Top 10 Reasons To Carry A Glock 45: Essential Benefits For Modern Concealed Carry

The Glock 45 MOS brings together some of the best traits from both full-size and compact pistols. With its full-size grip and compact slide, it manages to offer more capacity and control, yet stays easier to conceal than a traditional full-size handgun.

The Glock 45 MOS packs in several advantages, making it a strong pick for personal defense, professional duty, and even competitive shooting. Thanks to its Gen 5 updates and factory optics-ready slide, it solves a lot of the headaches shooters run into when picking a carry gun. Glock clearly aimed for a pistol that adapts to different needs without asking you to give up much.

1) Gen 5 upgrades for enhanced performance

Glock gave the 45 MOS a bunch of Gen 5 upgrades, making it much easier to personalize. Now, shooters have more ways to tweak their pistol to fit their preferences.

Gen 5 models use a five-pound "dot" connector, which you can swap out for a lighter 3.5-pound version if you want a smoother trigger pull.

The new frame design ditched the finger grooves, so customizing the grip with textures or tape is a breeze.

Gen 5 slide cuts are cleaner and more precise, which means you can install aftermarket barrels or internal parts without much hassle.

The trigger system now welcomes more drop-in upgrades than older Glocks. It’s just easier to improve the trigger feel with Gen 5’s setup.

You can add precision-engineered parts for better performance, and most install with nothing more than basic tools.

The MOS system integrates perfectly with these Gen 5 changes, so you can mount optics and upgrade other components at the same time.

2) MOS optics-ready slide for easy red dot mounting

The Glock 45 MOS comes with a Modular Optic System that lets you add a red dot sight without paying for custom slide work.

MOS stands for Modular Optic System, and Glock machines the slide to fit adapter plates. This way, you can use all sorts of red dots with different footprints.

The numbered mounting plates make it easy to match your optic—RMR, RMSc, Delta Point Pro, and plenty of others.

Just pick the right plate, bolt on your chosen optic, and you’re set. No need to send your slide out for machining.

This optics-ready approach saves time and cash, and you can swap between different red dots without making permanent changes.

Reliability stays intact, but now you’ve got the option for a modern optic right out of the box. That’s a win for accuracy and speed.

3) High capacity 17-round magazine

The Glock 45 MOS ships with a 17-round magazine, which means you get more shots before needing to reload. That’s a big deal for both practice and self-defense.

It uses flush-fitting mags holding 17 rounds, just like the Glock 17.

With more rounds on tap, you don’t have to swap magazines as often, whether you’re at the range or in a stressful situation. The 17-rounder strikes a nice balance between bulk and ammo capacity.

If you want even more, you can run extended magazines up to 33 rounds for those times when capacity really matters.

The full-size grip frame makes the standard mag feel natural in your hand, and you don’t sacrifice comfort for extra ammo.

4) Compact slide for easier concealment

The Glock 45 MOS sports a compact slide, which really helps with concealment. The shorter slide length makes it less likely to print under your shirt or jacket.

The compact slide means you get a secure, full-size grip but don’t have to deal with the bulk of a long slide.

The shorter slide is just more comfortable, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting. Less gun hangs below your belt, so it’s less noticeable and less likely to poke you.

The Glock 45’s shorter slide makes it easier to keep hidden compared to full-size pistols. That reduced length really does help keep the gun from showing through your clothes.

For inside-the-waistband carry, the compact slide trims down the bulk at your waistline, making movement feel more natural and less awkward.

5) Full-size grip for better control

The Glock 45 MOS uses a full-size grip, just like the Glock 17. That extra grip real estate gives you more control over the gun, shot after shot.

Full-sized guns are simply easier to control than their smaller counterparts. The bigger grip fills your hand and feels more stable, especially when you’re shooting quickly.

The full-size grip spreads out recoil, so it’s not as sharp. That means faster follow-up shots and less fatigue.

Shooters with bigger hands especially appreciate the Glock 45’s generous grip. You get a solid purchase, and your hand doesn’t cramp up after a long session.

The full-size grip really shines during rapid fire. You can hang on tight, keep the muzzle down, and stay on target.

Plus, the larger grip lets you experiment with different hand placements and shooting styles until you find what feels best.

6) Proven Glock reliability and durability

Glocks have earned their reputation for reliability over decades, and the 45 MOS sticks to that formula. It just works, even when conditions get rough.

The striker-fired design skips external hammers and cuts down on moving parts. This straightforward setup keeps dirt and debris from causing problems.

Law enforcement agencies all over the world trust Glocks for duty use. That kind of widespread adoption says a lot about how well these pistols hold up under pressure.

Glock uses high-quality stainless steel and polymer for their frames and slides. These materials shrug off wear and corrosion better than most traditional options.

Glocks keep running in tough conditions. Owners often mention their pistols perform even when dirty, wet, or exposed to wild temperature swings.

Plenty of military units have picked Glocks for service pistols, which really speaks to their durability and ruggedness.

Maintenance is simple. With fewer complicated parts, you have fewer things that can break and repairs are usually quick and easy.

7) Ideal balance between size and shootability

The Glock 45 MOS nails a sweet spot between size and capacity. That’s part of what makes it so appealing for both concealed carry and duty work.

It gives you a compact slide but keeps the full-size magazine capacity. You don’t have to pick between shootability and concealment.

The grip length gives most people enough space for a confident, comfortable hold. It’s easy to get your hands in the right spot for control.

The mix of a full-size frame and compact slide works for a lot of different shooting styles. You get better accuracy without the gun feeling unwieldy.

The 4.02-inch barrel offers a good sight radius for accuracy, but the overall package stays manageable and easy to carry.

Weight feels balanced in your hand, so muzzle flip isn’t a big issue. That helps with quicker follow-up shots.

It’s comfortable in a bunch of different carry positions—appendix, hip, wherever works for you.

8) Versatile for carry, duty, and competition use

The Glock 45 MOS adapts easily to whatever role you throw at it—concealed carry, duty, or competition. You don’t need a bunch of different guns for different jobs.

Law enforcement officers rely on its reliability and control for daily duty. That full-size grip is a real advantage under stress.

For concealed carriers, the shorter slide helps keep the gun hidden, and drawing from a holster feels quick and natural.

Competition shooters like the dependability Glocks offer during matches. The MOS system means you can swap optics for different events in minutes.

It transitions smoothly from the range to real-world use. You don’t have to retrain on a different manual of arms for each scenario.

The 17-round capacity works for all these roles—plenty of ammo for duty, fewer reloads in competition.

The accessory rail lets you add lights, lasers, or even compensators if you want to tweak performance.

Honestly, having one pistol that does all this saves money and simplifies your setup. No need to compromise or juggle multiple guns.

9) Better recoil management compared to smaller Glocks

The Glock 45 MOS tames recoil better than most compact models. That full-size grip gives you more to hang onto, so the gun stays planted in your hands.

Smaller Glocks tend to feel snappier because of their lighter weight and shorter grips. They just don’t have the same stability.

The Glock 45 MOS’s longer grip frame lets you use all your fingers, which translates to better muzzle control between shots.

The extra mass helps soak up recoil energy, so each shot feels smoother and less abrupt compared to subcompacts.

Larger models generally handle recoil better, making it easier to shoot fast and accurately.

New shooters, in particular, benefit from the extra grip length and leverage. It’s just easier to learn proper technique when the gun isn’t jumping around in your hands.

10) Ergonomic grip texture for secure handling

The Glock 45 MOS comes with grip texture that provides traction and minimizes slippage as you handle and fire it. This textured surface lets shooters keep control, no matter the conditions—sweaty hands, rain, or just a long day at the range.

The grip design really tries to strike a balance between comfort and security. There's enough texture to keep the pistol steady in your hand, but it's not so rough that it chews up your palm during longer sessions. If you ask me, that’s a sweet spot.

Grip texture serves as a foundational element that supports effective weapon handling in critical moments. When things get intense, a proper grip keeps you focused on the target instead of worrying about your gun shifting around.

The texture holds up even when your palms get wet or sweaty. That reliability makes the Glock 45 MOS a solid pick for duty use or concealed carry—nobody wants to fumble their firearm when it matters.

Proper grip texture directly influences the shooter's capacity to maintain a secure and comfortable hold during use. The Glock 45 MOS gets this right with its carefully designed surface pattern.

The ergonomic grip texture cuts down on the chance of the firearm slipping during rapid fire. That kind of consistency helps you stay accurate and in control, even through longer shooting sessions.

Understanding the Glock 45 MOS Platform

The Glock 45 MOS blends a full-size grip frame with a compact slide, so you get this odd but practical crossover. The Modular Optic System lets you throw on a red dot or other optic without much fuss.

Key Features of the Glock 45 MOS

The Glock 45 MOS uses a crossover design—basically, it pairs a Glock 17 grip with a Glock 19 slide and barrel. That means you get more magazine capacity and better handling, which is honestly a clever combo.

This pistol holds 17 rounds in its standard mag. The full-size grip gives you more control, while the 4.02-inch barrel keeps it maneuverable—not too long, not too stubby.

Generation 5 improvements include:

• Ambidextrous slide stop levers

• No finger grooves on the grip

• Improved trigger mechanism

• Enhanced barrel crown

• Reversible magazine catch

Unloaded, the gun weighs 24.69 ounces. Its overall length is 7.44 inches, and it stands 5.43 inches tall.

The MOS platform lets you mount various reflex sights right onto the slide. Glock includes four different mounting screws, so you can match them to your optic brand without a headache.

MOS Compatibility and Customization Options

The MOS system works with most popular red dot sights, no custom slide work needed. Trijicon RMR, Holosun 407C/507C, and Leupold DeltaPoint Pro all fit right in.

Mounting plates are available for different optic footprints:

• Plate 01: Trijicon RMR/SRO

• Plate 02: Leupold DeltaPoint Pro

• Plate 03: Vortex Venom/Viper

• Plate 04: Meopta MeoSight III

The factory cuts make it easy to swap between different optics. You just change out the mounting plates and screws as needed.

Installing an optic doesn’t take much—just some basic tools and about 10 minutes of your time. The optic sits low on the slide, so you can co-witness with iron sights if that’s your thing.

If you want to go further, plenty of aftermarket companies offer grip textures, trigger upgrades, and extended controls. There’s no shortage of ways to make it your own.

Legal and Practical Considerations

When you carry a Glock 45 MOS, you’ve got to keep up with your state’s concealed carry laws and training requirements. These rules shape how you can legally and safely use this firearm for protection.

Concealed Carry Laws Relating to the Glock 45 MOS

The Glock 45 MOS fits under standard concealed carry regulations across the U.S. Its compact frame and full-size slide make it a good fit for concealed carry in most states where civilian carry is allowed.

Key legal specifications:

• Overall length: 7.44 inches

• Height: 5.04 inches

• Width: 1.26 inches

• Weight: 24.83 ounces (unloaded)

Most places treat the Glock 45 MOS as a regular pistol, no special hoops to jump through. The MOS system barely adds any weight and doesn’t change how the law classifies the gun.

Some states limit magazine capacity, though. If you live in California, New York, or New Jersey, you’ll need to swap out the 17-round mag for a 10-rounder.

The optics-ready setup doesn’t bring up extra legal headaches. Red dot sights are legal pretty much everywhere concealed carry is permitted.

Training Requirements and Safe Handling

Because of its size and optic capability, the Glock 45 MOS calls for a little extra training. Many states require a certain number of training hours before handing out concealed carry permits.

Basic training requirements usually cover:

• Firearm safety fundamentals

• Loading and unloading procedures

• Proper grip and stance

• Basic marksmanship skills

The MOS system adds a layer of complexity, especially for beginners. You’ll want to get comfortable co-witnessing iron sights with a red dot—takes some practice and maybe a lesson or two.

Choosing the right holster is crucial for safe carry. The Glock 45’s shape means you need a holster designed for its frame, not just any generic one.

Regular maintenance and training help prevent malfunctions. The MOS mounting system needs a periodic check to make sure your optic stays tight and secure.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Glock 45 MOS mixes Gen 5 upgrades, optics-ready features, and a crossover design. These elements tackle common concerns about capacity, concealment, and customization for all sorts of shooting needs.

What are the advantages of using a Glock 45 MOS for personal defense?

The Glock 45 MOS gives you a 17-round magazine for solid defensive capability. The full-size grip lets you keep a firm hold, even under stress.

The compact slide makes it easier to conceal than a true full-size. This crossover design blends the perks of compact and full-size pistols—pretty smart if you ask me.

The MOS system lets you slap on a red dot fast, boosting your target acquisition speed in defensive situations.

How does the modularity of the Glock 45 MOS enhance firearm customization?

The MOS plates let you use a bunch of different red dot brands, no permanent mods needed. You can swap optics to fit your preferences or needs.

The system comes with plates for popular sight makers, so you don’t need a gunsmith to cut into your slide.

If you want to go back to iron sights, just remove the optic and plate. That flexibility makes the pistol work for all kinds of roles.

Can you explain the reliability features of the Glock 45 MOS?

Gen 5 brings an improved barrel with better rifling. The nDLC coating fights corrosion and adds durability, which is always a plus.

Glock’s striker-fired setup uses fewer moving parts than hammer-fired designs, which means there’s less that can go wrong and less upkeep.

This pistol keeps up Glock's reputation for reliability in all sorts of environments. The operating system just works, and it doesn’t need a ton of maintenance.

What makes the Glock 45 MOS a suitable choice for law enforcement professionals?

With 17 rounds on tap, officers get plenty of ammo for longer encounters. The full-size grip works for different hand sizes, making training consistent across the board.

The compact slide helps plainclothes officers avoid printing. It’s versatile enough for both uniformed and undercover assignments.

The MOS system lets departments approve optics without voiding warranties. Officers can upgrade as tech or policies evolve—always handy.

How does the Glock 45 MOS compare to other models in terms of accuracy and performance?

The 9mm chambering keeps recoil manageable and accuracy on point. The full-size grip gives you a steady platform to shoot from.

The 4.02-inch barrel strikes a good balance between velocity and handling. It’s accurate without being unwieldy.

Whether you’re shooting for defense or competition, this pistol holds its own. Its balanced design really does fit a lot of different shooting styles.

What are the specific benefits of the MOS (Modular Optic System) in the Glock 45?

The MOS setup lets you attach a red dot sight without making any permanent changes to the slide. That way, you keep the pistol's resale value intact—always nice if you ever want to trade up or move on.

Glock includes four mounting plates, so you can fit several optic footprints. Most people go for brands like Trijicon, Leupold, or Holosun, and honestly, the system handles them all pretty well.

You can co-witness backup iron sights right through the optic window. If your electronic sight ever dies on you, you've still got a solid backup plan—never a bad thing at the range or anywhere else.