Glock pistols are among the most widely recognized handguns in the world. With their trademark polymer frames and striker-fired actions, Glocks have earned a reputation for reliability, affordability and performance that makes them a top choice for law enforcement, military and civilian users alike.

But with over 20 models available, selecting the right Glock can seem daunting. The ideal pick comes down to your intended use – factors like concealed carry vs home defense, caliber preferences, full-size vs compact sizing and ergonomic fit all play a role.

This guide breaks down the top Glock picks across various categories and use cases. We'll highlight the standout features of certain models, based on industry testing and manufacturer data, examining their features, shooting performance, and suitability for different applications.. Read on to discover the best Glocks for self defense, concealed carry, competition and more!

How We Selected the Best Glocks

Based on Pro-Armory's extensive research and analysis, combined with years of military, competitive shooting and gun shop experience, we have evaluated numerous Glock models to compile this guide. We weighed criteria like reliability, accuracy, ergonomics, customization potential and how well each gun fulfilled various roles like everyday carry or home protection.

Our reviewers have decades of combined firearms experience across military, law enforcement, defensive training, competitive shooting circuits and concealed carry. So we evaluated each Glock not just on specs but on real-world usability across various contexts.

Key factors we considered included:

• Performance – accuracy, recoil management, shooting comfort, round capacity
• Features – sights, finishes, customization options
• Ergonomics – grip comfort, recoil absorption, controls
• Reliability – reputation and track record for dependability
• Purpose – how suitable for specific uses like concealed carry

Top picks needed to demonstrate excellence across these criteria while offering standout qualities for their intended role. With plenty of choices on the market, we zeroed in on the Glocks that offer the best blend of characteristics for particular needs.

Top Picks for Best Glocks

After thorough evaluation and research, these models rose to the top across various categories:

1. Glock G17 Gen 5 : Best Full-Size Glock

Specs:

• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Action: Semi-Auto
• Safety: No
• Weight: 24.97 oz
• Barrel Length: 4.5 in
• Overall Length: 8 in
• Finish: Black
• Magazine Capacity: 17 rounds

Features:

• Large aftermarket support
• Reversible, enlarged magazine catch
• Ambidextrous slide stop lever
• Multiple backstrap options

Pros:

• Reliable performance even in harsh conditions
• High 17+1 magazine capacity
• Extensive customization options via aftermarket parts

Cons:

• Out-of-box trigger not as refined as upgraded aftermarket triggers
• Basic iron sights don't offer enhanced accuracy:

The Glock 17 Gen 5 represents the pinnacle of full-size Glock evolution as one of the most influential pistol platforms in history. As the originator model that started it all back in 1982, the G17 set the standard that many subsequent pistols follow today.

This latest Gen 5 variant refines the trusted format even further as an ideal duty gun suitable for open carry, home defense, recreational shooting and military or law enforcement applications.

With its full-size frame boasting a 4.5” barrel and elongated grip, the G17 Gen 5 shines in roles where shootability takes priority over concealment. The extended barrel improves velocity for harder hits while the lengthy grip better distributes recoil to aid rapid follow-up shots.

A generous 17+1 round capacity means you’re well equipped for any defensive scenario., almost double the capacity of classic revolvers. This ample capacity provides substantial firepower, reducing the need for frequent reloading and helping maintain focus.

The G17 is also phenomenally reliable with a battle-proven track record trusted by police forces and special units worldwide. Its durable polymer construction withstands dirty, wet, frozen or other adverse conditions that could impair more sensitive pistol actions.

While the factory trigger doesn’t feel as refined out-of-box as some upgraded aftermarket triggers, the G17 benefits from one of the largest pistol accessory ecosystems on earth.

With a wide range of customization options available, such as adjustable triggers and night sights, you can easily tailor the G17 to your personal preferences.

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2. Glock G19 Gen 5 : Best Concealed Carry Glock

Specs:

• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Action: Semi-Auto
• Safety: No
• Weight: 23.63 oz
• Barrel Length: 4 in
• Overall Length: 7.36 in
• Finish: Black
• Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds

Features:

• Versatile for both range & carry
• Adjustable backstraps
• Safe Action trigger safety
• Tenifer corrosion resistant finish

Pros:

• Compact without sacrificing shootability
• Generous 15+1 ammo capacity
• Smooth, rolling break trigger

Cons:

• Factory plastic sights less durable
• Blocky grip not optimal for small hands

Dubbed the “Goldilocks gun”, the G19 hits a versatile sweet spot between compact carry size and full-size shootability. The G19 essentially shrinks the flagship G17 platform down into a more concealable package without severely sacrificing controllability, ammo capacity or accuracy.

Measuring just 7.36” long and 4.99” tall with flush magazines, the G19 easily conceals under light clothing. Yet its 4” barrel retains enough sight radius for reliable hits out to typical defensive distances. The double stack magazines still hold an impressive 15+1 rounds of 9mm despite the smaller size.

The G19 is a wildly popular off-duty gun for police officers who want a more discreet backup piece to their full-size duty weapon. For civilians, the G19 eliminates guesswork when choosing between a petite carry gun and a larger home defense pistol. Its balanced size makes the G19 exceptionally capable both on the range for training and in the field.

Smooth shooting dynamics and moderate recoil encourage practicing frequently to gain proficiency. And with widespread availability of 9mm ammo, training is both affordable and accessible. The G19’s legendary reliability also boosts owner confidence that it’ll go bang every time the trigger is pulled in a life-or-death scenario.

3. Glock G43X MOS : Best Subcompact Glock

Specs:

• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Action: Semi-Auto
• Safety: Safe Action System
• Weight: 18.7 oz
• Barrel Length: 3.41 in
• Overall Length: 6.5 in
• Finish: Black
• Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds

Features:

• GLOCK Marksman Barrel for improved accuracy
• Reversible magazine catch
• Front slide serrations

Pros:

• Great concealed carry size.
• easy to shoot and control and handles recoil well for its compact size, unlike the usual snappier sub-compacts.

Cons:

• Lower ammo capacity than some competing model. It also tends to be snappier in comparison to full-size and compact pistols.

The G43X enters into a competitive field of slim 9mm pistols like the Sig P365. Glock sticks to their engineering ethos by emphasizing simplicity and reliability over an extensive list of features. The G43X significantly reduces grip width while maintaining sufficient surface area for a solid three-finger grip. This provides better control while only sacrificing 2 rounds of capacity compared to the G43.

The G43X MOS configuration takes this sub-compact platform even further by enabling miniature red dot optics for faster sight acquisition and enhanced accuracy at distance. Although its 10+1 capacity is slightly less than the P365's 12 rounds, the G43X does not compromise on shootability. With a grip length similar to the G19, the G43X avoids the handling difficulties common in many single stack subcompacts.

The slim profile and light weight make the G43X disappear under clothing with proper holsters. Yet the shortened grip combined with refined Glock ergonomics allows for fast, accurate shots on target. Its low bore axis mitigates muzzle rise, enhancing controllability despite the small size. For these reasons, the G43X MOS continues to gain traction among concealed carry practitioners looking for the ultimate blend of portability and shootability.

4. Glock G30SF : Best .45 ACP Glock

Specs:

• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Action: Semi-Auto
• Safety: No
• Weight: 33.69 oz
• Barrel Length: 3.78 in
• Overall Length: 6.97 in
• Finish: Black
• Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds

Features:

• Cold hammer forged barrel
• Tenifer nitrite finish
• Safe Action system
• Short frame (SF)

Pros:

• Compact .45 ACP firepower

Cons:

• Stout recoil demands practice

The G30SF answers calls from .45 ACP devotees wanting a more concealable option without sacrificing the legendary stopping power of this venerable big bore round. Glock took their full-size G30 duty pistol and trimmed just enough frame real estate to optimize concealed carry. The resulting G30SF provides a 10+1 capacity in a potent .45 ACP package designed specifically for self defense applications.

While compact .45s often necessitate using extended magazines for grip stability, the G30SF allows most shooters to maintain positive control, even with flush fit magazines. The SF variant's ample surface area helps stabilize the pistol when firing the more powerful .45 ACP +P loads, which typically produce sharper recoil.

As a compact powerhouse purpose-built for personal protection roles, the G30SF truly excels. It brings ample firepower in an easy to manipulate platform that functions reliably across various defensive shooting contexts. The minimized dimensions could still suit those with smaller hands looking for a potent yet shootable .45 ACP concealed carry piece.

5. Glock G20 : Best 10mm Glock

Specs:

• Caliber: 10mm
• Action: Semi-Auto
• Safety: No
• Weight: 30.69 oz
• Barrel Length: 4.61 in
• Overall Length: 8.07 in
• Finish: Black
• Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds

Features:

• Safe-Action trigger
• U-dot sights
• Reversible magazine catch

Pros:

• Versatile full-size power for outdoors
• Impressive balance of power and shootability
• High magazine capacity

Cons:

• Snappy recoil demands practice
• Not for recoil-sensitive shooters

Originally conceived as a powerful sidearm for FBI agents, the robust G20 chambered in 10mm Auto generates tremendous stopping power and deep penetration capable of taking down even large-bodied assailants.

The 10mm Auto cartridge surpasses both the .45 ACP and .357 Magnum rounds in kinetic energy and velocity. It can achieve energies nearly double that of the .45 ACP, making it a formidable defense choice whether on duty or in the backcountry.

In a full-size pistol package like the G20, the stout 10mm recoil is somewhat manageable for follow-up shots. The 4.6” barrel also optimizes the 10mm Auto’s ballistic potential compared to more compact variants.

Its impressive 15+1 capacity means you can confidently carry over a dozen effective rounds of this authoritative caliber into the field. For hunters and hikers venturing into the back country, the G20 brings a potent blend of major caliber firepower, shootability and reliability in a wilderness-ready package.

Outdoorsmen especially value the G20’s resilience against rough conditions. And while it commands respect with stout recoil, dedicated practice lets skilled shooters harness the 10mm Auto’s unique strengths in an accurate, high capacity platform.

6. Glock G42 : Best .380 ACP Glock

Specs:

• Caliber: .380 ACP
• Action: Semi-Auto
• Safety: No
• Weight: 13.76 oz
• Barrel Length: 3.25 in
• Overall Length: 5.94 in
• Finish: Black
• Magazine Capacity: 6 rounds

Features:

• Adjustable sights
• Slim polymer frame
• Ultra-compact size for concealed carry

Pros:

• Easy to manipulate
• Minimal recoil
• Extremely concealable

Cons:

• Low 6+1 round capacity
• Best suited for close quarters use

As Glock’s inaugural .380 ACP offering, the G42 modernized the pocket pistol by infusing Glock’s renowned reliability into an ultra-compact, eminently shootable platform.

Despite its diminutive size at just .94 inches wide, the G42 retains the brand’s signature ergonomic grip angle and intuitive controls. Adjustable sights and a body-contoured frame further aid shootability. This makes the mini-Glock uncommonly accurate for such a small concealed carry piece.

While the slim single-stack magazine limits capacity to 6+1 rounds, this svelte form factor enables the G42’s effortless concealability. For those prioritizing easy concealment above all, the tiny G42 disappears readily inside waistbands and pockets.

Meanwhile, the mild-shooting .380 Auto caliber cuts perceived recoil to make the micro-Glock very controllable, especially for less experienced shooters. So if you want an eminently portable and shootable last-line defender, the G42 brings precision and friendliness together in a fiercely concealable package.

7. Glock G44 : Best Rimfire Glock

Specs:

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Action: Semi-Auto
• Safety: No
• Weight: 14.64 oz
• Barrel Length: 4 in
• Overall Length: 7.28 in
• Finish: Black
• Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds

Features:

• Interchangeable backstraps
• Utilizes G19 holsters
• Picatinny rail for accessories
• Similar grip angle to G19

Pros:

• Allows affordable high-volume training
• Identical controls to G19
• Low recoil builds confidence for new shooters

Cons:

• Early models prone to cracked slides
• Limited 10+1 capacity

Joining the lineup in 2020, the G44 rimfire trainer pairs a .22 LR chambering with dimensions mimicking the popular G19 for seamless cross-training. This .22 platform allows for low-cost training with high volume ammunition at an affordable price.

The G44 matches several critical G19 dimensions including barrel length, sight radius, grip angle and overall width. Manipulations such as drawing from a holster or operating the slide and controls are similar to the centerfire experience. This muscle memory directly transfers for defensive scenarios when the stakes count most.

While its 10-round capacity pales next to the G19, the G44 wasn’t designed as an everyday carry piece. Its niche lies in affordably honing fundamentals like sight alignment and trigger press. The .22 LR chambering has negligible recoil as well, building confidence for new shooters. An integrated Picatinny rail also allows adding lights and lasers.

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Glock History

Austrian engineer Gaston Glock manufactured curtain rods and knife blades in the 1960s using innovative casting and polymer fabrication techniques. But his name later became synonymous with reliable pistols.

Glock’s entry into the handgun realm stemmed from the Austrian military’s search for a new service sidearm in 1982. At the time, the Austrian Armed Forces used Walther P38 pistols from WWII and sought a modern replacement.

When the Army announced specifications for potential replacements, Glock took interest. He believed injecting polymers into pistol construction could enhance durability while reducing weight.

Up to that point, firearms typically relied on steel or aluminum for structural integrity. But Glock realized emerging high-tech polymers used in fields like aerospace could transform handgun design paradigms.

Glock secretly worked on pistol prototypes in workshops below his home near Vienna. His team experimented with innovative manufacturing methods like injection molding to produce resilient polymer-based frames.

After intensive R&D, Glock unveiled his first pistol masterpiece – the G17. Submitted for military testing in 1982, this full-size 9mm pistol featured a game-changing polymer frame housing a steel slide and barrel.

The G17’s radical construction raised eyebrows at first. But skepticism turned to praise as the handgun withstood brutal reliability trials. The G17 successfully passed submersion tests, extreme hot/cold assessments and even got run over by a truck without failing!

The Austrian army formally adopted the G17 in 1982 based on stellar testing performance. This high-profile contract put Glock’s pistols on the map internationally.

Soon the G17 earned accolades across Europe for its combination of durability, shootability and ease of maintenance. American firearm experts took special notice of Austrian press coverage highlighting this innovative pistol.

In 1986, the Miami Police Department imported the first Glock 17s stateside after witnessing its capabilities abroad. They appreciated large 17-round magazines and reliability for duty carry rigors.

G17 adoption then cascaded among law enforcement nationally through the late ‘80s. By 1988, an estimated 65% of all US police firearms came from Glock due to glowing reviews of their performance.

This meteoric rise cemented Glock as one of the most influential handgun manufacturers worldwide. Their polymer-framed, striker-fired design revolutionized the paradigm for modern pistols.

Today, Gaston Glock’s namesake brand offers over 20 pistol models spanning all major calibers and sizes. From concealed carry to competition to military, Glock’s prominence across shooting disciplines seems more entrenched than ever.

Conclusion

As our recommendations highlight, Glock produces a diverse pistol lineup where there’s an ideal fit for virtually every shooter's needs. Whether you prioritize concealed carry suitability, high round counts for home defense or converting a rimfire trainer, Glock has you covered.

While their boxy profiles don’t appeal to all aesthetic sensibilities, Glocks continue to dominate as ultra-reliable workhorses built for the rigors of military, law enforcement, defensive and recreational shooting realms.

Hopefully this guide gave you a helpful overview of Glock’s greatest hits across various categories. While personal factors dictate the “best” Glock, understanding these models’ strengths helps narrow the field considerably.

Whichever you choose, proper training and practice is key to building pistol prowess. So invest in ammo and range time to become intimately familiar with your Glock. This ensures you can leverage its capabilities fully when it matters most.

FAQs

What's the best Glock for a beginner?

The Glock 19 hits a nice sweet spot between shootability and size to accommodate new shooters. The 9mm chambering has very manageable recoil as well. Its moderate size also helps mitigate recoil while being large enough for easy manipulations.

What Glock is best for concealed carry?

The G43X MOS provides an excellent balance of portability and shootability for concealed carry applications. Its slim, reduced-length grip still allows a solid 3-finger hold while keeping the frame compact. An accessory rail also enables adding micro red dots.

What is the most reliable Glock model?

Glock touts exceptional reliability across all models. But their Gen 5 updates further refine performance and durability through enhancements like the nDLC finish and flared magwell. The G19 Gen 5 in particular has proven ultra-dependable across civilian, military and law enforcement use.

What Glock has the least recoil?

The G42 chambered in .380 ACP offers the mildest felt recoil of any Glock pistol. Its ultra-compact size necessitates the reduced power cartridge that cuts perceived kick dramatically compared to other models.

Can you customize Glock sights?

Absolutely! One advantage of Glocks is the immense aftermarket offering sights, triggers, barrels, slides and more to tailor fit. The modularity and widespread parts availability makes customizing your Glock at home straightforward.

How often should you clean your Glock?

General guidance is to clean every 500-1,000 rounds. Clean more frequently if firing cheaper ammunition prone to increased fouling or when mixing different loads. Also inspect closely for unusual wear patterns during cleaning.

What holster is best for a Glock 19?

Kydex holsters offer an affordable and durable solution to carry a G19 securely while still allowing smooth draw strokes. Opt for a model with adjustable retention and coverage between the trigger guard and ejection port for safety.