Best Glocks for Concealed Carry [2026]
What Glock should you put in your concealed carry holster? Check out our list of the best Glocks for concealed carry!
USMC Veteran. Concealed Carry & NRA Pistol Instructor. 3-Gun Competitor. Career firearms writer
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Choosing the right Glock for concealed carry isn't as easy as just picking the most popular model.
The best Glock for concealed carry depends largely on how you carry and how much gun you actually want. (Remember, a gun that runs great at the range can feel miserable by 5 o'clock on a Wednesday.)
We've carried and tested Glocks across all different calibers, sizes, and generations to find the very best options for concealed carry. From smaller Glocks perfect for summer to harder-hitting models perfect for a spring hike.
We're going to cover the best models to throw in a holster and go!
A quick note on availability: Glock is in the middle of restructuring the brand's entire product lineup, so don't be surprised if you see some new pistols -- and don't see some familiar favorites. That's because the Gen 6 updates haven't trickled down to every model quite yet, and the current retail inventory of older generations in the market is getting pretty thin in some cases.
But read on, because there are still great Glocks for everyone!
The Quick List
- Best Overall: Glock 19 Gen 6Jump to details ↓
- Best Value: Glock 43X MOSJump to details ↓
- Best Capacity: Glock 45 Gen 6Jump to details ↓
- Best .380 ACP: Glock 42Jump to details ↓
- Most Powerful: Glock 29 Gen 5Jump to details ↓
Table of Contents
Concealed Carry Glock Comparison Chart
| Price | Caliber | Capacity | Barrel Length | Width | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glock 19 Gen 6 | $620 | 9mm | 15+1 | 4.02" | 1.35" | 23 oz |
| Glock 43X MOS | $484 | 9mm | 10+1 | 3.41" | 1.10" | 19 oz |
| Glock 45 Gen 6 | $669 | 9mm | 17+1 | 4.02" | 1" | 25 oz |
| Glock 42 | $399 | .380 ACP | 6+1 | 3.25" | 0.83" | 14 oz |
| Glock 29 Gen 5 | $529 | 10mm | 10+1 | 3.78" | 1.38" | 27 oz |
How to Pick the Best Glock for Concealed Carry
Why would you trust your life to a Glock? If I could only give one reason, I’d say reliability. Glocks are so reliable that they are almost boring. When the trigger’s pulled, they go bang.
Heck, the owner of Adco firearms put 200,000 rounds through a Glock 21, buried it for two years, and dropped it out of a plane -- the stupid thing still works. Its simple design makes it insanely reliable.
But how do you choose the right one?
Size & Concealability
If your pistol is uncomfortable to carry, you're going to leave it at home. You don't want something that prints through your clothing or forces you to change your whole wardrobe to conceal it, either.
That's why most of the pistols on this list are quite small. If you're new to CCW life or just like wearing shorts and a T-shirt, something like the Glock 42 or Glock 43X MOS will keep a low profile on your waist.
If you're able to get away with something bigger, a Glock 19 or Glock 45 will give you a little extra capability. These are great candidates for off-body carry.
Picking the Right Cartridge
These days, most people carry pistols chambered for 9mm. That includes concealed carry, home defense, law enforcement, and military applications. It's kind of a Goldilocks cartridge because it balances power and capacity so well.
But some people want something different, and that's ok!
One popular alternative is .380 ACP. This cartridge is a little more mild to shoot, which makes some people much more comfortable when they're training and carrying. It's a pretty common round, so there are lots of .380 ACP defensive ammo options to choose from.
On the other end of the spectrum are whoppers like .45 ACP and 10mm. You might put .40 S&W in this category, too. These provide heaps of stopping power, albeit at the expense of reduced capacity and hefty recoil.
Capacity
Ballistic tables are useful, but we have to consider how much ammo we have at our disposal, too. Not all of these pistols have the same capacity.
Smaller frames have less room for ammo. Larger cartridges reduce capacity, too. If you're not too concerned about running out of ammunition, a single-stack pistol like a Glock 43, Glock 43X or Glock 48 would be a great choice. If you're in the "more is better" camp, size up to a Glock 19, Glock 19X, or Glock 45.
Optics & Accessories
Can you tell that we're high fans of red dots and pistol lights around here? They make a carry gun vastly more capable with a little bit of training.
Not all Glocks are compatible with these accessories, though. If you want to add them, check for an optic cut on the slide and an accessory rail on the frame.
We have guides on pistol red dots and a pistol lights to help you learn what you need to know and make an informed decision. You can even see them in action!
How We Chose The Best Glocks For Concealed Carry
For this article, we took input from the Pew Pew Tactical staff and contributing writers. Our collective experience with Glocks covers everything from law enforcement use, recreational shooting, competition, and concealed carry. Together, we've put untold thousands of rounds through these pistols.
We used the following criteria to create this list:
- Reliability: Hey, all Glocks are famously reliable, so that one is easy.
- Concealability Testing: We all have different preferences when it comes to the size of a concealed carry pistol. So, when choosing concealed carry Glocks, we made sure that they actually conceal well. This guide has a nice variety, ranging from subcompact pocket pistols to nearly full-size duty guns to fit seasonal shifts and various clothing choices.
- Cartridge: Most people pick 9mm for their concealed carry gun, but you have other options! Stay tuned for something tame, and something wild.
- Controllability: Small guns can be difficult to shoot accurately, so we considered how effectively you can use a pistol, not just how easily you can conceal it.
- Availability: Many Glock pistols are difficult to find right now, so we won't waste your time with unobtanium or insane markups. (I found one retailer selling a Glock 30 Gen 5 for $2,000; that's just insane!)
Best Glocks For Concealed Carry
1. Glock 19 Gen 6 - Best Overall
Pros
- Small enough to conceal, big enough to shoot accurately
- Improved optic interface
- Updated ergonomics
Cons
- Gen 6 models are more expensive at the moment
The Bottom Line
For many people, pistol shopping starts with the Glock 19. This industry standard is small enough to conceal, but still large enough to feel like a duty gun when you start shooting. If there's anything you want to change about this shapeshifter down the line, aftermarket support is nearly endless.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker
- Capacity: 15+1
- Barrel Length: 4.02"
- Overall Length: 7.28"
- Weight: 23 oz
If you are new to concealed carry, the Glock 19 Gen 6 might seem like a large option, especially when you see some of the other guns on this list. However, the Glock 19 is the closest thing Glock has to a flagship pistol.
This compact, double-stack handgun excels as a do-it-all gun.
With the right holster and belt combination, it’s plenty easy to carry. At the same time, it can be a very effective and capable home defense firearm.
For example, for concealed carry, you can pack a 15-round magazine and run the gun bare. If you need a home defense weapon, toss on a weapon light and a larger magazine basepad, and you have quite the upgrade in firepower.
It also handles very well. Controlling and shooting the weapon accurately and quickly isn’t difficult compared to some of the smaller guns on the market.
It's versatile in terms of placement -- you can stick it in a traditional IWB or even go with an AIWB holster if that's your preference. While it might be slightly too large for those who prefer really thin, lightweight clothing in the summer, it's perfect for nearly every other season.
New updates for the sixth-generation Glock 19 make it more refined, more comfortable, and more user-friendly than ever before. Many of the things Glock critics have complained about in the past -- namely, ergonomics and a lackluster trigger -- are improved in Gen 6 pistols.
Still curious? Check out our full, hands-on Glock 19 Gen 6 review! Looking for a bargain? We have a Glock 19 Gen 5 review, too. As always, we can recommend our favorite Glock upgrades if you want too put your pistol on the workbench.
What do you think of the Glock 19? Rate it below!
Readers’ Ratings
5.00/5 (1470 Votes)Your Rating
2. Glock 43X MOS - Best Value
Pros
- Good mix of concealabity and shootability
- Great aftermarket support
- All kinds of of holster options
Cons
- Short pistols can be tricky to shoot accurately
The Bottom Line
On its own, the Glock 43X MOS is a great little carry gun. It's slim, short, and nice to shoot. But aftermarket magazines bump capacity from 10 to 15 rounds! Grab one of those, a red dot, and a light to have an incredibly capable pistol in a surprisingly compact package.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker
- Capacity: 10+1
- Barrel Length: 3.41"
- Overall Length: 6.5"
- Weight: 19 oz
The Glock 43X MOS excels in the comfort department and makes an excellent concealed carry firearm for new shooters and concealed carriers. It comes in both standard and MOS variants, and either choice is solid.
The Glock 43X combines the slide and barrel length of the Glock 43 with the longer grip of the Glock 48. The short slide and barrel make it easy to conceal, whether you carry in an IWB or an appendix holster. It's a perfect year-round carry gun -- easily concealing in lighter summer clothes or under heavier sweathers in the winter.
A nice long grip fills the hand, ensuring you can control the recoil with ease and keep on target. More grip equals more control, and you get control in spades with the Glock G43X.
It’s one of the comfiest guns all around, and it's the go-to concealed carry handgun for many people for that exact reason.
Like the longer Glock 48, you get 10 rounds of 9mm in standard Glock magazines, or 15 rounds with Shield S15 magazines. That's a lot of firepower in a pistol this small!
Prices are also surprisingly low for the Glock 43X MOS. Dollar for dollar, it's one of the better buys out there.
Head on over to our Glock 43X MOS review for more deets!
3. Glock 45 Gen 6 - Best Capacity
Pros
- Compact slide helps with concealment
- Full-size grip offers excellent control
- 17+1 capacity with flush magazines
Cons
- Takes more effort to carry concealed
The Bottom Line
The Glock 45 Gen 6 is about as close to carrying a full-size duty gun as you can get. It offers 17-round flush magazines and a full-size grip, while keeping the Glock 19's compact slide. It's the perfect option for people who are willing to work a little harder on concealment to have more firepower at their disposal.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker
- Capacity: 17+1
- Barrel Length: 4.02″
- Overall Length: 7.44"
- Weight: 25 oz
If the even Glock 19 seems a little to small for your liking, the Glock 45 Gen 6 might be just what you need.
No, it's not chambered for .45 ACP; this pistol was just the company's 45th patent. It's a 9mm pistol that basically combines the Glock 17's full-size grip and the Glock 19's compact slide.
The result is a pistol that's still relatively concealable, but feels even more like a duty gun in the hand than its smaller sibling.
Here's one running white-light drills out to 50 yards.
If you're willing to hang a little more weight off your belt and dress to conceal a larger firearm, this can be a great concealed carry option.
Welcome Gen 6 improvements include significantly improved ergonomics, a shorter trigger pull, and a sturdier optic-mounting system than the MOS plates of Gen 5.
You might be able to save some money by picking up one of the remaining Gen 5 pistols, but you should act fast to get one before they sell out.
4. Glock 42 - Best .380 ACP
Pros
- Mild compared to 9mm pistols of this size
- Extremely easy to conceal
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Doesn't work with red dots or lights
The Bottom Line
The .380 ACP Glock 42 is a nice alternative for people who want a little less slap in the palm than 9mm delivers. It's also very concealable, thanks to a short slide and even stubbier grip. While there isn't much for larger hands to hold onto, smaller shooters will feel right at home with this tiny pistol.
Specs
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker
- Capacity: 6+1
- Barrel Length: 3.25"
- Overall Length: 5.94"
- Weight: 14 oz
Man, when the Glock 42 dropped, most of us were hoping for a single-stack 9mm at the time, but Glock surprised and bemused some of us with a pocket-sized .380 ACP.
It would go on to become a favorite for those needing a reliable, micro-sized .380 ACP.
Unlike a number of other pocket-sized .380 ACPs, this one features competent sights, a decent striker-fired trigger, and the brand reliability we all know and love.
Like most pocket .380s, the G42 has snappy recoil, but it's less than you'd get from 9mm.
Standard-sized sights make it fairly easy to shoot, and the striker-fired trigger allows for respectable groupings for such a small gun (with enough training).
The combination of reliability, compactness, and control makes the Glock 42 a solid option for ultra-deep concealment.
5. Glock 29 - Most Powerful
Pros
- Extremely potent cartridge
- Decent capacity for the size
- One of the only subcompact 10mm options on the market
Cons
- Stiffer recoil
- Thick, stubby grip
The Bottom Line
When you cram one of the most powerful mainstream pistol cartridges into a subcompact pistol like the Glock 29 Gen 5, you get a very special backcountry guardian. This pistol is perfect for people who want extra stopping power for four-legged threats, but still want to fly under the radar with their concealed carry gun. Grab one while you still can!
Specs
- Caliber: 10mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker
- Capacity: 10+1
- Barrel Length: 3.78"
- Overall Length: 6.97"
- Weight: 27 oz
For people who want to avoid becoming food for bears or other wildlife, it can be tough to find something that shoots 10mm and is small enough to conceal. That is where the Glock 29 comes in.
It’s a thick subcompact gun that chambers the famously hard-hitting and powerful 10mm cartridge. The round works well for self-defense against vicious two-legged critters, but also offers enough power for larger animal threats.
It’s commonly used for bear defense, and will save you lots of money compared to buying a comparable revolver in .357 Mag or .44 Mag.
Front to back, the gun is about the same length as a Glock 19, but a bit wider to accommodate a larger cartridge. The same goes for the .45 ACP Glock 30.
The stock grip length is very short, which can make the gun a bit tougher to control but easier to conceal. Luckily, pinky extensions and bigger mags can resolve this issue while still keeping the whole package concealable.
I will say this upfront: the Glock G29 is not for everyone. If you’re recoil-sensitive or want something affordable to shoot, this ain’t it.
While Glock has moved on to its Gen 6 line of pistols, the Glock 29 hasn't gotten the update yet. That means you might have to shop around to find one of the legacy pistols in stock.
Final Thoughts
Glock has produced so many great concealed carry guns through the years that we can't possible cover them all. With all the models and generations out there, you're welcome to have different preferences!
But, out of the entire Glock arsenal, these models are the most popular with the Pew Pew Tactical staff...for now.
Since I’ve left a few off, hit me up in the comments and let me know what you think the best Glock for concealed carry truly is. For more Glock goodness, check out our History of Glock and the Best Glocks of all shapes and sizes!
Meet the Experts
Pew Pew Tactical author Travis Pike spent a lifetime shooting as a kid and later joined the United States Marine Corps, where he spent five years as an infantryman. His experience as a machine gunner, recreational and competitive shooter, hunter, and concealed carry instructor has given him unique insight into various weapon platforms. Additionally, Travis has reviewed multiple Glocks for various publications, including Pew Pew Tactical.
Editing and adding to this article are Pew Pew Tactical Editors & Senior Review Analysts Wyatt Sloan and Scott Murdock. In addition to their experience testing and reviewing all kinds of Glock pistols, both own and concealed carry Glocks on a regular basis.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical. Additionally, Jacki carried a Glock 19 as her primary EDC for almost 10 years.
Latest Updates
- May 2026: Removed the Glock 26, Glock 30, and Glock 48. Added the Glock 45 Gen 6. Updated supporting content.
- August 2025: Removed Glock 36 and Glock 43. Added Glock 26, Glock 30. Added comparison chart.
- July 2024: Updated the Glock 29 to reflect the introduction of the Gen 5 model.