May 16, 2021 4 min read


The Glock 48 is a popular 9mm Luger handgun with a 10-round magazine, built-in beavertail grip, and a reversible magazine catch.

If you’re looking for a mid-sized CCW that’s reliable and accurate, you should take a closer look at the Glock 48. Obviously, Glock makes many excellent handguns for concealed carry, so you should explore your options before determining which one fits your preferences.

Features of the Glock 48

Many concealed carriers pay close attention to dimensions and weight when choosing handguns. A gun that seems too large for one person, however, could fit another person fine. Regardless of your preference, take a few seconds to learn about the dimensions and weight of the Glock 48.

  • Overall length: 7.28 inches (185 mm)
  • Barrel length: 4.17 inches
  • Slide length: 6.85 inches (174 mm)
  • Overall width: 1.10 inch (28 mm)
  • Slide width: 0.87 inch (22 mm)
  • Height (with magazine): 5.02 inches (128 mm)
  • Weight (with loaded magazine): 25.12 ounces (712 g)

You wouldn’t call the Glock 48 a compact gun, but it isn’t large enough to count as a full-size handgun, either. It falls somewhere between those two categories. At 7.28 inches long, people with small bodies might find it difficult to conceal the Glock 48. The 4.17-inch barrel could also make the weapon uncomfortable for some people.

Choosing the right holster will make it much easier for you to conceal the Glock 48 without experiencing discomfort. At Concealment Express, we sell a variety of Glock 48 holsters, including:

Consider Adding a Holster Claw Kit for Reduced Printing

If you’re worried that the Glock’s slightly large size will make your weapon too noticeable to use as a CCW, consider getting our holster claw kit. The holster claw kit reduces printing by pushing the butt of the gun against your body.

Glock 48 Pros

  • 10+1 round capacity gives you plenty of opportunities to protect yourself and others.
  • Carry an extra magazine of 9mm rounds with an IWB/OWB magazine holster for quick reloading.
  • Textured grip helps you maintain control, even on hot, sweaty days.
  • Ambidextrous design makes it suitable for left and right hands.
  • Precision-milled front serrations.
  • 24 N trigger pull adds safety without making it difficult for you to squeeze the trigger quickly.
  • Three sight options: AmeriGlo Bold, Glock night sight, and standard polymer sights.

Glock 48 Cons

  • Carries fewer rounds than the Glock 19 despite having similar sizes.
  • You will want to replace the standard polymer sights.
  • Some people find the trigger slightly difficult to squeeze during long sessions of practice.

Alternatives to the Glock 48

If the Glock 48 sounds like a decent gun, but you want something a little different, explore the following alternatives:

  • Glock 19, which is practically the same size but gives you the option to carry 15 to 33 rounds.
  • Sig Sauer P365 XL, a slightly more compact 9mm handgun with a 12-round magazine.
  • Heckler & Koch VP9, a somewhat larger, heavier gun that can carry up to 17+1 rounds and has a 4.09-inch barrel that makes it a good option for concealed carry.

Concealment Express has holsters for each of these CCWs, so you can carry them confidently throughout the day.

It’s always a good idea to try a weapon before you buy it. Reliable CCWs typically cost hundreds of dollars, so you don’t want to purchase one before you know how well it meets your demands. If possible, test the Glock 48 and its alternatives at a gun range. You will get to enjoy an afternoon shooting a variety of guns, and you will make an informed investment for your security.

Customer Reviews

Customers have diverse opinions about the Glock 48. Many of them have upgraded their models with accessories.

“I love my G48. Had it about 3 months. I have upgraded it with the extended controls…magazine release, slide release & slide stop lever. Got them through the Glockstore.com. They are very slow to ship these days. But I got what I ordered, just took a while & their web site tells you this upfront. The extended controls just make life easier. Also purchased the Shield Arms 15 round mags. I only have about 100 rounds through each of the 15 round mags so far, but they are fine. As the reviewer stated you need the upgraded mag release if you use the Shield Arms 15 round magazines because they are metal. The extended mag release from the Glockstore is aluminum.”

“[N]ever saw the point of the G48. 5 less rounds for a small decrease in size over the G19. It’s still 5″ tall which is the hardest part to conceal. You are much better off going with the G19, more capacity and softer recoil. The 15 round mag from Shield Arms changes things a lot, however, it’s still an aftermarket part, and a very important part. So far they have proven reliable from what I heard.”

“I own one and I enjoy it’s accuracy as well as it’s dependability for me a Great gun.”

Pair Your CCW with a Glock 48 Holster From Concealment Express

Choosing the right holster is almost as important as choosing the right handgun for concealed carry. At Concealment Express, we sell several Glock 48 holsters to match your needs. Each holster is designed for the dimensions and of the Glock 48, so the two items will fit perfectly.

Concealment Express makes all of its holsters from durable Kydex material. We also choose to manufacturer our Glock 48 holsters in the United States to ensure excellent quality.

We’re so certain that your Glock 48 holster will last decades that we give you a lifetime warranty. In fact, all of our Kydex holsters come with lifetime warranties.

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Our Review of the Glock 48