Glock Lineup: 7 Best Models for Concealed Carry

It’s estimated that nearly a third of all Americans own a firearm. While most people own a gun for home defense or hunting purposes, other individuals want the freedom to carry their gun in public in case they need to protect themselves.

When it comes to concealed carry firearms, there are a lot of different options out there to choose from. However, few are more efficient and durable than the Glock lineup. Unfortunately, there are a lot of different models to choose from in this lineup.

So what is the best Glock for concealed carry? And how do you go about getting a concealed carry license to begin with? This guide will briefly explore the answers to these questions. That way, you can get a quality Glock firearm in a way that’s legal and safe.

1. Glock 19

When it comes to some of the other models on the classic pistol lineup, you might think that the Glock 19 is too large. After all, there are a lot smaller and lighter Glocks available.

However, it’s important to note that even the larger Glocks are still the perfect size for a concealed carry. All you need is the right type of belt and a Glock holster to secure it while on the move.

And, when it comes to the models on this list, few are more famous than the Glock 19. That’s because this model is something of a flagship for the company. It brings with it some of the best shooting abilities of any Glock on this list.

What’s more, most of the other Glocks on this list can only carry ten-round magazines. The Glock 19 ups that amount to fifteen rounds. Plus, since it’s the most popular firearm from the company, it’s extremely customizable.

Just take a look at some of the Glock 19 accessories you can add to your unique set-up. Whether it’s a threaded barrel or a more accurate optic, there is no shortage of options available for making the firearm more your own.

2. Glock 43X

Glock weapons are already fairly small compared to some other handguns. However, the Glock 43X is by far the smallest Glock model you will find. In our opinion, this makes it the best concealed carry Glock.

Both the slide and the barrel width on the Glock 43X are smaller, which makes it a lot easier to conceal. However, it’s got a nice long handgrip, which makes it one of the more comfortable Glock firearms on the market to use.

However, we always recommend the Glock 43X over the Glock 43. The X model comes with a magazine that can carry ten rounds, while the traditional Glock 43 only carries six in the chamber. As such, with the original, you need to make your shots count effectively.

3. Glock 48

You can think of the Glock 48 as a single-stack version of the Glock 19. When compared to the Glock 43X, it does feature a much longer slide. That being said, the grip length and the magazine are all the same as the 43X.

While it lacks some of the concealability of the 43X, the longer barrel does help it shoot a lot more effectively. You can think of it as a compromise between the Glock 19 and the Glock 43X.

It combines some of the concealability features (smaller mag and width) of the 43X with the stopping power and accuracy of the 19.

4. Glock G36

Want more stopping power out of your Glock firearm? If so, then the Glock G36 is the right pistol for you. Instead of 9mm rounds, this firearm has .45 ACP rounds. These types of bullets are larger and heavier than 9mm rounds.

As such, they can down targets at a much quicker speed. The only problem is that the Glock G36 can be on the bulkier side. What’s more, the higher-caliber rounds mean that you get more recoil, which means you can’t be as accurate.

As such, it’s not something we recommend to gun owners who can’t control their recoil. However, in terms of power, it might be the best Glock for self-defense.

5. Glock G29

Like the Glock G36, the Glock G29 is certainly not for everyone. It features a higher caliber round, this time a 10mm instead of a .45 ACP. As such, the recoil on the pistol can be just as hard to deal with.

What’s more, these models also tend to be quite expensive. So why would you want it? Because this type of Glock pistol is powerful enough to bring down a bear and other types of furry critters.

So if you want concealed carry primarily for self-defense purposes while hunting in the wilderness, this model might be the right choice for you.

6. Glock 30S

The Glock 30 was already a fairly slim firearm. However, the company went even further with the Glock 30S. And like the Glock G36, it uses .45 ACP rounds that pack a punch.

So if you want a firearm that provides a ton of stopping power while remaining slim, you can’t go wrong with this. The only problem is the grip. It’s extremely small.

And because the recoil on this firearm packs a punch, it can be extremely hard to control. We don’t recommend this model for people with larger hands. It likely won’t ever feel right in your hands while you handle it.

7. Glock 44

In our opinion, the Glock 44 isn’t the best model for concealed carry. The Glock caliber, which features a .22 LR, doesn’t do a lot of damage. And there are certainly smaller models out there that can pack an even heavier punch.

So why do we recommend it? Because it’s a great practice tool. The Glock 44 uses an affordable form of ammunition and the recoil on it is minimal. As such, it’s a great tool for beginners to get used to the look and feel of handling a Glock firearm (not to mention the fact that it’s just plain fun to fire).

As such, if you don’t have any experience with Glock pistols, we recommend starting with this one. Once you get the hang of it, you can switch to the other ones for proper concealed carry.

Is There a Best Glock for Concealed Carry?

As you can see, there are no shortages of excellent Glock models that can function as concealed carry. However, is one of these models the best of the bunch for this specific purpose?

For the most part, the answer is no. That’s because it all comes down to what you want out of your Glock firearm. For example, if you don’t want your firearm weighing down on you throughout the day, you probably want the lightest model possible.

For these preferences, go with the Glock 43X. If you don’t mind a gun that’s a little heavier and bulkier, go with the Glock 19. In our opinion, it’s the best shooting pistol in the lineup.

And, if you’re going to bring a firearm in public, it makes sense to prioritize one that can shoot quickly and accurately. Alternatively, if you’re fine with the long slide length on the Glock 19, but desire a pistol that’s both slimmer and less heavy, go with the Glock 48.

Also, keep in mind that it’s possible to have the best of both worlds in some cases. For example, you can install an upgraded Shield Arm Magazine on the Glock 43X or Glock 48.

This brings the magazine Glock capacity up to fifteen without compromising any of the slimness or lightness. However, at the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference.

No one person prefers the same trigger sensitivity, recoil control, and handling ergonomics. As such, we typically recommend test-firing several Glock models to see which one best fits your shooting style.

How Do You Get a Concealed Carry License?

Just because you have a Glock that can be used for concealed carry doesn’t mean you can just walk around with it. To do this, you will need an appropriate license.

Sadly, concealed carry licenses can be complicated. That’s because the federal government doesn’t issue these licenses. Instead, these permits must be acquired by your state or local government offices.

Different state governments have different hoops that you must jump through to get them. Some make it easy, while others require extensive background checks and applications.

The good news is that all states allow for concealed carry. So as long as you’re willing to put in the work to get a permit, you shouldn’t have any trouble.

Want More Gun Content? Keep Exploring

We hope this guide helped you find the best Glock for concealed carry. As you can see, no one model perfectly fits the criteria for an ideal concealed carry.

That’s because different gun owners will have different preferences when it comes to things like weight, ammo capacity, and shooting style. As such, we recommend test-firing each model you’re interested in at a gun store.

That way, you can get a better sense of what you like in person before you invest in a firearm. Craving similar gun advice? We have plenty more on our site so keep exploring to find some great additional articles.