Yes, this is another list of the “best Glocks for ...” But there are plenty of reasons you see so many articles like this pop up. 

Glock has earned its spot in the top ranks of the handgun market for its continued reliability and ever-evolving lineup (just like the iPhone!). It also has arguably the most aftermarket support, meaning you have more choices in holsters, sights, and other accessories than you’ll know what to do with.
 

PLAN BEFORE YOU PURCHASE


Since we know concealed carry is the purpose of the pistols in this article, you’ll have to decide what caliber, capacity, and size of pistol you are most comfortable with. 

I prefer to carry 9mm, with at least double-digit capacity, and no pocket-sized pistols (I have larger than average hands). But what’s right for me may not be for you, so try to make those decisions before buying, and you can narrow this list down quite a bit. 

Thankfully for me, that’s about all the introduction an article on Glocks needs. So, without further ado, I present to you the best Glocks for concealed carry.


Glock 19 Gen 5 MOS
Glock 48 MOS
Glock 43X MOS
Glock 23 Gen 5 MOS
Glock 42

Glock 19 Gen 5 MOS

My top recommendation goes to the Glock 19, more specifically, the Glock 19 Gen 5 MOS (Modular Optic System). The Gen 5s added some long-awaited features such as forward slide serrations, and an improved trigger, while also removing the dreaded finger grooves on the grip.

The G19 is going to be one of the larger on the list, but it’s still compact enough to carry in almost any position or style you’d like, with the right holster or off-body setup. Thanks to its capacity (15+1) and ability to host a plethora of lights and optics, it also doubles as a phenomenal home defense pistol. 
 

Related Review: Glock 19 Gen 5 Grafts Real Upgrades Onto Family Tree


It comes with several interchangeable backstraps to achieve a custom fit to your hand, while the longer slide and taller grip help to manage and control the felt recoil. 

Overall, the Glock 19 Gen 5 MOS is one of the best “do-it-all” and most “bang for your buck” 9mms out there.  
 

Specifications:

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Capacity: 15+1
  • Barrel Length: 4.02 inches
  • Overall Length: 7.28 inches
  • Width: 1.34 inches
  • Height (including mag): 5.04 inches
  • Weight (empty): 23.81 ounces

Glock 48 MOS

Do you like the sound of the G19 above, but feel it may be a bit too bulky? If so, then the Glock 48 MOS may be for you. 

The G48 MOS maintains a similar length and height to the G19 but slims it down, literally. The Slimline design knocks the overall width of the pistol down to 1.1 inches, making it even easier to conceal and more comfortable to carry in general. 
 

Related Review: Glock 48 – Why I Sized Up for Concealed Carry


You still get the accessory rail, optics-ready slide, and a double-digit (10+1) capacity, just in a thinner and lighter form. I would highly suggest carrying an extra magazine with this one, though, as 11 total rounds are on the lower side of what I’d be comfortable having. 
 

Specifications:

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Capacity: 10+1
  • Barrel Length: 4.17 inches
  • Overall Length: 7.28 inches
  • Width: 1.1 inches
  • Height (incl. mag): 5.04 inches
  • Weight (w/ empty mag): 20.6 ounces

Glock 43X MOS

Here’s another “hybrid” for you, if you want to get even more concealability than the other two above. The Glock 43X MOS is essentially the G48 and carries on the thinner Slimline grip, but reduces the size one step farther by running a shorter 3.41-inch barrel. 

Thankfully, the grip remains the same height, so you don’t lose control and functionality. It’s another 10+1 capacity pistol, but the shorter barrel length means less “poking” if you carry IWB and especially AIWB. 
 

Related Review: Why the Glock 43X Remains So Popular


You do lose the accessory rail, though, so be prepared for a much more limited choice of lights. The Streamlight TLR-6 would be my recommended light if you do decide to run with the G43X. 
 

Specifications:

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Capacity: 10+1
  • Barrel Length: 3.41 inches
  • Overall Length: 6.5 inches
  • Width: 1.1 inches
  • Height (including mag): 5.04 inches
  • Weight (empty): 18.55 ounces

Glock 23 Gen 5 MOS

Maybe you’ve decided that 9mm doesn’t quite pack enough punch, but you don’t want to lose too much capacity by going with a .45 ACP pistol. If so, look at the .40 S&W Glock 23 Gen 5 MOS.

It’s basically the .40 S&W version of the G19. Still compact enough to carry, but large enough to aid in accuracy and open up the door for a ton of lights and bigger optics options. 

The step up to .40 S&W from 9mm naturally reduces the capacity, but you’re still left with a solid 13+1 capacity. Additionally, the G23 is so similar in size to the G19, most holsters will fit both!
 

Specifications:

  • Caliber: .40 S&W
  • Capacity: 13+1
  • Barrel Length: 4.02 inches
  • Overall Length: 7.28 inches
  • Width: 1.34 inches
  • Height (including mag): 5.08 inches
  • Weight (empty): 26.67 ounces

Glock 42

I’d like to preface this pick by saying I felt obligated to include it. I don’t feel that .380 Auto (ACP) is a suitable defensive round from a stopping power perspective. However, if a pocket-sized pistol is what you are looking for and are set on .380 Auto, the Glock 42 is the one to check out.

For those used to the Glock-style sights, trigger, and reliability, the G42 makes sense. Its extremely small size means maximum concealability, but also means minimum capacity at only seven total rounds. 
 

Related Review: Best .380 ACP Carry Gun? G42 Review Shows Great Promise


It’s worth noting that you won’t get an optics-ready slide, forward slide serrations, or an accessory rail with this one. So, if size matters most to you above all else, then you’re set here. 
 

Specifications:

  • Caliber: .380 ACP
  • Capacity: 6+1
  • Barrel Length: 3.25 inches
  • Overall Length: 5.94 inches
  • Width: .98 inches
  • Height (including mag): 4.13 inches
  • Weight (empty): 13.76 ounces

WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?


Ultimately, that’s going to come down to your personal preferences, but any Glock on this list will serve you well. Since you can count on Glock from a reliability perspective, the most important thing will be training with your new gun. 

Simply carrying a gun is not enough to protect you and your loved ones. The hope is that you never have to pull your gun from concealment, but if you do, you need to be proficient and confident with it. As always, be safe, train hard, and have fun. 

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