Despite its mildly misleading moniker, the G45 is a 9mm pistol. It’s quite similar to the Glock 19X, but there are important distinctions beyond the black color. Have a look at the feature callouts in the images below for a fuller appreciation of these changes and improvements. I got to spend some quality time with the G45 this month and I have a few thoughts and some info to share.
Why Consider the Glock 45?
With its full-size frame and compact slide, the G45 is perhaps best considered as a duty pistol or home-defense gun. The shorter, lighter slide means less-pronounced muzzle-flip and its larger grip means more ammo capacity and slightly better control opportunities. The longer grip also means the Glock 45 is not the best concealed-carry gun.
You might also consider the G45 because it represents a slight evolution in the current Gen 5 complement of features. Maybe call it a Gen 5.5 pistol. Many enthusiasts and law enforcement officerss may enjoy the slight enhancements featured on this gun.
Glock 45 Specs:
- Caliber: 9×19
- Length: 7.44”
- Slide Length: 6.85”
- Height: 5.47”
- Width: 1.34”
- Slide Width: 1”
- Barrel: 4.02” Marksman Barrel
- Weight: 24.98 oz. (w/empty magazine)
- Finish: nDLC black
- Sights: Available with polymer, steel, or steel night sights
- Capacity: 17
- MSRP: $698 (often available for less)
Shooting the Glock 45
It’s a 9mm Glock pistol. I don’t believe it necessary to describe what it’s like to shoot one, except to say that performs just like any other mid-to-full-size Glock pistol. What is perhaps remarkable about the shooting experience is that the G45’s trigger is the best of the Gen 5 triggers I’ve ever pressed. It’s still a Glock trigger, but it’s considerably better than the Gen 4 trigger and to me it seems even better than the Gen 5 G19 triggers I’ve spent time with.
Comfort and Controllability
The pistol is eminently controllable and the extended grip (as compared to the G19) will make some people very happy; especially those with large hands. Glock pistols are never very ergonomic, but I’m quite used to them and find nothing exceptionable about this one.
Components and Materials
Again, it’s a Gen 5 Glock pistol, so… The G19-sized slide features the nDLC coating, which is a bit slicker than previous slide treatments, but the forward slide serrations will mitigate that slickness for some folks who care about such things. The sights are available in standard polymer “u-notch” sights, steel 3-dot sights, or factory Glock night sights.
The slide has the contoured “bullnose” front area and the frame is contoured to match this feature. The barrel is the Gen 5 “Marksman” barrel, which is a genuine step up from the Gen 4 barrels. The slide stop controls are on both sides of the pistol and, as per usual, the magazine release control is reversible.
The trigger has the smooth face rather than the G19-style serrated face. The full-sized grip has the flat frontstrap and, unlike other Gen 5 models, there is no cutout at the base of the grip. Like Gen 4 Glocks, the G45 comes with replaceable backstraps for sizing and comfort fit to your preference. The base of the grip is mildly flared out to create a slight magwell (though it is not a true magwell and there is no need for one anyway).
Conclusions
Pros:
It’s a Glock, which means it’s the most reliable, safest pistol on the planet right out of the box. The full-size grip fits larger hands, allows for more ammo capacity, and better control. The G19 slide means lighter weight, less muzzle flip, and excellent balance to the whole gun. The new trigger is Glock’s best yet.
Cons:
The gun is not the best choice for concealed carry and the backstrap contour, as with all Glocks, is not the most ergonomic. It’ll likely be hard to find one with anything other than the typical polymer sights.
So for rating the Glock 45…
Ergonomics (***)
I find it to be just fine, but I’ve learned to settle. Most quality pistols are far more ergonomic than any Glock pistol.
Shootability (*****)
It’s very shootable, especially with the better trigger.
Accuracy (****)
I found it to be plenty accurate and the Marksman barrel is a genuine boon to accuracy.
Reliability (*****)
It’s a Glock; the most reliable pistol on the planet. I have experienced no malfunctions of any kind while shooting the G45s.
Customization (*****)
There are all kinds of aftermarket sights and other components for this pistol, and any holster that fits a Gen 5 Glock 19 will fit the G45.
In Summary
For duty carry or home defense, this is a gem of a pistol. I like how Glock is making small incremental improvements in their components and this pistol has the most and best options available.
Rent the G45 at Eagle Gun Range, shoot a box or two of ammo through it, and see what you think!
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I am not alone in this but it seems like people who write these reviews have not gotten the message.
Anyone who has half a brain and has at least Half of that half turned on, who knows anything about what Google is and cares to know how Glock names their guns already know, they are named by their place in sequence of patents. G17 was17th patent, G19 was 19th patent and on.
Stop, not just on this article but everyone writing these articles about Glocks, stop going on about how Glock names their guns.
People who truly want to know will look it up, and reviewers who constantly harp over it sound like stuck records and turn the reader away from the article before they ever start reading it.
As for the G45. It’s a Glock. It’s a nice pistol which I personally think looks a bit better that most Glocks, front serrations , flared magwell, and some like the lack of finger grooves. This version of the Glock pistol is essentially the Glock 19 with a 17 round mag. Same thing I’ve been carrying for several years now.
G19, G17 mag with XGrip mag sleeve. I fell in love with the combo first time I saw it. When I first saw the G45 I recognized it as being what I’d been carrying but with refinements, knew straight away it was next on my bucket list.
Mike C you Nailed it. i too have carried the 19 with the 17 round mag for yrs. just picked up the 45
and absolutely love it . i started carrying a SA range officer 9mm comp but now it goes back in the safe for the G45 will now be my permanent CC. the artical is right about a few thing like the trigger pull being lighter and smoother than my 19. i like the fact that the finger grooves are gone and it groups better than my 19 at 25 yrds. i suggest you get one …
So G45 is the best ?? Think i will go for it
I didn’t regret buying mine. I love this pistol and was the first Glock I bought
The absolute best! Nothing compares in its class ! This gun never fails !
I have shot almost 6-7 models of the Glock line, gen 2-5. I always respected them as how reliable they are and how many people love them. But I just always thought if they could just fix that damn trigger. Well I went to look at the gen5 g19 and they had sold every gen 5 they had but alas they had one g45 left that he had just brought out the back. The longer grip I liked but then I pulled the trigger and yes it is even better than the g19x/gen5. Is not just smoother, whether you’re shooting from the triggers catch point for precise shooting, or just one smooth pull and I get almost no sight play. Plus the g45s are polished triggers for sure but I’m not sure about the regular gen 5s. And I put the medium beaver tail bacstrap on it and not only did it fit my grip perfect the tail actually helps keep your shirt from hanging up surprisingly due to how it lines up with the base of the handle and plus the barrel is shorter remember, so that’s really what u have to worry about. If u can conceal a g17 then u can conceal the g45. Soon enough CC will be pointless because where I live over half the businesses have that no weapons allowed signs which prohibit you from concealed weapons on their property. I’m bout to just get a comfy shoulder rig and just go open since I live in a open carry state.
Michael Robinson – “no weapons allowed signs”. Usually “no weapons” means “NO WEAPONS”.
Doesn’t say you can open carry, and State law does NOT trump the rights of the business owner to keep out any weapons, so you may want to rethink the open carry thing.
I’m truly glad you were not smug in your comment – it could have been embarrassing!
Unfortunately, you are also wrong.
Glock numbers their products in the order in which they were released. Has nothing to do with patents – believe me, there are not enough differences from one gun to another to be able to have individual patents.
The Glock 17 was named that because it was the 17th product released by the company.
The Glock 45 was named that because it was the 45th product released by the company.
Nothing to do with patents.
You are absolutely right about this … you have done your home work.
Thank You .
To protect me offspring my children
S&W. M&P. M2.0 compact is a better gun
Hell no it isn’t. A high point is better then s&w. At least high point never sold out their 2a rights for profit. By the way I shoot a mr918 elite. That’s the best Glock ever
Thanks for making a statement without facts. You blend in with the Glock or CZ weiners
Just get a Sig Sauer SP2022. Decent gun. Reasonable price..And just as reliable as a Glock. 9mm is fine.
I carry an SP2022 on duty … save your money, it’s a waist on the SP2022 … get the Walther PPQ, it’s better than the G45 (yes, i’ve shot it as well as several other glocks) … when you try the PPQ, you’ll see what i mean …. Love the PPQ’s so much, i’ve bought 4 of them (2 9mm’s, .40 and the .45), and got rid of all of my glocks except for the G30 (off-duty carry) …
waste, not waist (darn spell checker) ;)
Ahh no it is not. That two piece trigger is for the birds, IMO S&W should stick to what their good at. Revolvers.
Its not even in the same category. Come on now.
This isnt a compact.
Ps the 43x runs circles around a M&P
What is the best ones for my 45? I know most of it is personal preference but id like brand names and ones that are obviously reliable. Thank you
I fell in love with this gun for a few reasons. It was everything I have been trying to make my Glock 19. I removed the finger grooves from that gun and undercut the trigger guard so my large hands would fit the grip. The Glock 45 gave me everything I wanted with a few other bonuses. IMO its perfect and not at all hard to conceal.
Can the Glock 45 Gen 5 use the Glock 19 Gen 5 10 round mag? NJ limits to 10 rounds.
No, the g19 mags don’t work with the g45 no matter what generation. It isn’t long enough to fit all the way in the g45..
I would suggest getting out of New Jersey. They’re the only state I found that has any ammo but won’t sell any of it says law enforcement on it cause they don’t wanna piss off the manufacturer and I know for a fact civilians can buy law enforcement ammo too, it’s just so law enforcement knows it’s certified for duty use. If they can access it for everyday defense use so can you.
The articles comment on the marksman barrels is weak without any foundation . Why is it better? There does not seem to be any improvement in accuracy.
The marksman barrel does leave much more visible indentations on the bullet and is easier to trace back to the barrel. Marksman barrel was originally created for the FBI. Maybe the FBI wanted to trace their bullets back to the agent?
Professionals who actually use their handguns in combat disagree. S&W makes dammed fine wheel guns but they’re not even in the same universe as Glock when it comes to semi-autos.
US Special Operations units-Navy SEALS, Delta Force, Army Rangers and Marine Force RECON chose Glock over all others . That’s good enough for me.
I love the people that come on these sights and tell others what they should like and not like . I’m the type of person that follows my own rules and beliefs . I don’t do or follow what other do or like . I have always liked Glock Pistols and own 5 different models . I plan on getting the G-19X but haven’t as of yet because of the brown color . So buy what you want and don’t listen to liberals telling untrue facts !!!!!
A shorter barrel does NOT reduce muzzle flip, it increases it. A shorter, lighter slide increases the amount of felt recoil and muzzle movement as there is LESS resistance to it.
I carry the glock 43X with 15 round shield arms magazines and find it to be the absolute best for concealed carry. Have over 3,000 rounds with these mags (I have 3) and no failures of any kind. Just doesn’t get any better glock 19 capacity in a smaller package !!!!
Been a deputy sheriff for 18 years; always carried a 1911; but my swat buddies ‘brought me to the dark side’. I now carry the Glock 45; And am happy with it. In my past experience glocks s aslways shot low and to the left for me; not this one. I love the dual side stop.