| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Best Overall – Glock 19 Gen 5 | Check Price |
 | Best Value – Glock G43X | Check Price |
 | Best Honorable Mention – Glock 17 Gen 4 | Check Price |
 | Best Pocket-Size .380 – Glock G42 | Check Price |
 | Smallest 9mm – Glock 43 | Check Price |
Introduction
You’re not alone if you’re considering carrying a Glock for personal defense. Glocks have a reputation for reliability, durability, and accuracy, making them a top choice among gun owners. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best Glocks for concealed carry.
We’ve scoured the market to bring you the top picks in various categories, including the best overall Glock, best pocket-size .380, and best value Glock.
But we won’t just give you a list of products—we’ll also provide you with a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you make an informed decision. Plus, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the best Glocks for concealed carry.
Best Glocks for Concealed Carry & Recommendations
Best Overall – Glock 19 Gen 5
Specifications
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Capacity | 15+1 |
| Weight | 23.99 ounces |
| Length | 7.28 inches |
Pros & Cons
- Compact size for easy concealment
- Modular design for customization
- Highly reliable
- Might be too bulky for some users
- Grip could be better
- No manual safety
The Glock 19 Gen 5 is the clear winner for concealed carry if you’re looking for a reliable handgun at an affordable price. This model features a slim, lightweight frame that still packs plenty of firepower with its 15-round magazine capacity and 4.02-inch barrel length.
The slide also has a smoother texture to improve drawing out of the holster and tactile feedback for greater accuracy.
The Glock 19 Gen 5 is an ideal balance between size, weight, power, and concealability that makes it a great choice for everyday carry. It fits comfortably under clothing with its slim profile and minimal printing.
Plus, the removable backstrap allows you to quickly alter your grip depending on the environment or situation at hand. If there was ever a time to invest in a quality handgun for concealed carry, it’s now—because the Glock 19 Gen 5 is the way to go. It’s reliable, comfortable to carry, and offers plenty of power to get the job done.
For more information on our favorite Glock, check out our full Glock 19 Gen 5 review.
Best Value – Glock G43X
Specifications
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Capacity | 10+1 |
| Weight | 23.07 ounces |
| Length | 6.50 inches |
Pros & Cons
- Lightweight design for easy concealed carry
- 10+1 capacity provides plenty of firepower
- Reliable performance and affordable price
- Shorter barrel may affect accuracy at longer distances
- Limited capacity compared to larger firearms
- Doesn’t have a manual safety
The Glock G43X is an excellent choice for concealed carry due to its compact size, lightweight design, and reliable performance. Its slim profile makes it easy to conceal, while it’s 10+1 capacity offers plenty of firepower in a self-defense situation.
The 9mm caliber also provides sufficient stopping power while being affordable and widely available.
The G43X features a comfortable grip that allows for a secure and firm hold, even in adverse conditions. It also has a smooth trigger pull that enables accurate and consistent shooting.
One of the main advantages of the Glock G43X is its value. It is a high-quality firearm that is competitively priced compared to other compact handguns on the market.
It also has a reputation for reliability, making it a sound investment for anyone looking for a dependable concealed carry weapon.
We even reviewed the Glock 43x if you want to read more about it.
Best Honorable Mention – Glock 17 Gen 4
Specifications
| Caliber | 9x19mm |
| Capacity | 17 |
| Weight | 22.04 ounces |
| Length | 7.95 inches |
Pros & Cons
- Reliable and durable
- Customizable grip
- Easy to shoot accurately
- Difficult to conceal compared to others
- More expensive than some other Glock models
- May not suit smaller hands or weaker grip strength
While the Glock 17 Gen 4 may not be the most compact option for concealed carry, it is an incredibly versatile firearm that can be used for a variety of purposes.
One of the biggest advantages of the Glock 17 Gen 4 is its reliability. Glock firearms are known for their durability and dependability, and the Gen 4 version of the 17 is no exception.
In terms of accuracy, the Glock 17 Gen 4 is very easy to shoot. The recoil is minimal, and the low bore axis helps to reduce muzzle flip, making it easier to stay on target during rapid fire.
Additionally, the sights are easy to acquire, which is particularly important in high-stress situations. However, as a full-size firearm, the Glock 17 Gen 4 can be difficult to conceal. It is also a relatively expensive option compared to some other Glock models, and it may not be the best choice for those with smaller hands or weaker grip strength.
We dove into a full Glock 17 Gen 4 review if you want to learn more.
Best Pocket-Size .380 – Glock G42
Specifications
| Caliber | .380 ACP |
| Capacity | 6+1 |
| Weight | 13.76 ounces |
| Length | 5.94 inches |
Pros & Cons
- Size and weight make it ideal for pocket carry
- Low recoil and comfortable grip make it easy to handle
- Built with Glock’s trademark quality and reliability
- Limited capacity of 6+1 rounds
- Small size may not fit all hand sizes
- Limited stopping power
The Glock G42 is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and compact .380 pistol for concealed carry. The pistol is built with Glock’s trademark quality and reliability, making it one of the best options in the market.
The G42 is easy to handle and accurate, despite its small size. Its low recoil and comfortable grip make it an ideal choice for shooters of all experience levels. It’s also very easy to conceal, making it a great option for pocket carry.
The small size and light weight make the G42 an excellent choice for those who want to carry a gun with them at all times. Despite its compact size, the G42 does not compromise on accuracy or reliability, making it an ideal choice for those who need a gun for self-defense.
Smallest 9mm – Glock 43
Specifications
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Capacity | 6 |
| Weight | 17.95 ounces |
| Length | 6.26 inches |
Pros & Cons
- Easy to conceal
- Lightweight and slim
- Familiar Glock design
- Limited capacity
- Smaller size may be difficult to handle for some
- Recoil can be more pronounced
The Glock 43 is the smallest 9mm Glock available. It has a width of only 1.02 inches and a height of 4.25 inches, making it very slim and easy to conceal. The Glock 43 has a 6+1 capacity, meaning it can hold six rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber.
Compared to other compact Glock models, such as the Glock 19 and Glock 26, the Glock 43 is significantly smaller and easier to carry, especially for those who prioritize concealment over capacity. It’s also a reliable and accurate handgun, making it a popular choice among those who prefer smaller 9mm handguns for concealed carry.
However, it’s worth noting that due to its smaller size, the Glock 43 may be more difficult to shoot accurately than larger Glock models, and the smaller grip may not be as comfortable for those with larger hands.
How We Chose our Top Picks
When choosing which Glocks to feature in our review, we wanted to make sure that you had plenty of options without feeling overwhelmed. We kept our criteria simple: reliability, performance, and ease of use.
We took into consideration weight, caliber, versatility, and concealment, as well as our own personal experience reviewing each of these guns hands-on.
Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to buying a Glock, there are several factors to consider.
A Glock is a popular firearm brand that has earned a reputation for being reliable and accurate. Whether you’re purchasing your first Glock or adding to your collection, there are some key things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you choose the best Glock for your needs.
How to Choose the Best Glock
Purpose
Consider what you’ll be using the Glock for. Will it be for concealed carry, home defense, target shooting, or something else? Different Glocks are designed for different purposes, so it’s important to choose one that fits your needs.
Caliber
Glocks are available in a variety of calibers, including 9mm, .45 ACP, and .40 S&W. Each caliber has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose one that you feel comfortable with and can handle.
Size
Glocks come in different sizes, from compact to full-size. The size you choose will depend on your intended use and personal preference. If you plan on carrying the Glock concealed, a smaller size may be more practical.
Grip
The grip of a Glock is an important factor to consider. A comfortable grip can help with accuracy and recoil control. Some Glocks come with interchangeable backstraps to adjust the grip size, while others have a fixed grip.
Sights
Glocks come with a variety of sights, including standard, night sights, and fiber optic sights. Night sights and fiber optic sights can improve visibility in low light conditions, but they can also add to the cost.
Price
Glocks range in price from several hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. While cost shouldn’t be the only factor to consider, it’s important to choose a Glock that fits your budget.
Advantages of Glocks
Reliability
Glocks are known for their reliability. They are designed to withstand heavy use and are resistant to malfunctions and jams.
Easy to Use
Glocks are easy to use, even for beginners. They have a simple design and are easy to disassemble and clean.
Versatility
Glocks are versatile firearms that can be used for a variety of purposes, from home defense to competition shooting.
Disadvantages of Glocks
Grip
The grip of a Glock may not be comfortable for everyone. Some people find the grip to be too rough or too large for their hands.
Trigger
The trigger on a Glock is designed for safety, which means it may be heavier than other firearms. This can affect accuracy and make it more difficult to shoot.
Cost
Glocks can be expensive, especially if you choose a model with added features like night sights or an extended magazine.
Glocks are reliable, easy to use, and versatile firearms, but they may not be comfortable for everyone and can be expensive. Do your research and choose a Glock that fits your needs and preferences.
FAQs
Is a Glock safe for concealed carry?
Absolutely! Glocks are incredibly safe and secure when used properly. Not only are they lightweight, but they also have several safety features that make them an ideal choice for concealed carry. Plus, their legendary reliability makes them a great choice for protection in any situation.
Is Glock 17 or 19 better?
It really depends on your preferences and needs. The Glock 17 is generally larger, so those with larger hands may find it a better fit. The Glock 19 is slightly smaller and lighter, making it a great choice for concealed carry. Both models are incredibly reliable and accurate.
What Glock Do FBI agents carry?
The FBI currently issues the Glock 19M pistol to their agents. This new model has a more comfortable grip and an improved trigger and is one of the most reliable and trusted Glocks.
Conclusion
After careful consideration, our top pick for the best Glock for concealed carry is the Glock 19 Gen 5. It offers a balance between size, weight, power, and concealability, making it a great choice for everyday carry.
Moreover, it’s reliable, customizable, and offers plenty of firepower to get the job done.
But if you feel you need something a bit more compact, the Glock 42 or Glock 43 should serve you well. Whatever you choose, rest assured you’ll be getting a reliable, high-quality firearm with the Glock name.
