The Best Glock for Concealed Carry: Unveiling the Ultimate Pocket Rocket

Embarking on a quest for the ultimate concealed carry companion, my exploration led me into the hallowed domain of Glock pistols – celebrated for their unyielding reliability, enduring durability, and stellar performance. Sure, you can poke fun at their angular aesthetics and unchanged design for 2 decades, but the undeniable truth is that these handguns have weathered the tests of time, law enforcement, special forces, military units, and, of course, the discerning community of concealed carriers worldwide.

In the hidden world of concealed carry, where finding the right balance between compactness and firepower is key, my journey revolves around discovering the perfect "pocket rocket" among them. And so, my search begins.

How to Choose the Best One?

As a seasoned gun enthusiast, I knew that the path to selecting the right Glock for concealed carry required a meticulous examination of personal preferences and lifestyle. The chapters unfolded with the following guiding principles:

1. Size and Concealability: Navigating the dimensions of each Glock model became an essential chapter, ensuring that the chosen firearm nestled comfortably in my concealed appendix holster without compromising its effectiveness. My recommendation is to try each model at your local gun shop & in your favorite everyday carry position before the purchase.
2. Caliber Suitability: This point was all about the world of calibers, where the harmony between the number of rounds in the magazine and the caliber's efficiency for self-defense shaped my choices. Glock is currently offered in 8 different calibers and you guessed it, 9 mm is most common and that will also be my go-to option.
3. Capacity vs. Concealment: Striking a harmonious balance between magazine capacity and concealment added an intriguing twist to the plot, taking into account both personal preferences and local regulations. Even the compact grips of the Glock 26, coupled with its magazine, generously provide 10 shots – a number I find more than sufficient for most emergency situations. While Glock models with larger grips can offer greater firepower, my preference leans toward smaller grips for enhanced concealment. Any potential lack of firepower can be easily compensated by carrying a spare extended magazine, after all.
4. Comfort and Ergonomics: The narrative emphasized the significance of a Glock that felt like a natural extension of my hand, accounting for grip texture, trigger reach, and overall ergonomic design. These features are almost identical across the whole Glock portfolio. Differences lie mostly in the thickness of the firearm itself.
5. Reliability and Durability: The reliability and durability of each Glock model emerged as a pivotal plot point. Ensuring the chosen firearm could withstand critical situations became a non-negotiable requirement.
   
   

My Top 5 Glock Models For Concealed Carry

With a mission in mind, I entered the local gun shop, ready to embark on a journey of analysis within Glock's lineup. Armed with my guiding principles, I dived into concealed carry options, seeking a firearm that would seamlessly align with personal preferences, lifestyle, and the delicate balance between compactness and firepower. Join me in this exploration as we dissect the nuances of Glock's offerings, evaluating each model against the backdrop of practicality, versatility, and the ever-important factor of comfort in concealed carry.

Glock 43: Feather-like Sub-Compact

Unfolding the drama of Glock's concealed carry lineup, the Glock 43 appeared as the silent hero, championing the cause for those who prioritize concealment without compromising on stopping power. With its 9mm, single-stack design, and a six-round capacity, it is perfect concealed pistol without too much firepower. On the other hand, less ammunition means less weight and better comfort.

Rating:

• Size & Comfort: Slimmer design & shorter grip suitable for smaller hands. Perfect for CCW because of its low weight.
• Caliber Suitability: 9mm, a common and effective choice
• Capacity: Lowest on this list with only a six-round capacity
• Ergonomics: Classic Glock ergonomics in slimmer design
• Reliability and Durability: Reflecting Glock's renowned standards
  
  

Glock 26: Low-Profile Sub-Compact

Stepping into the spotlight, the Glock 26, often hailed as the "Baby Glock," became the protagonist for those craving higher capacity in a compact frame. Its subcompact design, chambered in 9mm, showcased versatility with some sacrifices on the size. This model offers a reliable solution for those who sought a robust firearm in a smaller package.

Rating:

• Size & Comfort: Lowest height on this list, however it is quite thick & heavy thanks to the double stack magazine
• Caliber Suitability: 9mm, a reliable and popular choice
• Capacity: Little better 10-round capacity in a compact frame
• Ergonomics: Bigger grip gave me Glock 19-like feeling
• Reliability and Durability: Glock's proven track record
  
  

Glock 43X: Sub-Compact Everybody Dreamed of

Then, a plot twist introduced the Glock 43X, seamlessly combining the best features of the Glock 43 and 48. This model boasted a slim profile paired with a 10-round factory magazine, catering to individuals who yearned for both concealment and ample ammunition capacity.  Like this isn't enough it is available with a rail for lights and can also be found in optic-ready configuration. The Glock 43X added a new layer to the narrative, proving that innovation and adaptability could coexist in a single compact firearm.

Rating:

• Size and Comfort: Pleasant slim profile with a longer grip excellent for a variety of hand sizes
• Caliber Suitability: 9mm, a proven and versatile choice
• Capacity: The factory 10-round magazine can be replaced with an aftermarket 15-round in the same size
• Ergonomics: Slim design with enough space for bigger hands
• Reliability and Durability: Glock's trademark reliability
  
  

Glock 19: The Goldilocks Option

As the story approached its climax, the Glock 19 emerged as the Goldilocks option—a firearm that was slightly larger than its counterparts but undeniably versatile and immensely popular. With a 15+1 round capacity, it provided a harmonious balance between compactness and firepower, making it good for both concealed carry and home defense.

• Size and Comfort: Largest handgun on this list & less comfortable than other options
• Caliber Suitability: 9mm, a reliable and widely used caliber
• Capacity: Excellent with a 15+1 round capacity
• Ergonomics: Adaptable design for various hand sizes
• Reliability and Durability: Consistent with Glock's standards
  
  

Glock 48: Slim Design For Sharpshooters

But wait, the cast isn't complete without introducing the Glock 48 – a slender and sleek sibling to the Glock 43X. Chambered in 9mm, the Glock 48 mirrors the Glock 43X's slim profile but distinguishes itself with a longer slide and barrel. The magazine offers the same 10 rounds. This model caters to those who appreciate a longer sight radius and enhanced accuracy while maintaining the discreet elegance that defines Glock's concealed carry options.

Rating:

• Size and Comfort: Slim design with length of Glock 19. It is one of the heavy options on this list
• Caliber Suitability: 9mm, a versatile and effective choice
• Capacity: The factory 10-round magazine can be replaced with an aftermarket 15-round in the same size
• Ergonomics: Very good for a variety of hand sizes
• Reliability and Durability: Meeting Glock's high standards
  
  

In this concealed carry saga, each Glock model plays a unique role, offering practitioners a range of choices to suit their preferences and needs. Whether it's the reduced weight of the Glock 43, the longer sight radius of the Glock 48, or the slim profile and increased capacity of the Glock 43X, the Glock lineup proves itself as a versatile ensemble ready to meet the diverse demands of concealed carriers

Conclusion

In the final chapter, the narrative concludes that the ideal Glock for concealed carry is a deeply personal choice. The Glock 43, Glock 26, Glock 43X, Glock 48, and Glock 19 each possess unique strengths, and the title of "pocket rocket" varies based on individual criteria, including body shape and personal preferences.

The tale underscores the importance of selecting a Glock that seamlessly fits, can be deployed swiftly, and delivers the necessary firepower for self-defense in diverse circumstances. I chose the Glock 43X along with a great holster on that day and so far, it seems like a decision tailored to my needs. As you embark on your selection journey, feel free to draw inspiration from my criteria, and don't forget to try them out yourself at your local gun dealership.