Glock 45 Gen 5 9mm Handgun Review

I recently spent some quality time at the range with my Glock 45 Gen 5 9mm pistol. I bought this handgun in 2020. As a long-time firearm enthusiast, I wanted to share my in-depth review of this remarkable firearm. Here’s my Glock 45 Gen 5 review.

Overview of the Glock 45 Gen 5

The Glock 45 Gen 5 is a 9mm pistol that combines the best features of Glock’s popular models. Introduced as part of Glock’s fifth-generation lineup, it merges the full-size frame of the Glock 17 with the compact slide of the Glock 19. This “crossover” design offers a balanced firearm suitable for duty use, home defense, and recreational shooting.

Key Specs:

• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Capacity: 17+1 rounds
• Barrel Length: 4.02 inches
• Overall Length: 7.44 inches
• Height: 5.47 inches
• Width: 1.34 inches
• Weight (unloaded): 24.98 ounces
• Sights: Fixed Glock sights
• Finish: nDLC (Diamond-Like Carbon)

Glock 45 Gen 5 Design and Ergonomics

Grip and Handling

The first thing that struck me about the Glock 45 Gen 5 is how comfortably it fits in my hand. The absence of finger grooves—a change introduced in the Gen 5 models—allows for a more customized grip. The interchangeable backstraps enable shooters to adjust the grip size to their preference.

Controls and Features

• Ambidextrous Slide Stop Lever: Accommodates both right and left-handed shooters.
• Reversible Magazine Catch: Adds to the pistol’s versatility.
• Flared Magazine Well: Facilitates faster and more efficient reloads.

Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB)

The GMB features enhanced barrel rifling, which improves accuracy.

Combined with the smooth trigger pull and crisp reset, it contributes to a more precise shooting experience.

Performance at the Range

Accuracy at 10 Yards

At 10 yards, the Glock 45 Gen 5 performs exceptionally well. The pistol’s balance and ergonomics make it easy to acquire targets quickly. I consistently achieved tight groupings, which boosts confidence in its reliability for self-defense scenarios.

Shooting at 20 Yards

Pushing out to 20 yards, I noticed a slight decrease in accuracy. While still respectable, the shorter sight radius compared to full-sized models like the Glock 17 requires more focus on fundamentals. This highlighted areas for personal improvement rather than deficiencies in the firearm itself.

Recoil Management

The pistol’s design effectively manages recoil, allowing for rapid follow-up shots. The full-size grip provides a secure hold, which is especially beneficial during extended shooting sessions.

Glock 45 Gen 5 Pros and Cons

Pros

• Ergonomic Design: Comfortable grip suitable for various hand sizes.
• High Capacity: 17+1 rounds provide ample firepower.
• Reliability: Consistent performance with no malfunctions experienced.
• Versatility: Suitable for self-defense, duty use, and range shooting.
• Enhanced Features: Gen 5 improvements like the Marksman Barrel and ambidextrous controls.
• Barrel Length: Shorter barrel could make concealed carry more comfortable.

Cons

• Size for Concealed Carry: The full-size grip may be challenging to conceal for some users.
• Stock Sights: Basic and may benefit from aftermarket upgrades for better visibility.
• Accuracy at Longer Distances: Requires more practice to maintain precision beyond 15 yards.

Ammunition Compatibility

What Ammo Does the Glock 45 Gen 5 Use?

The Glock 45 Gen 5 is chambered for the 9mm Luger cartridge, also known as 9x19mm Parabellum. This is one of the most widely used handgun calibers globally, known for its balance of power, recoil, and magazine capacity.

Recommended Bullet Types

• Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): Ideal for training and target practice.
• Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP): Recommended for self-defense due to controlled expansion upon impact.

Choosing the Right 9mm Ammo

Grain Weight Considerations

The grain weight of a bullet affects its velocity, recoil, and terminal performance.

• 115 Grain: Offers higher velocity with manageable recoil—excellent for practice and self-defense.
• 124 Grain: A balanced option providing a mix of speed and stopping power.
• 147 Grain: Heavier bullets that may offer deeper penetration but can result in increased recoil.

Best 9mm Ammo for Self-Defense

Based on personal experience testing different self-defense ammo at the range, checkout my personal recommendations for the best Glock 45 Gen 5 self-defense ammo:

Comparison with Other Glock Models

Glock 17 vs. Glock 45 Gen 5

• Glock 17: Full-size frame and slide.
• Glock 45 Gen 5: Full-size frame with a compact slide.

The Glock 45 offers better maneuverability without sacrificing capacity, making it a versatile option.

Glock 19 vs. Glock 45 Gen 5

• Glock 19: Compact frame and slide.
• Glock 45 Gen 5: Larger grip accommodates more rounds.

The Glock 45 provides a better grip for those with larger hands and increased magazine capacity.

Final Thoughts

The Glock 45 Gen 5 stands out as a reliable, well-designed pistol that meets the needs of various shooters. Its combination of a full-size grip and compact slide offers a balance of control and maneuverability. Whether you’re looking for a firearm for home defense, duty use, or range practice, the Glock 45 Gen 5 is a worthy contender.

Why I Recommend the Glock 45 Gen 5:

• Dependability: Glock’s reputation for reliability is well-earned.
• Customization: Wide availability of aftermarket parts and accessories.
• Community Support: Extensive user base provides ample resources and shared experiences.

Next Steps:

I’m considering upgrading the stock sights to improve accuracy at longer distances. Additionally, I’ll continue experimenting with different ammunition types to optimize performance.

Feel free to share your thoughts or ask questions about the Glock 45 Gen 5. If you’ve had experiences with this model or have ammo recommendations, let’s continue the conversation!

Buy the Glock 45 Gen 5 at Guns.com:

Or check out our other Gun Store sponsors.