Glock 48

Glock 48 Slim 9mm Pistol: The Perfect Balance of Slim Profile and Firepower

Glock 48. The Glock 48 Slim 9mm pistol is a sleek, slimline handgun designed to meet the growing demand for a lightweight, concealable pistol that doesn’t compromise on capacity or performance. Combining the slim, single-stack profile with Glock’s renowned reliability and ergonomics, the Glock 48 offers an ideal solution for concealed carry, everyday carry (EDC), and self-defense.

With its slim design, extended magazine capacity, and proven Glock durability, the Glock 48 is a favorite among civilian shooters, law enforcement officers, and anyone who values comfort and efficiency in a 9mm pistol.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the Glock 48 Slim 9mm pistol’s design, features, performance, applications, and maintenance, helping you understand why it remains one of the top choices in the slim 9mm category.

Overview of the Glock 48 Slim 9mm

The Glock 48 is part of Glock’s Slimline series, which focuses on delivering slim, lightweight pistols optimized for concealed carry without sacrificing magazine capacity. Introduced to provide shooters with a comfortable grip and easy concealment, the Glock 48 blends the single-stack slim profile of the Glock 43X with a longer barrel and slide for enhanced accuracy and velocity.

Built on the Gen 5 platform, the Glock 48 benefits from the latest Glock innovations, including the Marksman Barrel and improved ergonomics, ensuring a smooth shooting experience and reliable performance.

Key Specifications Glock 48

Specification	Details
Caliber	9x19mm Luger (9mm)
Overall Length	7.28 inches (185 mm)
Barrel Length	4.17 inches (106 mm)
Height	5.04 inches (128 mm)
Width	1.10 inches (28 mm)
Weight (unloaded)	20.74 ounces (588 g)
Magazine Capacity	10 rounds
Trigger Pull Weight	Approximately 5.5 pounds
Sights	Fixed polymer or optional night sights
Frame Material	Polymer
Slide Finish	nDLC (nitride Diamond-Like Carbon)

Design and Construction

Slim, Single-Stack Frame

The Glock 48 features a slim, single-stack magazine design, which reduces the overall grip width to about 1.1 inches. This design allows for a more comfortable hold, especially for shooters with smaller hands or those who prioritize concealability.

The longer grip provides a secure hold while still maintaining a slim profile, which helps reduce printing under clothing during concealed carry.

Longer Barrel and Slide

The Glock 48’s barrel length of just over 4 inches is longer than many compact pistols, enhancing accuracy and muzzle velocity. The extended slide also provides a longer sight radius, improving precision.

Glock Marksman Barrel

Incorporating Glock’s signature Marksman Barrel, the pistol features polygonal rifling that promotes superior accuracy and consistent performance.

Ergonomic Improvements

The Glock 48 utilizes the Gen 5 platform’s ergonomic enhancements, including a flared magwell for faster reloads, removal of finger grooves on the grip for universal fit, and an ambidextrous slide stop lever for both right- and left-handed shooters.

Durable Slide Finish

The slide sports an nDLC finish, providing excellent resistance to corrosion, wear, and abrasion, which extends the pistol’s service life.

Performance and Shooting Experience

Accuracy

Thanks to the longer barrel and Glock Marksman Barrel technology, the Glock 48 delivers accuracy beyond what is expected from many slimline pistols. The longer sight radius aids precise aiming, making it reliable for defensive or range use.

Trigger

The Gen 5 Safe Action® trigger system offers a smooth, consistent pull at around 5.5 pounds with a crisp reset. This enhances rapid fire capability and overall control.

Recoil and Control

The pistol’s slim design and polymer frame help mitigate felt recoil, enabling quick follow-up shots and comfortable shooting sessions.

Reliability

The Glock 48 maintains Glock’s reputation for near-indestructible reliability, cycling a wide range of 9mm ammunition without issues, even in harsh conditions.

Magazine Capacity and Ammunition

The Glock 48 uses a single-stack magazine with a 10-round capacity, balancing a slim profile with respectable firepower. Extended magazines and aftermarket options exist, but the standard 10-round mag optimizes concealability.

Ideal Applications

Concealed Carry and Everyday Carry

The Glock 48’s slim profile, manageable weight, and solid 10-round capacity make it an excellent choice for everyday concealed carry. It’s small enough to carry comfortably yet large enough for confidence in a self-defense situation.

Law Enforcement Backup Weapon

The slim, reliable Glock 48 is suitable as a backup or off-duty carry weapon for law enforcement officers seeking an easily concealable sidearm with adequate capacity.

Home Defense

For those who prefer a slim handgun for home defense, the Glock 48’s accuracy, capacity, and reliability provide peace of mind without the bulk of full-sized pistols.

Range and Training

The Glock 48 is well-suited for range practice, training, and improving marksmanship due to its accurate barrel and comfortable ergonomics.

Customization and Accessories Glock 48

Owners of the Glock 48 can customize it in various ways to better suit their needs:

Optics-Ready Versions

Some Glock 48 variants come optics-ready, allowing installation of red dot sights for faster target acquisition and enhanced performance.

Sights

Upgrading factory sights to night sights or fiber optic models is common for improved visibility in low-light conditions.

Triggers

Aftermarket triggers can provide a lighter pull or shorter reset for competition or enhanced shooting feel.

Magazines and Base Plates

Extended magazines increase capacity but may affect concealability. Extended base plates also improve grip length for shooters with larger hands.

Holsters

A variety of holsters are available to accommodate the slim profile, including inside-the-waistband (IWB), outside-the-waistband (OWB), and pocket holsters.

Maintenance and Care Glock 48

Proper maintenance is key to ensuring the Glock 48’s longevity:

• Routine Cleaning: Clean the barrel, slide, and frame regularly to prevent buildup.
• Lubrication: Apply lubricant to slide rails and moving parts as recommended by Glock.
• Magazine Care: Inspect and clean magazines to maintain reliable feeding.
• Parts Inspection: Regularly check springs and components for wear or damage.
• Storage: Store in a dry, secure place to prevent rust and damage.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Slim, comfortable grip ideal for concealed carry
• Longer barrel and slide enhance accuracy and velocity
• Glock Marksman Barrel for superior shooting performance
• Lightweight yet durable polymer construction
• Ambidextrous controls accommodate all shooters
• Reliable Glock Gen 5 platform ensures dependability
• Multiple customization options

Cons

• 10-round magazine capacity less than some double-stack compacts
• Fixed sights on base models may require upgrades
• Single-stack design may feel narrow for larger hands
• Not as suitable for duty use where higher capacity is required

Glock 48 Slim 9mm Compared to Other Glock Slimline Pistols

Feature	Glock 48 Slim 9mm	Glock 43X Slim 9mm	Glock 43 Slim 9mm
Barrel Length	4.17 inches	3.41 inches	3.41 inches
Overall Length	7.28 inches	6.50 inches	6.26 inches
Magazine Capacity	10 rounds	10 rounds	6 rounds
Width	1.10 inches	1.10 inches	1.02 inches
Weight (unloaded)	20.74 ounces	18.7 ounces	17.95 ounces
Sight Radius	Longer (improved accuracy)	Shorter	Shorter

Glock 48

The Glock 48 Slim 9mm pistol perfectly blends slimline concealability with reliable firepower and excellent accuracy. Its design caters to shooters who want a comfortable, lightweight handgun for everyday carry without sacrificing magazine capacity or performance.

With a full complement of modern Glock features—including the Marksman Barrel, ambidextrous controls, and durable nDLC finish—the Glock 48 offers a winning combination of reliability, precision, and ease of use. Whether for personal protection, backup duty, or range use, this pistol stands as one of the best options in the slim 9mm pistol category.