The Quickscope Version
Have you recently considered buying a gun? Well, you’re not alone. Although the total number represented a slight drop compared to years before, over 17 million firearms were sold in the U.S. in 2022, many of those being Glocks. It’s a brand that is well known for the durability and reliability of its many models. In this edition of Shooting the Sh!t, we establish that the Glock 43, 43X, and 19 models are great for concealed carry. For those looking for home defense, consider the 17, 19, and 21 models. Finally, for target shooting, you’ll want something with a longer barrel, such as a 17L. Keep scrolling to learn more about why.
Before You Buy
“When I talk to people about buying a firearm, I always start by asking them what their purpose is,” says Cody Gilbertson, Marketing Lead at Zaffiri Precision. “It’s important to first identify the need because every Glock model is going to be a little bit different.”
In a way, you could think about finding the best Glock for your needs like buying a new car. Each model of Glock you’ll find will have varying applications.“Once you’ve identified your intended use for the firearm, then you’ll get into different calibers, features, and grip sizes. So many of Glock’s models are designed around these basic concepts,” says Gilbertson.
At the buying stage, it’s not quite as simple as pay and leave. Every buyer, including first-timers, needs to fill out a 4473 form for the ATF. This is required to get a serialized item like a Glock.
“It’s important to know that there is typically a waiting period when buying a firearm,” says Gilbertson. “You can’t just walk into a store and leave with a handgun.”
Before making your purchase, it is crucial to double-check your state, city, and even county regulations surrounding firearms, as these could vary widely depending on which part of the country you live in.
The Best Glocks for Concealed Carry
Alright, now that the boring stuff is out of the way, let’s talk about some handguns. What are some of the best Glocks for concealed carry? According to Gilbertson, it all starts with the 43 and 43X models. With this said, though, there tends to be a lot of overlap between Glock models, such as with the 19 and 48.
“A lot of people do use the Glock 19 for concealed carry purposes. It is probably the best all-around handgun, which is why it’s their top-selling product,” says Gilbertson.Ultimately, if you’re looking for the best Glock for concealed carry, you’ll want to consider a handful of factors such as size, grip, and even bullet caliber (9mm, .380, etc), as these could affect the level of recoil you experience when firing.
The Best Glocks for Home Defense
If you’re shopping for a good entry-level Glock for home defense, chances are the models that work well for concealed carry won’t carry over to home defense scenarios.
“Personally, I would not use the smaller guns in home defense situations,” says Gilbertson. “You’ll want something that is more similar to the models that you see in target shooting. Think Glock 17s, 19s, or others that you may be more comfortable with. A Glock that you could mount a laser or light onto is a big factor.”
With home defense, odds are you’d need to use your firearm in the middle of the night, so finding the best Glock model that feels right to you is crucial. Glock 21s could also be a solid option for those who are more comfortable with recoil.
“Whatever firearm you choose for home defense, spend time with it so you know how it works,” says Gilbertson. “Be sure to practice in the dark, especially if you have an attached light. The reflections can be blinding in tight spaces.”
Also overlooked: Ear protection. We’ll keep it short and sweet, firearms are loud. If you ever find yourself in a home defense situation, you’ll want to make sure you don’t stun yourself when firing.
The Best Glocks for Target Shooting
And last but certainly not least, target and competition shooting. When looking for the best Glock for target shooting, you’ll want to really focus on the barrel length. Longer barrels on a handgun like a Glock can help shooters become more accurate and even have faster follow-up shots.
“You’ll see people go for models like the Glock 17L because they have longer barrels, can hold a little more ammo, and are a little more accurate,” says Gilbertson. “A lot of competitive shooters also wear gloves, so it’s important to have more grip real estate to grab onto as well.”Glock’s buyer’s quiz also recommends models such as the Glock 45, 44, and 24 for those who are looking to get into the world of sport and target shooting.
The Best Aftermarket Parts for Glock Handguns
Now, your buying process does not necessarily have to stop at just purchasing a firearm. For those who want to potentially boost their shooting performance, there are plenty of aftermarket parts that can the look and feel of the best Glock models to the next level.
“There are a lot of products that can help shooters. Our slides here at Zaffiri Precision have red dot mounts, which can really help you hit the target,” says Gilbertson. “We also make threaded and ported barrels and compensators which can help you reduce recoil when you’re shooting.”
Here are a few of our favorite aftermarket parts:
“The new slide has worked perfectly with my G43x lower. I have had zero issues with cycling and it looks awesome with a compensator and reflex sight.”
- Andrew, G43 Slide
“I own 2 Gen 3 Glock slides from Zaffiri and I can’t say enough great things about these slides and barrels. Hands down the best aftermarket upper company out there.”
- T. Wimmer, Complete Upper for G19 Gen 3
“What more could you ask for? Thousands of rounds through both slides and barrels without hiccups!”
- J. Deerin, G26 Ported Barrel
FAQs
What is the best ammo for beginners?
For many models of Glock, 9mm ammo may be the best option. It is widely available and its capabilities have increased in recent years.
What is the best glock for home protection?The best Glocks for home protection include the 17, 17L, and 19 models. However, it is important to find a firearm that you a truly comfortable with, so consider factors such as size, grip, and barrel length.
What is the best Glock pistol for concealed carry?
The Glock 43, 43X, and 19 models are all popular for concealed carry. This is due to their slimmer frames, which make concealing easier and more comfortable.
What are the best sights for a Glock?The best Glock sights include red dot sights and night sights.
