Glock 49: Not Just ‘Another’ Glock Pistol

It isn’t difficult to work up enthusiasm for a Glock pistol, or to enjoy firing it, but making the report interesting is a challenge. All Glock pistols are much the same. If the pistol were not reliable, it would not be a Glock. I don’t say that lightly. Glock is among the most proven pistols ever manufactured.

There were no surprises when testing the Glock 49, save that it handled better than anticipated for several good reasons. The Glock 49 is a blend of the Glock 17 and Glock 19 with a 17 slide and 19 grip. My friend Drew calls it a Glock 19L for long slide, and he isn’t wrong.

I could not help but harken back to when Glock introduced the 19X and soon after the G45. These pistols use a full size Glock 17 grip and Glock 19 slide. At first many asked why? These are now among the most popular Glock handguns. One may ask what is the point? Let’s get to that.

Glock 49 Hybrid

The Glock 45 9mm is my favorite carry Glock. The short slide allows a more compact holster and a faster presentation than a full-size slide. The full-size firing grip makes for rapid acquisition of the grip and higher magazine capacity.

As for the Glock 49, the long slide is easily tucked away in an inside-the-waistband holster. Concealment isn’t an issue with a proper IWB holster. The slim grip isn’t as likely to print and or become obtrusive beneath a covering garment.

While magazine capacity is less, you still have 15 9mm cartridges on board. A real advantage for some of us is that the shorter grip accommodates smaller hand sizes well. The Glock 17-sized slide, however, makes for a long sight radius and real speed when firing.

As for the pistol’s configuration, is it more of a Glock 17 or a Glock 19 in handling? The frame is a Glock 19 in fit and size. No surprises there. The guide rod and recoil spring are also Glock 19, although the slide and barrel are Glock 17. So, what we have is a pistol with the shorter grip of the Glock 19 to accommodate small hand sizes and to maintain concealment and a Glock 17 slide for the sight radius and balance. And the Glock 49 doesn’t look odd at all; it looks well balanced.

The Glock frame texture is the same as all modern Glock pistols. The treatment results in a nicely pebbled fit with good adhesion and not so much abrasion. The sights are standard Glock — white outline front and rear.

The trigger action is the standard Glock double-action-only. Trigger compression is 5.7 pounds typical of modern Glock pistols. The action may smooth a little from use and cleaning out the packing grease. The pistol features the Glock universal rail for mounting combat lights or lasers.

The pistol features the new Glock Marksman barrel. There is nothing in the Model 49 that is a surprise to Glock shooters. There is much that is comforting to those of us familiar with the Glock. It is a trusted handgun to understate the facts.

Glock 49 MOS

• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Capacity: 15 +1
• Barrel length: 4.5 inches
• Overall length: 8 inches
• Weight: 22.5 ounces, unloaded

Range Testing

I collected a good mix of ammunition for testing the Glock 49 9mm pistol. I like to use full metal jacketed (FMJ) ammunition for economy and function testing. If a modern handgun doesn’t feed, chamber, fire, and eject… something is very wrong. Some of the readers mentioned we don’t use 147-grain ammunition as often as 115- and 124-grain loads in our testing. The reason is for economy.

The 147-grain loads simply cost a bit more. In personal defense loads of 20-round boxes, 147-grain loads don’t command that much of a tariff. So, I included 147-grain ammunition as a test asset. Most of the loads fired were Blazer 115-grain FMJ, American Eagle 124-grain FMJ, and Federal 147-grain FMJ ammunition. I included Federal Train and Defend 115-grain JHP, Speer Gold Dot 124-grain, and Federal 147-grain JHP.

A good thing about the 9mm is its modest recoil. I was not rubbing my wrist or complaining after firing several hundred cartridges in range testing. The Glock 49 features Generation 5 improvements including an ambidextrous slide lock, optics ready slide, and flared magazine well.

The Glock 49 is a good shooter. I fired at 5, 7, and 10 yards in initial work, drawing quickly and getting on target as fast as possible. I fired hammers at close range, double taps at 7 yards, with controlled pairs taking over at 10 yards. The pistol handles well. Here is my take: the Glock 49 shoots more like a 17 than a 19.

I don’t consider the 9mm a hard kicker. However, when you run the 19 fast over a combat course, there is a difference in performance. The 17 simply handles a bit faster. Recoil is noticeably more comfortable with the 49 compared to a 19 and indistinguishable from a 17.

The smaller grip allows easier concealment when worn in an IWB or body hugging OWB. There is no weight penalty in a Glock — all are light handguns. So, I prefer the Glock 49 to some Glocks. Those with small hands will find this pistol a great all-around home defense and range gun. A person with a shorter torso just may need a Glock 19 length slide. In the end, we have greater choices. Take a hard look at the Glock 49, it may be your best bet.

Accuracy tables, firing slow, fire from a solid braced barricade. It isn’t a benchrest, but it is an artifact of my training and realistic for gauging accuracy. 25 yards distance, 5-shot groups.

Carrying the Glock 49 9mm

I chose the DeSantis Intruder inside-the-waistband holster based primarily on prior experience with the type. The Intruder features two strong belt clips that take a robust bite on the belt. The belt loops ensure rigid carry. You want the piece to be where it should be when you reach for it!

The strong, well-molded Kydex holster makes for a rapid draw and easy reholstering. A supple backing makes for real comfort. This isn’t the only choice among holsters but a good choice for my needs.

What’s your take on the Glock 49? Is there any advantage to the configuration over other models? Share your answers in the Comment section.