too small for some hands
The Glock 26 is affectionately known as the “baby Glock.” This 6.41-inch long sub-compact handgun is the smallest of Glock’s 9mm models.
And while it’s a great concealed carry gun, the G26’s small size makes the handgun difficult to handle for people with large hands.
When Glock released the G26 Gen 4, they added two great features — adjustable backstraps and a magazine-release button that’s easier to access.
While these modifications helped make the handgun easier to handle, the gun’s small size may take some getting used to.
Like with other Glock products, the “baby Glock” is designed to be just as durable and accurate as its predecessors. It comes with a 10-round magazine, so you don’t get as much firepower as you would with bigger 9mm Glocks.
Don’t let the size fool you though, the G26 is just as strong as full-sized 9mms.
The G26 is designed for one primary purpose: concealed carry. If you’re looking for a gun that’s guaranteed to be comfortable and easy to lug around, you won’t find a better match.
Its small size makes the G26 the best gun for shooters who need compactness over versatility.
4. Glock 34 MOS – Best 9mm Glock for Competition
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Designed for competition
- Adjustable rear sight
- Softer recoil
Cons
- May be too big for some
The only 9mm Glock that was designed specifically for competitive shooting. Larger than the G17, the Glock 34 has a barrel length of 5.31 inches and an overall length of 8.74 inches.
If you’re looking for a Glock for concealed carry, the G34 is probably not the best choice. Its long-barrel design makes it difficult to conceal comfortably.
However, this same design makes it an incredibly accurate gun to have if you don’t mind using it for open carry.
It comes with adjustable rear sights and 7.56 inches between the front and rear sights, giving the gun a long sight radius. In terms of accuracy, the G34 is arguably one of the most precise 9mm Glocks out there.
While the G34 is bigger and bulkier than the average 9mm, its long barrel and sight radius give it incredible accuracy. Factor in the fact that it’s built with the same dependency as other Glock models, and you’ve got yourself a great 3-gun pistol.
5. Glock 43X – Best 9mm Glock for Concealed Carry
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Slim and great for CCW
- Extremely reliable
- Simple and easy to use
Cons
- Snappier recoil
- Mediocre trigger
- Lower capacity for its size
A major update to the standard G43, the X stands for 10 because this G43X takes 10-round magazines instead of the standard 6-round mags of the G43.
With a redesigned frame and grip, this is effectively the same footprint as a normal G43.
Measuring 6.5 inches overall with a barrel length of 3.41 inches, the G43X boasts a width of 1.10 inches.
The G43X bridges the gap between larger Glocks like the G19 and smaller Glocks like the standard G43. If you want a tinier gun but with a decent capacity, then the G43X is the one you want.
What if you want the G43X frame but also love red dots? Glock has you covered with the G43x MOS.
Of course, that MOS designation means it’s cut for optics. If you have the extra money, we highly suggest springing for the MOS version since you get all the benefits of the G43X platform AND an optics-ready pistol.
If you’re looking for a CCW pistol, this is one of the best options on the market right now. Want to learn more? Check out the review here or watch the full video review below.
6. Glock 47 MOS – Best 9mm Duty Glock
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Proven reliability
- Durable
- Compatibility with Glock 19 slides
Cons
- Trigger isn't the best
- Plastic sights
The Glock 47 was released in 2019 but to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection only. That changed in 2023 when the Austrian gun maker released a civilian version known as the Glock 47 MOS.
This gun is functionally very similar to the Glock 17 but with a few upgraded features. Namely, this model sports an optics-ready slide, dust cover, and upgraded trigger.
It has all the hallmarks of a Glock, though, when it comes to ergonomics and reliability. After testing, the Glock 47 MOS held up exactly how you would expect it to.
Learn more by watching our full video review below or reading the article here.
Meet the Experts
This article builds on an original piece written by former Pew Pew Tactical author Brandon Harville.
This review was edited, fact-checked, and added to by Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings, who runs Pew Pew Tactical’s experienced team of reviewers. Jacki is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association and has her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications. She has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years, and has worked as an editor for five years. She uses her extensive professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards. Additionally, Jacki owns several Glocks and concealed carried a Glock 19 for almost a decade.
More Glock
If you’re looking for even more articles on Glock and Glock accessories, check out what we have going on!
- Best Glocks
- Best Glocks for Concealed Carry
- Best Glock Magazines
- Best Glock Upgrades
- Best Glock Triggers
- Best Glock 19 Sights
- Best Glock 19 Holsters
- Glock 17 vs. Glock 19
- Glock Generations Explained
Final Thoughts
Glocks are known for their consistency, accuracy, durability, and dependability. So it’s no wonder these 9mms are some decent options when it comes to pistols.
And once you get used to shooting one Glock, shooting a different model shouldn’t be too much of a challenge. For this reason, I swear by them…even if they are ugly as sin.
How do you feel about Glocks? Let us know in the comments! Looking for something NOT 9mm? We have our Best Glock Handguns article that covers all calibers and sizes.
Latest Updates
- April 2025: Added the Glock 17L, removed the Glock 48.
- May 2024: Removed the Glock 43.
43 Leave a Reply
GLOCKS GEN4 ARE THE WORST CHOICE, THEY DON'T HAVE THE INNOVATIONS OF THE GEN 5 AND HAVE AN INFERIOR FINISH TO THE GEN 3, THE TRIGGERS OF THE GEN 5 ARE A LITTLE BETTER THAN THE GEN3
Triggers on the Gen 5 are definitely a little better.
Excellent write-up! I currently only own one Glock, the 19X (owned since 2021) which is what I keep in my truck/ RV when traveling. Excellent performance for my needs. I'm considering selling/ trading my current EDC, a Ruger Max9 Pro (owned since 2022), for the G-43X MOS.
I love my Glocks. Model 22s (SW40) were my duty carry, replacing my SW Model 27 Revolver 38-357. I went from speed loaders to mags. Wow, I went from carrying 24 rounds to 75 rounds. I still have all five Models, 1-5 generations. Now I carry the Glock 20 in the woods and replaced my SW Model 29 (44 Mag) Revolver. Again, I went from carrying 24 rounds to carrying 45 Rounds each, for my Conceal is the 43X night sights. Love my Model 45 (9MM) 17's. SW Shield and the New Ruger (9MM) take the Glock 17 mags. Built for the 19 mag and steel sights. Well, I am old but still love to go to the range twice a week, chat with all the younger guys, and blow off some gun powder. Many friends have expensive ($1000-$3000) sidearms but can't outshoot me and my Glocks, ranging from $400 to $700. Funny, many of them jam, and I have to help them clear them. For this old man, I will stick to what works: Glock. Easy to rebuild, also.
Back in the 80's, with an FFL and lots of experience, I had the tough decision to go with SIG Sauer or Glock as my foundation for defense. Glock's innovation and reliability are legendary being some of the best weapons ever designed. SIG had a different approach with hammer fired DA/SA action. The final decision came down to triggers, which I'll say is the most important feature of any gun. Given rock solid reliability, accuracy reigns supreme. I don't care what caliber you like, if you cannot hit your target, your gun is worthless. Triggers more than anything affect accuracy. They are the final step taken to launch that projectile downrange. I've had bad triggers throw my groups way off while good ones keep me tight. I'll never badmouth any Glock and have the highest respect for them. But I just could not get used to those mushy heavy triggers, so the crisp SA SIG trigger pulls made my final decision. I simply shot better groups with SIG's over Glock's. And that my friends is the ABSOLUTE bottom line...you must ultimately go with whatever YOU shoot most accurately.
Back in the day, I owned most of the various versions of the Glock. I compared my scores on some IPSC standard practices with the G17, G19, and G26. With the G17 as a baseline, I found The G19 sacrificed about 10%. The G26 was about 30% less effective. Also, the G26 had a much higher stoppage rate if fired one handed, or with a bent wrist. AND, any string of more than a few shots had that tiny G26 squirming around in my hands, requiring a grip realignment.
I eventually settled on the G19 as the best compromise for me.
Ok boomer
Agree. And ugly. I like my series 70 1911, quick follow ups. Carried a 1911 in .45acp (duhh) for over 20 years. Powerful, one shot, one less enemy. I see no need for 9mm. But, please, use proven hollow points. Ball results in too many through ‘n throughs.
It seems that all gunwriters love Glocks, they're all the same pistol to me.
My favorite is a gen 3 model 23.
A gem to shoot, easy to carry, my G17 is second.
The boring topic resulted in me having no interest in reading this article.
Was it boring writing the comment?
It seems like a common theme about Glocks... Mediocre sights and triggers. Does anyone from Glock read the reviews ?
I have a Glock Gen 3 34 and a gen 3 17L. In my humble opinion the 17L is my favorite of all the glocks. Both are a bit large for EDC but they are great for vechile or hone defense. I have had other Glock models all were great guns. My EDC was a Glock for years. My present day EDC is a Sig P365XL. The Sig just seems more to my liking as my EDC. Just saying....
"uncomfortable handle."
Handle? I thought only nongun people used that term for "grip" (preferred term)? Sorry to come down on you so hard.
So yes the G26 is kind of smaller but I will say from a guy with big hands that a G19 magazine with a spacer is perfect. More space and more rounds and I shoot it better than a 17. The 19 mag doesn’t hinder concealability.
19 is my primary, but I also have a G45 & 43X in the stable. G45 is dot equipped and I can swap slides with the G19 in seconds. Looking to add a 19X & G47 to the battery then I can swap out different options when I want.
Can’t decide. Love my Gen 1 model 17, been shooting it for over 35 years. But looking for a newer gun for concealed carry. Which models use the same mag as the 17? Have collected lots of mags over the years.
Would have been nice to see the Glock 49 included in the discussion.
Agreed. I own one and love it. Wish I could carry it on duty.
No mention of the Shield Arms magazines that increase the capacity of the 43x from 10+1 to 15+1 while remaining flush fit? I think these magazines make the 43x the "sweet spot" for concealed carry. Good-bye to clunky Glock 19.
The slides and barrels of the 43X and the 48 are interchangeable. Buy a 48 and then a slide and barrel for a 43X and you can swap them out.
The G43 & G43X are what I carry. The G43X in an OWB at 3:00 is sweet!, super easy to carry. The S15 mags give me G19 capacity in a smaller and slimmer package. If you go the S15 route for the 15 round capacity, I only trust the Gen 1 mags. The gen 2 mags are a hot mess, tried in 2 Different G43x’s, can’t get through 1 magazine.
A perfect pistol in those 10 round states, just use the stock OEM mags.
Very nice
I use the 17 Gen 5, G43 and G48. The G48 is my favorite Glock. It has the best proportioned grip of all the Glocks. The 43X uses the same frame, but the longer barrel of the G48 helps with accuracy. One thing I can do is fit the 43 slide to the 48 and I get a 43X, but I don't use it as the 48 is about as perfect as I have found.
What about the 17L?
"Another 9mm Glock, the G45 is like the G19x but backward. " Aren't both the same? G19 slide and G17 frame?
Michael, I think you are correct. I think the article is incorrect.
If you look at the Glock Annual, the 45 is derived from the 19X -- 19 slide, 17 frame.
Thanks for this helpful info, Brandon! Looking to buy my fiance a glock for the house to have handy when she is home alone, seems like she would handle a Glock 19 gen 5 just fine. Appreciate it!
Let her try out various guns at a LGS.
34.4 MOS
Glock G45 all the way! The best gun! Beside Glock I would also choose AREX REX Zero 1T.
After reading your reviews, and looking at other reviews on the Web and Youtube, I purchased a Glock 48 for myself and a 43X for my wife. They are for home defense and concealed carry. I wanted simple and dependable, and everyone said just get a Glock. The 48 and 43X share mag, so it makes going to the range simple. I've already got the upgrade fever and upgraded my sights. Thanks for you reviews and keep up the good work!
Awesome! Thanks for the feeedback, have fun tinkering with the upgrades!
Love my 43X, have the 43 lower so I can have both for just a bit more.
Good article and to the point. Love my G19 Gen 3. Simple, easy, dependable and concealable! Just purchased a G43 for my wife as a purse carry. She has small hands and its perfect for her.
Impress upon her the critical importance of using a holster in a purse to prevent ADs, and the challenge of possibly losing the purse in a robbery -- thus arming a thief.
Flock 43 in my sticky holster .. don't leave home without it.... won't leave home without it ....
Good article, but I would have to give the "Best All Around" title to the Glock 19.
My first gun was a G22, full size .40 per recommendation of a friend in LE. It wasn't practical for a civilian Carry/Conceal. Sold it and bought the G23, compact .40. Shot it for a couple of years and never felt like I was as consistent as I felt I could be. Replaced the barrel with a 9mm conversion barrel, recoil spring, and ejector. Basically I now have a G19 9mm. Love it and I'm shooting faster with tighter groups. Never had a failure after the conversion and maybe 3000 rnds. Bought the G26 as a backup. I'm not a huge fan for shooting it but it does the job its designed to do.
Good article and interesting read, but no 17L love?
The 17 Gen 4 was my first purchase and it lives up to the hype. Very reliable and easy to shoot. My 2nd Glock buy was the 26 Gen 4 for conceal and carry. I love the size/capacity combo.
Can't go wrong with Glocks.
I have owned the Glock 17,19,26,42,and even a 23 and out of all of them my favorite is the 26 with an xgrip mag sleeve I can get a full purchase on the grip as well as a 15+1 capacity.While still having a very carry friendly gun.My accuracy with it is amazing.I have added a 3.5lb trigger and truglo tfx night sights as well some cosmetics.This gun is truly an awesome carry gun maybe the best money can buy.And throw a Taran +6 base plate now im packing 21 rounds of 9mm in my G26 wow what firepower in a small gun.Plus a much better grip holding this mighty mouse.