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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