Glock pistols are prized for their reliability, accuracy, and ease of use. Much of this is owed to the optimized barrel lengths of each model of Glock.
One key aspect of selecting the right Glock for a user’s needs is to understand the different barrel lengths available, how they affect performance, and their compatibility with various Glock models.
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When considering barrel length in Glock pistols, it’s important to know that they can directly impact accuracy, recoil, and muzzle rise. For instance, longer barrels tend to improve accuracy but can make a firearm less ideal for concealed carry. On the other hand, shorter barrels may increase concealability but decrease accuracy to some extent.
Glock offers a range of barrel lengths across its different models to suit a variety of needs and preferences:
Subcompact Glocks – such as the G26, are designed for easy concealment, featuring shorter barrels.
Compact Glocks – like the G19, offer a balance of accuracy and concealability with a slightly longer barrel.
Standard and long-slide Glocks – including the G17 and G34, are focused on accuracy and performance, featuring even longer barrels for increased precision.
There are of course Glock sizes for every imaginable situation and we will cover their respective barrel lengths below.
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Glock Barrels Explained
Glock barrels are an essential part of the Glock pistol, responsible for housing and firing the bullets. Compatibility, specifications, and types of Glock barrels vary between the different generations and models of Glock pistols.
- Gen 1 – 4 barrels are interchangeable within their respective caliber families (Glock 19 Gen 3 barrels can fit in a Glock 19 Gen 4 pistol)
- Gen 5 barrels are not compatible with Gen 1-4 Glock pistols due to design changes
When considering aftermarket barrels, it is crucial to ensure proper compatibility with the intended pistol model. Several manufacturers produce aftermarket Glock barrels with varying features, such as threaded options for suppressor use, match grade, and enhanced accuracy.
Barrel lengths in Glock pistols directly influence the velocity of the bullet, with shorter barrels producing less velocity than longer ones.
Most Popular Glock Barrel Lengths
Glock 19: 4.02″ barrel
Glock 26: 3.43″ barrel
Glock 34: 5.31″ barrel
Keep in mind that aftermarket barrels may vary slightly in length compared to OEM barrels, but these differences typically do not impact function.
The choice of barrel length depends on the specific use case, such as concealed carry, competition, or duty use.
Glock 17 Barrel Length
The Glock 17 is chambered in a 9x19mm Luger and has a barrel length of 4.49 inches (114 mm), providing consistent accuracy for its users. This barrel length is suitable for various purposes, from personal protection to law enforcement applications.
The Glock 17 is a popular standard pistol choice due to its reliable performance and durability. This pistol has different generations, but no significant generation-based differences are present in terms of its barrel compatibility.
Regardless of the Glock 17’s generation, shooters can trust its accuracy and user-friendly design for various applications, ranging from personal use to law enforcement duties.
Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- System: Safe Action
- Magazine Capacity (Standard): 17
- Optional Magazine Capacities: 19, 24, 31, 33
- Weight without Magazine: 22.05 oz (625 g)
- Weight with Empty Magazine: 24.87 oz (705 g)
- Weight with Loaded Magazine: 32.28 oz (915 g)
- Trigger Pull: 28 N (Newtons)
Glock 19 Barrel Length
The Glock 19, a popular compact pistol, features a barrel length of 4.02 inches (102mm). This length provides a balance between accuracy and easy concealment, making it suitable for various applications such as law enforcement and personal self-defense.
The Glock 19 is available in different generations, with minor changes and improvements in each. The pistol maintains its iconic Safe Action system and is favored by many law enforcement agencies and individuals seeking a reliable, easy-to-maintain concealed carry firearm.
Although compact, the G19 still offers a significant magazine capacity for its size, adding to its overall versatility.
Specifications
- Caliber: 9x19mm
- System: Safe Action
- Magazine Capacity: Standard 15 rounds; optional 17, 19, 24, 31, and 33 rounds
- Weight (without magazine): 600g (21.16oz)
- Weight (with empty magazine): 670g (23.63oz)
- Weight (with loaded magazine): 855g (30.16oz)
- Trigger Pull: 28N
Glock 26 Barrel Length
The Glock 26, also known as the “Baby Glock,” is a subcompact pistol designed for concealed carry purposes. It features a barrel length of 3.43 inches (87 mm), providing a compact size suitable for easy concealment and handling.
The Glock 26 is available in multiple generations, with slight variations between them, such as differences in grip texture, accessory rail, and recoil spring assembly. However, the essential specifications, such as caliber, barrel length, and magazine compatibility, remain consistent across all generations.
When it comes to accuracy, the Glock 26’s subcompact design may not provide the same level of performance as bigger Glock models.
Specifications
- Caliber: 9x19mm (9mm Luger)
- System: Safe Action
- Magazine Capacity:
- Standard: 10
- Optional: 12, 15, 17, 19, 24, 31, 33
- Weight:
- Without magazine: 550 g (19.40 oz)
- With empty magazine: 610 g (21.52 oz)
- With loaded magazine: 730 g (25.75 oz)
- Trigger Pull: 28 N
Glock 43 Barrel Length
The Glock 43, a popular slimline pistol intended for concealed carry, features a barrel length of 87 mm or 3.41 inches. This compact design contributes to its ease of concealment while maintaining accuracy for self-defense purposes.
The Glock 43 is a single-stack pistol, making it thinner than double-stack models and therefore easier to carry discreetly. Its slimline design doesn’t compromise on accuracy and reliability, which are hallmarks of the Glock brand.
The G43 is suitable for all shooters regardless of hand size, with a built-in beaver tail design that allows for a high and tight grip, enhancing control and overall shooting experience.
Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Magazine Capacity: 6 rounds
- Overall Length: 159 mm (6.26 inches)
- Slide Length: 154 mm (6.06 inches)
- Overall Width: 27 mm (1.06 inches)
- Slide Width: 22 mm (0.87 inches)
- Height (including magazine): 108 mm (4.25 inches)
Glock 21 Barrel Length
The Glock 21, a popular choice among law enforcement and civilians alike, is chambered in .45 ACP and offers a barrel length of 117 mm (4.61 inches). This pistol offers a balance of power, accuracy, and reliability, making it an excellent choice for various applications.
The Glock 21 also features adjustable backstraps, allowing for a tailored and comfortable grip. This pistol’s accuracy and remarkable light recoil make it a favorite amongst the law enforcement community and those seeking a high-capacity .45 ACP firearm.
Specifications
- Standard Magazine Capacity: 13 rounds
- Weight without magazine: 745 g (26.28 oz)
- Weight with empty magazine: 830 g (29.28 oz)
- Weight with loaded magazine: 1100 g (38.80 oz)
- Trigger Pull: 28 N
Glock 19x Barrel Length
The Glock 19X is a unique “crossover” pistol that features a Glock 17 grip and a Glock 19 slide and barrel combination. The barrel length of the Glock 19X is 4.02 inches (102 mm), which is slightly shorter than the full-size Glock 17, but still provides excellent accuracy and ballistic performance.
Specifications
- Caliber: 9x19mm
- System: Safe Action
- Magazine Capacity: Standard 17 rounds (optional: 19 / 24 / 31 / 33 rounds)
The Glock 19X weighs 24.83 oz (704 g) when unloaded and 31.39 oz (890 g) when loaded. As for its compatibility with other Glock models, it’s important to note that some components, like the Gen 5 Glock 17 barrel, may not be interchangeable with previous generations due to differences in barrel lockup design.
The coyote color and factory-colored slide finished in an improved nPVD coating for corrosion resistance are some other notable features of the Glock 19X. In addition, the pistol is also equipped with the Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB), no finger grooves, an ambidextrous slide stop lever, and a lanyard clip.
Other Glock Model Barrel Lengths
Glock 45 Barrel Length
The Glock 45 is a 9x19mm compact crossover pistol, featuring a compact slide with a full-size frame. Its barrel length measures 102 mm or 4.02 inches. This pistol is designed with features from the military G19X and specifications requested by law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Glock 48 Barrel Length
The Glock 48 is a 9mm Luger pistol featuring a slightly slimmer design compared to the G19. Its barrel length measures 4.17 inches, offering improved accuracy and shooting velocity compared to the Glock G43X, which has a 3.14-inch barrel. With the 4.17-inch Glock Marksman Barrel, shooters find it relatively easy to hit the standard 50-yard targets in the shooting range.
Glock 42 Barrel Length
The Glock 42, a popular choice for concealed carry, is chambered in .380 Auto and has a barrel length of 82.5 mm (3.25 inches). This compact pistol is designed for easy carry and concealment while still delivering the reliability and accuracy expected from a Glock firearm.
Compatibility
Glock pistols are known for their interchangeable parts, allowing for easy customization and maintenance.
Generally, as long as the Glock slides model and generation are the same any barrel that is compatible will work.
Guide to Barrel Upgrades
When considering upgrades, several factors should be taken into account:
- Compatibility: Ensure that the parts are designed specifically for the Glock model and generation.
- Quality: Select a Glock barrel from reputable brands and manufacturers for high-quality components.
- Purpose: Make sure that the upgrades align with your intended use, such as improving accuracy, adding personal style, attaching a muzzle device, or enhancing the pistol’s performance.
In Conclusion
Before purchasing a new barrel, it is essential to confirm compatibility with your specific Glock model and generation.
It’s also crucial to research any specific use case you are looking for i.e. threaded barrels and compensators.
Understanding your Glock pistol, its components, and functionality is key to keeping your firearm running and your shooting accuracy.
What is your favorite barrel manufacturer and model? Do you have an ideal length you enjoy at the range or better yet for personal protection?
Let us know in the comments below.
