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SHOP NOWClassic Firearms breaks down its top five Glock pistols in a straightforward comparison. The hosts discuss capacities, dimensions, and roles for each model without hype.
The hosts open by acknowledging how many Glock models exist and decide to narrow things down to their top five Glock pistols. They mention hearing from a credible source that Glock is discontinuing several variants, including many .40 S&W and .357 SIG models and even the Glock 34 MOS Gen 5. That rumor, along with Glock’s reputation for being one of the most widely used and reliable handgun platforms in the world, sets the stage for the discussion. The goal is to pay homage to key models and explain why certain Glocks stand out in terms of configuration, role, and long-term relevance.
The number five spot goes to the Glock 43 and 43X, with the 43X shown as the primary example. The 43X offers a 10-round magazine plus one in the chamber, in a very slim, easily concealed package. The grip shape and thin profile are emphasized as major advantages for concealed carry and fast magazine changes. Shield Arms aftermarket magazines are mentioned as a way to increase capacity, though the hosts note there have been reliability questions and suggest using them at the owner’s risk. The standard Glock magazines remain the reliable baseline. They briefly compare the 43X to the Glock 48, which keeps the same slim grip and capacity but adds a longer slide and barrel for more sight radius, and to the original Glock 43, which maintains similar barrel length with a shorter overall grip.
In the number four position, the Glock 45 and Glock 19X are grouped together because they share the same basic concept: a Glock 17-size grip with a Glock 19-length slide and barrel. The 19X was originally developed for a military contract that ultimately went to SIG Sauer, and it features a distinctive coyote-colored finish, different sights, and a lanyard loop for positive retention. The Glock 45 refines that idea with front slide serrations and other small updates, but functionally both provide a 17-round capacity with a compact-length slide. The hosts briefly discuss an optic setup, comparing the COA optic’s glass and slim profile to the Aimpoint ACRO, and express concern about an attachment method that captures the optic through the rear sight dovetail. They suggest the Glock 45 will likely climb higher on their list over time as its hybrid configuration gains more appreciation.
Number three is the Glock 34, with a joking nod to the even longer Glock 17L, which they describe as impractically long for most uses. The Glock 34 keeps a standard Glock 17 frame and 17-round magazine capacity but adds a longer slide and barrel for an extended sight radius and improved shootability. The example shown is equipped with a Timney Alpha trigger, which the hosts note as a nice upgrade for a cleaner break. They reference the Taran Tactical Glock 34 Combat Master, made famous in John Wick 4, as an illustration of how the 34 platform is often customized for performance. The Glock 34 is described as a proven competition pistol that wins matches and remains popular with many shooters. While the 17L is mentioned, the hosts clearly favor the 34 as the more practical long-slide option that can still be carried and used in a wide range of roles.
The number two slot is given to the Glock 19, with particular attention on the Glock 19M. The 19 is described as a compact that effectively functions like a small full-size pistol, often considered a true “do-all” handgun. The 19M was developed as the FBI’s contract gun and heavily influenced the Gen 5 line. It incorporates features such as the removal of finger grooves, a slightly flared magwell, an extended slide stop or slide release, updated coatings, and optics-ready considerations. The standard configuration offers a 4-inch barrel and 15-round magazine capacity. The hosts note that the Glock 19 is the best-selling Glock model, outselling other SKUs in the lineup, and remains widely used by law enforcement agencies. For shooters with larger hands, they mention the 17M as an alternative, but emphasize that the 19 and 19M are the primary focus due to their versatility and broad adoption.
Before revealing the top spot, the hosts offer honorable mentions. The Glock 48 is highlighted as essentially a slimline version of the Glock 19 in overall length, but with the thin grip profile of the 43X. It carries 10 rounds in the magazine plus one in the chamber, with the option of using Shield Arms magazines to increase capacity, again with the caveat about potential reliability trade-offs. The longer slide and barrel provide more sight radius and slightly better recoil control compared to the 43X. The Glock 26 is also mentioned as an early concealed carry option in the Glock lineup. It holds 10 rounds in its standard configuration but can accept larger Glock magazines, including 15-round Glock 19 magazines and even higher-capacity options. The short grip is a common complaint, yet its ability to use almost any double-stack 9mm Glock magazine makes it a versatile backup or compact carry gun.
For the number one position, the discussion centers on the Glock 17 and the closely related Glock 47. A quote from Tommy Lee Jones about choosing a Glock 17 underscores its status as a classic full-size duty pistol. The Glock 47 is described as essentially a Glock 17 slide and barrel length combined with a Glock 45-style frame and a Glock 19 recoil spring assembly. This configuration offers some modularity, allowing slide and barrel swaps with other compatible Glock models to tailor length and handling. The 17 remains the reference point for Glock’s full-size 9mm platform, known for its standard 17-round capacity and duty-oriented dimensions. The 47 builds on that foundation with incremental changes aimed at flexibility while preserving the familiar feel and performance characteristics that made the 17 widely adopted in law enforcement and civilian use.
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