Best Glocks You Can Buy Right Now [2026]
Which Glock should you buy? We've put 1,000+ rounds through the top picks for home defense, CCW, beginners, and more — plus a Gen 6 update.
PPT Editor-in-Chief. Professional journalist 15+ years. NRA & BLS instructor. 2000+ articles
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Glocks are one of the most recognizable and popular brands in the firearms world -- from movies to rap lyrics, the brand seemingly exists everywhere.
But which one is the best?
Though the Glock 19 is the best all-around model for most people, the right Glock depends on what you're looking for.
Whether you love Glocks or love to hate them, we’re going to take a look at some of the best models the Austrian company has to offer.
Let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
The Quick List
- Editor's Pick: Glock 19Jump to details ↓
- Best Beginner Glock: Glock 17Jump to details ↓
- Best for Self Defense: Glock 43X MOSJump to details ↓
- Best Compact: Glock 42Jump to details ↓
- Best Training Glock: Glock 44Jump to details ↓
- Best .45 ACP Glock: Glock G21Jump to details ↓
- Best 10mm Glock: Glock 20Jump to details ↓
- Best .40 S&W Glock: Glock 23Jump to details ↓
Table of Contents
Glock Comparison Table
| Use Case | Model | Price | Caliber | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | Glock 19 | $539 | 9mm | 15+1 |
| Home Defense, Beginners | Glock 17 | $539 | 9mm | 17+1 |
| Concealed Carry | Glock 43X MOS | $484 | 9mm | 10+1 |
| Beginners, Self Defense | Glock 42 | $399 | .380 ACP | 6+1 |
| Training, Beginners | Glock 44 | $345 | .22 LR | 10+1 |
| Hiking, Hunting | Glock 20 | $517 | 10mm | 15+1 |
| Self Defense, Home Defense | Glock 21 | $620 | .45 ACP | 13+1 |
| Self Defense, Home Defense | Glock 23 | $539 | .40 S&W | 13+1 |
A Note on Glock Generations
In 2025, Glock discontinued Generations 3-5 in favor of the newly introduced Gens V and 6. You can still find previous generations on the used market, but all new guns from Glock are now either the Gen V or Gen 6.
We have a full breakdown on all the Glock generations through the years in our Glock Generations: Gen 3, 4, 5, and 6 article, so you can learn more about what sets them apart.
Best Glocks
1. Editor's Pick - Glock 19
Pros
- Improved ergonomics over previous generations
- Direct mount for optics
- Same Glock reliability as expected
Cons
- Trigger is subpar
The Bottom Line
The mid-sized Glock 19 is a great option for those looking for an all-around Glock that can move from home defense to concealed carry with ease.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 4″
- Overall Length: 7.28″
- Width: 1.34″
- Weight: 23.63 oz
- Capacity: 15+1
- Available Generations: Gens V & 6 (Gens 3-5 used market)
- Price: Gen V - $539, Gen 6 - $620
The Glock 19 is the most popular Glock for a reason.
This midsize model is versatile and easily transitions from home to the range to concealed carry with its double-stack design.
It's in wide use in the law enforcement realm and, like most Glock products, is renowned for its ease of use and reliability.
Not to mention, the 9mm chambering means that, in non-ammo shortage scenarios, you should be able to easily train with it alongside its standard 15-round magazine. The G19 also benefits from a wealth of aftermarket support, so you can switch sights, triggers, and slides if you so choose.
While its blocky ergonomics aren't for everyone, it is a solid, reliable pistol -- perfect for CCW. Not to mention, its popularity means there's no lack of holsters available. I carried the Glock 19, Gen 4, for almost a decade before switching to a Glock clone with a slightly better trigger.
For me, the Glock 19 excels at the "do everything" category, and it's the best option for those who want one gun to rule them all. I carried the G19 for almost a decade as my dedicated concealed carry gun - it's that solid.
While Glock has nixed Gens 3-5 in favor of the new Gen 6, you can still find the older generations on the used market. That said, my colleague, Sean, tested the Gen 6 and found its ergonomics slightly better than previous generations.
You can see more in his video review or read up on it in the written Glock 19 Gen 6 review.
What do you think of the Glock 19? Rate it below.
Readers’ Ratings
4.95/5 (3113 Votes)Your Rating
2. Best for Beginners - Glock 17
Pros
- Largest size and capacity
- Great for home defense
- Works with a variety of aftermarket mags
Cons
- Ergonomics aren't the greatest
- Often has a cheap feel
The Bottom Line
The Glock 17 is the OG model and perfect for home defense. It's larger size helps mitigate recoil while boosting capacity to 17+1 (more if you opt for extended mags). Like all other Glocks its factory sights and triggers are meh, but there's plenty of aftermarket parts to fix that.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 4.5″
- Overall Length: 8″
- Width: 1.34″
- Weight: 24.97 oz
- Capacity: 17+1
- Available Generations: Gens V & 6 (Gens 3-5 used market)
- MSRP: Gen V - $539, Gen 6 - $620
The Glock 17 was the first Glock to hit the market back in the 1980s. It's endured over the years because it's great for duty and home defense.
The G17 is a full-size model that allows it to pack more rounds for an increased capacity of 17+1. But you can always up that with aftermarket extended magazines. (Drum mag, anyone??)
The Glock 17 is the gold standard for most law enforcement, and its reliability has made it a winner in the civilian market as well. It features the same reliability and durability as all Glock models, but also suffers from the same underwhelming trigger and plastic sights. Again, easy fixes with aftermarket parts.
I use the Glock 17 as my preferred bedside pistol because the full-size build helps mitigate some recoil, and it's got plenty of room for accessories like lights. It's been my bedside gun for a solid 15 years.
You can read up on the G17 in our Glock 17 Review, Glock 17L Review, and even a head-to-head match between the Glock 19 and Glock 17. We also have a video review on the G17L below!
3. Best for Self-Defense - Glock 43X MOS
Pros
- Slim build is perfect for CCW
- Simple and easy to use
- MOS versions come ready for optics
Cons
- Snappier recoil
- Lower capacity for its size
The Bottom Line
The Glock 43X MOS introduces a compact build perfect for concealed carry. With the Glock name behind it, there's no shortage of holsters either! The G43X MOS is optics-ready and sticks to Glock's reliability, but in a much easier to conceal format.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 3.4″
- Overall Length: 6.5″
- Width: 1.1″
- Weight: 18.7 oz
- Capacity: 10+1
- Available Generations: Gens 3-5 (Used or clearance stock available)
- Price: $499
If the Glock you need is only for concealed carry, then the Glock 43X MOS is the best suited for that job.
Its subcompact style means that it easily slips into holsters for easy carrying all day. Better yet, the MOS means that it's optics-ready, so you can toss on your favorite red dot. (If you need some suggestions, we have a full round-up of our favorite, hands-on tested pistol red dots!)
The Glock 43X MOS sports the Glock Marksmen Barrel and promises to improve accuracy. While we've never had any issues with accuracy on older gen Glocks, this might be a selling point for some.
The most notable change in the Glock 43X MOS (over its predecessor, the Glock 43) is that this model's grip has been altered so that you can now get a full three-finger grip on the gun without a magazine. This means a better overall grip for most shooters.
I found it to be a little snappy with its recoil, but that's due to its size. It's not a dealbreaker, just something to be mindful of when you're shooting.
We have a full review and a video on the Glock 43X MOS if you want to dig in more!
4. Best Compact - Glock 42
Pros
- Super compact and concealable
- Easy to shoot and handle
Cons
- Only 6 round capacity
The Bottom Line
The Glock 42 is a great gun for warmer months where clothes are less conducive to carry. It only holds 6+1 rounds, but if you grab some spare mags, you'll be set.
Specs
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Barrel Length: 3.25″
- Overall Length: 5.94″
- Width: 0.98″
- Weight: 13.76 oz
- Capacity: 6+1
- Available Generations: Gens 3-5 (Used or clearance stock available)
- Price: $399
If you're looking for a Glock in the ultra-compact realm, the Glock 42 fits the bill. (This is your summer gun!)
The G42 comes chambered in.380 ACP, which means there’s little to no recoil while shooting. I found it to be very pleasant and easy to shoot. While I don't think you have to start with a smaller round, its light recoil does make it a decent option for beginners.
The trade-off for such a small handgun, though, is capacity and ergonomics. In the case of the G42, that means 6 rounds in a tiny grip area. Probably want to stock up on the spare mags...
I have smaller hands, so I can get a pretty good grip without issue. My colleagues with larger hands have fingers hanging off the grip.
But it keeps to Glock’s easy-to-shoot-and-maintain platform and brings that durability you’ve come to expect from the Glock brand, all in a super small package.
5. Best for Training - Glock 44
Pros
- Great for training
- Familiar Glock design makes it perfect for training at the range
Cons
- Has been known to crack
- Feels cheap
The Bottom Line
The Glock 44 is great for those committed to the rimfire round OR who want a training platform that is super cheap to shoot but familiar.
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Barrel Length: 4.02″
- Overall Length: 7.28″
- Width: 1.26″
- Weight: 14.64 oz
- Capacity: 10+1
- Available Generations: Gen V (Gen 5 used market)
- Price: Gen V - $360
Ok, so I know the Glock 44 is controversial. I’m sorry to all the fanbois who wanted a Glock PCC but instead got a .22 LR. Don’t shoot the messenger.
The G44 burst onto the scene, designed specifically for first-time gun owners and those who put in a lot of training reps at the range.
Mimicking the size of the Glock 19, the Glock 44 comes with a 4.02-inch barrel and an overall length of 7.28 inches...but chambered for .22 LR.
Loaded with its standard 10 rounds, it weighs 16.40 ounces.
While you most likely won’t be packing this in your IWB holster, the G44’s strength comes from the fact that you can easily plink with it.
Normally, .22 LR ammo is cheap and easy to find, making this gun a perfect training companion.
Not to mention, the .22 LR has virtually no recoil, so first-timers will find this comfortable and less intimidating to shoot.
As a Glock 19 owner, the appeal of the same platform but cheaper ammo is really appealing for training days. I can still get the same feel and put in all the reps, but at an easier-to-stomach price point.
To see the Glock 44 in action, peep our video below, or you can read our full review here!
Other Models/Notable Mentions
The following models are also worth your time; they just haven't undergone as much testing with us as the above models. While the Glocks in our main list have seen over 500 rounds (most of them well past 1,000), the ones in this section have seen less than that.
Doesn't mean they aren't good...just that we haven't put them through as much testing, yet.
If you don't see your favorite model here, don't fret. We also have more Glock recommendations in our Best Glocks for Concealed Carry, which outlines the very best models for CCW, and the Best 9mm Glocks, which focuses solely on the 9mm chambering.
Glock 20 - Best 10mm
Pros
- Modern capacity
- Great for hikes
- Large enough grip to get a good purchase while shooting
Cons
- Wide grip
- Stock sights are very lackluster
The Bottom Line
The Glock 20 is a 10mm option that works well for days on the trails or even some light handgun hunting. It's built to the same reliability and accuracy standards as every other Glock and can handle a little mud and dirt
Specs
- Caliber: 10mm
- Barrel Length: 4.61″
- Overall Length: 8.07″
- Width: 1.38″
- Weight (loaded): 37.21 oz
- Capacity: 15
- Available Generations: Gen V MOS (Gens 3-5 used market)
- MSRP: Gen V - $620
10mm is a popular round for handgun hunters and hikers, so you know Glock has a model for all you outdoorsy people. The Glock 20 is the 10mm model in a full-size configuration.
It brings a 15-round capacity with an overall weight of 30.86 ounces (unloaded). The G20 has a 4.61-inch barrel and an overall length of 8.07 inches.
This 10mm Glock is a really capable pistol that adheres to Glock's famed reliability while also expanding the caliber option for those who want to take it for a hike.
Gens 3-5 can be found on the used market, but if you prefer brand new, then it comes in a Gen V model as well.
If you want more info on the G20, check out our full review!
Glock 21 - Best .45 ACP
Pros
- Packs the punch of a .45 ACP
- Reliability and durability are on par with Glock brand
Cons
- Recoil is pronounced
- Not as easy to conceal as other models
The Bottom Line
The Glock 21 is perfect for .45 ACP lovers who want the pop of the beloved cartridge in a Glock body.
Specs
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Barrel Length: 4.61″
- Overall Length: 8.07″
- Width: 1.38″
- Weight (loaded): 38.62 oz
- Capacity: 13
- Available Generations: Gen V MOS (Gens 3-5 used market)
- MSRP: Gen V - $620
Glock makes a couple of .45 ACP options, but the standout for me is the Glock 21. This is a great full-size package, which I prefer when shooting .45 ACP.
Loaded, it weighs 38.80 ounces, which gives it some good heft, but helps with recoil mitigation. It features a 4.61-inch barrel and a total length of 8.07 inches.
Capacity sits at 13 rounds, which is pretty good for .45 ACP.
Glock 23 - Best .40 S&W
Pros
- Coverts to a .357 Sig or 9mm with barrel swap
- Fun caliber
Cons
- Less mag capacity
- Felt recoil is noticeable
The Bottom Line
The Glock 23 is a great blend of size meets function. It's easy to carry if you choose to do so, but also can fit into a home defense role.
Specs
- Caliber: .40 S&W
- Barrel Length: 4.02″
- Overall Length: 7.36″
- Width: 1.26″
- Weight (loaded): 31.22 oz
- Capacity: 13
- Available Generations: Gen V MOS (Gens 3-5 used market)
- MSRP: Gen V - $539
I couldn't leave out our .40 S&W fans, so, just for y'all, I have the Glock 23. This .40 S&W model has a mag capacity of 13 rounds.
It offers a 4.02-inch barrel and a total length of 7.28 inches, with a weight of 34.36 ounces loaded. With a compact build, the G23 is a nice middle ground between full-size and subcompact. And if you happen to love red dots and optics as much as we do, there’s even a MOS model that supports red dots.
It has all the standard Glock features, including an ambi slide stop lever for the lefties.
We have a full review on the Glock 23 with even more in-depth analysis.
FAQs
How We Tested & Chose the Best Glocks
To determine which Glocks made our list, we used a protocol that prioritized reliability, accuracy, recoil, durability, features, and value.
Since most Glocks adhere to the same reliability, accuracy, and durability standards, we heavily focused on features and overall value given each category.
Each pistol in this article has spent hands-on time with a member of Pew Pew Tactical's team. It has been thoroughly evaluated with at least 3 kinds of ammunition and a minimum of two magazines (1 factory, 1 aftermarket).
Every pistol tested at PPT sees a minimum of 500 rounds of ammunition put through it, starting at 7 yards and backing up to 25-50 yards - though most of the Glocks listed here have seen 1,000+ rounds over several years of shooting.
A Ransom Rest is used to test accuracy and remove shooter error, while other tools, like a digital caliper, chronograph, and Lyman Digital Trigger Gauge are also used to ensure accurate metrics while shooting.
When shooting, our team mixes it up between accuracy-based shooting and drills like the Bill Drill, Reload Drill, and Strong and Weak-Hand Shooting.
For ergonomics, our team looks at features that might impact how the gun feels while shooting. We also consult with range buddies, family members, and other PPT staff to get input on ergonomics from different hand sizes.
Meet the Experts
Pew Pew Tactical Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings researched and wrote this article. Jacki has spent over a decade in the shooting sports space as a freelance writer, staff writer, and editor. She also runs our expert team and frequently contributes to content here at Pew Pew Tactical -- especially where concealed carry is concerned. Though Jacki's first gun was a Walther P22, she quickly moved up to a Glock 17 for home defense, then, later, to a Glock 19 for concealed carry. She carried a G19 for years, using it to help teach National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Courses and concealed carry courses. Though she has since migrated away from carrying a Glock daily, the Glock 17 still serves as her bedside pistol.
Final Thoughts
Glock's reliability and durability are a thing of legend.
Whether you're looking for a bedside pistol or a compact carry gun, there's a Glock for you.
If you opt for a non-MOS version but you want a red dot (highly recommended!), you can use C&H Precision's Slide Milling Service to get your slide ready for a red dot.
What is your favorite Glock? Did it make our list? Let us know in the comments below. If you’ve already got a Glock but want to snazz it up, check out some of our other articles on how to Gucci your Gat: Best Glock Upgrades, Best Glock Sights, and Best Glock Triggers.
Latest Updates
- April 2026: Added Glock 20, 21, 23 based on recent availability. Included more information on Glock generations.
- March 2026: Removed G20. Added more data and supporting media. Added information on Gen 6.
- October 2025: Removed Glock 30SF since discontinued.
- April 2024: Removed Glock 43, Glock 23. Added Glock 43X MOS and mentioned Glock 17 MOS. Added supplemental data to each product and enhanced the How We Tested section with additional information.