When people carry concealed daily, they want firearms that are comfortable and easy to conceal without sacrificing accuracy or control. While legendary models like the Glock 19 and Glock 17 are incredibly reliable, their thicker profiles can cause printing issues for many people, especially during warmer months.
The Glock 48 is part of Glock’s Slimline series. It was introduced in 2019 and shares the Slimline frame used by the Glock 43X. While its overall length is similar to the Glock 19, it is significantly thinner, with a single-stack standard capacity of 10.
With a jacket, hoodie, or even a shirt made of heavy material, you can conceal a Glock 19. But on those hot days when clothing choices are limited, it’s a little harder. This has caused many to gravitate towards those thinner, compact guns. But the more compact you get, the harder the gun is to control, and ammo capacity becomes limited as well.
So, does the Glock 48 solve any of these problems? Let’s discuss the pros and cons of carrying this handgun.
What is the Glock 48?
The Glock 48 blends the compact size of the popular Glock 43X with a G19-length slide and barrel. This crossover design creates a slim pistol that’s easier to conceal with an extended sight radius and improved shootability over shorter single-stacks. Essentially, if you like the feel of the Glock 43X but wish it had a slightly longer barrel for better ballistics and control, the Glock 48 is the dream come true.
Glock 48 Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 4.17 inches
- Overall Length: 7.28 inches
- Width: 1.1 inches
- Height: 5.04 inches
- Weight: 20.74 ounces (unloaded)
- Capacity: 10 rounds (single-stack magazine)
- Frame Material: Polymer
- Slide Finish: nDLC coating
- Trigger: Glock Safe Action system
The single-stack magazine design significantly reduces its width compared to the Glock 19. Measuring just 1.1 inches wide, it comfortably hugs the body for concealed carry. The overall length of 7.28 inches and a barrel length of 4.17 inches, makes it about the same length as the Glock 19.
It weighs about 20.74 ounces unloaded compared to a Glock 19, which weighs about 23.6 ounces. Basically, if you took a Glock 19 and smashed it in the press, a G48 is what you would end up with.
The Slimline frame of the Glock 48 is the same as the Glock 43x. So, if you take the slide off of a Glock 43 and place it on the frame of a Glock 48, you will have a Glock 43X.
If you are not familiar with all the Glock models, this can sound a little confusing, but it’s really very simple.
The real question, however, is how the Glock 48 fares when it comes to concealed carry?
Is the Glock 48 good for concealed carry?
Like any other handgun on the planet, it will be perfect for some, and not for others. This is because everyone is different. Body type, clothing, carry method, and personal preference matter.
The Glock 48 is perfect for those who want something closer to full-size but still thin. It keeps the same thin grip as the 43X but adds a longer slide and barrel. This gives the gun a little more accuracy and reduces recoil just a bit.
Its most significant advantage is its slim profile. With its width at just over an inch, the Glock 48 is easier to carry under a shirt than a standard, double-stack Glock pistol.
However, one common concern with the Glock 48 is magazine capacity. Because it uses a single-stack magazine, the Glock 48 only holds 10 rounds. For a micro-sized gun, this isn’t bad, but the Glock 48 isn’t micro-sized.
I have often mentioned how much I like Glock magazines. They are among the most robust and universal mags on the planet. But the plastic design hinders the G48’s capacity with this model.
While aftermarket magazines like the metal ones from Shield Arms can boost capacity to 15 rounds, this often involves additional upgrades like a metal magazine release to ensure reliability. If high capacity is a priority, a double‑stack compact may be a better choice.
Pros
- Slim and easily concealable
- Comfortable full-hand grip
- Good barrel length enhances accuracy
- Glock reliability and ease of maintenance
Cons
- Limited magazine capacity (10 rounds standard)
- Potential need for aftermarket magazines to increase capacity
- Slightly larger than ultra-compact pistols
Overall, I think the Glock 48 is an excellent concealed‑carry option for shooters seeking a balance of concealability and shootability. I find it hard to have one gun for all occasions, so this provides another option for me.
There are times when I carry a full-size gun, and other times it’s a compact or semi-compact model. The Glock 48 is a little unique because of its length compared to its thickness, and is just what’s needed for some occasions.
What’s the best way to carry the Glock 48?
When it comes to carrying the Glock 48, choosing the right holster and method will depend on your clothing and what you are comfortable with.
I use a wide range of styles, depending on the firearm I’m carrying, along with other factors. When it comes to the Glock 48, I’ve found the Safariland Species IWB holster works best for me.
Another great way to carry the Glock 48 is with a shoulder holster. Because the gun is so thin, this makes it very comfortable resting under your arm. The gun is big enough that you can easily grip it to draw from the holster from any position.
Is the Glock 48 right for you?
So, is the Glock 48 a gun I carry year-round? No. But again, I use multiple guns in different sizes depending on what I’m doing that day. I tend to carry this gun a great deal in the spring and fall, and often in the winter with a shoulder holster.
But that doesn’t mean it can’t be a year-round carry gun for someone else. It’s a Glock, so you know it’s reliable and durable. The magazine capacity is a little bit lacking, but 10 rounds are still enough for a defensive gun.
Some may find the Glock 48’s width is not as comfortable when shooting, compared to a double-stack version. But the point of the Glock 48 is discreet carry. This means we must give up some concessions, like we do with any compact concealed carry gun.
Bottom line: The Glock 48 is a slimline “crossover” that gives you a thin, comfortable grip and a longer slide for better sighting and control. If that combination matches your carry priorities, it’s a very strong option.
