Glock's Forgotten Pistol | The Glock 49

Introducing the Glock 49 Concept

The discussion opens with a shooter looking for a Glock and being introduced to the Glock 49. It is described as a long-slide, short-grip configuration that visually blends elements of the Glock 17 and Glock 19. The pistol uses a Glock 19-size frame with a 15-round magazine capacity, while wearing a full-size slide comparable to a Glock 17. The slide is modified to work with a Glock 19 recoil spring. The Glock 49 is presented as a “forgotten” model in the lineup, intended for shooters who want a longer slide and sight radius without the full-size Glock 17 grip.

Glock 47 Background and Parts Compatibility

The video then explains the Glock 47, introduced around 2019 for a CBP contract. That model used a full-size frame with a 17-round magazine and a slide designed around the Glock 19 recoil spring, maintaining parts compatibility with existing Glock 19 pistols. Fast-forward to November 2023, Glock released the Glock 49, which shares the same Glock 19 recoil spring but pairs it with a Glock 19 frame and a full-size Glock 17-length slide. This configuration offers a longer sight radius and slightly increased slide mass, which can contribute to marginally improved recoil management compared to shorter-slide models, even though the real-world difference in accuracy and control is described as subtle.

Why the Glock 49 Is Overlooked

The presenter notes that the Glock 49 has not generated much conversation among shooters compared to models like the Glock 17, 19, 26, 43, or 19X. Despite previous videos and comparisons on the channel, comments rarely mention the 49. The pistol is positioned as a good option for those who want the longer sight radius and barrel length of a full-size slide but prefer a shorter Glock 19-style grip instead of the bulkier Glock 17 grip. The video also highlights semi-modular compatibility within the family: for example, a Glock 45, which has a full-size frame and Glock 19-length slide, can share slide and barrel assemblies with the Glock 49 to approximate a Glock 19 configuration.

Range Test and Recoil Impressions

On the range, the Glock 49 is fired to evaluate recoil and handling. The shooter remarks that the recoil feels very similar to other Glock pistols, reinforcing the idea that the differences between long and short slides are present but not dramatic for most users. The longer slide and sight radius are acknowledged as theoretical advantages for recoil control and follow-up shot placement, but the presenter emphasizes that, in practical shooting, the improvement is minor. The Glock 49 is shown functioning reliably with standard double-stack Glock magazines, and the overall shooting experience is described as familiar to anyone accustomed to a Glock 19.

Sights, Pricing, and Grip Fit

Attention shifts to the Glock 49’s sights and cost. The pistol on screen is equipped with night sights instead of the basic plastic Glock sights. The speaker notes that a Glock 49 with standard sights can be found under about $500, while the version with night sights is around $620, and upgraded options run closer to $650. The added cost for night sights is described as modest and worthwhile. Grip size is discussed in detail: shooters with larger hands may find the Glock 19-size frame can pinch the hand during reloads, especially under aggressive magazine changes, whereas those with smaller hands may prefer the shorter grip over a full-size Glock 17 frame.

Magazine Options and Longer-Range Shooting

The video covers magazine compatibility and practical advantages. Short Glock 19-length magazines will not fit into full-size models like the Glock 17, 47, or 45, but longer double-stack Glock magazines will work in the Glock 49. A 17-round magazine from a Glock 47 is inserted into the Glock 49 to demonstrate this flexibility. The pistol is then used for shooting at approximately 75 yards, showing that the long-slide, compact-frame setup is capable at extended handgun distances. The importance of training with both strong and support hands is emphasized so that the pistol can still be operated effectively if the primary hand cannot be used.

MOS Optics, Controls, and Trigger Upgrades

In closing, the Glock 49 is shown with Glock’s MOS system, which allows mounting various optics using adapter plates. The pistol includes ambidextrous slide stop or slide release controls, which can benefit both right- and left-handed shooters. The magazine catch can be reversed to accommodate different hand preferences. The presenter recommends the Glock Performance Trigger as an upgrade for the 49 or other compatible Glock models, noting that it costs around $100 and significantly improves the trigger feel. The video ends by inviting viewers to compare the Glock 49 with the Glock 17 and Glock 47 and to consider the semi-modular nature of models like the Glock 45 when configuring their preferred setup.