Glock 25 Review – Compact .380 ACP with Low Recoil and High Capacity

The Glock 25 is a compact, striker-fired semi-automatic pistol chambered in .380 ACP (9x17mm Short). Built on a Glock 19–sized frame, it pairs a relatively long 4.02" barrel with a 15-round magazine, a polymer frame, steel slide with corrosion-resistant finish, and Glock’s Safe Action® trigger — offering a high-capacity, low-recoil compact package aimed at markets and shooters prioritizing concealability and easy control over raw 9mm power.

Credits

What is the Glock 25 and why does it matter?

The Glock 25 is Glock’s compact .380 ACP offering — a high-capacity, low-recoil pistol intended for markets or users that favor .380 ammunition.

Glock designed the 25 to sit as a practical option where .380 is preferred (either by law or user choice) without forcing shooters into a tiny footprint. Dimensionally it maps very closely to the Glock 19, so it’s comfortable for a wide range of hands while remaining easier to shoot for recoil-sensitive users.

Its importance isn’t headline-grabbing ballistics — it’s the combination of controllability, Glock reliability, and a 15-round magazine that makes it relevant: think older shooters, recoil-shy new shooters, and jurisdictions with caliber restrictions.

How does the Glock 25 stack up on specs?

Compact dimensions, 4.02" barrel, ~15-round capacity, ~20.1 oz unloaded — Glock 19 footprint with .380 ballistics.

Key specs at a glance (rounded to published figures):

• Caliber: .380 ACP (9x17mm Short)

• Barrel: ~4.02 in (102 mm)

• Overall length: ~6.85–6.93 in (174–176 mm)

• Height: ~5.04 in (128 mm)

• Width: ~1.18–1.26 in (30–32 mm)

• Weight (unloaded): ~570 g (20.1 oz)

• Magazine: 15 rounds (standard)

• Action: Striker-fired Safe Action®

Those numbers explain the Glock 25’s appeal: longish barrel for a compact pistol (helps accuracy and velocity), generous magazine capacity, and a frame size that supports recoil mitigation while keeping concealment manageable.

What is the Glock 25’s design and build quality like?

Typical Glock durability — polymer frame, steel slide with corrosion-resistant finish, rough texture grip, simple controls.

Build quality is in line with Glock’s reputation. The polymer frame feels rugged; the slide receives Tenifer/nDLC-type protection depending on generation and market. Ergonomically the grip texture is intentionally aggressive to promote a positive purchase, and later Gen4 models add modular backstraps and a dual recoil spring for smoother cycling.

Controls are straightforward: reversible mag release, standard Glock slide stop, fixed sights (many users upgrade), and tool-less takedown. Overall the Glock 25 is overbuilt for its role — it’s a concealed-carry/platoon workhorse engineered for longevity, not fashion.

What are the Glock 25’s handling and ergonomics like?

Natural, predictable ergonomics with a Glock 19-sized feel and easy recoil control for a compact pistol.

Because the Glock 25 uses a full-sized grip footprint similar to the Glock 19, hand placement and control are comfortable for most shooters. Interchangeable backstraps (Gen4) let shooters tune circumference slightly.

The low recoil impulse of .380 ACP paired with the pistol’s weight makes follow-up shots fast and controllable — a key advantage for defensive use and for new shooters building confidence. Downsides: fixed factory sights are basic, and smaller-handed shooters may still prefer a short-frame variant or an aftermarket grip reduction.

How does the Glock 25 perform at the range — accuracy and reliability?

Accurate for defensive ranges and very reliable, provided you select appropriate ammunition.

Accuracy: the Glock 25’s 4.02" barrel and stable platform translate into solid groups at typical defensive distances (7–25 yards). For target work the longer barrel helps sight radius and consistency — many users report "combat-accurate" performance with quality ammunition.

Reliability: Glock’s feed geometry and extraction/cycling are proven; the 25 is reported to run well with mainstream full-power .380 loads. A common caveat in user reports: lighter, very low-power loads can cause cycling sensitivity in some examples — so test your defensive round of choice. Overall, expect Glock-level reliability after proper break-in and with standard defensive ammo.

What’s the trigger like on the Glock 25?

Typical Glock Safe Action trigger — consistent, predictable, not a competition-grade break.

The Glock 25 uses the Safe Action system with a consistent trigger pull, a tactile reset, and internal safeties (trigger safety, firing-pin safety, drop safety). Travel and feel are familiar to Glock shooters: a perceptible take-up and a clean reset.

It’s perfectly functional for defensive shooting and fast follow-ups, though those seeking a glassy-smooth, competition trigger will look to aftermarket upgrades or trigger jobs. Importantly, the consistent trigger helps novice shooters learn predictable inputs.

What ammunition works best in the Glock 25?

Standard-pressure .380 defensive loads (90–100 gr) and quality target rounds; avoid ultralight plinking ammo without testing.

Ideal grain weights: most users and manufacturers recommend 90–100 grain defensive projectiles for .380 ACP defensive use; target loads in the same range work fine for practice.

Because some units can be sensitive to very low-power rounds, pick reputable defensive loads (Hornady, Federal, Speer, Winchester) and verify cycling reliability through a 200–400 round test before relying on a specific load for carry. +P is uncommon in .380 market; focus on proven hollow points and FMJ for function testing.

Is the Glock 25 suitable for concealed carry or duty use?

Yes — especially for concealed carry or users prioritizing low recoil and capacity over outright 9mm power.

Concealed carry: the Glock 25 is a great compromise — size close to Glock 19 but gentler recoil, and a 15-round standard magazine gives high capacity. The full grip circumference helps control and is comfortable for many carriers, though deep concealment in lightweight clothing can be a challenge; appendix or IWB setups plus proper holsters help.

Duty use: law enforcement agencies that accept .380 are rare, but where legal and policy-appropriate, the Glock 25’s reliability and capacity make it a defensible choice for backup or plain-clothes use. For primary duty, many prefer 9mm or .40 due to terminal performance considerations.

How does the Glock 25 compare with similar guns?

Easier to shoot than small 9mm compacts, but with less terminal energy than 9mm; similar footprint to Glock 19 which helps holster/gear compatibility.

Compared to Glock 19: The Glock 25 is softer shooting with lower recoil and slightly less ballistic performance. Compared to subcompact .380s, it offers better accuracy and higher capacity thanks to the longer barrel and larger frame.

Compared to pocket .380s, it’s not intended as an ultra-deep concealment solution — rather, it’s for shooters who want a controllable compact with meaningful capacity.

Learn more: Glock 25 vs Glock 19: Key Differences, Performance & Uses

What are Direct Competitors to the Glock 25?

Direct competitors to the Glock 25, a compact Glock-19–sized .380 ACP pistol with a 4.02-inch barrel and 15+1 capacity aimed at low-recoil defensive use and markets restricting 9mm, include the Glock 19 in 9mm where legal, as well as other mid‑size .380s like the Glock 28, Beretta 80X Cheetah, Walther PK380, and CZ 83.

These models closely match the G25 in overall dimensions, barrel length around 3.7–4 inches, and role as concealable yet shootable defensive pistols, and they compete directly on capacity, ergonomics, recoil characteristics, and suitability for shooters who want service‑pistol size with softer .380 ACP recoil rather than micro‑pistol handling.

What holster options work best for the Glock 25?

Virtually every common holster style fits the Glock 25; choose based on carry method and clothing.

If you’re shopping holsters, the Glock 25’s Glock 19-proximate frame means wide compatibility. Below are practical descriptions for common options — each two sentences long — to help pair the gun with carry style. Note: Alien Gear-style holsters are polymer (Boltaron) made and offer modular mounting options compatible with many carry methods.

OWB Paddle Holster

The OWB paddle Glock 25 holster allows quick on/off use without removing the belt, ideal for range days and casual open carry. It balances accessibility and retention for users who don’t need covert carry.

What are the Glock 25’s pros and cons?

Short answer: Pros — low recoil, high capacity, Glock reliability; Cons — .380 terminal performance tradeoffs, limited aftermarket compared with 9mm, basic sights.

Pros

• Very manageable recoil for new or recoil-sensitive shooters.

• High magazine capacity (15 rounds) in a compact footprint.

• Durable Glock construction and proven feeding geometry.

• Comfortable ergonomics for a wide range of hand sizes (especially Gen4 backstrap option).

• Good accuracy for defensive distances thanks to longish barrel.

Cons

• .380 ACP has less terminal performance than 9mm; acceptance depends on user preference.

• Some sensitivity to very low-power rounds — test carry ammo thoroughly.

• Discontinued/limited market presence in some regions leads to smaller aftermarket than 9mm Glocks.

• Factory sights are basic; many owners upgrade for faster acquisition.

What is the final verdict on the Glock 25?

The Glock 25 is an excellent controllable, high-capacity compact for shooters prioritizing low recoil and reliability over maximum ballistic performance.

For shooters who want a Glock-sized platform that’s easier to shoot for extended sessions — retirees, new shooters, or anyone sensitive to recoil — the Glock 25 is a strong choice. It brings Glock reliability and capacity into a gentler package without sacrificing the ergonomics and holster compatibility many users already own for Glock 19 frames.

If your primary goal is maximum terminal performance the 9mm Glock 19 or similar will outperform the .380, but for real people who value control, follow-ups, and a confident shooting experience, the Glock 25 earns its place.

Recommend it for: recoil-sensitive carriers, concealed carriers seeking high capacity with manageable recoil, and shooters looking for a reliable defensive pistol that’s forgiving and accurate at defensive ranges.