What’s the difference between the Glock 22 and Glock 23? The Glock 22 is a full-size .40 S&W pistol designed for duty use, while the Glock 23 offers the same caliber in a compact frame better suited for concealed carry.
Both models share Glock’s core attributes: reliability, simplicity, and ease of maintenance. The choice comes down to size and application. The Glock 22 provides a longer sight radius and higher capacity, making it a strong option for open carry or service roles. The Glock 23 balances power and portability, appealing to those who want concealment without giving up .40-caliber performance. If your priority is comfort and versatility in daily carry, the 23 fits well.
If you favor control and capacity, the 22 earns its place. Keep your end use in mind and select accordingly.
- Glock 22 vs. Glock 23 Overview: Both pistols are chambered in .40 S&W, offering reliability and performance, but differ in size and capacity to suit specific needs like duty use or concealed carry.
- Glock 22 for Duty Use: The full-size Glock 22 provides a longer barrel (4.49 inches) and higher magazine capacity (15 rounds), making it ideal for law enforcement or open carry scenarios requiring precision and control.
- Glock 23 for Concealed Carry: The compact Glock 23 features a shorter barrel (4.02 inches) and reduced grip size, enhancing portability and concealability while maintaining firepower with a standard capacity of 13 rounds.
- Shooting Performance & Handling: The Glock 22 offers better recoil management due to its larger frame, while the Glock 23 balances moderate recoil with improved maneuverability for close-quarters engagements.
- Choosing the Right Fit: Opt for the Glock 22 if you prioritize accuracy and extended range; choose the Glock 23 if portability and everyday concealed carry are your main concerns.
Similarities Between Glock 22 vs Glock 23
Both the Glock 22 and Glock 23 are built from the same Glock platform and share core design, so they feel and operate like close cousins. Both are striker-fired, polymer-framed pistols using Glock’s Safe Action system, the same controls and takedown procedure, and similar sight radius and ergonomics. That means trigger feel, manual of arms, and maintenance are effectively identical.
They also share caliber commonality and parts compatibility—magazines and many internal components are interchangeable between the two—so magazines, holsters (many models), and training transfer directly. That interchangeability makes logistics and practice simpler: what you learn on one maps cleanly to the other.
Both deliver the same reliability and functional expectations Glock is known for: rugged construction, low maintenance, and broad aftermarket support. The differences are primarily size and concealability; functionally, they behave as the same gun in two packages.
Glock 23 or Glock 22? - What is the Best for You?
Choosing between the Glock 22 and Glock 23 depends on your intended use, preferences, and environment. Both models are chambered in .40 S&W, offering a balance of stopping power and manageable recoil.
But, their differences in size and capacity make each better suited to specific roles.
| Feature | Glock 22 (Full-Size) | Glock 23 (Compact) |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .40 S&W | .40 S&W |
| Barrel Length | 4.49 in | 4.02 in |
| Overall Length | 7.95 in | 7.36 in |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds | 13 rounds |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 22.75 oz | 21.16 oz |
| Best Use Case | Duty / Open Carry | Concealed Carry |
| Holster Compatibility | OWB / Chest Rigs | IWB / Appendix Carry |
Glock 22: Duty Use and Open Carry
The Glock 22 excels as a full-size pistol with a standard magazine capacity of 15 rounds. Its longer barrel (4.49 inches) enhances accuracy at extended ranges, making it ideal for law enforcement officers or those prioritizing precision during duty use or open carry scenarios.
The larger grip provides superior control during rapid fire but may feel bulky for users with smaller hands.
Glock 23: Concealed Carry and Versatility
The Glock 23 offers a compact frame while maintaining significant firepower with a standard magazine capacity of 13 rounds.
With its shorter barrel (4.02 inches), it's easier to conceal under light clothing, making it an excellent choice for concealed carry permit holders or plainclothes professionals.
Even though being smaller than the Glock 22, it retains reliable performance in home defense situations where maneuverability matters.
Practical Considerations
If you're focused on aftermarket customization like night sights or extended magazines, both pistols offer extensive compatibility within the Glock ecosystem.
For range training or competitive shooting events requiring higher round counts per stage, the Glock 22's increased capacity gives you an edge without frequent reloads. Conversely, if portability is critical without sacrificing defensive capability, the Glock 23 strikes a practical middle ground.
Key Specs Breakdown
Design & Ergonomics
The Glock 22 and Glock 23 share a similar polymer frame construction, offering durability and lightweight handling.
The Glock 22 features a full-size design with an overall length of 7.95 inches, providing a longer grip surface for larger hands or duty use.
In contrast, the Glock 23's compact frame measures 7.36 inches in length, making it more suitable for concealed carry while maintaining ergonomic comfort.
Both models incorporate textured grips to enhance control during rapid fire or adverse conditions. Finger grooves on Gen3 models and modular backstraps on Gen4/Gen5 versions allow customization for different hand sizes.
The accessory rail supports attachments like weapon lights or lasers, benefiting tactical users or home defense scenarios.
Caliber & Barrel Length
Both pistols are chambered in .40 S&W, delivering balanced stopping power and manageable recoil for defensive applications. This caliber is favored by law enforcement agencies for its penetration capabilities without excessive overpenetration risks in urban environments.
The Glock 22 has a barrel length of 4.49 inches, which enhances muzzle velocity and accuracy at extended ranges—ideal for duty roles or competitive shooting events requiring precision shots.
Meanwhile, the Glock 23’s shorter barrel measures 4.02 inches, prioritizing portability without significantly compromising ballistic performance. For shooters who value concealability but still demand effective terminal ballistics, the slightly reduced barrel length makes the Glock 23 practical for everyday carry.
Capacity & Magazine Options
Magazine capacity differs slightly between these two models due to their size variations. The standard magazine for the Glock 22 holds 15 rounds of .40 S&W ammunition, supporting extended engagements or range sessions without frequent reloads. The smaller Glock 23 accommodates a standard capacity of 13 rounds but accepts magazines from its larger counterpart if additional capacity is needed.
Aftermarket options include extended magazines that increase round count up to approximately 22 rounds using brands like Magpul or factory OEM extensions from Glock itself.
Both pistols maintain compatibility with double-stack designs that ensure reliable feeding under stress conditions common in defensive encounters or training drills.
Trigger Performance & Safety Features
Glock’s Safe Action System ensures consistent trigger pull across both models while incorporating three passive safeties: trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety mechanisms designed to prevent accidental discharge during routine handling or holstering/unholstering processes.
Trigger weight averages around six pounds out-of-the-box but can be modified using aftermarket components such as lighter connectors from companies like Ghost Inc., improving reset speed and reducing pull weight for competition-focused users.
Law enforcement professionals often appreciate this system’s simplicity under high-stress situations where reliability outweighs complexity.
Shooting Performance in the Field
The Glock 22 and Glock 23 deliver dependable shooting performance, but their field behavior varies based on size, weight, and intended use. Both models share chambering in .40 S&W, offering a balance of stopping power and manageable recoil for diverse scenarios.
Accuracy & Grouping
The Glock 22 provides enhanced accuracy due to its longer barrel length of 4.49 inches compared to the Glock 23's 4.02-inch barrel.
This extended sight radius aids precision during range sessions or duty applications where consistent shot placement is critical. Law enforcement officers often favor the Glock 22 for its ability to maintain tighter groupings at distances exceeding 25 yards.
For concealed carry users or those prioritizing portability, the Glock 23 offers reliable accuracy within practical defensive ranges (7-15 yards). Its compact frame sacrifices minimal precision while enabling quicker target acquisition in close-quarters engagements.
With proper grip technique and practice, you can achieve effective grouping with either model using high-quality ammunition like Federal HST or Speer Gold Dot.
Reliability & Durability
Both pistols excel in reliability under demanding conditions thanks to Glock’s polymer construction and Tenifer-treated slide finish. The Safe Action System ensures consistent trigger pull across thousands of rounds without significant wear. Military units and law enforcement agencies trust these models for their proven track record in adverse environments.
In dusty outdoor settings or humid climates, both firearms resist corrosion effectively. The Glock 22’s larger frame may offer slightly better heat dissipation during extended firing sessions, making it suitable for prolonged training exercises or competitive events.
Recoil and Handling for Different Use Cases
Recoil management differs between these two models due to variations in size and weight. The full-size Glock 22 handles recoil more effectively because of its heavier frame (34.42 oz loaded) compared to the lighter Glock 23 (31.03 oz loaded). This makes follow-up shots faster during rapid-fire drills or tactical scenarios requiring sustained engagement.
For concealed carriers, the Glock 23 balances moderate recoil with maneuverability, making it easier to draw from appendix carry positions or OWB setups under light clothing layers. Competitive shooters might prefer the reduced muzzle flip of the Glock 22 when engaging steel targets at speed during USPSA matches.
With practice-focused accessories like Talon Grips or upgraded recoil springs from aftermarket brands, you can further optimize handling characteristics tailored specifically to your needs—whether it's home defense readiness or professional duty requirements.
Concealed Carry & Practical Use
Comfort for Daily Carry
The Glock 23 offers superior comfort for daily concealed carry due to its compact dimensions. Measuring 7.36 inches in overall length and weighing approximately 21.16 ounces unloaded, it fits comfortably inside waistband (IWB) holsters or belly band holsters setups without excessive bulk. Its reduced grip size compared to the Glock 22 minimizes printing under clothing, making it discreet for civilian carriers or plainclothes law enforcement officers.
In contrast, the Glock 22's full-size frame measures 8.03 inches in length and weighs about 22.75 ounces unloaded, which can feel cumbersome during extended wear. While outside waistband (OWB) holsters work well with this model, concealing it effectively often requires loose-fitting garments or specialized chest rigs. For users prioritizing duty use over concealment, the added weight enhances stability during firing but sacrifices portability.
Both models are compatible with durable Boltaron-made Alien Gear Holsters, offering reliable retention and adjustable cant angles to suit individual preferences.
Draw Speed & Accessibility
The Glock 23’s shorter barrel and lighter frame enhance draw speed from IWB or appendix holsters. These features allow quicker presentation of the firearm in defensive scenarios where fractions of a second matter. The compact grip facilitates a secure purchase upon drawing while maintaining control during rapid target acquisition at close ranges.
The Glock 22’s larger profile may slow draw times slightly when carried concealed due to increased size and weight. But, when used with OWB holsters on duty belts or tactical setups, its longer slide aids in smoother reholstering and improved handling during repetitive drills common in law enforcement training environments.
Holster Recommendations
Selecting the right holster for your Glock 22 or Glock 23 ensures safe, accessible carry while accommodating specific use cases like duty wear, concealed carry, or range practice.
Material durability and fit are critical factors to consider.
OWB, IWB, Appendix, Chest & Other Options
OWB (Outside-the-Waistband): OWB holsters suit open carry or duty scenarios where concealment isn't a priority. For the Glock 22's full-size frame, options like Alien Gear’s Boltaron-made Cloak Mod OWB provide secure retention and comfort during extended wear. The Glock 23 benefits from similar designs but offers better versatility due to its compact size.
IWB (Inside-the-Waistband): IWB holsters enhance concealability by tucking the firearm inside your waistband. Models such as Alien Gear’s Cloak Tuck series offer adjustable cant and ride height for both pistols. The Glock 23 pairs especially well with these due to its smaller profile.
Appendix Carry: Appendix-specific holsters position the firearm at the front of your waistband for quick access in defensive situations. Compact dimensions make the Glock 23 ideal for this method, while the larger Glock 22 may feel cumbersome depending on body type.
Chest Rigs: Chest rigs cater to outdoor enthusiasts or tactical users requiring hands-free accessibility. Both models integrate seamlessly into chest-mounted systems designed for .40 S&W platforms.
Glock 22 vs 23 — Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Glock 22 and Glock 23 eventually comes down to your specific needs and priorities. Whether you value the accuracy and capacity of a full-size pistol or the portability and versatility of a compact model, both options deliver reliable performance.
Consider how you'll use your firearm, whether for duty, concealed carry, or home defense. Evaluate factors like size, handling, and holster compatibility to ensure it aligns with your lifestyle. With either choice, you're investing in a trusted platform known for durability and effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Glock 22 and Glock 23?
The primary difference lies in their size and intended use. The Glock 22 is a full-size pistol with a longer barrel, making it ideal for duty use and open carry. The Glock 23 is more compact, designed for concealed carry while still offering substantial firepower.
Which model is better for concealed carry: Glock 22 or Glock 23?
The Glock 23 is better suited for concealed carry due to its smaller frame and shorter barrel, making it easier to conceal without sacrificing defensive capability.
How does magazine capacity differ between the two models?
The standard magazine capacity of the Glock 22 is 15 rounds, while the Glock 23 holds 13 rounds. Both can accept extended magazines if needed.
Is there a significant difference in recoil between the Glock 22 and Glock 23?
Yes, the heavier frame of the Glock 22 helps manage recoil more effectively, especially during rapid-fire scenarios. The Glock 23 has slightly more felt recoil but balances this with greater portability.
Are both pistols chambered in .40 S&W?
Yes, both the Glock 22 and Glock 23 are chambered in .40 S&W, providing balanced stopping power suitable for defense or duty use.
Which model offers better accuracy: Glock 22 or Glock 23?
The longer barrel of the Glock 22 provides enhanced accuracy at longer distances, making it preferred for law enforcement or range training. The compact design of the Glock 23 prioritizes maneuverability over long-range precision.
Can I customize either model with aftermarket accessories?
Yes, both models offer extensive aftermarket customization options such as sights, triggers, grips, and holsters to optimize performance based on individual needs.
What type of holster works best for each model?
For open carry or duty use, OWB (Outside-the-Waistband) holsters suit the larger size of the Glock 22. For concealed carry, IWB (Inside-the-Waistband) or appendix holsters work well with the compact design of the Glock 23.
Which pistol should I choose for home defense?
Both models are effective for home defense; however, many prefer the full-size grip and higher capacity of the Glock 22. The choice depends on your comfort level with size and handling.
Are these pistols reliable in adverse conditions?
Yes, both models feature durable polymer construction typical of Glocks, ensuring reliability and consistent performance even under harsh environmental conditions.