It’s not too often I get truly excited for a new Glock. That’s not because I don’t like them – I do very much. I personally own a “few” and will probably acquire a few more over time. However, you know exactly what you’re going to get with each Glock – a reliable and customizable handgun that has minor improvements over the previous generation. 

With that being said, one of the guns at the top of my list to check out at SHOT Show this year was the Glock 47 MOS (Modular Optic System). 

The Glock 47 was developed in 2019 for United States Customs and Border Protection but wasn’t available to us common folk, aka the commercial market, until this year. It brings a level of modularity to the Glock platform that increases the value immensely, in my opinion. The G47 is even replacing the Glock 17 Gen 5 MOS, which should tell you how much Glock believes in its value.

If you’re a 9mm person, especially if you already run a Glock 19 Gen 5, I suggest you pay close attention to see if the G47 MOS should be your next purchase. 
 

Table of Contents

First Impressions: Isn’t This a Glock 17?
Features
Specs
Range Report
Pros & Cons
Final Thoughts

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: ISN’T THIS A GLOCK 17?

Picking up the G47 MOS for the first time at SHOT Show 2023 felt oddly familiar. Oh yeah, that’s because it looks and feels exactly like the Glock 17. The two basically share the same specs, with the only major physical difference being the shortened dust cover on the G47 MOS. For me, it didn’t feel like a “first impression,” but more so a feeling of comfort, like coming home to your own bed after an extended trip away. 
 

Once I returned home from SHOT Show, it wasn’t long until I was picking up a G47 MOS from my local FFL. Opening the Glock case, you’ll find three 17-round magazines, two interchangeable backstraps, and the standard mag loader, in addition to the standard lock and literature. I was a tad disappointed the optic mounting plates kit was not included, but you can buy those separately for roughly $20.
 

Related: A Closer Look at the New Glock 47 MOS 9mm
 

FEATURES

Before we dive into what sets the G47 MOS apart, it’s worth noting the many features it shares with the other Gen 5 Glocks.

With all the Gen 5s, you’re going to have the finger grooves removed from the grips (about darn time!), an ambidextrous slide stop lever, and front slide serrations. These features should have been implemented a long time ago, in my opinion, but I’m glad they are here now!
 

You’ll also notice the slide is optics-ready from the factory. There are certain Gen 5 models that you can order without the slide cut, but I always say it’s better to have it and not need it, than the opposite. Just a side note: if you’re looking for an awesome direct-mounting optic, check out the Holosun SCS … you’ll thank me later. 
 

Of course, the main draw to the G47 MOS is the modularity. With the shortened dust cover, you’re able to swap slide assemblies with the Gen 5 Glock 19s and Gen 5 Glock 45s. If you want a little bit extra concealability, throw a G19 slide/barrel on there. If your favorite optic is on your G45 and you don’t have the tools to swap it over, just throw your G45 slide/barrel on there.

The prepper in me loves having these backup options.  

Now if we can only get Glock to start adding some better sights, we’d be set! All joking aside, they work fine, but a tritium front sight and blacked-out rear sight would be much appreciated. 
 

SPECS

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 17+1
• Overall Length: 7.95 inches
• Barrel Length: 4.49 inches
• Width: 1.34 inches
• Height: 5.47 inches
• Weight: 25.93 ounces (unloaded)
   

RANGE REPORT

I haven’t been shooting as much as I’d like, but I have been able to put just over 500 rounds through the G47 MOS so far – 525 to be exact. Of those 525 rounds, I’ve had literally zero issues. 

I ran the following ammo through the G47 and it ate it all like Joey Chestnut at the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest: 115-grain Range Dynamics FMJs, 115-grain Blazer Brass FMJs, 115-grain LAX Ammo FMJs, and 124-grain Federal Punch JHPs.
 

The Federal Punch shot surprisingly accurately (at least for me). Even with the little bit of extra “kick” behind the bullet, I was quickly shooting 3-inch groupings out to 15 yards and slightly tighter when taking my time. I’m far from a competition shooter, so that’s fine shooting for me. 
 

PROS & CONS

Pros: 

• Gen 5 features (front slide serrations, removal of finger grooves, improved trigger)
• Modularity – mix and match with the G17/G19/G45
• Reliable as clockwork
• More aftermarket parts and accessories than you’ll know what to do with

Cons:

• Doesn’t come with the MOS adapter plate set
• Be ready to swap the sights out – to be expected with a Glock
   

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you value versatility as much as I do, the G47 MOS should be your next Glock (if you run 9mm of course). Ideally, I would have both a G47 MOS and G19 Gen 5 MOS. That way, you’re able to swap slides, run 15 or 17-round mags and can carry a little more discreetly if you chose to do so.

However, if you already have a G17 Gen 5, I don’t see the need to run out and buy a G47 MOS as well. Of course, I’m not telling you not to, but it wouldn’t make much sense. 

Regardless of if you feel you actually need one or not, the reliable and versatile Glock 47 MOS would make a solid addition to any safe.