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- Treat every gun as loaded
- Point the muzzle in a safe direction
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot
- Know your target and what’s beyond
Review: Glock 26 Gen 5
- Price: $605.99
- Rating: 8.8/10
If you are chasing the smallest pistol that you can still shoot fast and accurately, you will inevitably come back to the Glock 26 Gen 5. This Glock 26 review is based on testing a gun that sits around 1,500 rounds. The test proved the point: this subcompact 9mm simply shoots like a much larger pistol. T
he Glock 26 is not the smallest pistol out there, nor is it the best shooting pistol out there, but it is the best shooting, smallest pistol out there. This Gen5 review focuses on how the double stack design offers a unique balance of shootability and concealment that modern rivals still struggle to match.
The Glock 26 has been around since 1995, and the latest Gen 5 updates, including the Glock Marksman Barrel and the removal of the finger grooves, solidify its position for reliable concealed carry. If printing is your biggest concern, the Glock 26 with a flush-fit 10-round mag solves the problem, making it easy to conceal. And it’s got a lot going for it when you pull it out the holster as well.
Now the Glock G26 has been overshadowed by the G43x lately, and there are good reasons for that. But this is still an absolute top tier pistol in the right hands. Are those yours? That’s what we’re here to discuss.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Shoots better than smaller pistols
- Accepts high-capacity G19/G17 mags
- Proven reliability since 1995
- Wider grip aids control and accuracy
- Gen 5 removed the finger grooves
Cons
- Still thicker than single-stack rivals
- Short grip may leave the pinky dangling
- Recoil is snappier than the G19
- Heavy recoil spring needs firm grip
- Factory plastic sights are weak
Quick Take: Why the Glock 26 Gen 5 Works
Overall Rating: 8.8/10
The Glock 26 is the compact tool for serious concealed carry. Its dimensions and width make it more controllable than slim micro-compacts, allowing for faster and more accurate follow-up shots. I found that the slightly wider frame provided a more stable shooting platform. Overall, the combination of excellent magazine compatibility and controllable shooting makes it the most versatile double stack subcompact pistol on the market. This is the classic baby glock and it’s still got so much love that it’s crazy.
The latest gun reviews for the Gen 5 are basically pure gushing praise and a lot of reviewers think this is a better gun than the G43x and it’s still arguably the best Glock for Concealed Carry, and one of the best Glocks on sale in 2025. In this Glock 26 review, we’ll explain why.
| Category | Rating | Notes |
| Reliability | 9.5/10 | Zero functional failures across 1,500 rounds. |
| Accuracy | 8/10 | New barrel provides excellent accuracy for a short-barrel pistol. |
| Value | 8/10 | Priced competitively offering superior durability and capacity options. |
| Fit & Finish | 8/10 | New nDLC coating is tough, and the grip texture is aggressive. |
| Features | 9/10 | Ambidextrous slide stop and compatibility with glock mags. |
Glock 26 Gen 5 Spec
If you want a quick snapshot before reading the full Glock 26 review, here you go.
- • Model: Glock 26 Gen5
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- • Type: Striker fired 9mm Luger pistol.
- • Barrel length: 3.43 inches.
- • Overall length: 6.42 inches.
- • Height: 4.17 inches.
- • Width: 1.3 inches.
- • Frame: Polymer frame, free of finger grooves.
- • Weight: 21.69 oz empty.
- • Magazine capacity: 10 rounds standard, accepts extended magazines.
- • Sights: Glock factory sights (optional night sights available).
- • Controls: Ambidextrous slide stop levers and reversible mag release.
- • Finish: nDLC slide coating.
Glock 26 vs The Competition
The market is saturated with micro-compact 9mm pistols (P365, G43X, Hellcat), but the Glock 26 Gen5 sits in its own space between the micro-compact and sub-compact classes. This new Glock has a diverse set of rivals, and these are some of the main competitors for your cash.
Glock 26 vs SIG P365
The Glock 26 Gen5 feels like a small duty pistol, solid and stable, and it rewards good fundamentals with tight groups. The P365 carries easier and gives you more rounds in a slimmer frame, but the muzzle flip can feel sharper until you adjust your grip.
Glock 26 vs Smith and Wesson M&P Shield Plus
The Glock 26 Gen5 feels thicker in the hand, but it tracks straight under recoil and keeps the reliability record that built its reputation. The Smith and Wesson Shield Plus hides better under clothes, the trigger breaks cleaner and the extra grip texture gives you more control when you speed up.
Glock 26 vs Walther PPS
The Glock 26 Gen5 gives you more capacity and a more secure shooting grip, and it stays consistent with any ammo you feed it. The Walther PPS feels slimmer and more refined, but the longer slide and reduced capacity change the whole balance of the gun.
Glock 26 vs Glock 43x
The Glock 26 Gen5 handles recoil better and lets you run high-capacity magazines without changing the footprint of the gun. The 43X wins on comfort and concealment, but the longer grip prints easier and the recoil pulse is lighter but quicker.
My 1,500 Round Test: Reliability and Feel
I wanted this Glock 26 review to focus on whether the “Baby Glock” could handle the same hard use as its larger siblings. The testing followed the standard protocol used for my duty-size evaluations.
Phase 1: Break-In (200 rounds)
The heavy recoil spring made the slide hard to rack initially. This phase mirrors what a new shooter experiences, but I saw no unusual wear and zero malfunctions.
Phase 2 — Reliability and Heat (1,000 rounds)
I mixed ammunition types, weights, and brands. I ran long strings of fire with minimal cleaning. During my Glock 26 Gen5 review, it ate everything I fed it. The reliability was stellar, maintaining the reputation Glock pistols are famous for. This is a reliable concealed carry gun.
Phase 3 — Accuracy and Consistency (300 rounds)
This phase focused on performance at defensive distances. The improved Glock Marksman Barrel makes a difference. Running IDPA-style stages, I found that having a full size grip (using an extended magazine) resulted in about 10% better performance overall. The consistency was the key takeaway: this small gun delivers combat-accurate groups effortlessly.
Glock 26 Gen5 Review – Accuracy Table
| Distance | Best Group (inches) | Average Group (inches) | Notes |
| 7 yards | 1.1″ | 1.5″ | Excellent defensive performance. |
| 15 yards | 2.5″ | 3.0″ | The wide grip stabilizes the shot easily. |
| 25 yards | 4.0″ | 4.8″ | New barrel holds surprisingly tight groups. |
| Rapid Fire (10 yards) | 3.5″ | 4.2″ | Controllable recoil impulse, tracks straight. |
Ammunition Summary
The Glock 26 was completely unfussy about ammunition. Hornady Critical Defense and Remington Gold Dot were top choices for personal carry. Training was done primarily with Magtech, CCI, and Wolf steel-cased ammo.
Glock 26: Category Ratings
| Category | Rating | Notes |
| Reliability | 10/10 | 2,000 rounds with zero mechanical malfunctions on this glock 26 review. |
| Accuracy | 8/10 | Shoots near as well as a G19 and far better than most micro-compacts. |
| Value | 9/10 | Exceptional durability and versatility. |
| Fit & Finish | 8/10 | nDLC finish is tough. |
| Features | 9/10 | Ambi controls and GMB are key new gen improvements. |
Glock 26 Review: Technical Highlights
There are 20 separate changes from the Glock 26 Gen 4 and they all mount up to create a much more stylish, accurate and more user-friendly gun.
Ergonomics, Grip and Controls
The biggest ergonomic improvement in the Gen 5 is the removal of the finger grooves, and nobody seems to miss them. This fixed a common complaint, especially for shooters with larger hands and people whose fingers just didn’t quite fit the gun. It was less of an issue with the larger guns like the Glock 19, but with the shorter grip in the G26 Gen 4 it really did cause issues and some bad feeling.
It’s still a short grip, and we recommend a mag extension even if it’s just for a place to rest your pinky finger, but the wider grip does give you an excellent base to get a good grip. With the extended mag, I found myself hgrouping shots better and shooting more accurately, so that’s the first performance mod we recommend.
The aggressive pyramid-shaped grip texture is just about perfect for grip retention. The addition of ambidextrous slide stop levers is a major improvement, the magazine release is reversible for left-handed shooters and the flared magwell was something Glock seemed to learn from the aftermarket tuners.
Trigger, Recoil and Accuracy
The Gen 5 Glock trigger is a lot cleaner, and it’s just better than the Gen 4 Glock trigger that was basically the weakest, mushiest part of the gun. Glock listened to the feedback, which was pretty much all negative, and came up with a cleaner build-up ad break with the Gen 5 trigger pull.
My Lyman gauge measured the pull weight at the factory 5.5 lbs and the Glock 26 trigger reset is short, distinct and consistent. Trigger upgrades were basically essential with the last generation, but standard Glock triggers are much better now.
Recoil is sharper than a full sized gun, which is typical. The dual recoil spring assembly works to lessen muzzle flip compared to previous generations. This pistol is easy to control, especially compared to the micro compact and sub-compact 9mm competition.
Sights: Upgrading the View
The factory plastic oem glock sights are the weakest link, but they’re basically placeholders that you should switch out. For consistent carry, I would immediately swap to a set of robust night sights to enhance low-light performance. The Glock 26 Gen 5 MOS version is available for running a red dot.
Carry Gun and Concealed Carry Comfort
The Glock 26 Gen5 is specifically designed for concealed carry. Its compact profile minimizes printing, especially with the flush-fit 10-round magazine. In my appendix carry testing, the G26 was more comfortable while sitting in a car than the G19.
For maximum capacity and shootability, the versatility of larger Glock magazines is pretty much unmatched. This means the G26 can shrink for deep concealment and expand for home defense with a bigger stick magazine or even a drum. I don’t recommend drums for anything other than range fun. It’s the ultimate chameleon carry gun.
Backup Gun and Everyday Carry
The Glock 26 is not the pistol you pick for home defense. That job belongs to the Glock 19 or the full size Glock 17, because they give you more sight radius, more rail space, and more capacity in a package that handles better under stress. The Glock 26 lives in a different world. It is a true backup gun for LEOs and a deep concealment option for anyone who needs a proven sub compact pistol that still shoots like a larger gun, although people with larger hands will definitely need the mag extension.
Officers run the Glock 26 as an ankle gun, a vest gun, or a belt-mounted backup because it accepts every Glock 9mm magazine on the shelf. That matters when things go wrong. You can feed it full size G17, G19 or G26 mags without thinking, and the controls feel the same as the duty pistol. The grip is short, but the frame is stable enough to shoot quickly, and the Gen 5 updates make it even easier to run under pressure.
For a concealed carry option, the baby Glock still earns its place. It is thicker than the micro pistols that came later, but it shoots flatter, tracks straighter, and rewards a firm grip with real accuracy. If you want a carry gun that behaves like a small duty pistol rather than a tiny pocket gun, the Glock 26 delivers that balance. And as a complement to a full size Glock 17, well if it’s good enough for John Wick then it’s good enough for me.
Shooting Sports
Didn’t expect this Glock 26 Gen5 review to include shooting sports right? Well I like to be thorough, and people do use them in the Compact Carry Pistol and Backup Gun classes in the IDPA competitions. It is also eligible in the The Glock 26 can be used in the USPSA Production and Carry Optics divisions, but it’s a pretty bad choice honestly. The G26 is not that great for shooting sports, but people do enter them in certain classes of the Glock Shooting Sports Foundation events.
Gen 4 and Gen 5 Model, Previous Generations and the New Gen
The G26 Gen 4 came with finger grooves, the older texture pattern, and the previous barrel design. The Gen 5 version brings the Glock Marksman Barrel, updated internals, smoother frame lines, a cleaner trigger feel, and the flared magwell that helps with fast reloads.
If you already own a Gen 4 Glock 26 Gen5 and it runs well for you, there is no pressure to upgrade. But for a new subcompact Glock purchase, the Gen 5 is the clear pick. The improved accuracy, the NDLC coating, the ambi controls, and the removal of the finger grooves all make the new generation the better pistol. Some shooters still swear by the older Gen 3 and Gen 4 versions, but most of that love is nostalgia. The Gen 5 does everything they did, only smoother and more consistently.
Custom Glock 26 Gen5 Options
The custom Glock scene is pretty crazy, and you can get seriously modded out versions of this small everyday carry gun that keep it easy to conceal, but give you a new aesthetic and functional improvements too. The TTI Glock 26 that John Wick carried in the second film is probably the most famous, but there are lots more out there that can cost thousands of dollars. Custom carry guns are becoming a big thing, so check these out if you want to spend more on your everyday carry.
Upgrades, Aftermarket Options and Gear
The upgrade ecosystem for the Glock 26 is massive, and you can spend a ton of time and money making small tweaks to this tiny gun. If you’re looking for upgrades, or OEM Glock 26 parts & accessories then we recommend you check these pages for the best deals:.
- Palmetto State Armory: Huge selection and great deals.
- Brownells: Awesome parts section and daily deals on guns & gear. OEM Glock and custom Glock parts.
- Optics Planet: Mind-bogglingly big catalogue of parts and accessories.
| Upgrade Category | Recommended Component | Why It Matters | Cost Estimate |
| Sights | Trijicon HD XR or TRUGLO Fiber-Optic Sights | Replaces weak oem glock sights. | $60 – $150 |
| Grip Extension | Pearce Grip (+0 or +2 capacity) | Addresses the short grip issue. | $15 – $30 |
| Holster (IWB/AIWB) | Tenicor or Survivor Creek Tactical | Critical for comfortable, reliable concealed carry gun. | $40 – $120 |
| Trigger | Drop-in trigger shoe or connector | Improves the predictable but heavy factory pull. | $50 – $150 |
Glock 26 Gen5 Review Verdict: Is This the Best Subcompact Pistol?
The Gen5 Glock 26 is still among the best overall package in the double stack subcompact category. It perfectly navigates the sweet spot between deep concealment and serious fighting capability. While newer micro-compacts are smaller, they generally sacrifice stability and control for that compact frame.
If you want a deep concealment pistol that you can truly trust, one that benefits from decades of proven reliability and accessory support, the Glock 26 is still a great choice even after all these years. This baby glock is an honest, durable tool that will work every single time and will comfortably hide away when you don’t want to think about it.
The Glock 26 is the proven, dependable subcompact pistol that shoots like a compact. It punches above its weight, in just about every department, and that’s why we still love it. Would we buy it over the G43x? That’s another question and the answer is pretty much no, but it’s a close-run thing and I wouldn’t criticise anybody that came down on the other side of this fine line.
Glock 26 Review
Final Score: 8.8/10
FAQ
Is the Glock 26 a good option for concealed carry?
Yes, the Glock 26 is built for concealed carry. The short grip reduces printing, the slide length stays manageable inside most holsters, and the pistol handles recoil better than the ultra-micro guns. If you want a subcompact that stays controllable under stress, the G26 is a great choice.
How does the Glock 26 Gen 5 differ from previous generations?
The Gen 5 version removes the finger grooves, adds a better Barrel, improves the internals, and brings the durable nDLC finish. You also get ambidextrous slide stop levers and a subtle flared magwell. These updates give the pistol smoother handling and better long-term durability than the older generations.
Is the Glock 26 better than the Glock 43X?
The 43X is slimmer and easier to conceal for many body types, but the Glock 26 shoots faster and tracks flatter because of its thicker frame. If your priority is pure shootability and magazine compatibility with larger Glock models, rather than the all-round package including the lack of printing, the G26 is usually the better all-round carry pistol.
What ammunition works best in the Glock 26?
For defensive carry, loads like Hornady Critical Defense, Hornady Critical Duty, and Speer Gold Dot feed consistently and deliver reliable expansion. For training days, bulk 115-grain or 124-grain FMJ from Magtech, CCI, and Blazer Brass run cleanly. The G26 is not picky, but quality ammo always helps.
Is the Glock 26 good for beginners?
The new Glock 26 can work for new shooters, but it needs a firmer grip than the larger Glock 19 and good fundamental shooting technique and posture. The short frame reduces leverage, which makes recoil feel sharper for first-timers. Limp wristing can be a real problem with such a small gun, too, so you really need to get the technique right.
How reliable is the Glock 26 for daily carry?
The Gen5 Glock 26 has a long reputation for reliability, both in civilian concealed carry gun and law enforcement backup roles. It feeds a wide range of ammunition and has fewer limp-wrist issues than smaller pistols. If you keep it clean, lubricated, and run quality magazines, it will function without drama.
Can the Glock 26 take larger Glock magazines?
Yes, the Glock G26 accepts Glock 17 and Glock 19 magazines without modification. This gives you easy access to higher capacity mags for range time or emergency use. Many shooters carry the flush-fit 10-round mag and keep a spare G19 or G17 mag for backup when needed.
Is the Glock 26 accurate for such a small pistol?
The Glock 26 offers surprising accuracy thanks to its thick slide, stable frame, and the Gen 5 barrel. The short sight radius limits long-range performance, but at normal defensive distances the pistol groups tightly. Shooters often find it more accurate than slimmer micro compact pistols.
Is the Glock 26 suitable as a law-enforcement backup gun?
Yes, the Glock 26 is a common backup gun for LEOs. The shared magazine compatibility with duty-size Glock pistols, the familiar controls, and the reliable subcompact frame make it a practical second gun. It works well on ankle rigs, vest mounts, and compact IWB holsters.
Is the Glock 26 still worth buying in 2025?
The Glock 26 remains relevant despite the rise of micro-compact pistols. It offers better recoil control, faster follow-up shots, and stronger magazine options than many newer designs. If you want a subcompact that shoots like a small duty pistol rather than a pocket gun, the G26 still delivers.
