The Glock 45 Gen 5 features a 4.02-inch barrel and is chambered in 9mm. It combines a Glock 19-length slide with a Glock 17-size grip, creating an in-between size that maintains full magazine capacity. As a Generation 5 model, it incorporates updated design elements and refinements over earlier generations. The barrel protrudes slightly from the front of the slide, and the overall configuration is intended to balance shootability, capacity, and handling. Glock names its pistols after patent numbers rather than calibers, which explains why the Glock 45 is not a .45 caliber pistol and the Glock 22 is not chambered in .22, a detail that can initially confuse new handgun owners.
The slide on the Glock 45 Gen 5 has chamfered front corners and forward and rear slide serrations, allowing press checks from either end. The front sight is a single white dot, while the rear sight has a U-shaped white outline to aid quick target acquisition. The pistol includes an optics cut on the slide that retains the factory rear sight, enabling co-witnessing with a mounted optic, though the stock sights are relatively short. The video shows an example setup using a Swampfox-style optic mounted on the slide, noted clearly as an aftermarket addition that does not come with the pistol. Generation 5 ambidextrous slide releases are present on both sides of the slide for easier operation by left- or right-handed shooters.
The polymer frame of the Glock 45 Gen 5 includes a Picatinny rail with a single cross-slot, allowing attachment of common weapon lights or lasers. The trigger guard is squared with horizontal texturing on the front and an oval opening around the trigger. The Gen 5 trigger has a noticeable amount of take-up, including the movement of the trigger safety, before reaching a clearly defined wall. The break is described as slightly spongy, while the reset is crisp and easy to feel. Overall, the trigger is characterized as typical for a Glock. The magazine release is square with vertical texturing, making it easy to locate and press without significantly shifting the firing grip, particularly for right-handed shooters.
The grip on the Glock 45 Gen 5 uses a squared, molded texture on all four sides to improve control. The frame can accept interchangeable backstraps on the rear of the grip to better fit larger hands. The magwell has a slight flare, with smooth polymer on the inside to guide magazines during reloads and help make them faster and more consistent. At the back of the grip, there is a small gap that allows the shooter to grasp and pull out a magazine if it becomes stuck during a malfunction. These features are intended to support reliable handling, secure purchase on the pistol, and efficient magazine changes under various conditions.
The Glock 45 Gen 5 is presented as an in-between size pistol that does not sacrifice magazine capacity while incorporating Generation 5 updates and an optics-ready slide. The combination of a Glock 19 slide and Glock 17 grip aims to balance concealability with control and capacity. The video emphasizes the practical benefits of the ambidextrous controls, optics cut, grip texture, and flared magwell. The pistol is noted within the broader context of Glock’s reputation for reliability and longevity. Viewers are encouraged to share their own experiences with the Glock 45 in reviews or comments, concluding the overview of this 9mm platform.
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