The article in brief
The .40 Glock is a versatile and reliable semi-automatic pistol, popular with law enforcement officers and sports shooters alike.
- Features .40 S&W calibre, 15+1 shot capacityweight 710g
- Evolution : Available in Gen 3, 4 and 5, with continuous improvement
- Customisation : Highly modular, numerous options available
- Current trends Competition from 9mm, but remains a solid choice for its power
Hi, friends! Today we're going to be talking about a tried and tested gun: the .40 Glock. As a gun shop owner, I've had the opportunity to handle and test many weapons, but this one really is something special. So fasten your seatbelts, and let's dive into the details of this little gem!
Technical characteristics of the .40 Glock
The .40 Glock is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in .40 S&W calibre. It's a bit like the Swiss Army knife of guns: versatile and reliable. It comes in several versions, but let's concentrate on the flagship model, the Glock 22.
Dimensions and weight
The Glock 22 is tough without being bulky. With an overall length of 195 mm and a height of 140 mm, it slips easily into a holster. Its 710g weight gives it considerable stability when firing. The 4.49-inch (114 mm) barrel offers good accuracy without compromising manoeuvrability.
Capacity and ergonomics
With a 15+1 round magazine, you've got plenty to look forward to. The polymer frame incorporates a Picatinny rail, perfect for adding accessories. And believe me, I've seen a lot of customers having fun customising their Glock like a Christmas tree!
Safety and aiming
The 3-safety 'Safe Action' system is a real plus. As for the open sight with fixed front sight and rear sight, it's simple but effective. For purists, there's even a MOS version that can be fitted with an optical system.
Evolution and performance of the .40 Glock
The .40 Glock has evolved with the times. Let me tell you how this pistol became a true legend in the world of handguns.
The different generations
The .40 Glock is available in Gen 3, Gen 4 and Gen 5, with each generation bringing a number of improvements:
- La Gen 4 introduces a double recoil spring, interchangeable stock backs and a new grip texture.
- La Gen 5 goes even further with an nDLC finish, an improved barrel and front and rear striations on the breech.
It's a bit like your favourite smartphone releasing a new version every year, but in pistol form!
Popularity and uses
The .40 Glock has captured the hearts of American law enforcement officers since the 1990s. Its reliability and performance have made it the gun of choice. However, a recent trend is that some agencies are gradually switching back to 9mm models. It's a bit like the video format war: VHS vs Betamax, but a ballistic version!
Customisation and options
One of the strengths of the .40 Glock is its modularity. You can customise it as you like: ported barrel, laser engraving, various finishes (matt black, FDE, etc.). I even had a customer who wanted to have his mother-in-law's face engraved on the breech... I'll let you imagine why!
| Model | Barrel length | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Glock 22 (full size) | 4.49 inches | 15+1 |
| Glock 23 (compact) | 4.02 inches | 13+1 |
| Glock 27 (subcompact) | 3.42 inches | 9+1 |
The .40 Glock in today's world
So where do we stand today with the .40 Glock? It remains a solid choice for those looking for a balance between power and controllability. Its guide price from €810 (in Austria) makes it an affordable option for many shooters.
However, the current trend is towards the return of the 9mm, notably for its increased capacity and smoother recoil. But make no mistake, the .40 Glock still has a bright future ahead of it. It's a bit like those old rockers who still fill the stadiums: it may have aged a bit, but it still knows how to set things alight!
Ultimately, whether you're a security professional, a sports shooter or simply a gun enthusiast, the .40 Glock deserves your attention. It combines power, accuracy and reliability in a compact, customisable package. And if you drop by the shop, I'll be delighted to tell you more... and maybe even tell you a few juicy anecdotes about some of the wackiest customers I've ever met!
Don't forget, as my old uncle would say: "A gun is like a good bottle of wine. You have to enjoy it with moderation and responsibility!
To find out more about the captivating world of firearms, take a look at this guide. weapons wiki.
