6 Best 9mm Glock Pistols [Hands-On Tested]

Looking for a great self-defense handgun that is perfect for concealed carry and will never let you down?

A 9mm Glock gives you the best of both worlds. You get the advantages of using a 9mm and the reliability that comes with the Glock name.

In other words, Glock 9mms are powerful, easy-to-carry handguns that can get dragged to hell and back and will still fire without any problems.

Today, we’re going to take a look at the pros and cons of 9mm Glock models to help you decide which Glock makes the most sense for you!

Keep reading if you’re in the market for a new 9mm.

9mm Glock Comparison Chart

How We Tested the 9mm Glocks

For this article, we gathered a bunch of 9mm Glocks we've personally shot, reviewed, and owned here at Pew Pew Tactical. The entire Pew Pew Tactical editorial team and freelance writers contributed to this review to offer different opinions based on ergonomics, size, and experience.

From range shooting to concealed carry to classes to on-the-job....these guns have been taken and shot in just about every environment you could imagine. These Glocks have had hundreds, if not thousands, of rounds put through them in classes and at the range and have stood out as the best of the best based on features, performance, accuracy, and value.

We've linked guns we have reviews on 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, shooting supported on a Ransom Rest and unsupported. We also check the average trigger pull with a Lyman Digital Trigger Gauge.

Best 9mm Glock Models

1. Glock 17 - Best Full Size 9mm Glock

Best Full-Size

Glock 17

$539

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$539 at Palmetto State Armory

Midway USA (see price)

Guns.com (see price)

GrabAGun (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel Length: 4.5"
• Overall Length: 8"
• Width: 1.34"
• Weight: 24.97 oz
• Capacity: 17+1

There’s a reason why the Glock 17 is a law enforcement favorite. It’s accurate, weighs less than 1.5 pounds, and comes with a 17-round magazine.

When it comes to self-defense, you’ll have a hard time finding a better overall gun that packs the stopping power, accuracy, and capacity of the Glock 17.

One of the biggest complaints that people have had about Glock handguns is the uncomfortable handle. However, the introduction of backstraps has helped make handling the Gen4 much easier than its predecessors.

For this reason, I recommend giving the G17 a test run before ruling it out.

The G17 was carefully designed with the help of military personnel, competitive shooters, and law enforcement officers. Their valuable input is one of the main reasons why the G17 is dependable, accurate, and easy to handle.

It’s a great all-around gun and is perfect for anyone seeking a 9mm for self-defense purposes.  

We have a full review of the Glock 17 if you're interested in learning more!

Or if you want a little extra length...try the Glock 17L.

Glock Gen5 G17L MOS

$529

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$529 at GrabAGun

Firearms Depot (see price)

It's the big older brother of the standard Glock 17, with a longer barrel length of 6.02 inches and an overall length of 9.53 inches.

It also sports a lighter trigger at around 5 pounds. We dropped the video review below so you can check that out. (Or you can check out the official Glock 17L Review if you prefer written)

2. Glock 19 - Best Mid-Size 9mm Glock

Best Mid-Size

Glock G19 Gen 5

$539

at Guns.com

Prices accurate at time of writing

$539 at Guns.com

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel Length: 4"
• Overall Length: 7.28"
• Width: 1.34"
• Weight: 23.63 oz
• Capacity: 15+1

If you’re looking for the same punch as the Glock 17 but something that’s easier to carry around, the Glock 19 might be the gun for you.

The size and design of the G19 make it an incredibly easy gun to handle, which is why it’s one of the top-rated self-defense handguns for women.

The Glock 19 is the G17’s compact twin. Its 7.28-inch length makes it a popular gun for security forces and anyone looking for a good concealed carry piece.  

The G19 is a lightweight gun that was designed to be carried comfortably. It comes standard with three 15-round magazines, which is more than enough firepower for the average person seeking a gun for home or self-defense.

For starters, the G19 is a reasonably priced handgun that’s dependable and accurate.  Its compact size makes it perfect for concealed carry.

You can even comfortably carry the G19 around as a backup piece without having to worry about unnecessary discomfort.

Overall, the G19 is a more mobile version of its predecessor, the G17.  Its compact size and built-in accessory rail make the G19 a popular piece among private security agencies.

Alongside the G19 is the G19x, a hybrid of the G17 and G19 that Glock designed for U.S. Military trials.

Since then, it has become MASSIVELY popular, with more than 100,000 units shipped in less than nine months!

Glock 19x

$588

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$588 at Palmetto State Armory

GrabAGun (see price)

Brownells (see price)

In the firearms world, that is a crazy amount of sales.

3. Glock 26 Gen 5 - Best Compact 9mm Glock

Best Compact Glock

Glock G26

$539

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$539 at GrabAGun

Guns.com (see price)

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel Length: 3.4"
• Overall Length: 6.42"
• Width: 1.30"
• Weight: 21.69 oz
• Capacity: 10+1

The Glock 26 is affectionately known as the “baby Glock.” This 6.41-inch long sub-compact handgun is the smallest of Glock’s 9mm models.  

And while it’s a great concealed carry gun, the G26’s small size makes the handgun difficult to handle for people with large hands.

When Glock released the G26 Gen 4, they added two great features -- adjustable backstraps and a magazine-release button that’s easier to access.  

While these modifications helped make the handgun easier to handle, the gun’s small size may take some getting used to.

Like with other Glock products, the “baby Glock” is designed to be just as durable and accurate as its predecessors. It comes with a 10-round magazine, so you don’t get as much firepower as you would with bigger 9mm Glocks.

Don’t let the size fool you though, the G26 is just as strong as full-sized 9mms.

The G26 is designed for one primary purpose: concealed carry. If you’re looking for a gun that’s guaranteed to be comfortable and easy to lug around, you won’t find a better match.

Its small size makes the G26 the best gun for shooters who need compactness over versatility.

4. Glock 34 MOS - Best 9mm Glock for Competition

Best for Competition

Glock 34 MOS

$600

at Guns.com

Prices accurate at time of writing

$600 at Guns.com

Firearms Depot (see price)

Primary Arms (see price)

Buds Gun Shop (see price)

Show all prices

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel Length: 5.3"
• Overall Length: 8.74"
• Width: 1.34"
• Weight: 26.21 oz
• Capacity: 17+1

The only 9mm Glock that was designed specifically for competitive shooting. Larger than the G17, the Glock 34 has a barrel length of 5.31 inches and an overall length of 8.74 inches.

If you’re looking for a Glock for concealed carry, the G34 is probably not the best choice. Its long-barrel design makes it difficult to conceal comfortably.

However, this same design makes it an incredibly accurate gun to have if you don’t mind using it for open carry.

It comes with adjustable rear sights and 7.56 inches between the front and rear sights, giving the gun a long sight radius. In terms of accuracy, the G34 is arguably one of the most precise 9mm Glocks out there.

While the G34 is bigger and bulkier than the average 9mm, its long barrel and sight radius give it incredible accuracy. Factor in the fact that it’s built with the same dependency as other Glock models, and you’ve got yourself a great 3-gun pistol.

5. Glock 43X - Best 9mm Glock for Concealed Carry

Best for Concealed Carry

Glock G43X

$485

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$485 at GrabAGun

Guns.com (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel Length: 3.4"
• Overall Length: 6.5"
• Width: 1.1"
• Weight: 18.7 oz
• Capacity: 10+1

A major update to the standard G43, the X stands for 10 because this G43X takes 10-round magazines instead of the standard 6-round mags of the G43.

With a redesigned frame and grip, this is effectively the same footprint as a normal G43.

Measuring 6.5 inches overall with a barrel length of 3.41 inches, the G43X boasts a width of 1.10 inches.

The G43X bridges the gap between larger Glocks like the G19 and smaller Glocks like the standard G43. If you want a tinier gun but with a decent capacity, then the G43X is the one you want.

What if you want the G43X frame but also love red dots? Glock has you covered with the G43x MOS.

Of course, that MOS designation means it's cut for optics. If you have the extra money, we highly suggest springing for the MOS version since you get all the benefits of the G43X platform AND an optics-ready pistol.

If you're looking for a CCW pistol, this is one of the best options on the market right now. Want to learn more? Check out the review here or watch the full video review below.

6. Glock 47 MOS - Best 9mm Duty Glock

Best Duty Glock

Glock 47 MOS

$620

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$620 at GrabAGun

Kygunco (see price)

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel Length: 4.5"
• Overall Length: 7.95"
• Width: 1.34"
• Weight: 25.93 oz
• Capacity: 17+1

The Glock 47 was released in 2019 but to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection only. That changed in 2023 when the Austrian gun maker released a civilian version known as the Glock 47 MOS.

This gun is functionally very similar to the Glock 17 but with a few upgraded features. Namely, this model sports an optics-ready slide, dust cover, and upgraded trigger.

It has all the hallmarks of a Glock, though, when it comes to ergonomics and reliability. After testing, the Glock 47 MOS held up exactly how you would expect it to.

Learn more by watching our full video review below or reading the article here.

Meet the Experts

This article builds on an original piece written by former Pew Pew Tactical author Brandon Harville.

This review was edited, fact-checked, and added to by Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings, who runs Pew Pew Tactical’s experienced team of reviewers. Jacki is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association and has her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications. She has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years, and has worked as an editor for five years. She uses her extensive professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards. Additionally, Jacki owns several Glocks and concealed carried a Glock 19 for almost a decade.

More Glock

If you're looking for even more articles on Glock and Glock accessories, check out what we have going on!

• Best Glocks
• Best Glocks for Concealed Carry
• Best Glock Magazines
• Best Glock Upgrades
• Best Glock Triggers
• Best Glock 19 Sights
• Best Glock 19 Holsters
• Glock 17 vs. Glock 19
• Glock Generations Explained

Final Thoughts

Glocks are known for their consistency, accuracy, durability, and dependability. So it's no wonder these 9mms are some decent options when it comes to pistols.

And once you get used to shooting one Glock, shooting a different model shouldn’t be too much of a challenge. For this reason, I swear by them...even if they are ugly as sin.

How do you feel about Glocks? Let us know in the comments! Looking for something NOT 9mm? We have our Best Glock Handguns article that covers all calibers and sizes.

Latest Updates

• April 2025: Added the Glock 17L, removed the Glock 48.
• May 2024: Removed the Glock 43.