The Glock 17 and 19 are arguably two of the most popular pistols in the Glock lineup. The Glock 17 set the standard for full-size polymer pistols, and the 19 is considered one of the most prolific pistols selected for concealed carry. Each of these pistols is exceptional in their own right, but when the best attributes are taken from both of them and combined into one pistol, you have the ultimate Austrian striker-fired love child. Glock utilizes the word “perfection” in their marketing, and the most ideal of their perfection is the Glock G45. We’re examining a factory direct-milled G45 and Aimpoint Acro in this evaluation.

Glock G45 Background

In 2015, the U.S. Military was in the process of testing out various pistols for their new sidearm. Glock submitted the Glock 19X, which we know today as the flat dark earth (FDE) Glock 19 with a lanyard loop and the extended grip of the 17. In 2018, the black version of this pistol, sans lanyard loop, was introduced to the public, and it quickly gained the favor of shooters who praised it for its balance, literally and figuratively.

Not only does the pistol feel great in the hand, but it balances what is needed for concealment, firepower, and comfort. Law enforcement, who open carry primarily, found the pistol to be quick out of the holster and ideal for duty use. As is the case with many popular firearms chosen by law enforcement, the civilian world started to notice the benefits of carrying this pistol as well and, according to most gun shops spoken to, it is one of Glock’s best-selling pistols now.

Ideal Slide and Frame Combination

There is always room for constructive criticism, and even though the Glock 17 and 19 are popular, some who carry them have shared experiences pointing to that room for improvement. The Glock 17 is a full-size pistol, with emphasis on the term “full,” as in length of the slide and grip. Smaller-stature shooters may have difficulty wearing the pistol inside the waistband in the appendix position, as the extra length of the barrel can dig into the angular crease of the body more so than the length of the 19. Those with the G19 and full-size hands may find they can grab onto the grip of the 19 but not as securely as the full-size frame. The G45 addresses the wants of G17 and G19 users in a single package.

On the Range

The Glock 45, as configured, performed exceptionally. The direct-milled slide offers the best mounting solution for the Aimpoint Acro, placing it low on the slide for the most natural presentation. While some may argue a longer slide of the G17, G34, or G17L is better for a longer sight radius, the simplicity of superimposing a red dot with one focal plane negates that. In fact, the shorter slide moves from target to target during transitions effortlessly.

Compared to the Glock 19, the added heft of the Glock 45 grip makes it easier to  manage recoil. Speaking of recoil, the G45 slide cycles faster than the G17. The fastest shooters will appreciate how quickly the pistol gets back on target. Fifth generation Glocks come equipped with the marksman barrel that, improving upon the pistol’s inherent accuracy. At 25 yards on a standard B8 target, we regularly scored 95 out of 100 possible points. The marksman barrel offers a guarantee to produce 2-inch groups at 25 yards and 4-inch groups out to 50. That offers impressive capability coming out of a mass-produced pistol.

Concealed Carry

Using a Blackpoint Tactical FO3 Holster, we carried the G45 from the 3 o’clock position forward to the appendix. The pistol carries like a Glock 19 for comfort against the body, but it draws like the G17. Achieving a master grip is easier as there is more real estate to grab onto and pull the webbing of the hand into the backstrap. Much like the 17, the hardest part of the pistol to conceal is the butt of the grip, but with proper clothing, including a strong belt, the issue was not a deal breaker. The closed emitter of the Acro never collected dust and easily wipes clean with the inside of the cover garment–without removing the pistol from the holster.

The Little Things

It’s easy to focus on the major defining characteristic of the G45, which is the shape and configuration of the slide and the frame. The sum total of the other features contribute to the beauty of this pistol. Ambidextrous slide release, forward cocking serrations, interchangeable backstraps for different size hands, compatible internal parts common with similar sized pistols from the Glock lineup, Glock safe-action; the list goes on and on. This pistol is at home in just about every scenario from training classes, to home defense, duty use, and casual plinking.

Paired with a solid red dot, the pistol is absolutely capable at 50 yards and beyond to address the possibility of far threats, but with the shortened slide and full capacity of 17 rounds, it is ideal for cramped quarters and shooting fast. For those looking to modify the G45, a whole host of barrel compensators on the market offer a lengthened slide, delivering approximate Glock 17 dimensions.

A Proven Ideal Formula?

A good concept is universal and scalable up and down. Just like the G45 is the best of both worlds coming from the Glock 17 and 19, the Glock 43X is a scaled down version of that formula. The 43X blends the 10-round capacity of the Glock 48 with the slide of the Glock 43. That single-stack 9mm strikes a similar balance, leading one to believe other combinations possible. Perhaps Glock will release a Glock 45 ACP, the caliber not the model, that pairs the Glock 30 slide with the Glock 21 grip. We can’t say for certain what’s next, but we know the current ideal perfection seems like the right path forward.

For more info, visit Glock.com.