Introduction
In the realm of handguns, a name consistently rises to the top: Glock. These Austrian-made pistols are renowned for their reliability, simplicity, and widespread adoption by law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian shooters alike. Glock’s polymer-framed designs and Safe Action system have revolutionized the firearms industry, offering a user-friendly platform that’s easy to maintain and operate. The company’s commitment to innovation has yielded a diverse lineup of models catering to a variety of needs, from concealed carry to tactical applications. But with a vast selection to choose from, how does one decide which Glock is the perfect fit?
The Glock 45 and Glock 47 stand out as particularly compelling options. Both pistols are chambered in the versatile nine-millimeter Luger cartridge, share Glock’s core features, and offer distinct characteristics that make them suited for different purposes. The Glock 45 is a modern iteration of the original G19X, while the Glock 47 leverages the well-established G17 platform with a few unique twists.
This comprehensive comparison delves deep into the specifics of the Glock 45 and Glock 47. We will explore their designs, features, performance, and intended applications to provide you with a thorough understanding of each model. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge necessary to determine which of these exceptional Glock pistols will best meet your specific requirements.
Unveiling the Glock 45
The Glock 45, born from the successful collaboration with the United States Army’s Modular Handgun System (MHS) trials, represents a thoughtful synthesis of features. It takes inspiration from the G19X, combining a compact, easier to conceal grip with a full-sized slide, offering a potent balance of shootability, capacity, and concealability.
The design of the Glock 45 immediately sets it apart. The compact grip, reminiscent of the G19, provides a comfortable and secure hold for a wide range of hand sizes. This frame’s overall shorter profile contributes significantly to its suitability for concealed carry, while the longer slide, borrowed from a full-sized Glock, delivers improved sight radius and handling characteristics. This combination allows shooters to carry a compact-feeling gun with a better balanced weight distribution that leads to better accuracy and more controlled follow-up shots.
Standard Glock features abound in the Glock 45, including the distinctive Safe Action system, which incorporates three independent safety mechanisms to prevent unintentional firing. The polymer frame contributes to the pistol’s lightweight nature and its resistance to the elements. Glock’s modularity is present, too, making it easy to swap out components and add aftermarket accessories. The magazine capacity offers the same capacity as a full sized Glock.
The Glock 45 is clearly tailored for those seeking a versatile pistol suitable for a multitude of roles. Its compact dimensions make it an excellent choice for concealed carry, allowing for comfortable all-day wear. The extended slide adds to range shooting capabilities. It’s equally well-suited for duty use, where a balance of size, handling, and a generous magazine capacity is critical.
Exploring the Glock 47
The Glock 47 enters the lineup with a different proposition: a focus on the core DNA of the G17 platform with an innovative take on its potential. While it shares the same DNA as the G17, its conception, and the specifics of its construction, make the Glock 47 a potent contender for duty use, especially in specific markets and applications.
The Glock 47, on its appearance alone, leans towards the longer-slide aesthetic, incorporating a design philosophy focused on enhanced performance. The frame size, almost identical to the G19, offers familiarity and compatibility with a range of Glock holsters. The slide is full sized, similar to a G17’s, providing a sight radius that improves accuracy and enhances balance. The design focuses on a comfortable hold and intuitive handling.
The inclusion of the Safe Action system, polymer frame, and modularity of Glock are all present, and magazine compatibility is similar across the Glock family. The longer sight radius is the most notable feature, providing greater accuracy at distance and a refined overall shooting experience. The slightly longer slide also contributes to a more balanced feel, which, combined with the inherent stability of the nine-millimeter cartridge, allows for rapid follow-up shots.
The Glock 47 is often intended for duty use, a role for which its larger size and longer sight radius make it well-suited. This suitability allows it to excel on the range, making it a dependable option for law enforcement officers and military personnel looking for a capable sidearm.
Comparing Key Aspects
Feel in the Hand
The most obvious difference between the Glock 45 and Glock 47 lies in their overall dimensions. The Glock 45, with its compact grip, is usually well-suited to those with medium to large hands. This frame design allows for a secure, comfortable grip and facilitates concealed carry. The Glock 47, with its similarly proportioned grip, offers a similar feel, but its longer slide shifts the balance slightly forward.
Sight Picture
The longer slide of the Glock 47 provides a slightly extended sight radius. This longer distance between the front and rear sights can result in improved accuracy, especially at longer distances. The extended sight radius is a feature that is often appreciated by shooters prioritizing precision.
A Question of Concealment
Concealability is an essential consideration for those who plan to carry their pistol. The Glock 45, with its compact grip and shorter overall profile, is often seen as slightly easier to conceal than the Glock 47. The Glock 47, though not difficult to carry, may require a more comprehensive holster setup.
Magazine Variety
Both pistols benefit from Glock’s extensive network of magazine compatibility, but a few differences may be key to your choice. The Glock 45 accepts G19 magazines and also full-sized Glock magazines. The Glock 47 also uses G17 magazines, but its slide and barrel lengths make it very similar to the G17, but on a G19 frame.
What of Weight?
The Glock 47, with its full-sized slide, generally weighs a bit more than the Glock 45. The difference is not dramatic, but even a small difference can impact how it feels during extended carry.
Holsters, Lights, and Other Goods
Glock’s popularity ensures a wealth of aftermarket support for both models. Holsters, lights, sights, and a wide array of other accessories are readily available.
Performance and Handling
How Does It Handle Recoil?
The Glock 47, due to its heavier slide and longer sight radius, often feels a bit more balanced during recoil. This is not to say the Glock 45 is unmanageable, but the longer slide distributes the weight slightly differently, leading to potentially faster follow-up shots.
How Is Accuracy?
The longer sight radius of the Glock 47 generally contributes to more precision at a distance. That said, both guns are very accurate, and the differences will be most noticeable with an experienced shooter.
Reliability Matters
Both the Glock 45 and Glock 47 share Glock’s legendary reputation for reliability. They’re both built to withstand rigorous use, and proper care and maintenance will ensure their longevity.
The Advantages and Disadvantages
The Glock 45’s Position
The Glock 45 has a great mix of features. Some of the advantages include its compact frame, which makes it easy to conceal. The pistol is very versatile, meaning it is perfect for both range use and concealed carry. Some of the disadvantages are its size, which is still quite significant, and might not fit everyone’s hand quite as comfortably.
The Glock 47’s Points
The Glock 47 is an excellent option for duty carry or range shooting. Some of the advantages are its longer sight radius and the enhanced balance which lead to more precise shots and better follow-up. Some of the disadvantages are its slightly larger size.
Finding Your Fit
When deciding between the Glock 45 and Glock 47, consider your intended use and individual priorities.
Concealed Carry Considerations
The Glock 45, with its compact frame, is often chosen by shooters seeking a balance of shootability and concealment.
Duty and Law Enforcement
Both models can be suitable for duty use. The Glock 47 is more likely to be favored by those who benefit from a longer sight radius and enhanced balance.
Home Defense
Both pistols make excellent choices for home defense. Choosing between them would depend more on personal preference.
Range Time
Both pistols are capable of outstanding performance on the range. The Glock 47 may provide some benefits when it comes to target shooting due to its extended sight radius.
The Final Verdict
Ultimately, deciding between the Glock 45 and Glock 47 is a matter of weighing your needs and preferences. The Glock 45 offers a compact package that is easily concealable with the advantages of a full-size slide. The Glock 47, with its full-size slide, is designed to be more accurate at further distances. It’s well-suited for duty or range use. The best approach is to handle and shoot both pistols if possible and pick the one that feels most natural and comfortable in your hand. You really cannot go wrong with either choice.
Conclusion
The Glock 45 and Glock 47 represent two excellent examples of modern handgun design. By understanding the key differences between the two, from their frames to how they shoot, you can make a much more informed decision. The Glock 45 and Glock 47 are very similar pistols that give shooters some unique benefits. By careful evaluation, you can select the Glock pistol that best fits your individual needs.
