Is the Glock 48 the Brand’s Best All-Around Firearm?

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about Glock? For many, it’s the manufacturer’s reputation for reliability and innovation. Enter the Glock 48. What is a Glock 48, you ask? Well, allow us to be the first (not really) to break down this popular firearm and its benefits.

Released to the public in January 2019, the Glock 48 hit the market with a bang, giving users a similar performance to the G19, but with a slimmer profile. The Glock 48’s capacity, set at 10 rounds, is typically chambered with the ever-popular 9mm ammunition.

*Specs chart from Sniper Country

In this installment of Shooting the Sh!t, we’ll not only answer the question “what is a Glock 48”, but also compare it to other popular Glocks on the market (you’ve probably heard of them), giving you a better picture of when (and why) you’d want to choose this model.

Glock’s Slimline Series: The Inspiration Behind the G48

It’s flashback time. We promise we won’t ramble on too much. To get a better answer to the question of what is a Glock 48, it’s smart to start at the very beginning, when Glock introduced its Slimline models, including the G48 and G43. The Slimline series was introduced as Glock’s answer to the growing demand for more concealable, yet effective, handguns. With an opportunity to adapt to more prevalent concealed carry laws, Glock reduced the width of their traditional models to cater to the everyday concealed carry fans but managed to maintain the level of firepower that individuals looking for a compact sidearm craved.

Glock’s Slimline series quickly gained notoriety, appealing to a wide range of gun owners, including women looking for better self-defense. The Glock 48’s capacity and frame allow for the best of both worlds of concealed carry and performance, which we’ll dive into a little later. 

How Does the Glock 48 Compare to Other Similar Firearms?

Alright, we’d say we’ve answered the question of what is a Glock 48 pretty well. Now, let’s take a look at how this firearm compares to its distant relatives, including the Glock 43/43X and Sig Sauer P365.

Glock 48 Review vs. the Glock 43/43X

These two pistols are both founding members of Glock’s Slimline series. Surprise, surprise, they’re both strikingly similar, which often prompts direct comparison. If you’ve ever held a Glock 48 or Glock 43/43X, you’ll understand why that is. 

One of the primary distinctions lies in the two’s overall slide length. The Glock 48 closely mirrors the Glock 19’s proportions with a slightly longer slide. If someone asks you what a Glock 48 is, you could even tell them it’s the largest member of the Slimline series. In contrast, the 43X offers a more compact slide akin to the Glock 43, making it slightly more concealable. Personal preference will dictate the choice between these two at the end of the day, however, with some users valuing the compactness of the 43X and others appreciating the Glock 48’s additional slide length.

Glock 48 Review vs. the Glock 19

The Glock 48 and Glock 19 are often compared because, well, they do share a lot of similarities in their design. Think of the Glock 48 as a more compact version of the G19. The Glock 48’s slim design arguably makes it more suited for concealed carry, whereas the Glock 19, with its higher capacity than the Glock 48, often finds favor as both a duty weapon and a concealed carry firearm. The Navy SEALs, to name one, currently use the Glock 19. If you prioritize discreetness without losing too much of the firepower, though, the Glock 48 may be the better choice for you.

Glock 48 Review vs the Sig Sauer P365

We know, it’s not a Glock. But let’s step outside of the Glock family for just a minute because many would consider Sig Sauer’s iconic P365 one of the Glock 48’s competitors. Aesthetic preferences, trigger feel, and brand loyalty primarily influence the decision between these two top-tier concealed carry options. For those looking for a little more real estate with the grip, the Glock 48 may be the right option. However, the P365’s grip is also known to be a little more comfortable for those with smaller hands. In some respects, the P365 may even be better for concealed carry in a lot of scenarios.

Glock 48 Performance

Let’s shift our Glock 48 review to its performance. After all, that’s why you came here, right? As we mentioned, the magazine capacity is designed for 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition. For some, this can be a bit of a frustration as the Glock 19 holds 15 rounds. According to Minuteman Review’s Glock 48 review, there is a little more recoil with the firearm due to its narrower grip. It does, however, give users more control than a subcompact pistol according to the review. 

Also, it’s a Glock at the end of the day. For those looking for a firearm that is designed to last a long time, the G48 could be a great choice.

Aftermarket Customizations for Your Glock 48

If you’ve decided to purchase a Glock 48 after reading this installment of Shooting the Sh!t, we’ve got you covered. You know what a Glock 48 is, but did you know we offer high-quality, customizable parts and accessories for firearms such as the Glock 48? From custom slides and barrels to complete uppers for Glock 48 firearms, you can truly give your firearm a personalized look that breaks the mold of the typical, generic-looking firearm. Even better, all of our parts are Made in America and can be shipped directly to your door.

To learn more, you can contact our team. If you want to catch up on some of the hottest topics in the firearms industry, be sure to check out the rest of our blog, where you’ll find everything from gift guides for gun lovers to breakdowns of other popular firearm models.

FAQs

Is a Glock 48 full-size or compact?

A Glock 48 is considered a compact pistol. However, it’s worth noting that the term “compact” can be a bit relative based on manufacturer definitions.

Which is better, a Glock 48 or 43X?

It depends on the shooter’s preferences. The Glock 48 is a little larger than the 43 and 43X models, so those looking for extra concealability may want to consider the 43 and 43X.

What is better, a Glock 48 or a Glock 19?

Because the Glock 48 is a more compact version of the Glock 19, it may be a better option for those looking to practice concealed carry.