I’m a professional shooter, and I’ve had the chance to field-test two popular Glock models: the Glock 26 Vs Glock 36.
I’ve put these guns through their paces to see which one is on top. So, let’s dive into the details and see how these two stack up against each other.
| Feature | Glock 26 | Glock 36 |
| Caliber | .40 S&W | .45 Auto |
| Magazine Capacity | 13 rounds | 6 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 4.02 inches | 3.78 inches |
| Weight (w/o Magazine) | 21.34 oz | 19.93 oz |
| Overall Length | 7.28 inches | 6.97 inches |
| Slide Width | 1.0 inch | 1.0 inch |
| Height (incl. Magazine) | 5.04 inches | 4.72 inches |
Glock 26
The Glock 26 is a subcompact firearm known for its versatility and reliability. It’s a favorite for concealed carry and backup use.
Specs
- Caliber: .40 S&W
- Magazine Capacity: Standard 13 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.02 inches
- Weight without Magazine: 21.34 oz
- Weight with Empty Magazine: 23.81 oz
- Weight with Loaded Magazine: 31.39 oz
- Overall Length: 7.28 inches
- Slide Length: 6.85 inches
- Overall Width: 1.26 inches
- Slide Width: 1.0 inch
- Height including Magazine: 5.04 inches
Glock 36
The Glock 36 is a slimline, single-stack pistol that brings the power of the .45 Auto in a compact form. It’s designed for concealed carry, combining firepower with ease of handling.
Specs
- Caliber: .45 Auto
- Magazine Capacity: Standard 6 rounds
- Barrel Length: 3.78 inches
- Weight without Magazine: 19.93 oz
- Weight with Empty Magazine: 22.40 oz
- Weight with Loaded Magazine: 26.81 oz
- Overall Length: 6.97 inches
- Slide Length: 6.77 inches
- Overall Width: 1.18 inches
- Slide Width: 1.0 inch
- Height including Magazine: 4.72 inches
Features Comparison: Glock 26 vs Glock 36
1. Ergonomics and Handling
Glock 26
The Glock 26 shines in terms of ergonomics for a subcompact. Its grip, though small, provides enough surface for a secure hold, especially with the magazine extensions.
This translated to a confident grip in the field even in rapid-fire scenarios. Its lighter weight makes it easy to maneuver, a big plus for quick targeting.
Glock 36
The Glock 36, with its single-stack design, offers a narrower grip, which might suit shooters with smaller hands. However, it’s noticeably thicker from front to back, which I found a bit cumbersome.
This extra thickness affected my grip stability during testing, especially under recoil.
Winner
The Glock 26 takes the lead here. Its more balanced ergonomics suited a wider range of hand sizes and offered better control during rapid firing. The Glock 36’s thicker grip might be a hindrance for some shooters, especially in high-stress scenarios.
2. Magazine Capacity and Versatility
Glock 26
This model impresses with its standard 13-round capacity in a compact form. It can also accommodate larger 17 and 15-round magazines.
This flexibility was a huge advantage in the field, providing more rounds before needing to reload.
Glock 36
The Glock 36’s six-round magazine felt limiting, especially after using the Glock 26. The single-stack design does contribute to its slimmer profile, but in a practical shooting scenario, those extra rounds in the Glock 26 were definitely missed.
Winner
Glock 26 wins hands down. The higher standard capacity and the compatibility with larger magazines offer a significant advantage, especially in situations where more rounds might be crucial.
3. Concealability and Comfort
Glock 26
Despite its high capacity, the Glock 26 remains surprisingly concealable. It’s small enough for comfortable carry, yet not too small to handle effectively.
During field tests, it was easy to carry discreetly without sacrificing comfort or accessibility.
Glock 36
The slimmer profile of the Glock 36 does lend itself to slightly easier concealment. However, the trade-off in grip comfort and magazine capacity might not be worth it for everyone.
In my tests, it concealed well under light clothing but was not as comfortable to shoot as the Glock 26.
Winner
This one’s a bit of a toss-up. The Glock 36’s slimmer profile gives it a slight edge in concealability, but the Glock 26 isn’t far behind.
The choice here depends on personal preference and priorities between comfort in shooting vs. ease of concealment.
4. Aesthetics and Design
Glock 26
The Glock 26 has a functional, no-frills design. Its compact size is a significant part of its appeal, making it a practical choice for concealed carry.
The design is typical Glock; utilitarian and straightforward, which many shooters, including myself, find appealing for its simplicity and efficiency.
Glock 36
The Glock 36 presents a slightly more robust look due to its thicker grip and larger caliber. This bulkier design might not be as sleek as the Glock 26, but it does provide a distinct visual identity.
It stands out as a sturdier option, which some may prefer for its substantial feel.
Winner
This category really boils down to personal preference. If you favor sleekness and compactness, the Glock 26 is the way to go.
However, for those who prefer a more robust firearm that feels substantial in hand, the Glock 36 is a better fit. I lean towards the Glock 26 for its efficient design that doesn’t compromise on functionality.
Pros & Cons Glock 26
Pros
- Highly accurate and reliable.
- Compact and comfortable for concealed carry.
- It is low maintenance and withstands many rounds without cleaning.
- Easy to field-strip and reassemble.
- Adaptable with larger capacity magazines from other Glock models.
Cons
- Limited pinky space for larger hands without mag extension.
- Lack of manual safety might be a concern for some.
Pros & Cons Glock 36
Pros
- .45 Auto caliber provides powerful rounds.
- Slimmer profile advantageous for concealed carry.
- First Glock to innovate within original design constraints.
- Decent ergonomics for a single-stack magazine.
Cons
- Bulkier, less attractive design.
- Limited 6-round magazine capacity.
- Thick grip can be cumbersome, affecting control under recoil.
- Trigger pull often described as mushy.
Similarities between Glock 26 & Glock 36
- Both are part of the Glock family, sharing brand reliability.
- Safe Action® system present in both models.
- Similar in overall slide width.
- Both lack manual thumb safety.
- Designed for concealed carry purposes.
Differences between Glock 26 & Glock 36
- Glock 26 uses .40 S&W caliber, Glock 36 uses .45 Auto.
- Glock 26 has a standard 13-round capacity, Glock 36 has 6 rounds.
- Glock 26 is slightly heavier and larger overall.
- Glock 26 can use larger capacity magazines from other models.
- Glock 36 has a slightly longer line of sight options.
- Glock 26 is known for lower maintenance needs.
- Glock 36’s grip is thicker from front to back.
- Glock 26 is often praised for better ergonomics.
- Glock 36 is Glock’s first single-stack slimline design.
Final Verdict
After thoroughly testing both the Glock 26 and Glock 36, I’ve reached a conclusion about these two formidable firearms. Each gun has its unique strengths and caters to different shooting preferences and needs.
In the end, my preference leans towards the Glock 26. Its combination of features makes it a more versatile and user-friendly choice. It fits a wide range of shooting applications, from concealed carry to recreational shooting.
The Glock 36 is a solid firearm, but for my needs and shooting style, the Glock 26 emerges as the clear winner.
FAQ’s
Is Glock 26 too small?
No, the Glock 26 strikes a perfect balance between compactness for easy carry and sufficient size for performance and accuracy, avoiding the drawbacks typical of smaller pocket guns.
Glock 26 vs 19. Which Is Better For Concealed Carry?
The Glock 26 is often favored for concealed carry due to its more compact size, making it easier to conceal while still providing adequate firepower and accuracy.
What does a Glock 36 shoot?
The Glock 36 is chambered for the .45 Auto caliber and is designed with a single-stack magazine, offering six rounds in a slim, ergonomically designed package.
Can Glock 36 take double stack?
No, the Glock 36 is specifically designed for single-stack magazines and can hold six rounds plus one in the chamber, limiting its capacity compared to double-stack models.
