All the Glock-oholics out there tend to repeat the same models ad nauseam: G17, G19, G17, G19.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with those 9mm models – they’re fantastic pistols and great for EDCs – but there is more to the world of Glock than the two most-sold designs.
Consider the G20, for example. It’s a full-size gun chambered in a badass cartridge (10mm). It deserves some love, too.
I’m here to explain why the G20 – and, by association, the G29 – are worthy Glocks to contemplate adding to your collection.
Because, why not?
Table of Contents
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Glock 20 Specs:
- Manufacturer: Glock
- Model: G20
- Generation: 4 (reviewed)
- Caliber: 10mm
- Safety: SAFE Action
- Capacity: 15 +1
- Barrel Length: 4.61 inches
- Weight: 30.69 ounces, empty
- Trigger Pull: 5 pounds, 3 ounces (measured)
- Overall Length: 8.07 inches
- Slide Length: 7.60 inches
- Width: 1.34 inches
- Height: 5.51 inches
- Line of Sight (Polymer): 6.77 inches
- Trigger Reach: 2.85 inches
Dropping Some History
My personal preference is to drop some history-related knowledge on you before we dive into the model itself. Glock itself has a cool history. But we’ll stick to just the G20 this time.
In 1990 Glock released the G20. And just like that, one of my favorite 10mms hit the market.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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When Gen 3 Glocks rolled around, changes got real. Early Gen 3 guns had finger grooves and thumb rests, details I have been less than thrilled with because, let’s be real, it only works for specific hand and finger sizes (and placement).
Then as the third-gen moved along, forward accessory rails were added. A second pin, the locking block pin, was also added for greater durability in the larger-caliber trigger mechanisms (like the 10mm).
Gen 4 guns appeared in 2010 with less aggressive texturing than prior Gens. The guns retained the finger grooves, thumb rests, and forward accessory rails.
Other new additions included four interchangeable backstraps, a reversible magazine release button, dual recoil spring system, and an updated trigger.
Mags for Gen 4 were also made to function with the reversible mag release. The Glock we’re about to cover just happens to be a Gen 4.
The Gen 5 changes don’t exactly apply to the G20 just yet… Hopefully, Glock will release a Gen 5 10mm – but as of yet they have stated they will only be updating 9mm Glocks to Gen 5 changes.
If you’re interested in info about the Gen 5 and the changes made, check out my review of the Glock G19 Gen 5!
Glock 20, Gen 4
This specific model has been floating around for about three decades and over the years it’s gone through the expected changes of each generation. It’s a 10mm, of course, and in classic Glock double-stack form.
The G20 has a capacity of 15 +1 and isn’t really that heavy, even loaded. Its empty weight is 27.51 ounces and its loaded weight is 39.86 ounces. To put that in perspective, one of my favorite 10mm 1911s weighs 41 ounces, empty.
That one only holds 8 +1 and it’s a hefty pistol. So if you’re looking for a lighter-weight yet still-accurate 10mm for hunting, the G20 is your plastic pistol.
The G20 has a 4.61-inch barrel, a height of 5.51-inches, and an overall length of 8.07-inches so you’re unlikely to use this one for concealed carry (and that’s not what it’s meant for, anyway). If you’re determined to EDC a 10mm Glock, check out the G29. It’s legit.
As for the Gen 4 G20 it’s built to last. And last. And last. Mine has traveled to ten states, flown on airplanes in rifle cases, been driven on road trips both holstered and in a soft case, and scraped and bumped against countless trees and tree stands.
It’s been dragged through the dirt as I’ve belly-crawled while stalking game, rained on, and generally abused. You could say this is a durable gun.
Pew Pew
It would be easy to do a range report and leave it at that but it wouldn’t be much fun. Instead, I’m going to hit on some of the highlights of the gun over the years. Yes, I’ll dive into accuracy for a hot second, too.
Over the years I’ve dropped a number of red dots onto my G20s: Burris FastFire, Trijicon RMR, Trijicon SRO, the list goes on. No, it isn’t milled for a red dot – that’s something I keep meaning to do and not getting done – so I use plates.
With iron sights, it’s an accurate pistol but with a red dot, it’s fantastically precise. Want to run a 10mm on steel at 50 yards? Done. 100 yards? Why, yes you can.
Of course, you can do all that with irons as well but the red dot makes things a little simpler.
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The Gen 4 G20 fits my hands so well it’s almost like it was made for me. I did put a Hogue HandALL Grip Sleeve on it – on all of them – because that’s my current preference rather than doing aftermarket stippling.
This Gen does come with interchangeable beavertail backstraps but I like mine as is; the gun fits my hand well and allows me to get a good, firm thumbs-forward grip. Thumbs down just doesn’t work for me on this gun.
At this point in time I’ve run so much ammo and so many different brands of ammo through the G20 I’ve lost track. Yes, I really should write these things down but for a hunting handgun it hasn’t seemed worth the time.
It’s eaten everything from Inceptor Preferred Defense 10mm 90-grain ARX frangibles to Hornady 10mm 180-grain XTP to CorBon 10mm 155-grain DPX.
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Then there’s all the new Remington Hog Hammer 10mm 155-grain Barnes XPB and Federal Personal Defense 10mm 200-grain HST JHP.
You get the idea.
If it’s 10mm, odds are this gun has eaten it. It’s gotten me through pre-launch testing loads for manufacturers and reviewing red dots; it’s dropped hogs, coyotes, and deer.
Using Inceptor ammunition the G20 produces five-shot groups under two inches consistently from 25 yards. At 10 yards it burns single-hole groups into targets and at 15 yards it keeps on with the single-hole work. It rings steel at 50 yards but I admit I haven’t tried to group it at that distance.
For quite some time I had a Trijicon RMR on it and believed I’d never take it off but when Trijicon sent an SRO, all bets were off. I was initially a bit skeptical but changed my tune immediately when I ran the first mag through the gun with the SRO mounted to it.
Precision, thy name is Trjijcon-SRO-on-G20. If you want to know more, check out my review of the Trijicon SRO here.
As for the basics, the G20 is simple to run like all Glocks. The slide can be racked easily and all controls are within easy reach without adjusting my grip. If you have tiny hands the story might be different but for my hands everything is right where I need it.
Because it’s a full-size frame there’s no dangling pinkie; my hands grip the gun securely and comfortably. Trigger reach is 2.85-inches, a sweet spot for me.
About four years after I bought the Gen 4 G20 I had to replace the slide stop because it started locking open at random.
It wasn’t a big deal and it was rather a lot of use in, so no complaints on my part. Considering how hard I’ve been on this gun it’s amazing nothing else has been battered into breaking.
You’re probably wondering about the trigger. The G20 has the usual factory Glock trigger, meaning odds are good you’ll want to replace it. Measured pull weight of the factory trigger is 5 pounds, 3 ounces.
The trigger is a bit stiff, as expected. If you want an aftermarket trigger there are quite a few out there but consider taking a look at the Overwatch Precision TAC Trigger.
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Overwatch’s trigger for the G20 is a flat-faced, drop-in trigger with the usual shoe and safety tab.
With that one you get a major reduction in pre-travel, a broader surface for good finger contact, and no grit.
Then, if you want to change the trigger pull weight, Overwatch Precision also has a trigger spring and OEM minus connector you can install to lighten things up a bit.
Hunting With Glock 20
This wouldn’t be a legit 10mm review without some hunting thrown in. One of my favorite memories of my Gen 4 G20 was a hunt in Texas – of course – during a drought.
The red dirt was permeating everything imaginable so it was no surprise my guns were all caked with dust in every nook and cranny.
The G20 kept on trucking, though, dropping feral hogs like it was born for it. Other handguns I had with me were not so reliable.
10mm is a good round for handgun hunting especially if you’re thinking you might get into a big sounder of hogs. It offers more manageable recoil than magnums which means getting back on target more quickly, for one thing.
In fact, if you want a gun for defense against angry bears, 10mm is excellent. You’ll find there are some guys out there who always push magnums for defensive use against charging bears but there are some issues with that, follow-ups shots being the big one.
When you have a furious bear coming at you, you’d better be able to re-acquire your target and rapid-fire accurately.
Remember, bears can run 30-45 MPH depending on species and that is faster than you can sprint. Outrunning a sprinting bear isn’t going to happen. If you try it, you’re going to have a bad time.
10mm is pretty much my favorite cartridge for handgun hunting. I admit it.
Bottom Line
You could certainly use a Gen 4 G20 for the range. 10mm can be fun and it offers significantly greater velocity and energy than the 9mms that dominate most gun owners’ collections.
It does have actual uses, though, like hunting and defense against wild animals. I won’t lie, I’ve carried the G29 for self-defense, but the G20 is a bit too large for me to conceal comfortably unless it’s winter and I can layer up.
It’s a Glock, so it’s pretty much a given it’s reliable. The fact that it’s a 10mm and accurate is a great bonus – I’ve run more than one 10mm that was basically Minute of Dinner Plate – and with the Trijicon SRO it’s beautifully precise.
Yes, felt recoil outdoes that of a 9mm but with a little practice you’ll have the hang of it in no time. It’s not a difficult gun to hold onto and the muzzle rise is not remotely like that of a magnum revolver.
This is one of my gold star guns. It just rocks that much (in my opinion). Affordably priced, tough as all hell, and accurate, which is why I have more than one. Try it. You’ll like it.
Oh, get some extra magazines. Just saying. You can never have too many magazines!
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By the Numbers
Reliability: 5/5
As I said, it’s a Glock. Of course, it’s reliable. My G20s eat ammo like candy and keep coming back for more. I’m also not the greatest about cleaning my plastic guns and yet they keep on cycling. Go figure.
Ergonomics: 4/5
This is generally an okay gun for fit. No it doesn’t have the greatest-ever aesthetics, but that isn’t what we’re here to debate. Since it’s a double-stack it won’t fit everyone.
There are going to be people out there whose hands are small enough they can’t stand the thickness of a classic Glock. There’s a reason those 9mm Glocks are so popular, though: they really do fit a wide variety of hands and needs. The G20 is no different.
It fits a lot of people and makes a solid hunting handgun. I’d like to see a new Gen without finger grooves but that’s about it.
Accuracy: 5/5
I’m giving this one a 5/5 for accuracy based on its performance with the Trijicon SRO.
If you’re running this pistol with irons you’re unlikely to get the same level of precision out of it.
Even with irons it’s a solid 4/5. The gun is capable of solid accuracy so the real question is, are you?
Customization: 5/5
You can customize the heck out of this gun. ‘Nuff said.
Value: 5/5
This is a good value pistol. So many 10mms on the market are prohibitively priced, making it difficult for people interested in handgun hunting to get going.
With the G20 you get a reliable, accurate gun that’s going to last for an extremely long time. What’s not to love?
Overall: 5/5
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Parting Shots
I can’t help myself, it’s a great gun. 5/5 would recommend. I’d be less likely to recommend it if you’re just looking for a plinking handgun but if you want something for hunting or are just large-caliber curious the G20 is A Good Thing.
I’m not saying this is the gun you need as an EDC, I’m saying it fulfills a niche and does it well. If you want a good workhorse gun for the woods, get one. Wanna see some other great Glocks? We’ve rounded up the best Glocks we’ve tried out!
Do you run a 10mm as your “woods gun”? EDC? Let us know in the comments! And for some awesome ammo to feed it, take a look at the Best 10mm Ammo [Hunting, Self-Defense, & Plinking]!
48 Leave a Reply
I think your articles are excellent and it is great seeing a females steadily becoming interested in the shooting sports,ccw interests and best of all the hunting tradition. The ladies are the answer to saving the hunting industry/tradition.
Thank you,William R. Nunnally
Hey Kat, I was just interested in finding out when a review for the Glock 20 Gen 5 MOS will be coming out? if it is at all.
Hey! Thanks for the comment. Kat no longer works at PPT, but I can add the Glock 20 Gen 5 MOS to our potential review list!
I've carried an original Glock 20 since 2004 and a G20 SF since 2007. I have shot them with original barrels and replace barrels when I wanted to use cast bullet reloads. Although it's not recommended, I've even shot 40 S&W remanufactured ammo in my stock Glock 20. The grips are too big, the gun is too ugly for words, and it works. I did carry one for bear defense in Alaska during a moose hunt, nominal 200 grain hard cast at 1300 fps from DoubleTap and carried it as a farm gun on my small horse farm with mild 180 grain or 200 grain JHPs, Hornady 200 grain XTP or 180 grain XTP and Georgia arms JHPs, probably Speer 180 grain gold dots. Initially 175 grain Winchester Silvertips were my carry load, chronographed at 1174fps, 536 ft-lbs. No worlds more with common factory ammo than the 45 ACP but more versitility in performance, from mild to wild!
I love my G29 & G20.My next purchase is a G40.I do have a Rock Island Double stack 10mm that is very smooth shooting, I enjoy this one too. I prefer the Glocks for personal Defense due to reliability and function.
Thank you for the nice review. Appreciate your insight.
The Glock 20 is and will remain the only semi automatic handgun that I own. It's the only semi auto that I've ever chosen over a revolver. And it's the first gun I'd grab if I had to survive in a post apocalyptic wasteland.
Never hold a pistol near your head
The G20 is a beast, I love the reliability and easy of care. My Gen3 G20 is one of my favorite pistols and I own a good range of them. Great article, keep them coming.
Tell me you are not married
Great article. Share your joy. I purchased one of these several months ago and have just had it in an indoor range but man, what an absolute blast to shoot. Very comfortable in the hand and you feel the furry of the 10mm rounds but this Glock evenly absorbs it. Very quick getting back on target. And extremely accurate. I just have the iron sights but the 20 is more accurate than my Hellcat 9mm and XDM 45 compact. I just recently became a handgun enthusiast and will not doubt be adding to my collection (also have a Ruger SP-101 with a 2.25 in barrel and in 357 mag), but I already know this will always be my favorite.
Great article. I have been looking for a defense and hunting pistol for a long time. My last visit to my local gun dealer I noticed a glock 20sf. It felt great but was concerned about the recoil and thus review made up my mind. Got to have it. 10mm amunition seems to be the only caliber on tge shelf.
Police point of view, Glock works every time.
I run a Rock Island Commander in 10mm for my EDC. I was trained on the 1911 platform and they just fit. I've owned many Glocks and loved them all. After reading this article I may just have to buy one more. I carry for self defense against critters of the 2-legged variety so my ammunition reflects that situation, heavy and slow. Love the 10mm. It's right up there with my 45's. Have a blessed day and stay safe.
Gen 3 G20 with an OD frame is and will likely be my forever woods gun. I handload a 200 grain Hornady XTP. I love, love, love both the gun and the load!
Hello Kat, I have just reread this review on the G20. I am in the process of relocating from Texas to Alaska and was wanting to get some additional information from you if I could? What plate do you use to mount the optic onto the G20 and then what ammo do you recommend for bear protection? Feral hogs I know, bears not so much... Thank you in advance for your input.
Mr, you want hard cast buffalo bores or corbons
Which plate would you recommend to mount a red dot to a Glock without milling the slide?
Picking up my G20 today. Have 1000 Starline cases in the car hole ready for powder and bullet as I type. Nosler 150 HP, Nosler 130 HP and 200 HP on the way.
Pickup a tungsten guide rod for it. Best thing that I have done for any of my Glocks.
EDC, heavyish but worth it. By far my favorite handgun.
I absolutely love my G20 and my go to loads are a mix of Underwood 200 grain Hard Cast and 150 grain Xtreme Hunter for woods/hunting
I carry a M29 with aftermarket 5" barrel in woods when logging.smaller with no loss of velocity. Also can use Buffalo Bore heavy lead without worrying.
Can't argue with Glock! When it comes to 10mm though, I went with the Springfield XDM. The thing is a beast! Fits my hand well, no issues whatsoever. I got the 4.5" model. I would recommend giving this a hard look too, and I say this as a Glock 17/19/45 owner and former 43/21/41 owner. Sig replaced the 43, and the 21 and 41 are long gone for other projects.
My G20 is my EDC, and I swap in a G40 slide with Vector Venom optic for a woods gun.
This works without any issues? Is the frame for the G20 the same as the frame for the G40?
Great idea for people like me who can't decide between the G20 and 40!
I just got a drop in OEM G20 6" barrel for the woods. It works just fine and speeds up FPS and lbs by 1.4" over standard. Cheap add and carries just fine in a chest rig so both hands are available. I usually carry it stock w/the 4.6" barrel in my bag in the work truck. One gun two barrels and no feed issues because it's a Glock barrel.
Thanks for the review, i was looking for another hunting gun, your reviews have never steered me wrong and I enjoy the detailed reviews you post. (my .454 casull with a 2.5 inch barrel isn't doing it for me anymore)
i have the G20,my swamping gun..accurate,easy to fire,just like the article said..if i could only keep 1,this would be it
I now carry a Glock 29 when fly fishing in black bear country. I used to carry a magnum revolver but have now committed to the 10mm for protection if ever needed. The 29 is compact and comfortable to carry while wading streams...much more practical than my magnum revolvers.
As a fellow fly fisherman, I totally agree!
I carry
Great article. Can't go wrong with a 20.
Kat, Have you reviewed the Glock 20SF (slim frame) yet or know anything about it? I'm stuck in Commiefornia so all we can get is the Gen3... Thanks in advance...
"Short Frame," not "slim," :)
...difference in length from heel/backstrap to trigger vs. width of the grip.
The Gen 4 is equal in size to the SF with better grip texture IMO.
Do they have a Glock 20 MOS?
Not yet :( You can get aftermarket slides that are pre-cut for red dots though!
While in the Army I bought my Glock 20 in spring of 1990 while home on leave from Ft. Davis, Panama. We'd had our 1911s replaced with M92. My unit had a lot of flexibility with side arm choice. I really liked the .45 ACP hated the M92 pussy 9mm cause it would bounce off of everything, penetrate nothing unless you were within rock throwing distance. In the jungle a lot of things tend to get in the way when your shooting at something and you don't want your rounds bouncing off. I chose the G20 180gr 10mm because it wouldn't even slow down where the 9mm would completely fail. The 10mm would penetrate jungle vegetation and reach out and touch someone when needed, and it was occasionally needed to.
So me & my G20 have been together since 1990, thru 4 yrs in Panama & Central America, Just Cause, many 'side trips' between JC & Desert Shield (works great in desert), a few more jungle trips, Iraq and Afghanistan. My G20 worked flawlessly throughout, absolutely flawlessly. Now we're both retired but My G20 is my full-time EDC. Yes you CAN conceal carry but you have to be adaptable, lol. All in all, my G20 has been there, done that and is still getting it done!
Are you sure this wasn't in call of duty there bud?
I have both the Glock 20 and 29. I carry the 29 with ease and it is very easy to do so. The 20 is my truck/backwoods pistol.
Good article.
Self def. - Hornady Custom, w/xtp 180 gn. bullet (1180fps). For hunting - Underwood Ammo, 180 gn. xtp bullet (1250fps). My chrono.
Also Underwoodammo.com has plenty of ammo:delivery is quick, customer service good.
Glock20 gen 3 next year glock40
I have a 50 Cal conversion for mine.
Next level bear gun.
I was considering the new Glock 45 in 9mm but I’m a big bore guy. I have the Glock 21, Glock 35 and next up Glock 20!!
I'll stick with my Glock 40MOS, with a kkm 7.25 inch barrel, Zev technologies trigger package, extended slide release, and my Vortex Venom. Far superior than the Glock 20 and it feels so much better. I'm curious to try the Trijicon SRO.
I'd like to try a RD on mine, what plate are you using?
I know it would be a handful but I'd like a small, single stack CCW 10mm!
Look online for a dove tail optic mount for Glock pistols. You remove rear U notch sight and drift mount plate in.