Picking a Glock for concealed carry sounds simple until you’re standing in front of a display case with a dozen options. Small or full-size? Slim or double-stack? 9mm or something a little more hard-hitting? Well, there’s no universal answer, but the Glock pistol lineup covers a lot of use/carry scenarios, you just need to understand exactly what you’re looking for. This post will help you with that.
Table of Contents
Glock’s Updated Lineup
- Gen 6 models (G17, G19, G45) – refined ergonomics, improved triggers, and a better optic-mounting system replacing the older MOS plate setup.
- V-Series models (G17V, G19V, G19XV, G26V, G45V in 9mm as well as G44V in .22LR, G20V in 10mm, G23V in .40S&W, G21V in .45 ACP) – Externally almost identical to Gen 5, Glock V introduced some internal updates that made it impossible to install a “Glock switch” that allows for full-auto firing.
- Gen 5 models – G43, G43X, G48 (9mm); G42 (in 380 ACP).
What Actually Matters for CCW?
Before choosing a specific model, ask yourself four questions:
- How do you plan to carry? IWB, AIWB, OWB, shoulder rig – each setup favors different gun dimensions.
- What are your clothing habits? Slim summer clothes demand a slimmer gun. Layers give you more flexibility.
- How big are your hands? Grip length and width directly affect control and comfort.
- How much do you train? A harder-recoiling compact is manageable with practice. Without it, it’s a liability.
Choosing the Best Glock for Concealed Carry
Glock 19 Gen 6 — The All-Arounder
The G19 has been the default recommendation for CCW for decades, and the Gen 6 update makes a compelling case for keeping it there. The improved grip texturing, extended beavertail, and refined trigger address most of the long-standing criticisms of previous gens. It carries 15+1 rounds of 9mm, shoots flat, and conceals comfortably under most clothing with a good holster and belt.
Is it the smallest option? No. But it’s the one most people shoot most accurately – and that matters more than anything else. It also doubles as a capable home defense firearm, which makes it one of the best dollar-for-dollar investments in the Glock lineup.
Best for: Most carriers, most situations.
Glock 43X — The Slim Daily Driver
The 43X takes the compact grip of the G48 and pairs it with the shorter slide of the G43, resulting in a slimline pistol that easily conceals under a T-shirt while still giving you enough grip length to actually control the gun.
Stock capacity is 10+1, but aftermarket metal magazines push that to 15 rounds flush-fit – matching the G19 in a frame that is only 1 inch wide.
Recoil is snappier than the G19 due to the lighter frame. This is manageable with practice, but aftermarket recoil springs or compensators (like PMM or Radian) can smooth it considerably. The 43X MOS variant opens the door for red dots.
Best for: Warm-weather carry, all-day comfort, slim profile priority, smaller hands.
Glock 26 — The Versatile Subcompact
Now available as the G26V, the Glock 26 has always been the overlooked workhorse of Glock’s CCW lineup. It’s a double-stack subcompact that accepts G19 and G17 magazines – giving you flexible capacity options depending on the situation.
Run it with a flush 10-round mag for maximum concealment or with a +2 mag extension for larger hands, or swap in a 15-rounder with an X-Grip magazine adapter when you need even more firepower.
It’s thicker than the 43X, so deep concealment is harder, but it prints less than you’d expect given its capacity. For carriers who already own a G17 or G19, the magazine compatibility alone makes the G26 worth serious consideration.
So, to conclude, shooters with larger hands tend to prefer the G26 with a mag extension, while those with smaller or slimmer hands lean toward the G43 or G43X.
Best for: Existing Glock owners, versatile capacity needs, subcompact preference for larger hands.
Glock 45 Gen 6 — Maximum Capacity, Still Concealable
The G45 Gen 6 combines the G17’s full-size grip with the G19’s compact slide. That means 17+1 rounds of 9mm in a flush magazine, plus excellent recoil control from the extended grip and overall mass. Gen 6 improvements include the same ergonomic and trigger upgrades found on the G19 Gen 6.
It’s not the right choice for every body type or wardrobe, but for carriers willing to dress around the gun, it’s a compelling option.
Best for: Experienced carriers who prioritize capacity and control, winter carry, larger-framed individuals.
Glock 48 — The Sleeper Pick
The G48 doesn’t get talked about as much as the G19 or 43X, but it deserves more attention. It shares the same slim frame as the 43X, but runs the longer slide from the G19 lineage. That extra barrel length actually improves recoil management and provides a longer sight radius for better accuracy.
It’s counterintuitive but the longer slide can actually aid in concealment when carrying appendix, since the barrel counteracts the magazine’s weight more effectively. Several experienced carriers prefer the G48 for all-day comfort, particularly those who spend a lot of time seated or driving.
The MOS variant adds optic compatibility, and it shares holsters with the 43X, which broadens your options significantly.
Best for: All-day carry comfort, especially for those who sit frequently.
Glock 42 — When Size Matters Most
The G42 is Glock’s smallest offering: a subcompact .380 ACP with a 6+1 capacity. It’s not for everyone (the reduced power and limited rounds are real trade-offs) but for deep concealment in minimal clothing, nothing in Glock’s lineup gets smaller.
Modern .380 ACP defensive ammunition has improved considerably, and while it’s not 9mm, it’s a viable defensive round. For carriers in extremely warm climates, the elderly, or those with limited hand strength, the G42 fills a real gap.
It doesn’t accept optics or lights, so it’s a pure CCW.
Best for: Pocket carry, deep concealment, summer carry, shooters sensitive to recoil.
Glock 29 Gen 5 — The Outdoorsman’s Choice
The G29 is the odd one out on this list – not because it’s a bad carry gun, but because its use case is very specific. It’s a subcompact chambered in 10mm, making it one of the few viable carry options for backcountry defense against large animals.
Recoil is hard, capacity is limited to 10+1, and it’s not a Glock most people would choose for everyday urban carry. But if you’re regularly hiking or working in bear country and want something you can actually conceal, the G29 is in a class of its own.
Unfortunately, the model is discontinued and you can get it from a few retailers that might still have it in stock (or try to find a used gun). Alternatively, you can consider the G20V MOS in 10mm but mind that it’s a full-size gun comparable to G17.
Best for: Outdoors use, bear country.
Closing thoughts
Rather than chasing the “objectively best” model, here’s what actually matters:
- Carry comfort drives consistency. A gun left at home because it’s uncomfortable isn’t protecting anyone. Test different sizes before committing. At our gun range located in DFW, Texas, we have a nice lineup of rental Glocks to try before purchasing. Check it out at https://range.gritrsports.com/gun-rental/
- Shoot what you carry. Proficiency matters more than specs. The G48 on paper is great; a G48 you can’t shoot accurately under pressure is not. Train with whatever you choose.
- The holster and belt are half the equation. A quality holster and a proper gun belt make an enormous difference in how any pistol carries. Don’t skip this part.
- Consider your wardrobe and climate. Summer carry in light clothing favors the 43X, 48, or 42. Cooler months open up more options.
Quick Reference:
- Best all-around: Glock 19
- Best slim EDC: Glock 43X
- Best for AIWB: Glock 48
- Best capacity: Glock 45
- Best 380: Glock 42
- Best small Glock for large hands: Glock 26
- Best for outdoor/backcountry: Glock 29
FAQs
The Glock 19 Gen 6 is the most widely recommended option across expert reviews and community discussions alike. It strikes the ideal balance between concealability and shootability, offering a 15+1 round capacity, manageable recoil, and updated Gen 6 ergonomics. That said, the “best” Glock for concealed carry ultimately depends on your body type, carry style, and clothing, so there’s no single universal answer.
Yes. With the right holster and a stiff gun belt, the G19 conceals well under most clothing and provides enough capacity for virtually any self-defense scenario. It’s one of the most proven carry guns on the market.
The G43X and G42 are the top picks for those who want a slim Glock. The G43X in 9mm offers better capacity and shootability; the G42 in .380 ACP is the most concealable option in the lineup.
The G43X and G48 consistently rank as the most comfortable for all-day IWB carry, particularly for those who spend a lot of time sitting or driving. Their slim profiles significantly reduce print and discomfort over long carry.
These two pistols serve very different purposes. The Glock 43X is a slimline single-stack (with aftermarket double-stack magazine options), designed specifically for concealment – slim, light, and easy to carry daily. The Glock 19X is a crossover model with a full-size Glock 17 grip paired with a Glock 19 slide. Its longer grip tends to print more under clothing, making it a less practical concealed carry option than the standard Glock 19 or 43X for most people.
The top small Glocks for concealed carry include:
- Glock 43X – A slim, compact 9mm with a full-length grip. Pairs well with some aftermarket magazines to reach 15-round capacity.
- Glock 48 – Often described as a “slim-line Glock 19,” it’s flat, light, and comfortable for all-day carry.
- Glock 26 – A subcompact double-stack that accepts Glock 17 and 19 magazines for added flexibility.
- Glock 43 – Ultra-slim and easy to conceal, though limited to 6+1 rounds standard.
The Glock 19 Gen 6 takes the top spot in the compact 9mm category. For those wanting something slimmer, the Glock 48 MOS offers similar concealability with a longer sight radius and softer shooting characteristics.
The Glock 45 Gen 6 is the closest thing to a full-size duty gun that still works for concealed carry. It combines the Glock 17’s full-size grip with the Glock 19’s compact slide, delivering 17+1 capacity in a package that (with the right holster) can be carried discreetly.
The Glock 29 Gen 5 is the most powerful carry-sized Glock available. Chambered in 10mm, it’s a subcompact pistol capable of handling both two-legged and large animal threats. It’s not for everyone as 10mm recoil is stout but for backcountry carry or those wanting maximum stopping power in a concealable frame, nothing in Glock’s lineup comes close.
Accuracy is more about shooter proficiency than the gun itself, but among carry-sized Glocks, the Glock 19 Gen 6 and Glock 48 are frequently praised for their longer sight radius and improved ergonomics that support consistent shot placement. The Glock 49 (a Glock 17 slide on a Glock 19 frame) is also noted for delivering an exceptional shooting experience with reduced muzzle flip.
The Glock 43X is the community favorite among single-stack (slimline) options. It offers the slim profile of the Glock 43 with a longer, more comfortable grip. Add a 15-round metal magazines, and it becomes one of the most capable slim carry pistols on the market. The Glock 48 is another strong contender, offering a longer barrel and sight radius in the same slim frame.
The Glock 42 (.380 ACP) is Glock’s most pocket-friendly option. At just 14 oz and with a 3.25″ barrel, it’s one of the lightest and smallest Glocks made. It’s well-suited for deep concealment, hot weather carry, or situations where minimal printing is a priority. The trade-off is reduced capacity (6+1) and a less powerful cartridge than 9mm.
There’s no single answer, as fit and comfort vary by individual. That said, the Glock 43X is consistently recommended for those who want a slim, manageable carry gun with a full-length grip. Its lighter weight (19 oz) and reduced recoil compared to a Glock 19 make it approachable for newer carriers. The Glock 42 in .380 ACP is another option for those who prefer even milder recoil. Holster selection and carry position matter just as much as the firearm itself.