The video opens with a playful disagreement about whether Glock pistols truly are the best concealed carry choice. Ka insists that Glocks are the top option, while Katie pushes back, leading them to propose a side‑by‑side comparison instead of just arguing. They introduce the lineup on the table, ranging from the small “baby Glock” up to larger models, and explain that the goal is to figure out which Glock might be the best concealed carry option for different people. Ka welcomes viewers back to Classic Firearms, introduces himself and Katie, and notes that Clint is away at a training event, so the two of them will be handling this discussion. They point out that concealed carry has become more mainstream than ever, with more people carrying pistols daily, and that Glock’s reputation for being proven and reliable makes it a natural brand to focus on. While acknowledging that many other manufacturers offer excellent pistols, they clarify that this video will concentrate on Glock models, their sizes, and how those differences affect everyday carry.
The hosts start the comparison with the Glock 26, a compact 9mm often nicknamed the “baby Glock.” Ka confirms that all pistols on the table are unloaded and safe, then highlights the 26’s 3.2‑inch barrel and 10‑round double‑stack magazine. When Katie grips the gun, she demonstrates how little space there is for her fingers: her ring finger barely fits, and her pinky hangs off the bottom of the frame. Even with the magazine inserted, the extra grip area is minimal, which can make the pistol feel cramped and harder to control. Ka recalls owning a Glock 27 in .40 S&W built on the same small frame and explains that, for him, the combination of the tiny grip and sharper recoil made it difficult to manage. This leads into why Glock later introduced a slimmer, single‑stack option to address complaints about thickness and controllability in such a short‑gripped design.
From the Glock 26, the conversation moves into the broader trade‑off between capacity and concealment. The hosts explain that the 26’s double‑stack magazine gives it a respectable 10‑round capacity for such a small pistol, but the thick grip can make it harder to hide and less comfortable for some shooters. Glock’s answer was the Glock 43, a single‑stack 9mm with a much slimmer profile that disappears more easily under clothing and feels less blocky in the hand. However, the 43 ships with a six‑round magazine, which is a noticeable reduction compared to the 26. Ka and Katie talk about how this difference matters in stressful encounters, where accuracy can suffer and multiple shots may be required. They mention that aftermarket Shield Arms magazines can increase capacity in the 43 and especially in the 43X, turning the 43X from a 10‑round single‑stack into a pistol that can hold 15 rounds while still being relatively slim. The 43X is described as a stretched‑out version of the 43 with a longer grip that fills the hand better, though that extra grip length can be more prone to printing under light clothing.
The hosts dive deeper into how the Glock 43, 43X, and 48 compare in terms of ergonomics and concealment. They emphasize that the grip is usually the part of the pistol that prints the most, so the 43’s short grip makes it easier to hide, especially for appendix or strong‑side carry. The 43X, with its longer grip, gives the shooter a full, comfortable hold and better control during rapid fire, but that same length can make it slightly harder to conceal for some body types or clothing choices. They then introduce the Glock 48, which shares the same grip height and single‑stack 10‑round magazine as the 43X but adds a longer slide and barrel. The 48’s extra length and weight out front can smooth out recoil and improve sight radius, which some shooters appreciate for more precise shooting. At the same time, Ka and Katie question whether the 48 offers enough advantage over the 43X to justify the added slide length, since the grip—rather than the barrel—is usually the limiting factor for concealment.
Attention shifts to the Glock 44, Glock’s .22 LR pistol that closely mimics the size and feel of a Glock 19. The hosts describe its polymer slide with steel inserts, 10‑round magazine, and overall dimensions that make it easy to handle and simple to conceal if someone wanted to carry it. They are puzzled by the relatively low 10‑round capacity given how small .22 LR cartridges are and note that the magazine and frame appear to have unused internal space. This observation leads them to ask whether .22 LR is a realistic option for concealed carry. Ka and Katie express doubts, pointing out that rimfire ammunition can be less reliable than centerfire and that .22 LR does not deliver the same energy or penetration as common defensive calibers like 9mm. They hint that the Glock 44 may be better suited as a training companion to a 9mm Glock rather than as a primary everyday carry pistol.
The hosts then tackle the question of using .22 LR for self‑defense more directly. Both of them state that, while a .22 can certainly be dangerous, they do not consider it their first choice for a defensive handgun. They explain that in real‑world encounters, distances are often very short—around 3 to 5 yards, and sometimes within arm’s reach—and that attackers may be moving, under the influence of substances, or highly motivated. Under those conditions, they argue that a defensive round should be capable of disrupting the threat quickly, not just eventually causing harm. They contrast .22 LR with 9mm and larger calibers, which they feel offer better penetration and energy for this purpose. The segment underscores that, although any gun is better than no gun, they would rather carry a centerfire pistol that gives them more immediate effect on target in a close‑range confrontation.
While they are hesitant to recommend .22 LR as a primary carry caliber, Ka and Katie strongly endorse .22 pistols like the Glock 44 as training tools. They highlight the low cost of ammunition, minimal recoil, and reduced noise as major advantages for building fundamentals such as grip, trigger control, and sight alignment. Practicing with a .22 that shares the same controls and general feel as a 9mm Glock can help new shooters gain confidence before transitioning to a defensive pistol. However, they stress that anyone who carries a gun should also train extensively with the exact model and caliber they intend to rely on, not just with a softer‑shooting trainer. This leads into a comparison between the Glock 19 and Glock 45. The 19 is described as a compact 9mm with a 4‑inch barrel and 15‑round magazine that strikes a good balance between size and capacity. The Glock 45 uses the same slide and barrel length as the 19 but pairs it with a full‑size Glock 17 frame and 17‑round magazine, making it easier to shoot for some but slightly harder to conceal due to the taller grip.
On the range, the hosts start with a .22 pistol to demonstrate how soft‑shooting and approachable it is. They describe the recoil as minimal and the report as mild, reinforcing why .22 is excellent for new shooters and for high‑volume practice sessions. After warming up, they move to the Glock 26, the compact 9mm “baby Glock” with a 10‑round double‑stack magazine. The jump in recoil and muzzle movement is immediately noticeable compared to the .22. Katie comments on how snappy the 26 feels and how the short grip makes it difficult for her to get a full, confident hold, especially with her pinky hanging off the bottom. Ka notes that the limited space for the support hand can make rapid follow‑up shots more challenging. These live‑fire impressions echo their earlier points about how very small pistols, while easy to conceal, can be more demanding to shoot well.
The range session continues with the Glock 43, 43X, 48, and a Gen 5 Glock 19. The Glock 43 is praised for its slim, single‑stack profile and compact footprint, which make it comfortable to carry and easy to hide. However, its light weight and small frame still produce noticeable recoil, and the gun can feel lively in the hand during rapid strings of fire. Moving to the 43X and 48, the hosts appreciate the longer grips, which allow a full firing grip and better control. The 48’s longer slide and barrel provide a slightly softer shooting experience and a longer sight radius, which some shooters may prefer for accuracy. They also point out generational differences: the 43 is a Gen 4 design, while the 43X and 48 are Gen 5, and the newer generation brings changes in trigger feel and overall ergonomics. When they pick up the Gen 5 Glock 19, both hosts remark on how much more stable and controllable it feels, thanks to its thicker grip, added weight, and 15‑round capacity, even though that same thickness makes it a bit more challenging to conceal compared to the single‑stack models.
Next, the hosts run the Glock 45 on the range. With its Glock 19‑length slide and full‑size Glock 17 frame, the pistol offers a generous grip area and a 17‑round magazine. On the firing line, they find it very controllable and comfortable, with recoil that feels easy to manage and a familiar full‑size balance. Back at the table, they begin sorting through their impressions and picking early favorites. Katie surprises herself by leaning toward the Glock 43, even though she initially expected to prefer the higher‑capacity 43X. She explains that the 43’s smaller grip and slimmer profile simply feel better for her style of carry. Ka, on the other hand, is drawn to the 43X for its blend of capacity and shootability, and he also has a soft spot for the Glock 45 because of its full‑size handling and similarity to the Glock 17 platform he already knows well. They reiterate that the 43X and 48 are Gen 5 pistols while the 43 is Gen 4, which may influence how each model feels and shoots.
As they wrap up the comparison, Ka and Katie reflect on how each Glock performed in terms of recoil, comfort, and practical carry. They agree that all of the pistols are manageable, but full‑size or near‑full‑size guns like the Glock 45 and 19 are generally more pleasant to shoot for extended practice sessions. Smaller pistols such as the Glock 26 and even the 43 can be harsher on the hands, especially when running a lot of rounds, which might discourage some people from training as often as they should. The hosts emphasize that a good concealed carry pistol must balance being small enough to hide with being large enough to shoot accurately and confidently under stress. They caution viewers not to get overly focused on cosmetic upgrades like fancy finishes or purely aesthetic modifications, arguing that money is usually better spent on ammunition, quality holsters, and structured training that builds real skill.
In the closing segment, the hosts reiterate that training and familiarity with one’s chosen pistol matter far more than cosmetic enhancements. They encourage viewers to invest in practice, classes, and quality gear rather than chasing looks. The discussion turns to holster selection, where they highlight options with features like claws that push the grip inward to reduce printing and improve concealment. They strongly warn against carrying a pistol tucked into the waistband without a holster, stressing the importance of covering the trigger guard and keeping the gun in a consistent, secure position to avoid negligent discharges and ensure a safe, efficient draw. Finally, they reveal their personal picks: one host chooses the Glock 43X as the best overall concealed carry option due to its ergonomics and the ability to increase capacity with aftermarket magazines, while the other favors the slimmer Glock 43 for its concealability and how it fits her hand. They close by inviting viewers to share which Glock they carry for everyday or off‑duty use, or why they might prefer a different brand altogether.
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