Written by Mark Buff , GunZee founder and CEO.
Glock sets the standard for reliable, accurate polymer-framed pistols. For concealed carry, their single-stack models offer a slender profile for advanced concealment.
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How to choose the right model?
Let’s highlight some of the top single-stack options to help you determine which Glock is the best gun for concealed carry.
If you carry your single-stack Glock in an IWB holster, apply our memory foam pad and enjoy another level of CCW comfort!
Glock 43
Glock 43.
Image source: https://us.glock.com/en/pistols/g43- Size: 6.26 x 1.02 x 4.25 inches
- Barrel length: 3.41 inches
- Weight: 17.95 oz (unloaded)
- Frame: polymer with finger grooves
- Sights: white dot front, white outline rear
- Finish: matte black Tenifer
- Safety: trigger safety
- Reversible magazine release
The Glock 43 is a slim, lightweight 9mm pistol. It has a 6+1 round capacity in a single stack magazine that keeps the frame slender and easy to conceal. Extended magazines are also available.
Measuring just over 6 inches long and 4 inches tall, the Glock 43 remains accurate and easy to shoot despite its small size.
The controls follow the standard Glock design with a safe action trigger and ergonomic grip. The short grip can make controlling recoil more difficult compared to larger models. It's an all-around great choice as a small self-defense handgun.
This YouTube commenter loves his G43 for its comfort and concealability.
Glock 48
Glock 48. Image source: https://us.glock.com/en/pistols/g48-us
- Size: 7.28 x 1.1 x 5.04 inches
- Barrel length: 4.17 inches
- Weight: 20.74 oz (unloaded)
- Frame: slimline polymer
- Sights: front and rear white dot
- Finish: nitride silver slide
- Safety: trigger safety
- Ambidextrous slide stop and magazine release
The Glock 48 is another popular single-stack 9mm pistol. With its slim frame, 10+1 round capacity, and compact 4-inch barrel, it balances concealability with shootability. It shares the same slim frame as the 43X but features an extended barrel and sight radius for enhanced accuracy in comparison to the smaller model.
The grip accommodates a full 3-finger hold while keeping the pistol balanced and manageable. Reliable Glock performance makes the 48 one of our top choices, but it is important to note that the longer slide prints slightly more than smaller models.
“It fits well, shoots wonderfully, and just works,” says this redditor about his G48.
Glock 43X
- Size: 6.5 x 1.1 x 5.04 inches
- Barrel length: 3.41 inches
- Weight: 18.35 oz (unloaded)
- Frame: slimline polymer
- Sights: front and rear white dot
- Finish: nitride silver slide
- Safety: trigger safety
- Ambidextrous slide stop and magazine release
The Glock 43X packs 10+1 rounds of 9mm ammo in a slim frame measuring just 1.1 inches wide. The longer grip allows for a full 3-finger hold, while the shorter slide keeps the overall length compact. A lightweight design coming in at just 18 oz. unloaded helps soak up recoil for controllable shooting.
The 43X gives you more capacity in a compact platform. However, the short slide can make racking the pistol more difficult compared to full-sized models.
“Reliable—no matter how badly you treat it,” says this YouTube commenter about his G43X.
Glock 42
- Size: 5.94 x .94 x 3.9 inches
- Barrel length: 3.25 inches
- Weight: 13.76 oz (unloaded)
- Frame: polymer
- Sights: front and rear white dot
- Finish: nitride silver slide
- Safety: trigger safety
- Ambidextrous slide stop and magazine release
Glock's smallest .380 ACP pistol. The G42 is a slim subcompact pistol with a 6-round capacity. The lightweight design and mild .380 recoil make for comfortable shooting, though the caliber lacks the power of larger options. Just big enough to provide a comfortable and secure firing grip and remains suitable for self-defense purposes.
The reliable Glock construction delivers a smooth trigger and familiar handling. The short sight radius hinders longer-range accuracy compared to larger models.
This YouTube commenter finds his G42 to be comfortable, accurate, and super concealable.
Glock 36
- Size: 6.77 x 1.1 x 4.92 inches
- Barrel length: 3.78 inches
- Weight: 20.11 oz (unloaded)
- Frame: slimline polymer
- Sights: front and rear white dot
- Finish: nitride silver slide
- Safety: trigger safety
- Ambidextrous slide stop and magazine release
With its super-slim profile, the Glock 36 packs 6+1 rounds of .45 ACP ammo into a highly compact frame. The polymer construction helps tame recoil for comfortable, accurate shooting.
The short grip results in less control compared to full-size .45s. Though the size limits accuracy at longer distances, the Glock 36 provides reliable, hard-hitting firepower in a compact package.
The YouTube commenter loves his G36.
How do I choose the right single-stack Glock?
Here are some of the important factors to consider when deciding which single-stack Glock is right for you:
- Intended use. Will this be a deep concealment piece or a nightstand home defense gun? Daily carry places a premium on comfort and concealability, while a firearm used strictly for home protection will have different needs.
- Shooting performance. A slimmer grip can slightly affect overall control. Test models to find the best fit for your hand size and recoil management needs. A longer sight radius can also improve accuracy.
- Power. Glock offers single-stack models in 9mm, .45 ACP, and .380 ACP. The caliber affects capacity, recoil, and other aspects.
- Capacity. Magazine size typically t ranges from 6 to 10 bullets depending on the model. Consider the magazine size that best suits your needs for EDC or home defense needs.
- Customization. Grip add-ons, sight options, rail mounts, and other customization capabilities may be an important consideration. Subcompacts have fewer accessory options than full-size Glocks.
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Single-stack Glock FAQ
What Glock models are single stack?
The Glock 36, 42, 43, 43X, and 48 are all single-stack Glock pistol models. Single stacks have a narrower grip and only hold a single column of rounds in the magazine, usually 6-10 depending on the model. This makes them easier to conceal and carry compared to double-stack models.
Which Glock is the best overall?
The Glock 19 is often considered one of the best overall Glock models. It strikes a balance between shootability, size, capacity, and concealability. The G19 has been widely adopted by law enforcement officers and civilians for its versatility as an all-purpose handgun.
Other top contenders for best overall Glock include the G17 and G45.
Which Glock generation is best?
Many users consider Gen 3 and Gen 5 to be the best Glock generations. Gen 3 improved on previous designs and proved to be extremely reliable. Gen 5 features upgrades like the nDLC finish and flared magwell, but retains the proven Gen 3 design.
The refined Gen 5 is arguably Glock's most advanced generation yet in terms of features and performance.
What is the best Glock for daily use?
The Glock 19, 26, and 43 are among the best choices for daily use.
The G19 offers an unbeatable balance of shootability, size, capacity, and concealability. The subcompact G26 and slim G43 are more discreet for CCW and still offer sufficient capacity, power, and shootability for personal defense.
Any of these 9mm Glocks make an excellent everyday carry choice.
Which is better, the Glock 43 or the Glock 48?
The Glock 48 has an edge over the shorter G43 in terms of shootability and capacity, while still providing the slim profile that defines a great concealable pistol.
The G48's longer grip and sight radius make it more controllable and accurate than the G43. It also holds 10 rounds in its flush fit magazine compared to G43’s 6-round capacity, but the G43 is smaller and easier to conceal.
For all-around use, the G48 is likely the better choice.
Is the Glock 34 more accurate than the Glock 17?
The Glock 34 is considered to be a more accurate model compared to the Glock 17. The G34 has a longer barrel and sight radius than the G17, which provides improved muzzle velocity and allows for more precision.
The extended barrel and slide also increase weight, which helps to mitigate recoil. The G34 is excellent as a personal defense pistol but also shines as a competitive and target-shooting handgun.
What Glock do Navy SEALs use?
The Glock 19 is the most commonly used Glock model by Navy SEALs. The G19's compact size makes it versatile for concealed or open-carry operations. SEALs also appreciate the G19's reliability and high magazine capacity. The Glock 17 full-size model also sees some use among SEALs when a larger frame pistol is desired.
Why is the Glock 17 the best?
The Glock 17 is highly regarded for its versatility, reliability, and proven real-world performance. Adopted early on by law enforcement and militaries, the G17 benefits from decades of refinement into an efficient, durable, and accurate service pistol.
The G17's full-size frame absorbs recoil very well, promoting accurate follow-up shots. The rugged simplicity of design combined with the availability of spare parts and magazines add to the G17's appeal. Its track record among police and military worldwide cements the G17's status as one of the best combat handguns ever designed.
About the Author
Mark Buff is the founder and CEO of GunZee. He is an ardent firearms enthusiast and has been carrying concealed for more than 15 years. He created GunZee to solve his own problem: that of uncomfortable KYDEX holsters. His patented GunZee memory foam holster pad makes inside-the-waistband carry super comfortable.
Further reading
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