Glock is the foremost name in semiautomatic handguns, and the Glock 23 pistol is among the company’s most successful products. Many shooters have chosen the gun as their concealed carry sidearm, and numerous law enforcement agencies have adopted it for their officers.
Glock created the Model 23 as the .40 caliber version of their wildly successful 9mm Glock 19. It features a compact frame, a 13+1 magazine capacity, and Glock’s proven reliability. The .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge gained popularity when the FBI adopted it after the infamous 1986 Miami shootout, in which agents were seemingly outgunned by better-armed criminals. Glock’s wisdom in offering that chambering in a carry/duty pistol was well-founded, as the Model 23 has been a best-seller.
Like all Glock pistols, the Model 23 is robust and reliable. It features Glock’s pioneering Safe-Action trigger system and has an internal drop safety. An accessory rail allows the shooter to mount lights or lasers.
First introduced in 1990, the Glock 23 features a 4.02-inch barrel with an overall length of 7.36 inches and a height of 5.04 inches, including the flush magazine. The slide is 1 inch thick with an overall thickness of 1.26 inches. It weighs 23.63 ounces empty.
The Gen 4 Glock 23 improved on the original Gen 3 by introducing dual recoil springs, modular backstraps, and an improved grip texture. The Gen 5 edition added ambidextrous controls, the Glock Marksman Barrel for better accuracy, and the optional MOS system for mounting pistol optics.
The FBI and law enforcement eventually transitioned back to 9mm, leaving the capable .40 caliber round behind. That means great .40 S&W pistols, like the Glock 23, can be found for attractive prices.
Glock .40 Caliber Models
Glock has offered four models chambered for the .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge: the Glock 22, Glock 23, Glock 27, and Glock 35.
The Glock 22 is the .40 caliber version of the Glock 17, with a 4.49-inch barrel and a standard 15+1 capacity. Glock bills it as being “by far the most popular police service pistol in the United States.”
The Glock 23 is the .40 caliber version of the compact Glock 19, as we’ve noted.
Glock went subcompact with the Model 27, which is designed specifically for concealed carry. The Glock 27 mirrors the 9mm Glock 26’s 3.43-inch barrel, and offers a 10+1 magazine capacity in .40 S&W.
Finally, the Glock 35 is designed for competition, sporting an extended 5.31-inch barrel and a 15+1 capacity.
One of the great things about Glock is that the company’s .40 caliber magazines are compatible with all .40 caliber Glock pistols, assuming they are long enough. For example, the flush 10-round Glock 27 magazine won’t work in the larger models.
Glock 23 Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Glock 23 cost?
Glock 23s vary in price, based on the gun’s generation, whether it’s new or used, and its condition. New Glock 23 V models are retailing in the $485-557.00 range, while used and new-in-the-box older model pistols range from $329.99 to a whopping $1574.99.
What caliber is a Glock 23?
.40 Smith & Wesson
What are the different generations of Glock 23?
Glock 23 pistols are available in Gen 3, Gen 4, Gen 5, and the new Glock V models.
How many rounds does a Glock 23 hold?
The Glock 23 has a standard 13+1 capacity, with 10-round magazines available for magazine-restrictive states. Glock also offers 22-round magazines.
Is the .40 S&W cartridge the same as 10mm?
No. The .40 S&W cartridge shares the 10mm’s diameter, but the case is shorter, holding less powder.
Is the .40 S&W cartridge more powerful than the 9mm?
That depends upon the individual load, but yes, the .40 S&W’s larger diameter and powder capacity make it generally a more powerful round.
How bad is the .40 S&W recoil?
The .40 S&W is generally snappier than 9mm, causing a stronger recoil impulse. Individual loads will vary, but the .40 is not difficult to control with a proper grip and stance. The Glock 23’s recoil is not uncomfortable for most shooters.
Glock 23 For Sale
You can usually find a Glock 23 for sale on any number of sites, a few of which we’ve listed below. Or you can support your local gun store or pawn shop. Your search may be hit-or-miss at specific locations, but new and used Glocks are everywhere, so a little persistence will pay off.
This list is by no means exhaustive. It’s just to get you started. If you want the pre-V Model Glock 23, you will almost certainly have to buy it used, unless you’re willing to pay a ridiculous price for a new-in-the-box gun. But pre-owned Glocks are usually great pistols, so don’t let that stop ya! Just do some basic due diligence.
- Guns.com
- Guns America
- Palmetto State Armory
- Primary Arms
- Gun Deals lets you compare prices and availability across numerous retail sites.
Still a Capable Pistol
Despite the shooting world’s move back toward 9mm, the Glock 23 and other .40 caliber pistols are still very capable. The round does its job, and the recoil, while a bit snappier, is still quite manageable.
And while streamlining one’s caliber selections can be wise from a practical standpoint, there’s also something to be said for at least some diversity. Experienced shooters are all too familiar with periodic ammunition shortages, as we witnessed during the COVID pandemic. 9mm and .22 Long Rifle were scarce indeed, but .40 S&W could often be found easily. I learned that lesson myself during that period.
Glock has retained the Model 23 through its recent product line revamp. The V Model is already available, and the Gen 6 is likely on the way. We’ve never enjoyed such an abundance of firearm choices, but owning a Glock is never a mistake. If you’re looking for a proven, dependable, versatile .40 caliber pistol, the Glock 23 is hard to beat.
