Last updated and checked October 28, 2026 · By Nick Hall, who put 1,500+ rounds through the Glock 26 Gen 5 for this review
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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
Quick Answer: The Glock 26 Gen 5 is the original baby Glock done right: no finger grooves, an ambidextrous slide stop and the Marksman barrel, with decades of holster, magazine and aftermarket support behind it. One thing changed since I tested it. Glock ended Gen 5 shipments on November 30, 2025, and the G26 V took its place with the same published dimensions plus front slide serrations. A new G26 today is a V ($539 at Sportsman’s Guide on October 28); a Gen 5 is a leftover or used buy, and everything in this review applies to both.
After a 1,500-round test the G26 Gen 5 ran without a malfunction across mixed brass and steel-cased ammo. The 10+1 capacity (G19 15-round and G17 17-round magazines fit too) and 21.69 oz weight with an empty magazine make it a true subcompact carry gun. The Marksman barrel and improved trigger make the Gen 5 the most accurate G26 I’ve shot.
The biggest mistake new G26 Gen 5 owners make is treating the gun like a Glock 19 at the range and being shocked at the recoil and trigger reset. Subcompacts demand a deliberate grip and faster reset; budget at least 500 rounds of practice before betting your daily carry on it. The G26 rewards the trained shooter and punishes the untrained.
Table of Contents
How we tested: Every pick here is ranked against our testing methodology. Minimum round counts, accuracy and reliability protocols, the failures that disqualify a gun.
Review: Glock 26 Gen 5
- Current model: Glock 26 V (Gen 5 shipments ended November 30, 2025)
- Street Price: $539 for a new G26 V (October 28, 2026)
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Action: Safe Action (striker-fired)
- Barrel Length: 3.43″
- Overall Length: 6.42″
- Height: 4.17″
- Width: 1.30″
- Weight: 21.69 oz with an empty magazine (19.72 oz without)
- Capacity: 10+1 rounds
- Frame Material: Polymer, Gen 5 texture
- Slide Material: Steel
- Sights: Glock factory (Marksman available)
- Optics: MOS variant optics-ready
- Safety: Safe Action trigger (no manual safety)
- Made in: Austria
- Rating: 8.8/10
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Shoots like a bigger Glock
- Takes G19 and G17 magazines
- No finger grooves on Gen 5
Cons
- Thicker than single-stack rivals
- Short grip leaves pinky dangling
- Factory polymer sights are weak
If you are chasing the smallest pistol that you can still shoot fast and accurately, you will keep coming back to the Glock 26 Gen 5. This Glock 26 review is based on a gun with 1,500 rounds through it. The test proved the point: this subcompact 9mm shoots like a much larger pistol.
The 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 for decades, and the Gen 5 updates that landed in January 2018, including the Glock Marksman Barrel and the removal of the finger grooves, cemented its place as a reliable concealed carry gun. 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 of 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.
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.
I came away from 1,500 rounds liking this gun more than I expected. Against the G43X it’s a closer call than the internet makes it, and it’s still a strong pick for the best Glock for concealed carry and one of the best Glocks on sale in 2026. In this Glock 26 review, I’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 | The slide finish 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: 1.30 inches.
- • Frame: Polymer frame, free of finger grooves.
- • Weight: 21.69 oz with an empty magazine.
- • 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.
- • Trigger pull: 26 N, about 5.8 lb, per GLOCK.
Glock 26 vs The Competition
The market is saturated with micro-compact 9mm pistols (P365, G43X, Hellcat), but the Glock 26 sits in its own space between the micro-compact and subcompact classes. It also costs more than most of them. On October 28 a new G26 V was $539 at Sportsman’s Guide, against $499.99 for a Sig P365 at Brownells, $448 for a Glock 43X at Sportsman’s Warehouse, $399.99 for a Walther PPS M2 and $393.99 for an M&P9 Shield Plus, both at Guns.com.
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 fits the same 10 rounds flush 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 Speer 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 | 1,500 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 | Slide finish is tough. |
| Features | 9/10 | Ambi controls and GMB are key new gen improvements. |
Glock 26 Review: Technical Highlights
GLOCK lists over twenty design changes in the Gen 5, and they add up to a more accurate, more user-friendly gun than the Gen 4.
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 grouping 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 trigger, which was the weakest, mushiest part of that gun. Glock listened to the feedback, which was pretty much all negative, and came up with a cleaner build-up and break with the Gen 5 trigger pull.
My Lyman gauge read 5.6 lbs, right in line with GLOCK’s published 26 N (about 5.8 lb), and the Glock 26 trigger reset is short, distinct and consistent. Trigger upgrades were close to essential with the last generation, but standard Glock triggers are much better now.
Recoil is sharper than a full size gun, which is typical for a 3.43-inch barrel. The thick frame gives your hands enough to hold that the pistol stays easy to control, especially compared to the micro compact and sub-compact 9mm competition.
Sights: Upgrading the View
The factory polymer Glock sights are the weakest link, and they’re placeholders you should switch out. For consistent carry, I would swap to a set of tough night sights right away: Ameriglo’s Bold set for Gen 5 was $138 at Kentucky Gun Co on October 28. The Glock 26 Gen 5 MOS and the G26 V MOS are both made 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 larger Glock magazines are the G26’s secret weapon. GLOCK says the larger 9mm magazines fit the G26, so it can shrink for deep concealment and expand for home defense with a 15, 17 or longer stick. One catch: if you move the magazine catch to the left side, GLOCK says you need New Style magazines. It’s the chameleon of carry guns.
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 Gen 5 review to include shooting sports, right? Well, I like to be thorough. People do shoot the G26 in IDPA’s carry-gun divisions and in Glock Sport Shooting Foundation matches, but it’s a tough gun to win with next to a G19 or G34. Check the current IDPA or USPSA rulebook for division limits before you sign up.
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 and it runs well for you, there is no pressure to upgrade. But if you’re comparing generations, the Gen 5 is the better pistol: improved accuracy, ambi controls and no finger grooves. 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.
Glock 26 Variants: Gen 5, G26 V and MOS
Glock stopped shipping Gen 5 pistols on November 30, 2025, and moved the G26 Gen 5 to its law enforcement catalog. The commercial lineup now carries the G26 V, which GLOCK lists with the same dimensions, weight and 26 N trigger as the Gen 5, plus front slide serrations. Here’s what you can actually buy.
Same 6.42-inch length, 1.30-inch width, 3.43-inch barrel and 10-round flush magazine as the Gen 5, with front slide serrations added. This is the new G26 in every store now: $539 at Sportsman’s Guide and MidwayUSA on October 28.
The pistol in this review: Marksman barrel, ambidextrous slide stop, no finger grooves. New stock has nearly dried up; on October 31 the only rows in our feed were Guns.com listings from $1,399.99. A clean used Gen 5 shoots exactly like the V.
GLOCK makes the G26 in an MOS version cut for a red dot, in both Gen 5 and V form. None of our five trusted retailers had a new G26 MOS on October 28, so check the live price box before you buy.
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 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 catalog of parts and accessories.
| Upgrade Category | Recommended Component | Why It Matters | Price Check (October 28, 2026) |
| Sights | Trijicon HD XR or TRUGLO Fiber-Optic Sights | Replaces weak oem glock sights. | Ameriglo Bold night sights for Gen 5: $138 at Kentucky Gun Co |
| Grip Extension | Pearce Grip (+0 or +2 capacity) | Addresses the short grip issue. | See our Glock 26 parts guide |
| Holster (IWB/AIWB) | Tenicor or Survivor Creek Tactical | Critical for comfortable, reliable concealed carry gun. | Varies by maker; buy one cut for the G26 |
| Trigger | Drop-in trigger shoe or connector | Improves the predictable but heavy factory pull. | CMC flat-faced trigger for Gen 5: $107.99 at MidwayUSA |
Who Should NOT Buy the Glock 26
The G26 is a great carry gun, but it isn’t for everyone. Here’s who should look elsewhere.
- Carriers who need the thinnest gun. At 1.30 inches wide the G26 is as thick as a G19. A Glock 43X ($448 at Sportsman’s Warehouse) carries slimmer.
- Shooters who want more rounds in the same size. The G26 holds 10 flush. The Sig P365 fits 10 in a slimmer frame, and its larger mags go higher.
- Buyers on a tight budget. At $539 for a new V it’s the priciest gun in this comparison. The M&P9 Shield Plus was $393.99 at Guns.com and holds 13 in its extended magazine.
- Home defense first, carry second. If the gun mostly lives at home, a Glock 19 Gen 6 gives you a longer sight radius and a full grip.
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 give up 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 criticize anybody that came down on the other side of this fine line.
Glock 26 Review
Final Score: 8.8/10
Facts and Figures
- GLOCK publishes the G26 Gen 5 at 6.42 in long, 4.17 in high and 1.30 in wide, with a 3.43 in barrel.
- It weighs 21.69 oz with an empty magazine, 19.72 oz without one and 26.07 oz loaded.
- GLOCK lists the trigger pull at 26 N, about 5.8 lb.
- The G26 Gen 5 launched in January 2018; Gen 5 shipments ended November 30, 2025, when the V series took over.
- The G26 V lists the same dimensions, weight and trigger pull, and adds front slide serrations.
- On October 28, 2026, a new Glock 26 V was $539 at Sportsman’s Guide in our feed.
FAQ
Trying to decide between a subcompact and a compact? Our handgun buyer’s guide breaks down every size class with specific recommendations.