Glock Model Comparison Guide | Full Breakdown by Caliber and Use
The Glock series spans roughly 30 models and dozens of sub-variants across calibers from .22LR to 10mm Auto (and the now-rare .45 G.A.P.). All Glocks use the polymer “Safe Action” system and are famed for reliability and simplicity. For example, the original Glock 17 achieved over 11,000 rounds between failures in tests, running reliably even with +P+ ammo. Despite major popularity with civilians and law enforcement, Glock designs vary chiefly by size and caliber (see below), while sharing safe-action triggers, minimal controls, and largely common parts.
Full-size Glocks (like the G17/21) are duty/service pistols with longer barrels and higher capacity, favored by military and law enforcement. They are heavier (≈25–30 oz empty) but offer better accuracy and recoil control. For example, the G17 (9mm) holds 17 rounds, weighs ~24.97 oz (unloaded), and is used by agencies worldwide. The G21 (.45 Auto) holds 13 rounds in a 4.61″ barrel, trading capacity for extra stopping power. The G22 (.40 S&W) is essentially the same frame with a .40 bore (15 rnd). Meanwhile, the G20 (10mm) and G31 (.357 SIG) use similar frames with 15-round mags and serve specialty roles (big-game/hunting and high-velocity duty, respectively).
Compact and “Duty-Size” Models
Compact models have shorter slides and grips than full-size Glocks, making them easier to conceal. The G19 (4.02″ barrel) is the archetype: it still holds 15 rounds and strikes a balance between shootability and concealability. Crossover models like the G45/G19X use the full-size frame (17-round grip) with a Glock-19-length slide. The recent Glock 47 (pictured below) is a Gen5 MOS model that continues this idea: it retains a 17-round capacity but with a shortened dustcover and recoil assembly to match the 4.49″ slide.
Subcompact and Slimline Models
| Model (Gen) | Caliber | Std. Mag | Notes / Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| G26 (Gen5) | 9×19mm | 10 | Subcompact (3.43″ barrel) “Baby Glock” – very popular for deep concealed carry. Usually carried with extended mags or +2 baseplates. |
| G27 (Gen5) | .40 S&W | 9 | .40 S&W subcompact (same frame as G26); lower capacity but more power. |
| G33 (Gen4) | .357 SIG | 6 | .357 SIG subcompact (same slide as G26); tiny and underused. |
| G43 (Gen3) | 9×19mm | 6 | Single-stack 9mm “Slimline” (3.39″ barrel). Extremely thin (1″ wide) and light (13.76 oz empty) for pocket or ankle carry. |
| G43X (Gen5) | 9×19mm | 10 | Slimline double-stack (4.17″ barrel). Longer grip than G43, 10+1 rounds; favored for concealment with full-sized feel. |
| G48 (Gen4) | 9×19mm | 10 | Slimline “long-slide” compact (4.17″ barrel). Single-stack width but longer slide than G43X. |
| G36 (Gen3) | .45 ACP | 6 | Single-stack .45 (3.78″ barrel). A slim .45 for carry (6-round mag). |
| G42 (Gen3) | .380 Auto | 6 | Smallest Glock (3.25″ barrel). Ultra-compact single-stack .380, intended for maximum concealment. |
| G44 (Gen3) | .22 LR | 10 | .22LR version of G43. Same slim 9mm frame and slide size (3.39″ barrel), 10-round mag; for training/target. |
The subcompact Glocks are optimized for concealed carry, trading capacity and comfort for the smaller size. For example, the G26 holds 10 rounds of 9mm in a 3.43″ barrel, and the G43 (slim single-stack) only holds 6 rounds but is extremely thin. The newer “Slimline” models (G43X/G48) provide 10+1 capacity in 9mm with minimal added bulk. Note how capacity shrinks in smaller frames (e.g., G42/.380 holds 6 rounds); still, reliability and ergonomics remain excellent for defensive carry.
Competition and Long-Slide Models
Glock also offers long-slide “competition” models with extended barrels and sight radius: notably the G34 (9mm) and G35 (.40 S&W). The G34 is essentially a full-size frame with a 5.31″ barrel, 17-round magazine, and is widely used in IPSC/USPSA shooting and by SWAT teams. Similarly the G35 (.40, 15+1) and G41 (.45, 13+1) offer longer slides (8″ sight radius) for precision. These models sacrifice some concealability for accuracy and are niche tools for competition and duty use. (Glocks 17L and 34L – “L” for longslide – are also available in .22LR conversion.)
Reliability and Performance
Across the lineup, Glock pistols are renowned for simplicity, durability, and accuracy. With only ~35 moving parts (fewer than many other semiautos) and identical internals across calibers, Glocks are extremely reliable. Modern Gen5 Glocks introduced Glock’s new Marksman Barrel (with improved rifling) and all feature ambidextrous slide-stop levers and no finger grooves for better control. In practice, Gen5 models (e.g., G17/G19) exhibit very flat shooting and crisp triggers, although those specifics depend on aftermarket sights or trigger kits. In short, Glock’s reputation for “reliability, durability, and simplicity” makes nearly every model a solid performer in its intended role – from minor department duty to civilian home defense and competition.
Calibers and Capacities
Glocks cover most common defensive calibers. The 9×19mm models (G17/19/26/43/etc) are by far the most numerous. .40 S&W models (G22/23/27) peaked in LE use during the 1990s–2000s, but have largely been supplanted by 9mm. The .45 ACP pistols (G21/30/36/41) offer larger holes and recoil, but in smaller mags (e.g., 13 rounds in G21 vs 17 in G17). The 10mm G20/29 provides high velocity for hunting or defense. Niche offerings include .357 SIG (G31/32), .380 Auto (G42), .45 GAP (G37/38/39, now rare), and .22 LR (G44/G17L). Each model’s standard magazine capacity is shown above; optional extended magazines are also available (e.g., a +2 or +3 baseplate on compacts, or a 24-round mag for G34).
Pricing and Availability
Most Glock models carry similar pricing, varying by configuration. MSRP for popular models is roughly in the $600–$700 range: for example, the Glock 17 Gen5 is ~$599.99 (Blue Label ~$400) and the new compact Glock 29/30 Gen5 pistols list at $647. Optional features (MOS cut, front serrations, night sights) add ~$50–$75. Street prices tend to be at or below MSRP. Slimline and subcompact Glocks often run a bit cheaper (the G43 often mid-$400s MSRP) than full-size duty models. In any case, Glock pistols are generally competitive in price given their build quality and feature set.
On the secondary market, Gen5 models are common and hold value well due to high demand. Glock parts interchangeability (especially Gen5 vs older generations) also keeps maintenance simple.
Conclusion
In summary, today’s Glock lineup offers a Glock for virtually every purpose. Full-size G17/G21/G22 are duty guns; compact G19/G23/G45 are all-purpose service/CC guns; subcompacts G26/G43/G42 are optimized for deep concealment; and long-slide G34/G35 are for competition/precision. All share legendary Glock reliability. First-time buyers may gravitate to the Glock 19 Gen5 (versatile, 15-round capacity) or the very slim G43/G43X for concealed carry. Enthusiasts can choose the G34/G35 for sport shooting, or the G20 10mm for hunting. Professionals on duty still rely on G17/G22 or their Gen5 counterparts. By comparing size, caliber, capacity, and use, each shooter can pick the model best suited to their needs.
