Originally published April 2019, Updated November 2025

Since Glock launched the G42 five years ago, the gun world has learned to expect capable single-stacks from a company once dominated by double-stack designs. Several Slimline models have emerged since, but it’s the Glock 48 — a mid-sized 9mm that blends concealability with shootability — that fascinates me most. I’ve been running the G48 for months now. It’s not years of testing, granted, but it has been more than enough time to understand what this slim little shooter can do.

Glock 48 Overview

The Glock 48 is a Slimline 9mm from Glock’s fifth-generation lineup, designed specifically for concealed carry and everyday defensive use. It was introduced alongside the G43X and intended to give shooters a thinner, easier-to-conceal option that still offers a serviceable sight radius, controllability and capacity.

Two-tone silver and black Glock 48 slimline concealment semi-automatic pistol lying on a rustic hardwood floor.

Glock 48 Specs

Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 10+1
Action: Striker-fired
Frame material: Polymer
Slide finish: Silver nPVD Satin Stainless
Barrel material: Stainless Steel
Barrel length: 4.17 inches
Grip: Black Synthetic
Overall length: 7.28 inches
Weight: 18.48 ounces empty (no magazine)

While some gun owners instinctively compare the G48 to the G43 — Glock’s first single-stack 9mm — the truth is that Glock created the G48 as a Slimline version of the G19.

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Size and Comparison: Glock 48 vs. G43 vs. G19

The G19 has the bulk that often comes with double-stacks, but its Slimline counterpart lives up to its name. These might look like small dimensional differences on paper, but for concealed carriers, every tenth of an inch matters.

Size Comparison:

Specification G48 G43 G19
Overall length 7.28 in 6.26 in 7.36 in
Overall width 1.10 in 1.06 in 1.26 in
Trigger distance 2.64 in 2.56 in 2.80 in
Capacity 10 6 15

If you must compare the G48 to the G43, the G43 is noticeably smaller — roughly ¾ inch shorter in height and over an inch shorter in length. And while the G43’s six-round capacity is functional, it’s never thrilled me. The G48’s 10-round capacity is simply more practical for daily carry.

A two-tone silver and black Glock 48 lying slide-to-slide with a Gen 5 Glock 19 for a comparison of size

Key Takeaways

  • The Glock 48 offers meaningful grip length, sight radius and capacity advantages over the G43.
  • The Slimline frame and Gen5 ergonomic updates create a modern, comfortable pistol that handles well.
  • The pistol is particularly well-suited for concealed carry in warm weather due to its thin frame and light weight.
  • The G48’s two-tone finish and upgraded slide features (front serrations, nPVD coating) make it visually distinct in Glock’s lineup.

Aesthetics and Features

Glock made some aesthetic updates as well. The two-tone finish — black polymer frame paired with a silver nPVD slide — immediately stands out. Glock doesn’t typically release pistols with this kind of modern aesthetic, and the G48’s clean, brushed appearance makes it an appealing addition to the concealed carry market.

Key features include:

  • Improved accuracy with the match-grade Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB)
  • Versatility in its reversible magazine release
  • Expected built-in beavertail
  • Front slide serrations
  • GMB rifling and Gen 5 updated crown

The polygonal rifling remains, and there are no finger grooves — a welcome Gen5 change. The combination of the Slimline frame and Gen5 ergonomic updates yields a handgun that feels modern, balanced and refined without sacrificing Glock’s famously simple design.

Glock 48 Range Review

The Slimline frame delivers a balanced feel that makes the gun easy to manage right from the first magazine, and the longer slide and sight radius contribute to quick sight alignment and confident tracking. Recoil is mild and predictable, allowing the pistol to settle smoothly between shots.

Precision Drills

I opened testing with a playing-card drill, firing five rounds at a single card from a distance of 5 yards. It’s not timed; the goal is to take it slow and aim for precision. The Glock 48 impressed me immediately. I ended up putting all 10 rounds of my first magazine into a single playing card, resulting in a beautifully ragged one-hole group.

Accuracy at Distance

Out to 10 yards, the gun continued to produce one-hole groups. To say I’m happy with it is a bit of an understatement. Out past 10 yards, the groups open up, of course. The barrel is 4.17 inches long, and I don’t expect it to do what long slides can at longer distances.

  • 5 yards: Single-hole groups
  • 10 yards: Continued one-hole precision
  • 50 yards: Consistent steel hits, matching my Gen5 G19

Even though the 4.17-inch barrel isn’t intended to replicate long-slide performance, the Glock 48 produced excellent accuracy through 10 yards and held its own at 50.

This 9mm Glock consistently nails steel plates at 50 yards, which the Gen5 G19 also does. However, the Glock 48 shows a slight precision edge over the G19 in my testing.

Trigger, Ergonomics and Handling

The Slimline frame strikes a middle ground that works well with my longer fingers — one of the reasons I usually default to double-stacks. The Glock 48 bridges that gap nicely.

The trigger is typical Glock, with a subtle improvement over earlier generations. My Lyman Digital Trigger Pull Gauge measured an average pull of 5 pounds, 1 ounce, slightly lighter than my Gen5 G19.

The reversible magazine release and lack of finger grooves contribute to a universally comfortable grip profile, especially for those who prefer slimmer pistols.

Sight Options

Glock offers three sight choices for the G48:

  • Standard
  • Glock Night Sights (GNS)
  • AmeriGlo BOLD

My model features Glock Night Sights, which performed well in daylight and low light. After comparing four Glocks with different night-sight configurations, the visibility of GNS stood out. The front sight is fixed, and the rear is drift-adjustable.

Glock 48 Pros 

  • Excellent accuracy at 5 and 10 yards, producing one-hole groups.
  • Slimline frame provides good ergonomics, even for shooters who usually prefer double-stacks.
  • 10-round capacity offers a more practical defensive loadout than the G43’s six rounds.
  • Reliable operation after 500 rounds with assorted ammunition.
  • Conceals more easily than a G19 due to its Slimline design.
  • Comfortable enough for all-day concealed carry.
  • Attractive two-tone finish with a silver slide and black frame.

Cons

  • Lower capacity than a double-stack G19 (10 vs. 15 rounds).
  • Not as small as the G43, making it slightly less concealable for those who prioritize minimal footprint.

Reliability, Concealment and Carry

A two-tone black and silver Glock G48 holstered inside a gray Kydex and black leather hybrid CrossBreed SuperTuck inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster that is lying on a rustic hardwood floor.

After putting 500 rounds of assorted ammunition through the G48 and seeing flawless reliability, I felt comfortable transitioning to carrying it. The Slimline design makes this pistol particularly well-suited for warm-weather carry, when lighter clothing demands a thinner firearm.

I’ve been carrying the G48 in a CrossBreed SuperTuck inside-the-waistband holster, which has provided secure retention, excellent concealment and significant comfort. CrossBreed offers several holster variants for the G48, but the SuperTuck has become a favorite for its blend of concealment and long-wear comfort.

Is the Glock 48 Worth It?

If you’re in search of a slim, concealable 9mm that doesn’t compromise shootability, the Glock 48 should absolutely be on your list. I prefer it over the G43 due to its capacity and grip length. While the G19 remains an outstanding all-purpose pistol, the G48 conceals more easily without feeling underpowered.

It is accurate, reliable and easy to carry: Everything a defensive handgun should be. And if you worry about going from 15 rounds (G19) down to 10, simply carry a spare magazine. That’s good practice regardless of your chosen firearm.

Final Verdict

Nicely played, Glock. You got me to like a non-double-stack pistol. Now, how about some more 10mms?

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Glock 48 FAQs

Is the Glock 48 accurate?
Yes. At 5 and 10 yards, the Glock 48 produced single-hole groups. Even at 50 yards, the G48 rang steel with ease, matching the Gen5 G19.

How does the Glock 48 compare to the G43?
The G48 has more capacity (10 vs. 6), a longer grip and a longer slide. The G48 is “more practical” for defensive carry than the G43.

Is the Glock 48 comfortable to shoot?
The Slimline frame balances well, recoil is predictable, and the built-in beavertail and lack of finger grooves make the pistol comfortable even for shooters with longer fingers.

How reliable is the Glock 48?
The author put 500 rounds of varied ammunition through the pistol with flawless reliability, which led them to feel confident carrying it.

Is the Glock 48 good for concealed carry?
Its Slimline frame makes it a strong choice for warm-weather carry in particular.

Sources