Originally published August 2016, Updated November 2025
When I first reviewed the Glock 27 in 2016, I gave it the title of best pistol for concealed carry. At the time, this compact 9+1 capacity pistol had a lot going for it. The Glock 27 is chambered in .40 Smith & Wesson — the leading concealed carry and law enforcement caliber of the time.
The Caliber Rollercoaster: How .40 S&W Rose and Fell
A lot has changed since then. Many of us lived through the caliber debates following the 1986 FBI Miami Shootout. The search for a more effective duty round led from 9mm to 10mm and ultimately to the .40.
The .40 S&W was born from the unsuccessful detour into 10mm. Basically, shortening the 10mm and fitting it into a more conventionally sized handgun, .40 began to sweep the nation for law enforcement and civilian defensive use. It allegedly combined the stopping power of .45 ACP and the capacity of 9mm.
Following a new round of ballistic testing, the .40 was eventually cast aside for 9mm, which testing showed to be just as effective with less wear and tear on firearms.
That new testing, along with the Glock trade-in program, which allowed law enforcement agencies across the U.S. to trade an old Glock of any caliber for a new 9mm Glock, greatly reduced the popularity of the .40 S&W.
But trends don’t always tell the whole story. The Glock 27 is still a part of my concealed carry lineup nearly a decade later. If you shoot .40 well — and you trust it — there’s no reason to abandon it. And don’t ditch your 9mm if it works for you either. Ammunition for both will be around a long time.
Why I Still Carry a Glock 27
Despite the back and forth and caliber turbulence, my Glock 27 Gen 4 remains one of my most-trusted everyday carry (EDC) pistols. It’s been with me through thick and thin, and I’ve never had it malfunction with any load over nine years. The G27 has proven to be more accurate than a handgun of its size has a right to be.
Upgrades to Improve My G27
Through my time with the Gen 4 G27, I’ve made some “gentle” modifications (easily reversed) to further enhance its effectiveness and operational smoothness. These upgrades give me the edge of a full-sized pistol but in a compact pistol package.
Accuracy & Aiming Enhancements
To keep the Glock 27 effective as my eyes have aged:
- Added Crimson Trace Red Lasergrips (now prefer green)
- Replaced XS DXT2 night sights with XS R3D 2.0 fixed orange outline tritium front night sight and tritium dot rear sight, increasing low-light precision
- Carry the G27 with Liberty Civil Defense 60-grain .40 S&W, launching JHP bullets downrange at 2,000 feet per second for 500 foot-pounds of energy
Handling and Functionality Upgrades
To enhance operation, I also added:
- Extended factory slide release
- Aftermarket grip base plug to keep dirt and debris out
- Talon Grips Arachnigrip Slide Spider for easier slide manipulation
- Glock 22/32 13-round magazines for a full-size grip profile.
- Glock magazines marked .357 will function properly with .40 caliber ammunition and vice-versa.
G27 Gen4 Performance After Nearly a Decade
I would still consider the Glock 27 the best pistol for EDC in a wide variety of situations. I currently carry it as my retired-cop gun, and it works well as a low-profile church security pistol. It’s lightweight enough for extended standing but powerful enough when it matters.
Glock 27 vs. Other Mini Glocks
The G27 checks every box for my needs, but if it isn’t your ideal carry pistol, there are two similar alternatives.
- Glock 33 in .357 is a true pocket rocket
- Glock 26 in 9mm is the most common option on the market today
Shooters open to a slimmer 9mm profile may also want to check out our Glock 43X review, which covers how it fits into the Glock carry lineup.
All mini-Glocks share the same operating system, and there are plenty of aftermarket add-ons to enhance performance as well as easily replaceable parts. Each is also ergonomically adaptable to the individual shooter with four included backstrap overlays.
One problem with this line is that Glock quietly buried the .40 and .357 mini-Glocks. The Glock 27 is currently only for sale under the law enforcement only category. Some can still be found for sale on the used market.
Limitations of the G27
Mini-Glocks, including the 27, do not have accessory rails. That’s not a flaw but a design choice. The minis were created for close-range self-defense, where weapon-mounted lights are less critical. Thought accurate to a greater distance than you’d expect, in my time carrying the Glock 27, I’ve never thought “I could really use a flashlight on here.”
Is the Glock 27 Still the Best EDC Pistol?
The Glock 27 maintains its long-held reputation for excellent accuracy, and you can even buy a drop-in .357 barrel without the need to change magazines. Just make sure to label them for safety.
The Glock 27 continues to over powerful .40 S&W performance and deep concealment capability. Its excellent reliability, affordability and the Glock ecosystem of parts and upgrades makes it one of the best EDC options.
With the right ammo and a few shooter-friendly upgrades, the Glock 27 is still one of the strongest all-around EDC pistols ever made, especially for those who appreciate the .40’s balance of power and control.
