The Glock 48 was introduced roughly a year ago and since that time it has garnered a fair amount of attention and popularity. There’s nothing really novel about the G48; it is essentially a single-stack G19 which, depending on how you look at it, makes some good sense or very little sense at all.
Since I make a habit of training with the G43 and carrying it when I’m at home, I’m familiar with the feel, carry, and manipulation of the Glock single-stack pistol platform. While the G48 has a longer slide and taller grip, it also has a slightly thicker frame than the G43, so it both feels and shoots like a more substantial pistol than its predecessor.
As I am not an active warfighter or LEO, the only pistols I care about are everyday-carry pistols; mostly concealed-carry pistols. So I confess that I initially found it hard to justify owning this pistol, since it is exactly the same length and height as the G19 and—even though it’s a single stack—it’s almost as thick as the G19. I have therefore long observed that if you can carry a G48, you can carry the much better option of the G19. But on serious reflection I’ve come to believe that there are legitimate reasons to own and carry the G48. So, after having spent some time shooting this single-stack pistol, I’ll details some thoughts here you might consider.
Why Consider the Glock 48?
The Glock 48 is a 9mm pistol that is made for concealed carry. It offers a slightly slimmer option to the G19 as a means to reduce the weight in/on your belt and/or for people with smaller hands who don’t like a double-stack grip. Loaded, the weight savings vs. a Glock 19 is 5 ounces. The slimmer slide and frame makes the G48 slightly easier to conceal than the G19.
The reduction in frame width and the single-stack magazine means fewer rounds; the G48 magazine carries 10 rounds. That’s the same capacity as the smaller, but thicker G26. One might think of it as a lighter Commander-size 1911 that is actually reliable.
Other reasons you might consider the G48 is for when you want less weight and easier concealment, but still want a near-full-size grip and longer slide, and the easier manipulation and control that offers. Yet another reason is that you want this smaller option, but still want the dead-simple mechanics and utter reliability of a Glock.
The Glock 48 Specs:
- Caliber: 9×19
- Length: 7.28”
- Height: 5.04”
- Overall Width: 1.1”
- Slide Width: .87”
- Barrel: 4.17” Glock Marksman barrel
- Trigger: ~5.5 pounds (usually more when new)
- Sights: Polymer “U” dot configuration
- Weight: 20.74 oz. w/empty magazine
- Slide Finish: Silver nPVD – or – black nDLC
- Capacity: 10+1
- Price: $580 (often found for ~$500)
Shooting the Glock 48
Being a polymer single-stack pistol, the G48 is somewhat snappier than similar sized double-stack pistols. The reduced slide and frame weight just allows you to feel more of that recoil. But as I’m used to shooting plastic guns, I found it to be just fine and not at all difficult to manage. I do like the full grip on this pistol as compared to my G43. It lends comfort and confidence.
I’ve shot the G48 several times before, but for this review the pistol I used was a rental gun with several thousand rounds through it and the trigger was right at the spec weight of 5.5 pounds. I’m a Glock shooter, so the trigger was familiar feeling and not really a factor in fast strings or accuracy. It was just “normal.”
I did take the opportunity to get in some fast manipulations and fast shooting strings with speed reloads while shooting it this time. I found these manipulations to be much easier than with my G43 and nearly as easy as with my G19. It’s a Glock, so the controls are well placed and familiar for me. The longer slide and sight radius than my G43 didn’t seem to factor much, as I don’t have much problem with the 43’s smaller sight radius, but the G48 does have that longer sight radius and some folks may find it easier to be accurate with.
The one thing I didn’t really like was the near lack of any texture at all on the grip. The texture on the G48 is the same as for the other smaller models, like the 43, 43x, and 42, which is to say it has barely any texture at all. This is a pistol that requires a stipple job or—if you’ll almost never shoot it—some Talon Grips.
So why the G48 in a world with the Sig P365 and the Springfield Hellcat?
That would seem to be a pressing question when those two models have shaken up the handgun world with regard to size vs. capacity. The answers are surely subjective, but for one objective one that cannot be ignored. Yes, those other two guns are smaller and yes have equal or better capacity than the G48. But a couple of benefits the G48 has over the other two is the easier and more comfortable to grip and the fact that it’s easier to draw from a holster and to manipulate/run in a gunfight.
Surely there are benefits those other pistols have over the G48, especially with regard to personal preference, but the fact remains that neither of them is a Glock…with widely available parts and accessories and proven reliability. These things matter a lot.
Something else to keep in mind is that there are some new magazines from Shield Arms that, without any extension, allow for 15 rounds in the standard G48-sized magazine. Though they’re obviously not OEM parts, they’re intriguing in theory. The possibility exists that they’ll diminish the Glock’s famous reliability, but the benefit surely warrants further exploration (just be sure to replace the poly mag catch with a metal mag catch, else the steel mags will destroy the catch).
Conclusions
Pros
The G48 is a Glock. There is no new, unproven technology and the G48 will, like its brethren, surely go reliably for 100k rounds+ when properly maintained. The slimmer frame and lighter overall package is more comfortable to carry and easier to conceal than similarly sized models. It shoots and manipulates easier like a medium-sized pistol. Maintenance is easy (any part can be replaced in seconds) and replacement parts, replacement sights, and add-ons are always widely available. Because it’s a Glock, there are lots of holster models available for it.
Cons
Though slightly slimmer, the G48 is the same size as the G19, but with five fewer rounds so overall it seems like an unnecessary compromise. Since it’s a Glock it comes with those stupid polymer sights that must be replaced (at additional expense). The trigger on the G48 tends to be heavier than you’re apt to find on larger Glock models. The texture is pretty crappy and must be amended somehow. It’s larger than some other carry pistols that have similar or better capacity.
So basically, the Glock 48 is a study in contrasts. There’s much to like about it yet it’s not too hard to find comparative criticisms; perhaps more so than any other pistol (save perhaps the Glock 43x!). I’ll say then that if a Glock is what you prefer, it requires that you get it in your hands and put a few rounds downrange for yourself because…
“Go not to the elves for counsel, for they will answer both no and yes.”
– J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
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so what I’m asking is the glock 48 worth buying I’m wanting to know
I love my G48. Had it about 3 months. I have upgraded it with the extended controls…magazine release, slide release & slide stop lever. Got them through the Glockstore.com. They are very slow to ship these days. But I got what I ordered, just took a while & their web site tells you this upfront. The extended controls just make life easier. Also purchased the Shield Arms 15 round mags. I only have about 100 rounds through each of the 15 round mags so far, but they are fine. As the reviewer stated you need the upgraded mag release if you use the Shield Arms 15 round magazines because they are metal. The extended mag release from the Glockstore is aluminum.
My trigger is a bit firm for me so to begin with I tried the 25 cent trigger job…that is polishing the trigger bar & connector to reduce the trigger pull. I did not go into the breech to polish the firing pin safety. This is suppose to mimic thousands of rounds fired. But it was still too firm for me. So I went searching for a solution. Now I have a new trigger with striker springs & firing pin safety & reduced power spring coming from JohnnyGlocks.com (known as the Glock Whisperer) in a day or 2 so I will be installing that. Last thing on my to do list will be the sights.
As the reviewer stated the recoil is a little snappy but nothing you can’t learn to handle. I am considering the tungsten guide rod to offset the recoil (extra weight upfront). First I will try going to a heavier ammo, 147 grain instead of 115 – 124 grain to help offset recoil.
This is my forever every day carry. I had a .40 caliber 8 or 9 years ago & ammo was just too costly plus it was just too big for my hands. I have tried the Springfield Armory XD & the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9.
I have wanted a Glock ever since I traded my .40 cal Glock. It finally fits me now that they have the slim frame & I am so pleased it does. I truly believe it is worth buying. I paid under $500 for mine brand new. They are a real value as they will shoot all day & never misfire.
When you add up all your mods how much does that $500.00 thing cost? My issue with Glocks and I own a few is that they sell them at a decent price point. Then you have to spend hundreds more dollars on replacement parts to make them “shoot able.”
It doesn’t make it “shootable” it makes it tailored to the shooters preference. If a shooter “needs” to have all of those upgrades to shoot… well that’s a training issue. There’s nothing wrong with it being stock. Mine came with steel sights. So you can add a 10 dollar extended mag release, and you’re fine. Glocks trigger could be better but it’s not BAD and it’s definitely shootable.
Odd. I’ve owned a dozen Glocks and the only part I have changed was the connector. My Glocks never needed anything to have them work. The accessories people buy are just needless add-ons.
Soooo, I’ve been a little nuts with my mods as well. Not all are needed so don’t let the overall cost scare you. It’s a great gun. I’m just spend happy right now. I picked up 6 of those mags so I got the metal catch as well. Added a Recover tactical rail for the Olight PL Mini 2 light, sent the slide to Suarez International to be milled and mount a Holosun 507c red dot and upgraded sights, a Hogue grip, the Pyramid trigger is on order but delayed. Add to the the holsters I bought for it along the way and it’s around $1500. Not sure I would change what I’ve done with it. I live in NY so the 10 round mag was my limit for purchase. Many guns are not available to me here. By the way, ignore what I said about the Shield mags, I lost them in a boating accident.
I own one and I enjoy it’s accuracy as well as it’s dependability for me a Great gun
I think that’s the point of the quote at the end. The author is clearly an elf.
I own a G48,it’s fast,accurate,reliable it’s all you will need in any self defense situation. I have not changed anything from the factory. It simply has a great grp feeling. Thx,joe
My Wife of (48 years this month) is 4’10” with hands of an average 6 year old. The slim model 48 looks like it’ll be about right for her. She won’t carry it, it’ll be her HD pistol.
While I’ve owned a G19 gen3 for years and carried it as a duty when I was a sworn officer, I also have a G22 gen4 which I’m quite fond of. I’m retired now and the G48 is my EDC gun it’s great ergonomics, for a good smooth and quick draw from concealment along with being easy to shoot all vast improvements over the G43 I sold. As a civilian now I find 10 rounds more than ample for any realistic social encounter I hopefully will not have to face. I will say this my Glock 19 gen3 has never failed with any round factory or reloaded. However my G48 works 100% with any factory load but has hiccups with the same reloads my G19 gobbles up.
My local shop just got two gen 3 G19’s in. I’m tempted to get one. Are they that good or redundant considering I have the G48? A penny for your thoughts?
Why bother with a G19 unless you are a working LEO?
I have a 42 and 43. I wanted a 43x. No inventory… i bought a48. Nice gun. I have 5 glocks. For my carry, I think I still want a 43X. I’m not that big and sit/drive a lot.
Craig, no need to buy a 43x, your frame from the 48 and slide from the 43 is a 43X.
Between your 43 and your 48 you can make the following
1. 43
2. 48
3. 43X – frame from 48(identical to 43x frame) slide from 43(identical to 43x frame)
4. Franken 43 – 43 frame with 48 slide.
All work together.
Cheers
There are a few states where the maximum size magazine you can have is 10 rounds so here in Connecticut the Glock 48 makes sense
I shoot competitively and my wife wanted to start shooting match. Her hands are small so a G34/G17 was not a practical choice. California restricts mags to 10 rounds anyway (and USPSA Production class is 10 round mags) so I concluded the G48 would be the perfect pistol for her.
I have a G43X for concealed carry. I put a G48 slide on the G43X and voilà, a match pistol for a woman with small hands (together with a new trigger, heavier guide rod/lighter recoil spring, etc).
While still “snappier” than a double-stack, with the longer barrel (slightly longer than the G19) and practice, it shoots remarkably well.
This article completely neglects to mention that you can buy an aftermarket 15 round mag for the g48…. With that information it’s easy to see that there’s no “compromise” since you get only two less rounds with the smaller package. You could almost go as far as to say the g19 is now obsolete, and many people do nowadays. Literally the only pro to a g19 now is the increased weight to absorb a bit more recoil.
Seems you didn’t read the article. Thanks for chiming in, though.
LOL I feel ya on that one.
I never saw the point of the G48. 5 less rounds for a small decrease in size over the G19. It’s still 5″ tall which is the hardest part to conceal. You are much better off going with the G19, more capacity and softer recoil. The 15 round mag from Shield Arms changes things a lot, however, it’s still an aftermarket part, and a very important part. So far they have proven reliable from what I heard.
I own 16 Glocks (won half of them in competition) but do not own the G48. Thought about getting one with my last match win, but can’t see the point. The P365XL has it beat hands down (size, capacity, grip, trigger) and I still prefer my G26 or G33 for carry. Short 4.2″ height for easy carry and still 10 rounds, plus I can add the G19 mag if I choose for a longer grip and more capacity.
Part of me is bothered that Glock doesn’t think out of the box like Sig or Springfield did with the P365 and Hellcat. Glock just slims the frame a bit then sticks the same old fat plastic lined mag in when others are actually re-engineering guns from the ground up. Yes, I’m an engineer myself. Glocks are great, but it’s time to redesign the magazine to an all metal magazine.
First ever Glock. My 357 mag was stolen. Pop afew rounds with my g48 and still be oriented. The 357 was nice but one round and you can’t hear for a few minutes.
Many Americans live in Communist States, such as California, New Jersey etc., wherein they are subject to 10 Round Magazine Limitations. So, the Glock 48 makes a lot of sense for them
I had a 43. Replaced with 43x. Ive owned 10 or 15 glocks 6 g17s so im a tuperware man. 10 rounds plenty for self defence. If im asaulting the kremlin sure I need more rounds.