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The Best 9mm Glock For Every Occasion
If you perform any sort of Google search for the best pistol for “insert occasion here,” a Glock model is highly likely to be included in the results. Furthermore, there’s a good chance that it’ll be the Glock 19 or Glock 17.
Why? They are incredibly versatile and chambered in popular 9mm. Both the guns and their ammunition are affordable, easy to find, and user-friendly for new and veteran shooters alike.
While the G19 and G17 could meet almost any need, Glock has done a superb job of ensuring there is a specific model that can perfectly fill any role.
Which would you pick? Source
Are you looking for a home defense pistol? Glock has you covered. How about a concealed carry pistol? Yep, you’re covered there too.
Let’s take a look at which 9mm Glocks could be your perfect fit for various purposes.
Best Overall: Glock 19 Gen5 MOS
Arguably the most popular Glock, the G19 delivers all the capabilities and capacity you could want in a compact package.
With a standard 15+1 capacity, the ability to accept 17-round magazines from its larger sibling, and extended magazines up to 40 rounds, you can ensure you have an excellent time at the range and more than enough rounds to fend off multiple intruders should they break in your home.
One of the most versatile of all is the Glock 19. Source
The Gen5 MOS (Modular Optic System) model is the latest and greatest. It delivers an optics-ready slide with front serrations, Glock’s Marksman Barrel, and an accessory rail. Combined, these allow you to configure your pistol to fit any need reliably and accurately.
It’s just compact enough to comfortably carry with a proper holster, so there isn’t a job that it’s not ready to help you tackle.
Best For Concealed Carry: Glock 43X Gen5 MOS
If the Glock 19 seems just a tad too large for you to carry comfortably, consider taking the Glock 43X for a spin.
It’s shorter in length thanks to its 3.41-inch barrel and thinner due to its single-stack magazine. The standard magazine only provides a 10+1 capacity, but you can always pick up a Shield Arms 15-round magazine.
Make sure to have a quality holster if you plan to carry it! Source
The G43X shares Gen5 improvements, such as the Glock Marksman Barrel and the nDLC coating for enhanced accuracy and durability. It is also ready to accept plenty of your smaller-sized lights and optics.
It’s an excellent choice for maximum concealability.
Best For Home Protection: Glock 17 Gen5 MOS
The Glock 17 is essentially a staple in home defense setups worldwide.
A full-size grip allows for a 17+1 standard capacity and makes it easy to find and grab when something goes “bump in the night.” Additionally, the full-size accessory rail accommodates the biggest and baddest lights out here, so you can essentially blind any unwanted guests immediately.
It’s hard to argue with a Glock 17 for home defense. Source
It has all of the same Gen5 enhanced features we discussed above and is a close runner-up for the best overall Glock. However, it can be difficult for those with small frames to carry.
Best For Competition: Glock 34 Gen5 MOS
If competitions are your thing, the Glock 34 will be your best friend.
Sporting a 5.31-inch Glock Marksman Barrel and an elongated sight radius, it’s hard not to feel like a sharpshooter. When you pair those with the full-size grip for maximum control and throw on your favorite optic, you’re a force to be reckoned with.
The Trijicon SRO will set your Glock 34 up for success. Source
These are best kept on the range as the extended barrel and slide length make them very difficult to carry, and they may not fit in some standard-size nightstand safes.
Best For Range Fun: Glock 17L Gen5 MOS
It’s hard to explain the awesome feeling you get when you first hold a Glock 17L. Even though it shares the 17+1 standard capacity of the Glock 17, you’d think it holds 100 rounds!
The 6.02-inch barrel and even longer sight radius than the Glock 34 would potentially make this a go-to for competitions, but it doesn’t quite fit into “the box” for certain competitions. It even has a slightly lighter trigger pull specifically for competition purposes, so if your competition will allow it, I definitely would suggest it!
Who doesn’t want a Glock 17L?! Source
Whether you’re hitting the range, entering a competition, or defending your property from unwelcomed varmints, the Glock 17L makes an excellent companion.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, only you can decide which Glock is best for your needs. If you were looking to have only one Glock, I would recommend the Glock 19 Gen5 MOS.
Regardless of which model you choose, you can count on it to be reliable and to last you for thousands of rounds to come. If you wind up narrowing down your choices and are still left debating, head to your local range and rent one of each. Shooting the ones you’re torn between should definitely help make your decision easier.
As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.
