If you’re reading this, then we probably don’t have to tell you that the Glock™ is one of the world’s top firearms and an essential weapon for military and law enforcement agencies around the globe. The Glock™ has plenty of factors working in its favor, boasting unmatched reliability, a lightweight design, and an above-average magazine capacity.
But like any firearm, a Glock™ can only perform to its highest potential when it is properly loaded with the right ammunition. So, what ammo does a Glock™ use? You need to know exactly which Glock™ handgun you have to answer that question.
We’ve put together a handy guide to choosing the right ammo for Glock™ handguns, covering the most popular models made by the manufacturer.
Essential Ammunition Terms
Before you start browsing Glock™ ammo for sale, you should have a solid understanding of how bullets are measured. This means learning about the most important parts of ammunition and the purpose each serves:
- Cartridge: The cartridge includes the bullet, casing, primer, and powder, which are all necessary for the propulsion of the bullet.
- The bullet is a metal projectile, which will be shot out of the mouth of a firing cartridge.
- The casing is a tube, typically made from brass, which contains and holds together the entire cartridge.
- The primer is a special cap located in the head of the cartridge, which ignites the powder when struck by the firing pin.
- The powder, or gunpowder, will explode when the gun is firing, generating the energy to propel the bullet forward.
As you look for bullets for Glock™ handguns, you can expect to see these key terms referenced regularly. Now that you’re familiar with what each one means, it’s much easier to be a confident and informed shopper.
Types of Ammunition
There are many different ammo types out there, with a handful that tend to be the most common:
- .22 LR: Typically used for training and sports shooting, this rimfire cartridge is rarely paired with Glock™s.
- 9mm: The most common caliber and widely-used ammo out there, the 9mm is often used as Glock™ ammo.
- .380 ACP: Referred to as a “three-eighty,” this is usually seen in smaller handguns.
- .40: Larger and slower than a 9mm, this ammo will generate more recoil.
- .45 Auto: Even larger than a .40 caliber bullet, this ammo type increases the recoil factor even more.
Of these common types of ammo, many are frequently recommended for Glock™ handguns. A few types are not on this list because they are far rarer, though they may occasionally be suggested for use with a specific Glock™.
What Ammo Does a Glock™ Use?
The right ammo for a Glock™ will depend on the specific handgun’s identity. In other words, you’re going to need to learn a little bit about which Glock™ you have to know what ammo to use with it.
Some of the most popular handguns by Glock™ – and the ammo they use – include:
- Glock™ 17: The well-known Glock™ 17 is one of Glock™’s smaller handguns. The correct ammo for a Glock™ 17 is 9mm, sometimes marked 9×19.
- Glock™ 19: Considered the most popular Glock™ handgun, the Glock™ 19 uses 9mm ammo.
- Glock™ 20: With a little extra power, the Glock™ 20 requires 10mm auto ammunition and isn’t seen quite as often.
- Glock™ 21: This high-powered handgun takes .45 Auto ammo.
- Glock™ 22: A standard-issue Glock™ 22 will be paired with .40 caliber ammunition.
- Glock™ 23: Slightly more compact than the Glock™ 22, the 23 similarly uses .40 caliber ammo.
- Glock™ 26: This impressively compact handgun (one of the most compact on the market today) requires 9mm ammo.
Do you have a Glock™ that’s not on this list? Don’t make the mistake of simply guessing which ammo it requires. No matter what model you’re working with, the correct ammunition is a must.
The good news is that it’s pretty difficult to get the wrong ammo to fit in and fire from a magazine or handgun it’s not compatible with. Generally, you’ll realize you’ve made an error when the ammo doesn’t even properly fit. That being said, it can be possible – through pretty unlikely – that you do fire the wrong bullets from a handgun. In that situation, the best-case scenario is faulty performance, while the worst-case scenario is a damaged firearm or even an injury to yourself.
So, above all, make sure you choose the right ammo every single time.
Get Glock™ Parts and Accessories from Matrix Arms in Claremont, NH
Are you ready to maximize your Glock™’s power, potential, and style? Check out our outstanding selection at Matrix Arms of Glock™ aftermarket parts, accessories, and everything else you need to customize your handgun.
Get more information about Glock™ ammo and how to select the right bullets when you contact Matrix Arms today.
image Aleksey Kuzmenko
