The Glock 22 has been around for over 30 years, earning a solid service reputation from the FBI, law enforcement, and civilians alike. It’s essentially the .40 S&W version of the Glock 17, filling that power gap between 9mm and .45 ACP. 

Many have adopted the G22 as their preferred carry gun, given it still provides 16 total rounds (15+1), but adds additional stopping power over its 9mm sibling. This has been my first bout with the G22, and I have to say, I’m enjoying it. 
 

Table of Contents

First Impressions
Features
Specs
Range Time
Glock 22 Versus Glock 17

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

It didn’t feel like a first impression pulling this gun out of the box. Since it shares everything from the control layout to overall size with the G17, it was extremely familiar. Even loaded, the weight is close enough to not really notice, at least in my opinion. 

It’s been a while since I’ve had any Gen 4 Glocks, so the finger grooves felt a little strange, but it still feels great in hand. I have large hands, so the taller grip is always appreciated. 
 

Related: Review and Brief History of the Glock 22
 

FEATURES

In the rare event that you aren’t familiar with Gen 4 Glocks, I’ll go over the key features instead of just saying “the standard Glock features.” The G22 features interchangeable backstraps along with finger grooves on the front of the grip, so you can really have a gorilla grip on this gun once you find the right size backstrap to suit your hand. 
 

You’ll also find a versatile accessory rail to mount your favorite lights or lasers, a reversible mag release, and Glock’s “safe action” trigger. 

I find that stock Glocks, the G22 included, have everything you need but still leave a few things to be desired. It would be nice to have an ambidextrous slide stop and a lighter trigger pull, but those are simply wishes and not necessarily cons. 
 

Related: Glock Has Reached the End of the Line on Gen 4 9mm, .40 S&W

SPECS

• Caliber: .40 S&W
• Capacity: 15+1
• Length: 8 inches
• Barrel Length: 4.5 inches
• Height: 5.5 inches
• Width: 1.3 inches
• Weight: 25.6 ounces
   

RANGE TIME

Glocks may not be the flashiest handguns out there, but they are one of the most reliable. While I have put only 200 rounds through the G22 so far, I’ve had zero malfunctions. 

I always make sure to put target and defensive rounds through a gun when testing it to make sure it’s not picky. The G22 ate all the following with no issues: 135-grain Doubletap JHP, 125-grain Speer Lawman TMJ, and 165-grain Winchester White Box FMJ. 
 

When it comes to accuracy, I was pleasantly surprised with the G22. I don’t shoot .40 all that often, so when I was getting 3-inch groupings out to 25 feet right out of the box, I was happy! 

After I spent some more time with it, I extended those 3-inch groupings out to about 12 yards. The longer barrel and slide help to mitigate some of the recoil and make the G22 an easy .40 to control. 
 

GLOCK 22 Versus GLOCK 17

The age-old debate of which caliber is best to carry will likely never end. You may prefer .40, and I may prefer 9mm, but in the case of the G22, we don’t have to argue or choose just one. With a simple drop-in conversion barrel, you can go from shooting .40 to 9mm in the blink of an eye. 

Even though I’m a 9mm guy, the G22 has me very much considering grabbing a couple of .40s. And no, I’m not talking about beers. As the G22 is essentially a .40-caliber version of the G17, I can easily see it joining my rotation of carry guns after some additional range time. 

Related: Why I Chose a Glock 17 Gen 2 as an EDC