Glock 45 Gen 5

Glock 45 Gen 5 Pistol: A Perfect Blend of Compactness and Power

Glock 45 Gen 5. The Glock 45 Gen 5 pistol stands out as a versatile, reliable, and powerful handgun that has quickly gained popularity among law enforcement, military, and civilian shooters alike. Combining the compact slide of the Glock 19 with the full-size frame of the Glock 17, the Glock 45 Gen 5 offers a unique balance of shootability, capacity, and concealability. Designed with the latest generation Glock innovations, this model has become a go-to option for those seeking a dependable 9mm sidearm.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore every aspect of the Glock 45 Gen 5—from design and features to performance, applications, and maintenance—so you can understand why it remains a top contender in the 9mm pistol market.

Overview of the Glock 45 Gen 5

Introduced to fulfill the needs of professional users and enthusiasts, the Glock 45 Gen 5 merges the best attributes of two legendary Glock pistols. By pairing the compact slide of the Glock 19 with the longer grip and frame of the Glock 17, the Glock 45 delivers excellent handling, greater magazine capacity, and improved accuracy, while maintaining a size suitable for duty carry or concealed carry for those who prefer a full-size grip.

Built on Glock’s fifth-generation platform, the Glock 45 Gen 5 incorporates advanced ergonomic improvements, refined internal mechanisms, and enhanced durability.

Key Specifications Glock 45 Gen 5

Specification	Details
Caliber	9x19mm Luger (9mm)
Overall Length	7.44 inches (189 mm)
Barrel Length	4.02 inches (102 mm)
Height	5.47 inches (139 mm)
Width	1.34 inches (34 mm)
Weight (unloaded)	25.06 ounces (710 g)
Magazine Capacity	17 rounds
Trigger Pull Weight	Approximately 5.5 pounds
Sights	Fixed or optional night sights
Frame Material	Polymer
Slide Finish	nDLC (nitride Diamond-Like Carbon)

Design and Construction

Frame and Grip

The Glock 45 Gen 5 features a full-size Glock 17 frame designed to accommodate larger hands comfortably and provide superior grip control. The grip is free of finger grooves for improved ergonomics and wider compatibility with different hand sizes. The Gen 5 frame also includes an ambidextrous slide stop lever, making it friendly for left- and right-handed shooters.

Compact Slide

The slide measures approximately 4 inches, the same length found on the Glock 19, offering a more compact profile for easier concealment while preserving accuracy and velocity.

Barrel Technology

The Glock 45 Gen 5 employs the Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB), a polygonal rifled barrel that enhances accuracy and consistency. This barrel design is renowned for its superior performance in terms of shot grouping and reliability.

Slide Finish

The slide is coated with an advanced nDLC (nitride Diamond-Like Carbon) finish. This finish improves corrosion resistance, surface hardness, and wear resistance, ensuring the pistol maintains its appearance and durability through extended use.

Sights

The pistol comes standard with polymer sights, but many users upgrade to night sights or fiber optic options for improved target acquisition in low light or competition settings.

Performance and Shooting Experience Glock 45 Gen 5

Accuracy

Thanks to the Glock Marksman Barrel and the stable full-size frame, the Glock 45 Gen 5 delivers excellent accuracy for a duty or concealed carry pistol. The combination of a longer grip and compact slide facilitates control and precision.

Trigger

The Gen 5 trigger is refined to offer a smooth and consistent pull with a reset that is short and tactile, improving rapid-fire capabilities and follow-up shot speed. The trigger pull averages around 5.5 pounds.

Recoil Management

The full-size frame and polymer construction absorb recoil effectively, resulting in manageable muzzle rise and allowing shooters to maintain better control during rapid firing sequences.

Reliability

True to Glock’s reputation, the Glock 45 Gen 5 performs reliably under adverse conditions, cycling a wide variety of 9mm ammunition without frequent malfunctions.

Magazine Capacity and Ammunition

The pistol accepts Glock 17 magazines with a 17-round capacity, providing ample firepower for self-defense, law enforcement, or competition purposes. Extended magazines are also compatible for those requiring additional capacity.

Ideal Applications

Law Enforcement and Military

The Glock 45 Gen 5’s balance of concealability, capacity, and durability has made it a favored choice among law enforcement agencies and military units that require a reliable sidearm suitable for both duty carry and tactical scenarios.

Concealed Carry

While larger than typical compact pistols, the Glock 45 Gen 5’s shortened slide and slim profile allow it to be carried concealed by those accustomed to full-size grips, making it an excellent option for individuals who prefer a larger grip for better control.

Home Defense

The combination of high capacity, ease of use, and accuracy make the Glock 45 Gen 5 an effective home defense pistol capable of rapid and reliable response in high-pressure situations.

Competitive Shooting

Its balanced design makes it a viable option for shooters engaged in practical shooting sports, where fast, accurate shots and quick reloads are paramount.

Customization and Accessories

The Glock 45 Gen 5 can be customized extensively to fit personal preferences and specific needs:

Optics-Ready Variants

Optics-ready versions of the Glock 45 Gen 5 allow mounting of red dot sights, enhancing target acquisition speed and precision for competition and tactical use.

Sights

Upgrading to night sights, fiber optic sights, or adjustable competition sights is common to enhance usability under different lighting and scenarios.

Triggers

Aftermarket triggers can improve trigger pull weight, reset, and overall feel to suit specific shooting styles.

Magazines

Extended magazines and magazine base plates improve capacity and reload speed.

Holsters

Various holster options exist, including concealed carry holsters, duty holsters, and competition holsters designed for secure retention and rapid draw.

Slide Enhancements

Some shooters opt for slide milling to reduce weight or add compensators to reduce muzzle flip.

Maintenance and Care

Keeping the Glock 45 Gen 5 in optimal condition requires routine care:

• Regular Cleaning: Ensure that the barrel, slide, and frame are cleaned thoroughly after shooting sessions.
• Lubrication: Proper lubrication on moving parts, especially the slide rails, prevents excessive wear and ensures smooth operation.
• Magazine Maintenance: Regularly inspect and clean magazines to maintain reliability.
• Inspection: Check for wear or damage to parts and replace as needed.
• Storage: Store the pistol in a cool, dry environment to prevent corrosion.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent blend of compact slide and full-size frame
• High magazine capacity (17 rounds)
• Enhanced ergonomics with no finger grooves and ambidextrous controls
• Durable nDLC finish for corrosion resistance
• Glock Marksman Barrel for improved accuracy
• Wide aftermarket support and customization options

Cons

• Slightly larger than typical compact pistols, which may affect concealability for some users
• Fixed sights require upgrades for optimal low-light use
• Higher price point compared to earlier Glock models

Glock 45 Gen 5 Compared to Other Glock Models

Feature	Glock 45 Gen 5	Glock 19 Gen 5	Glock 17 Gen 5
Barrel Length	4.02 inches	4.02 inches	4.49 inches
Overall Length	7.44 inches	7.36 inches	8.03 inches
Magazine Capacity	17 rounds	15 rounds	17 rounds
Frame Size	Full-size	Compact	Full-size
Optics Ready	Available	Available	Available
Weight (unloaded)	25.06 ounces	23.65 ounces	24.83 ounces

Glock 45 Gen 5

The Glock 45 Gen 5 pistol successfully combines the compactness of the Glock 19 slide with the full-size Glock 17 frame, resulting in a balanced, reliable, and versatile 9mm handgun. Whether for law enforcement duty, concealed carry, home defense, or competitive shooting, the Glock 45 Gen 5 meets the needs of a wide variety of shooters.

Its modern ergonomics, improved trigger, durable finish, and outstanding accuracy make it a worthy addition to any firearm collection. Although slightly larger than some compact models, its shootability and magazine capacity more than compensate, earning it a prominent place among the best 9mm pistols available today.