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Glock 47 MOS Review: The New “Top” Glock?
The Glock 47 MOS (Modular Optic System) may just be my favorite Glock to date. While it’s not technically a new Glock, it is newly available to the commercial market. The Glock 47 was developed back in 2019 for the United States Customs and Border Protection and finally is available to us regular folks.
From a quick glance, it looks like a Glock 17 and in fact, it’s replacing the Glock 17 Gen5 MOS moving forward. However, it has a level of modularity that makes it much better than the Glock 17, at least in my opinion.
Take a closer look, that’s not a Glock 17!
If the 9mm Glock platform is one you’re interested in, I suggest you read this article entirely to see if the G47 MOS is the right choice for you.
SOME NEW FEATURES & SOME OLD FEATURES
I got the opportunity to handle a G47 MOS for the first time earlier this year at SHOT Show, but it didn’t feel like it was my first…probably because, from a specification perspective, it’s nearly identical to the G17. The only major difference is the shortened dust cover on the G47 MOS, which allows you to swap slide assemblies with the Gen5 Glock 19/45. Want a little bit smaller overall footprint? Swap a G19 slide assembly over! Having the option to use multiple slide assemblies is great, especially if you have a prepper mindset.
It’s crazy to think about how such a small change in the dust cover can create such a huge difference in the versatility of this firearm.
The improved modularity from the shortened dust cover is the newest feature, but if you’re coming from any non-Gen5 Glock, there are plenty of enhancements you’ll enjoy. We’re talking improvements to the grip, slide, and even the trigger…basically, each part of the gun got some love. Let’s take a look.
The trigger on these Gen5s are my favorite of any of the Glock “generations”
The slide is another star of the show, with new front serrations and an optic cut straight from the factory. It’s hard to believe that it took until the Gen5s rolled out to have front serrations, but I’m not complaining now that they are here. Hopefully, they are here to stay! The optic cut means no more having to send your slide off for weeks at a time and spend a couple hundred dollars just to be able to mount your optic. The gun didn’t come with the set of mounting plates that Glock offers though, but you can at least buy them for about $20.
In case you want to hold off on adding an optic, the slide cover plate keeps a nice clean aesthetic.
An easy-to-spot upgrade from the Gen4 to Gen5 Glocks is the removal of the finger grooves on the grip. When I used to have a Glock 19 Gen4 I wouldn’t say that I “hated” the finger grooves, but once they were removed, I realized how much more I like the grip without them.
Smooth lines and a smooth grip, thanks to the finger grooves being removed.
Unfortunately, one thing that Glock did stick with was the same style of sights. Yes, you get used to them like any others, but it would be nice to see some new sights one of these days come standard.
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 17+1
Barrel Length: 4.49 Inches
Overall Length: 7.95 Inches
Width: 1.34 Inches
Height (including mag): 5.47 Inches
Weight (without mag): 23.21 Ounces
Weight (with empty mag): 25.93 Ounces
HANDS-ON TESTING
I was lucky enough to get this gun a few months ago, so I’ve had plenty of time to break it in. Well, Glocks don’t really need to be broken in, but you know what I mean!
Blazer Brass has become one of my most frequently used range ammo lately and the Glock loved it.
I’m 600 rounds into it so far with only one malfunction. I had one failure to eject with a 115-grain LAX Ammo FMJ round, that I’ll just take the blame for. All the other ammo I shot through it from cheap target ammo, to expensive defensive rounds and all types in between, cycled great and I saw no issues.
This Hornady Black was some of the most accurate defensive ammo I’ve shot in a while.
Once you’ve shot enough Glocks, you sort of get used to the subpar sights, but thankfully with the MOS line, you can mount your favorite optic. I strongly feel that you should be proficient with every gun you own with the iron sights first, before adding an optic. Optics fail, so you need to be covered regardless. When I do run an optic on here, it’s usually the Holosun SCS, which I’d highly recommend if you are looking for a feature-packed optic. With the OEM sights though, I typically train within 7-15 yards, to replicate more defensive situations. With the right optic though, let’s just multiply that distance by a “few”!
While only at 7 yards, it’s still a grouping I’m proud of.
PROS & CONS
Pros:
- Reliable – it’s a Glock!
- Increased modularity with the Gen5 Glock 17/19/45
- Optics-ready slide with front serrations
- 17+1 capacity
Cons:
- As with most Glocks – sights could be better
- It didn’t come with the optic mounting plates kit
- It’s not free!
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’re still wondering if the Glock 47 MOS is for you, here are my thoughts. Get one! Then pick up a Glock 19 Gen5 MOS. You’ll be able to run 15 or 17-round magazines, swap slides, and change up your carry as needed.
You don’t really need an excuse for another Glock, do you?
If you happen to already have a Glock 17 Gen5 though, I don’t really see the need to hurry to your local gun store and purchase a G47 MOS. If you have the money and want to spend it either way, I’ll be one of the last people telling you not to buy a gun!
At the end of the day, the modularity and reliability that comes with the Glock 47 MOS should make it a nice addition to any collection.
