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Glock 26 Gen5 Review: A Compact Powerhouse for Everyday Carry
Concealed carrying is significantly more common than in 1994, the year the Glock 26 debuted in the American market. Compact handguns dominate the market, with many firearms like the Sig P365 and Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 being some of the latest and greatest.
Small but mighty.
Glock pistols, including the Glock 26, are known for their durability, versatility, reliability, and performance. With the new Gen5 pistols, Glock has improved on the aspects that make Glock one of the top brands in firearms.
The Glock 26 Gen 5 is my everyday carry; let’s look at the pistol and why everyone serious about concealed carry should own a Glock 26 Gen5.
What We Like About the Glock 26 Gen5
Removing the finger grooves from the Gen4 Glock frames is the most immediately noticeable change. Getting a good grip on a small pistol is much harder on a sub-compact pistol like the Glock 26 than on its larger brethren. This change to the Glock design allows a wider range of hand sizes to achieve a more natural grip.
The grip texture on the Glock 26 is excellent and provides a secure hold without being overly aggressive. There is no need for gimmicks to get solid purchase and control your pistol when shooting.
You can choose between many different magazines.
One of the best aspects of owning a Glock 26 is access to the Glock magazine ecosystem. My collection includes 10, 12, 15, 17, 30, 33, and 40-round Glock magazines. The Glock 26 can use them all. The magazines are from multiple generations of Glock and multiple manufacturers. My Glock 26 doesn’t care which one is feeding it. They all work great. I carry a 10-round magazine in my gun, and my extra mag is a 15-round Glock 19 magazine with an X-Grip spacer.
The X-Grip spacer makes 15-round Glock 19 magazines fit perfectly.
Flaws and Potential Deal Breakers
Everything isn’t perfect with the Glock 26 Gen5. Unless you get a Glock 26 Gen5 with factory-installed Tritium sights, this should be one of, if not your first, upgrades. I am not a big fan of OEM Glock sights, so I put a set of Ameriglo Trooper sights on my Glock 26.
Aftermarket Tritium Sights are a must-have upgrade over OEM Sights.
If you have larger hands, you may have issues with the short grip on the Glock 26. I have average size hands, and my pinky hangs off/wraps underneath the 10-round magazine. I have shot and carried my Glock 26 long enough, that I am not bothered by the grip of the Glock 26. This is only true for some shooters, though, and I have at least one friend who cannot hit the broad side of a barn when using my Glock 26.
How We Tested
I carry it anywhere and everywhere I am legally allowed to. I have carried it using multiple holsters, often changing between holsters as the situation requires. You will be hard-pressed to find a more concealable 9MM with the same capabilities as the Glock 26 Gen5.
Since I carry it so often, it almost always accompanies me to the range as well.
Always ensure you’re training with any pistol you will be carrying.
Reliability
I have put close to 2,000 rounds through my Glock 26 Gen5 since I first purchased the gun. I have shot the gun when clean, dirty, and in between. I have used magazines from Glock, Magpul, and ETS. I have experienced ZERO failures.
Ammo Used
I have put a mixture of hollow points and FMJs from basically every major manufacturer available in the United States. My favorite hollow point is Federal HST 124-grain, which I have used the most, but offerings from Hornady and others have also been 100% reliable.
Accuracy
The Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) can produce fantastic groups even from the short barrel on the Glock 26. When shooting at three, seven, or 15 yards, you should expect a single ragged hole when shooting paper. At 25 to 50 yards, you, with appropriate experience and training, should be able to put every shot center mass or ring steel with every shot.
Ergonomics
The updated grip texture and removal of the finger grooves really improved the shooting of Gen5 Glock pistols compared to Gen4s and especially Gen3s. Shooters with larger hands, though, should try out a Glock 26 before making a purchase and consider a grip extension.
Grip with a 10-round magazine is an acquired taste.
Concealability
People don’t always think of double-stack pistols when they think of concealability. The Glock 26 Gen5 bucks this trend. The baby Glock is very concealable, and you will find people concealing it in almost every imaginable manner and there are plenty of holster manufacturers who support the Glock 26.
Specifications
| Caliber | 9MM |
| Capacity | 10+1 (flush magazine) |
| Barrel Length | 3.43 inches |
| Overall Length | 6.42 inches |
| Height | 4.17 inches |
| Width | 1.3 inches |
| Weight | 19.72 ounces (w/out magazine), 21.69 ounces (w/ empty magazine) |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Legendary Glock reliability
- Excellent aftermarket support
- Accurate for a subcompact
- The compact size is perfect for concealed carry
- Compatibility with other Glock magazines
Cons
- Factory sights could be better
- The short grip might be challenging for some shooters
- Not everyone likes Glock triggers
Features
Magazine Compatibility
The Glock 26 Gen5 is compatible with all double-stack 9MM Glock magazines, offering excellent capacity and grip length versatility.
Durability & Reliability
Glock pistols are legendary for their reliability. Gen5 Glocks also have an nDLC coating, which helps the pistol withstand corrosion, scratches, and general wear-and-tear that comes with everyday carry.
Customization
The extensive aftermarket support for Glock pistols means you can customize your Glock 26 to your heart’s content. From sights and triggers to holsters and lights, you can customize your pistol endlessly.
Last Words
The Glock 26 Gen5 is a compact powerhouse perfect for concealed carry. An evolution of the original Glock design, the Gen5 “Baby Glock” is excellent. It is reliable, accurate, and versatile.
No-frills but ultra-reliable.
It isn’t revolutionary like some other recent pistols have been, but it doesn’t need to be. It balances tradition with modern improvements, resulting in a complete package that Glock calls “perfection.” If you need a concealed carry firearm to trust with the safety of your loved ones and yourself, you need to look no further than the Glock 26 Gen5.
