I’ve had the chance to test out both the Glock 19 Vs Glock 48 extensively. I’ve put these guns through their paces in various conditions to really get a feel for what sets them apart.
Let me walk you through what I’ve found about these two impressive pistols.
| Feature | Glock 19 | Glock 48 |
| Caliber | 9x19mm | 9x19mm |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 (Standard) | 10 (Standard) |
| Barrel Length | 4.02 inches | 4.17 inches |
| Weight (Empty Mag) | 23.63 oz | 18.48 oz |
| Trigger Pull | 28 N (6.29 pounds) | 24 N (5.39 pounds) |
| Overall Length | 7.36 inches | 7.28 inches |
| Slide Length | 6.85 inches | 6.85 inches |
| Overall Width | 1.26 inches | 1.10 inches |
| Slide Width | 1.0 inch | 0.87 inch |
| Best Use | Home defense, law enforcement | Concealed carry, smaller frames |
Overview of Glock 19
The Glock 19 is a compact powerhouse, popular for its balance of size and capacity. It’s a go-to for many because of its reliability and versatile use.
Specs
- Caliber: 9x19mm
- Magazine Capacity: 15 (Standard)
- Barrel Length: 4.02 inches
- Weight (with empty magazine): 23.63 oz
- Trigger Pull: 28 N (6.29 pounds)
- Dimensions:
- Overall Length: 7.36 inches
- Slide Length: 6.85 inches
- Overall Width: 1.26 inches
- Slide Width: 1.0 inch
Overview of Glock 48
The Glock 48 stands out with its slim design, making it an excellent choice for concealed carry without sacrificing barrel length.
Specs
- Caliber: 9x19mm
- Magazine Capacity: 10 (Standard)
- Barrel Length: 4.17 inches
- Weight (without magazine): 18.48 oz
- Trigger Pull: 24 N (5.39 pounds)
- Dimensions:
- Overall Length: 7.28 inches
- Slide Length: 6.85 inches
- Overall Width: 1.10 inches
- Slide Width: 0.87 inch
Top 5 Features Glock 19 VS Glock 48
1. Width and Handling
Glock 19
The Glock 19’s 1.26-inch width might not sound bulky, but in hand, it feels substantial. During my tests, I noticed its robust grip accommodated my medium-sized hands comfortably.
Its boxy design, while slightly difficult for quick maneuvers, offered a stable shooting experience, especially during rapid fire drills.
Glock 48
In contrast, the Glock 48’s slimmer profile at 1.10 inches made a noticeable difference. It was easier to grip for extended periods, particularly for those with smaller hands.
During concealed carry drills, it nestled more comfortably inside the waistband, making it less obtrusive. In shooting exercises, its slender grip contributed to quicker, more agile handling.
Winner
The Glock 48 takes the win in this category. Its narrower frame significantly impacts overall handling and comfort, especially in concealed carry scenarios.
It’s more user-friendly for a wider range of hand sizes and provides better maneuverability.
2. Magazine Capacity and Versatility
Glock 19
The Glock 19’s 15+1 capacity is impressive. During my testing, the extra rounds were reassuring, especially in simulated defensive scenarios.
Its compatibility with larger G17 magazines added versatility, allowing me to adapt the pistol for different situations, from range shooting to home defense.
Glock 48
The Glock 48, with its 10-round standard capacity, felt limited in comparison. However, with aftermarket Shield Arms 15-round magazines, it transformed into a more formidable contender.
This upgrade bridged the capacity gap, but it lost the interchangeability with other Glock magazines, which I found to be a downside.
Winner
The Glock 19 edges out as the winner here. Its higher standard capacity and compatibility with various magazine sizes offer greater flexibility and adaptability across different shooting disciplines.
3. Trigger Weight and Shooting Experience
Glock 19
The Glock 19’s 28 N trigger pull is on the heavier side. In my testing, this weight sometimes affected precision, especially in quick-fire sequences.
However, for those accustomed to it, the trigger offers a consistent and predictable shooting experience.
Glock 48
The Glock 48’s lighter 24 N trigger provided a smoother shooting experience. During accuracy tests, I found this lighter pull allowed for more refined control and potentially better precision. It’s especially beneficial for those with less grip strength or newer shooters.
Winner
The Glock 48 wins in this aspect. Its lighter trigger pull facilitates a more comfortable shooting experience, which can be crucial in scenarios requiring precision and control.
4. Ergonomics and Grip
Glock 19
The Glock 19 feels robust in hand. Its larger grip surface offers a firm grasp, which I found to be particularly beneficial when wearing gloves.
During my testing, the grip texture provided adequate friction, ensuring the pistol stayed secure, even in rapid fire situations. It’s a solid, no-nonsense grip that inspires confidence.
Glock 48
The Glock 48, on the other hand, impressed me with its slimline ergonomics. The grip, while narrower, felt surprisingly comfortable and natural in my hand.
Its design seems to cater well to a variety of hand sizes. During tests that involved drawing from concealment, the sleek grip allowed for a quick and smooth draw, something that I found advantageous in fast-paced scenarios.
Winner
For ergonomics and grip, the Glock 48 stands out. Its slimline design is not just about aesthetics; it genuinely enhances the shooting experience, especially for those with smaller hands or in situations where quick draw is essential.
5. Sight Options and Accuracy
Glock 19
The Glock 19 comes with standard polymer sights, which are durable and functional. In my accuracy tests, these sights proved to be reliable for quick target acquisition.
They’re not fancy, but they do the job well, especially considering the Glock 19’s role as a versatile, all-around pistol.
Glock 48
The Glock 48, similar to the 19, offers basic polymer sights. However, the slightly longer barrel and sight radius give it a slight edge in accuracy.
During my field tests, I found this translated into a bit more precision, especially at longer distances.
Winner
The winner in this category is the Glock 48. The longer barrel and sight radius may seem like minor differences, but they contribute to better overall accuracy, making it a slightly more precise tool in the hands of a skilled shooter.
Pros & Cons of Glock 19
Pros
- Higher magazine capacity (15+1).
- Adaptable with larger 17-round magazines.
- Sturdy grip suitable for larger hands.
- Reliable for a variety of uses including law enforcement.
Cons
- Bulkier frame can be cumbersome for concealed carry.
- Boxier grip may not suit shooters with smaller hands.
- Heavier trigger pull requires more effort.
Pros & Cons of Glock 48
Pros
- Slimmer design for comfortable concealed carry.
- Lighter trigger pull for better control and accuracy.
- Sleeker grip frame preferred by shooters with smaller hands.
- Offers a longer barrel in a more compact frame.
Cons
- Cannot use larger magazines from other Glock models.
- May feel too small for those with larger hands.
Similarities between Glock 19 & Glock 48
- Both chambered in 9x19mm caliber.
- Safe Action® system in both models.
- Similar slide length (about 6.85 inches).
- Both are excellent choices for concealed carry.
- Reliable performance under various conditions.
Differences between Glock 19 & Glock 48
- Glock 19 has a wider frame (1.26 inches) compared to Glock 48 (1.10 inches).
- Glock 19 supports higher capacity magazines than Glock 48.
- Glock 48 is lighter, both with and without the magazine.
- Glock 19’s trigger pull is heavier at 28 N versus Glock 48’s 24 N.
- Glock 19 is slightly longer overall compared to Glock 48.
- Glock 19 better suited for larger hands; Glock 48 for smaller hands.
- Glock 48 offers a slightly longer barrel within a more compact frame.
Final Verdict
As a shooter who has rigorously tested both the Glock 19 and Glock 48, I’ve observed firsthand their unique strengths and characteristics.
After much consideration, the Glock 48 emerges as my top pick. Its combination of a slim profile, adequate firepower, and comfortable handling makes it an exceptional firearm for everyday carry.
While the Glock 19 is undoubtedly a formidable contender, the Glock 48’s adaptability to various users and scenarios gives it a slight edge in my book. It strikes the perfect balance between concealability and performance, a crucial factor in my decision-making process.
FAQ’s
What’s better, Glock 48 or 19?
Both the Glock 48 and Glock 19 are excellent for concealed carry. The Glock 19 has a higher capacity (15+1) but is bulkier, while the Glock 48 offers a slimmer profile, making it easier to conceal, especially for those with smaller hands.
What are the benefits of the Glock 48?
The Glock 48 is slimmer than the Glock 19, reducing weight on your belt and providing a comfortable option for those with smaller hands. It’s easier to conceal than the Glock 19 due to its slimmer slide and frame.
Why is the Glock so famous?
Glock gained fame as the first firearm with a polymer frame rather than steel, making it lighter and more durable. Today, polymer is the preferred frame material for many pistol manufacturers, with Glock setting the trend.
