Glock .40 Caliber Breakdown [Guide]
We've got a by-the-numbers comparison of the .40 cal offerings from Glock so you can decide which one is best for you.
Recreational shooter and firearms enthusiast. CCW permit holder
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While the .40 S&W round isn’t the most popular on the block, it does have a dedicated, loyal following. A happy medium between .45 ACP and 9mm, it’s no surprise that some gun owners just can’t give it up.
But what if you want your favorite round in plastic “perfection”... a.k.a. Glock? Glock has you covered with a handful of Glock pistols chambered in the .40 S&W round.
We can all agree that Glock’s naming scheme doesn’t always make sense, so we’re here to help! We’ll dive into each .40 S&W handgun Glock has to offer, talk about its best use, and give you a run-down of its specs and notable features.
By the end, you’ll be ready to pick out your own .40 S&W Glock!
So, keep reading!
Table of Contents
The Quick List
- Best Full Size: Glock 22Jump to details ↓
- Best Compact: Glock 23Jump to details ↓
- Best Subcompact: Glock 27Jump to details ↓
- Optics Ready: Glock 35Jump to details ↓
.40 S&W Glock Comparison Chart
| Type | Barrel Length | Overall Length | Weight | Capacity | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glock 22 | Full-Size | 4.5" | 7.3" | 22.9 oz | 15 rounds | $402 |
| Glock 23 | Compact | 4" | 6.9" | 21.2 oz | 13 rounds | $413 |
| Glock 27 | Subcompact | 3.5" | 6.3" | 19.8 oz | 9 rounds | $499 |
| Glock 35 | Full-Size | 5.3" | 8.1" | 24.5 oz | 15 rounds | $596 |
How We Tested the Best .40 S&W Glocks
For this article, we gathered opinions from the Pew Pew Tactical staff and freelance writers based on .40 S&W Glocks that we've personally shot, reviewed, and/or owned. For guns we have reviews on, we've linked those so you can read more. Every review handgun undergoes a strict testing protocol that requires a minimum of 500 rounds of both FMJ and JHP ammo through it at 5 and 7 yards.
When selecting this list, we focused on .40 S&W Glock models that offered the best features vs. value and, most importantly, you can actually find in-store. (Looking at you, Glock 24.) We also tried to pull a variety of models that can fit into a few shooting categories, so whether you're looking for a competition gun, a home defense model, or a concealed carry option, we have you covered.
Best .40 S&W Glocks
1. Glock 22 - Best Full Size .40 S&W Glock
Pros
- Reliable
- Accurate
- Aftermarket support
Cons
- Not red dot compatible
Glock 22 Specs
- Type: Full-Size
- Capacity: 15 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.5″
- Overall Length: 7.3″
- Weight: 22.9 oz
- Height: 5.4″
- Width: 1.18″
Kicking off our list is the Glock 22. If you’re on the hunt for full-size, this is the pistol you want.
Sporting those familiar Glock aesthetics but in a larger size means you’ve got a lot more to hold onto while shooting. This, in turn, means recoil is minimal.
No wonder many law enforcement agencies choose this particular Glock.
The Glock 22 is available in the Gen 4 and Gen 5, with a Gen 5 MOS version also in the lineup. Personally, I like the feel of the Gen 4, but if you can splurge on the MOS, it’s worth it.
Anytime a Glock comes with an optics-ready slide, I’m going to tell you to grab that option.
If you want to read more on the differences between Glock generations, check out our article on Glock Gen 3 vs. Gen 4. vs. Gen 5.
Overall, the Glock 22 is a great fit for those interested in a duty gun or home defense pistol.
2. Glock 35 - Best Optics Ready .40 S&W Glock
Pros
- Red dot capable
- Accurate
- Reliable
Cons
- Difficult to conceal
Glock 35 Specs
- Type: Full-Size
- Capacity: 15 rounds
- Barrel Length: 5.3″
- Overall Length: 8.1″
- Weight: 24.5 oz
- Height: 5.4"
- Width: 1.18"
Remember how I mentioned the MOS versions earlier? Well, the Glock 35 is one such model that comes in a MOS variant, and I would recommend it.
It has a long slide, which again helps with accuracy, but the addition of an optics cut really elevates this Glock pistol.
Perfect for competition shooters who shoot with red dots or home defenders who really want to make sure they’re on target, that optics cut right out of the box means all you need is a good red dot to pair with it, and you’re off to the races.
(You can see some of our top red dot recommendations in the Best Pistol Red Dots.)
While this option might not work for all concealed carriers, I really like it for other defensive situations.
3. Glock 23 - Best Compact .40 S&W Glock
Pros
- Easier to conceal
- Reliable
- Accurate
Cons
- More muzzle flip
Glock 23 Specs
- Type: Compact
- Capacity: 13 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4"
- Overall Length: 6.9″
- Weight: 21.2 oz
- Height: 5.0″
- Width: 1.18″
So we’ve run through full-size and long-slide Glocks. What if you want to carry a .40 S&W Glock? The Glock 23 is a great .40 S&W handgun.
The G23 offers a nice blend of capacity and weight, allowing for a Glock pistol that isn’t too heavy or bulky to carry. It’s a really good overall size for concealed carriers stepping into the .40 S&W Glock world.
Of course, it has the reliability and accuracy you’d expect from Glock. While it’s going to recoil more than your full-size variants above, it has enough weight that most shooters should be able to manage its recoil.
Like most of the other models mentioned, Glock offers it in Gen 3, Gen 4, Gen 5, and Gen 5 MOS variants, so there’s pretty much one here for everyone.
We have more details on this handgun in our hands-on Glock 23 review.
4. Glock 27 - Best Subcompact .40 S&W Glock
Pros
- Reliable
- Concealable
- Accurate
Cons
- Less capacity
- More muzzle flip
Glock 27 Specs
- Type: Subcompact
- Capacity: 9 rounds
- Weight: 19.8 oz
- Barrel Length: 3.5″
- Overall Length: 6.3″
- Height: 4.2″
- Width: 1.18″
If you want the smallest .40 S&W Glock has to offer, the Glock 27 is your last stop.
The Glock 27 is a subcompact, meaning its measurements squeak in just under the Glock 23. What you get with the G27 is a lightweight, smaller handgun that still packs that .40 S&W punch.
The only downside is the capacity—with its size, you drop down to 9 rounds. But with Glock mags in abundance, you can easily carry a spare or three.
Recoil will be a little more stout with the Glock 27 as it’s a lighter gun with a smaller grip area. So be aware of that if you’re sensitive to the thought of added recoil.
Overall, the Glock 27 is a good carry gun for those dedicated to the .40 S&W tribe.
Why Trust Pew Pew Tactical
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings researched and wrote this article on Glock .40 S&W model. In addition to writing articles for Pew Pew Tactical, she also 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.
Not to mention, Jacki carried a Glock for years so she's very familiar with their ergonomics, features, and performance.
Final Thoughts
With a variety of Glocks in.40 S&W to choose from, you should be covered -- from competition to the home. Not to mention, the best thing about Glock is that these guns are pretty much the same throughout models, so swapping between calibers isn't a huge deal if you decide you want one in every round.
What's your favorite .40 cal Glock model? Drop it in the comments below. For more Glock goodness, check out the Best Glocks Across Calibers, or for a step up, head to our Best .45 ACP Glocks.
Latest Updates
January 2025: Rewritten based on current availability and more testing data.