- Handguns
- Glock
Glock 45 Review
The Glock 45 is a compact crossover Gen5 pistol that pairs a full-size G17 frame with a compact G19-length slide, delivering 17+1 round capacity, superior controllability, and the latest Gen5 enhancements — purpose-built for law enforcement, duty carry, and home defense.Specifications
- caliber: 9x19mm (9mm Luger)
- capacity: 17 rounds (standard); 19, 24, 31, 33 optional
- barrel_length: 102 mm | 4.02\"
- overall_length: 174 mm | 6.85\"
- height: 139 mm | 5.47\"
- width: 32 mm | 1.26\"
- weight_unloaded: 21.73 oz (without magazine)
- weight_loaded: 30.34 oz (with loaded magazine)
- action: Safe Action® (Striker-Fired)
- frame: Polymer with Picatinny rail and flared magwell
- finish: nDLC coated black slide and barrel
- sights: Fixed white dot front and rear (standard)"
- grip: Full-size G17 frame, no finger grooves, modular beavertail backstrap system
- barrel: GLOCK Marksman Barrel (GMB)
- trigger_pull: ~5.5 lbs
- slide_stop: Ambidextrous
- magazine_catch: Reversible and enlarged
Pros
- Exceptional reliability — thousands of rounds without malfunction reported by users
- Full-size G17 grip offers outstanding control and 17+1 round capacity
- Compact G19 slide aids maneuverability and reduces muzzle flip
- Gen5 GLOCK Marksman Barrel (GMB) delivers improved accuracy
- Flared magwell enables faster, more reliable magazine changes
- nDLC finish provides superior corrosion and scratch resistance
- Ambidextrous slide stop and reversible magazine catch for left-handed shooters
- Extensive aftermarket ecosystem — sights, triggers, lights, holsters
- Modular beavertail backstrap system fits a wide range of hand sizes
- Compatible with G19 holsters for broad carry options
Cons
- Full-size grip makes it harder to conceal than the G19 or Slimline models
- Available only in 9mm — no caliber options
- Standard factory sights are basic; most users upgrade to night sights or a red dot
- No manual safety — relies entirely on the Safe Action® System
- Higher price point compared to some similarly sized competitors
- Polymer frame may not appeal to those preferring metal-framed pistols
Best For
- Law enforcement and duty carry
- Home defense — high capacity and full-size grip for better control
- Competitive shooting and range use
- Shooters with larger hands who find the G19 grip too short
- Those transitioning from the G17 who want a more maneuverable slide
Accessories
- Weapon Lights: Streamlight TLR-7A, Surefire X300U, Olight PL-Pro Valkyrie — compatible with the Picatinny rail.
- Red Dot Optics (MOS variant): Holosun 507C, Trijicon RMR, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro — via the G45 MOS optics adapter plate system.
- Night Sights: AmeriGlo, Trijicon HD, Night Fision — popular drop-in upgrades over the factory sights.
- IWB/OWB Holsters: Compatible with most G19 Gen5 holsters; also supported by Safariland, Alien Gear, Vedder, and Blackhawk.
- Extended Magazines: Glock OEM 19-round and 24-round magazines; aftermarket options from Magpul GL9.
- Trigger Upgrades: Apex Tactical, Overwatch Precision TAC trigger for improved pull weight and reset.
- Cleaning & Maintenance: GLOCK OEM cleaning kit included; Hoppe's No. 9 and FrogLube CLP recommended for routine maintenance.
