Top 5 Differences Glock 48 vs 19: Complete Size and Performance Comparison

The Glock 19 and Glock 48 are both popular 9mm pistols that share similar designs but serve different needs. Both guns come from the same manufacturer and use the same striker-fired action. They look alike at first glance, but several key differences set them apart.

The main differences between the Glock 48 and Glock 19 involve size, weight, magazine capacity, grip design, and intended use. The Glock 19 remains one of the most popular firearms Glock makes. The Glock 48 came later as a slimmer option for people who want easier concealment.

Understanding these differences helps gun owners pick the right pistol for their specific needs. This comparison covers the physical dimensions, capacity options, how each gun feels in the hand, and what situations each model works best for.

1) Size and Weight: Glock 48 is slimmer and lighter than Glock 19, enhancing concealability

The most notable difference between these two pistols is their width. The Glock 48 measures 1.1 inches wide, while the Glock 19 has a wider profile due to its double-stack magazine design.

This slimmer frame makes a real difference for daily carry. The Glock 48 weighs approximately 20.7 ounces unloaded. The Glock 19 is heavier, and loaded weight savings is about 5 ounces compared to the G48.

The reduced width and lighter weight work together to improve concealment. A thinner pistol creates less printing under clothing and sits more comfortably against the body. The slimmer profile increases comfort and concealability for extended wear.

Both pistols share similar barrel lengths, with the Glock 48 at 4.17 inches and the Glock 19 at 4.02 inches. The key advantage of the G48 lies in its single-stack design, which creates a noticeably thinner grip. This makes it easier to conceal while maintaining a shootable size.

2) Magazine Capacity: Glock 19 typically holds 15 rounds, while Glock 48 holds 10.

The Glock 19 holds 15 rounds in its standard magazine. This capacity comes from its double-stack magazine design, which arranges cartridges in two columns within the magazine body.

The Glock 48 holds 10 rounds in its standard magazine. It uses a single-stack design that arranges cartridges in one column. This difference directly affects the width of each pistol.

The Glock 19's double-stack magazine makes the frame 1.26 inches wide. The Glock 48's single-stack design creates a slimmer 1.10-inch profile.

Users who prioritize carrying more ammunition will prefer the Glock 19's 15-round capacity. Those who value a thinner grip for concealment or comfort may accept the Glock 48's reduced 10-round capacity. Both pistols can accept higher capacity magazines depending on local laws and user needs.

The five-round difference represents a 33% reduction in ammunition capacity. This trade-off between capacity and size remains the most significant practical difference between these two models.

3) Grip Design: Glock 19 has a thicker grip suited for a full hand, Glock 48 offers a narrower grip

The grip width stands as a major difference between these two pistols. The Glock 19 features a double-stack magazine holding 15 rounds in a wider grip, while the Glock 48 uses a single-stack design with 10 rounds in a slimmer profile.

The Glock 19's thicker grip fits shooters with larger hands well. It provides a full purchase for all fingers and allows for a more stable hold during rapid fire. The extra width comes from the double-stack magazine design.

The Glock 48 takes a different approach. Its slimmer frame offers a distinct shooting experience that many shooters prefer for concealed carry. The narrow grip makes it easier to wrap the hand around completely, which can benefit shooters with smaller hands.

This width difference affects how each gun carries and conceals. The Glock 48's slim profile prints less against clothing and feels less bulky on the hip. The Glock 19's wider frame may be more noticeable but offers higher capacity.

4) Intended Use: Glock 19 favors higher capacity and versatility; Glock 48 prioritizes discreet carry

The Glock 19 and Glock 48 serve different purposes based on what shooters need. The Glock 19 offers a balanced blend of comfort and firepower, making it suitable for various situations.

The Glock 19 holds 15 rounds in its standard magazine. This higher capacity gives shooters more ammunition without reloading. The pistol works well for home defense, range shooting, and duty use.

Law enforcement agencies often choose the Glock 19 for its versatility. It provides enough firepower while remaining manageable for daily carry.

The Glock 48 takes a different approach. Its slim frame and easy concealability make it ideal for those who need a gun that stays hidden. The pistol's thinner profile fits better under clothing.

People who carry concealed every day often prefer the Glock 48. It holds 10 rounds in its standard magazine, which is less than the Glock 19 but acceptable for personal defense. The reduced capacity is a trade-off for better concealment.

Each pistol excels in its intended role. The choice depends on whether a shooter values extra rounds and versatility or prioritizes keeping the gun concealed.

5) Sights and Barrel Length: Glock 19 features a shorter barrel and standard sights; Glock 48 has a longer barrel for improved accuracy.

The Glock 19 has a barrel length of 4.02 inches, while the Glock 48 features a slightly longer barrel at 4.17 inches. This small difference affects performance in meaningful ways.

The longer barrel on the Glock 48 provides a longer sight radius. This extended distance between the front and rear sights enhances accuracy when aiming at targets. Shooters can achieve more precise shot placement with the additional sight radius.

Both pistols come equipped with standard Glock polymer sights from the factory. These sights feature a white dot on the front sight and a white U-shaped outline on the rear sight. The sight picture remains similar between both models.

The 4.02-inch barrel on the Glock 19 provides a balance between velocity and compact size. The Glock 48's extra 0.15 inches of barrel length offers improved ballistic performance without significantly increasing overall length. This makes the Glock 48 slightly more accurate for shooters who prioritize precision.

Overview of Glock 48 and Glock 19

Both Austrian-built firearms are compact 9mm handguns designed with concealed carry and multi-purpose applications in mind. They share polymer frames and striker-fired action, but differ primarily in width and magazine capacity.

Brief History and Purpose

The Glock 19 entered the market as a compact version of the full-size Glock 17. It quickly became one of the most popular handguns worldwide due to its balance of size and capacity. The pistol earned a reputation for reliability and versatility among law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian shooters.

The Glock 48 arrived much later as part of Glock's slimline series. It was designed to offer the same length and height as the Glock 19 while providing a thinner profile. This slim design aimed to improve comfort during concealed carry without sacrificing control or shootability.

Both models chamber 9mm ammunition and use the same striker-fired system. The Glock 19 is known for its versatility and reliability in various roles. The Glock 48 focuses specifically on concealed carry applications with its reduced width.

Target Audience

The Glock 19 appeals to shooters who want maximum capacity and versatility in a compact package. Its standard 15-round magazine makes it popular with those who prioritize ammunition capacity. Law enforcement officers, security professionals, and home defenders often choose this model.

The Glock 48 attracts those prioritizing discreet carry and comfort over capacity. Its slimmer profile works well for individuals with smaller hands or those who wear lighter clothing. Concealed carry permit holders who value all-day comfort frequently select this model.

Both pistols serve defensive purposes effectively. The choice between them depends on whether a shooter values capacity and multipurpose use or prioritizes concealability and comfort.

Practical Considerations for Concealed Carry

The Glock 48's slimmer profile makes it easier to hide under light clothing, while the Glock 19's extra width provides more ammunition capacity. Both pistols work with a wide range of holster options due to their popularity.

Ease of Concealment

The Glock 48 measures 1.10 inches wide compared to the Glock 19's 1.34 inches. This quarter-inch difference matters when carrying inside the waistband or under fitted clothing.

The Glock 48's design prioritizes concealed carry from the start. Its slimmer frame reduces printing and feels more comfortable against the body during extended wear. People who wear business attire or lighter clothing typically find the Glock 48 easier to conceal.

The Glock 19 remains popular for concealed carry despite being slightly thicker. Its additional width houses a 15-round magazine versus the Glock 48's 10-round capacity. Many carriers accept the extra thickness in exchange for more ammunition.

Both pistols share similar lengths and heights. The real concealment difference comes down to width and how each person's body type and clothing choices affect printing.

Holster Compatibility

Both pistols benefit from extensive aftermarket support. The Glock 19's popularity with police and military means holster manufacturers produce countless options for every carry method.

The Glock 48 fits most holsters designed for the Glock 43X due to their shared dimensions. Inside-the-waistband holsters, appendix carry rigs, and outside-the-waistband options are widely available. Popular holster makers like Alien Gear, Crossbreed, and Vedder produce models for both pistols.

The Glock 19 offers the largest selection of holster types and styles. Shooters can find competition holsters, duty holsters, and countless concealment designs. This extensive availability makes it easier to find the perfect fit for specific needs.

Reliability and Performance Insights

Both pistols deliver consistent performance at the range, though their design differences create distinct shooting experiences. Maintenance requirements remain nearly identical between these two Glock models.

Range Experience

The Glock 19 holds a 15-round magazine capacity compared to the Glock 48's 10-round standard capacity. This difference affects how often shooters need to reload during range sessions. Both guns use the same 9mm ammunition and operate with Glock's proven striker-fired system.

Shooters often notice the Glock 48's slimmer profile makes it easier to grip for those with smaller hands. The Glock 19's wider frame provides more surface area for recoil management. Both pistols produce similar felt recoil due to their comparable weight and barrel length.

The consistent performance of both models has earned strong user loyalty. The Glock 19 features interchangeable backstraps that allow grip customization. The Glock 48 comes with a fixed grip size that works well for many shooters but offers less adjustment.

Range accuracy between the two remains comparable at typical defensive distances. Both guns cycle standard and +P ammunition reliably.

Maintenance Differences

The Glock 48 and Glock 19 share the same basic field stripping process. Both guns disassemble into the same number of main components: slide, barrel, recoil spring assembly, and frame. Cleaning takes roughly the same amount of time for either model.

Parts availability slightly favors the Glock 19 due to its longer market presence. Both pistols use the same trigger mechanism and firing pin assembly. The magazines differ in width and capacity but require identical maintenance procedures.

Neither gun needs special tools for routine cleaning. Both models use Glock's standard cleaning and lubrication points. Replacement parts for either pistol are widely available through Glock and aftermarket suppliers.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Glock 48 and Glock 19 differ primarily in their width, weight distribution, and ammunition capacity. The Glock 48 measures slimmer at roughly 1.10 inches wide compared to the Glock 19's 1.34-inch width, while magazine capacity differs by five rounds.

What are the main size differences between the Glock 48 and the Glock 19?

The Glock 48 features a slimmer profile than the Glock 19, measuring approximately 1.10 inches in width versus 1.34 inches. This nearly quarter-inch difference makes the Glock 48 easier to conceal against the body.

The Glock 48 has a longer overall length at 7.28 inches compared to the Glock 19's 7.36 inches. Both pistols share similar height dimensions at around 5 inches.

The barrel length differs between the two models. The Glock 48 has a 4.17-inch barrel while the Glock 19 has a 4.02-inch barrel.

How does the weight of the Glock 48 compare to the Glock 19?

The Glock 48 weighs less than the Glock 19 when unloaded. The Glock 48 comes in at approximately 20.74 ounces while the Glock 19 weighs about 23.65 ounces.

This weight difference of nearly three ounces makes the Glock 48 more comfortable for extended carry periods. The lighter weight also reduces fatigue during daily concealed carry.

Can the Glock 48 and Glock 19 be differentiated based on magazine capacity?

The standard magazine capacity differs significantly between these two models. The Glock 19 holds 15 rounds in its standard magazine while the Glock 48 holds 10 rounds.

This five-round difference reflects the design priorities of each pistol. The Glock 19 favors higher ammunition capacity for versatility and defense situations.

The Glock 48 sacrifices capacity for a slimmer profile that enhances concealment. Aftermarket magazines can increase capacity for both models.

What are the differences in handling and recoil between the Glock 48 and Glock 19?

The Glock 19 offers a fuller grip due to its thicker frame dimensions. This allows shooters with larger hands to achieve a more complete hold on the pistol.

The Glock 48 provides a narrower grip that some shooters find more comfortable. The slimmer profile can improve control for those with smaller hands.

Recoil management differs slightly between the two models. The Glock 19's added weight and thicker grip help absorb felt recoil during rapid fire.

The Glock 48's lighter weight can result in slightly more perceived recoil. However, both pistols remain manageable for most shooters due to their 9mm chambering.

Is there a significant difference in concealability between the Glock 48 and the Glock 19?

The Glock 48 offers better concealability due to its slimmer profile and lighter weight. The reduced width makes it less likely to print through clothing during concealed carry.

The Glock 19 remains concealable but requires more attention to holster selection and clothing choices. Its thicker grip can create a more noticeable bulge under fitted shirts.

Both pistols work well for inside-the-waistband carry. The Glock 48 excels in appendix carry positions where a slimmer profile matters most.

What are the differences in frame and slide dimensions between the Glock 48 and Glock 19?

The Glock 48 has a single-stack magazine design that creates its narrower frame profile. The Glock 19 uses a double-stack magazine that requires a wider frame to accommodate more rounds.

Both pistols feature polymer frames with similar texturing patterns. The slide widths match their respective frame dimensions with the Glock 48 being noticeably slimmer.

The Glock 48 uses a Silver nPVD finish on its slide while the Glock 19 typically comes with a black nDLC finish. Both frames feature similar accessory rails for mounting lights or lasers.