Glock 44 Review: The Ultimate Rimfire Trainer for Glock Owners

The Glock 44 is a compact, .22 LR, striker-fired, blowback-operated pistol introduced by Glock in 2020.

Built to mirror the ergonomics, controls, and manual of arms of the Glock 19, the G44 pairs a 4.02" barrel with a hybrid steel/polymer slide, a 10-round single-stack magazine, Gen-5 ergonomic features, and a Glock Marksman Barrel — all intended to give trainers and recreational shooters a low-cost, low-recoil platform that feels like a centerfire Glock.

Photo credits

What is the Glock 44 and why does it matter?

The Glock 44 is Glock’s dedicated rimfire trainer: a purpose-built .22 LR pistol that deliberately mimics the size, weight, and controls of the company’s ubiquitous centerfire models. Glock designed it for inexpensive practice, beginning-shooter instruction, and casual range work while keeping the feel close to a Glock 19 so shooters can rehearse grip, sight alignment, and trigger mechanics without burning centerfire ammo.

For anyone who owns or trains with larger Glocks, the G44 promises one simple thing: realistic practice at a fraction of the cost.

Glock’s pedigree (Glock Ges.m.b.H., Austria) and the Glock Safe Action system carry over to the G44. It’s not intended to replace purpose-built match .22 pistols, but it fills a unique niche: authentic Glock ergonomics in a rimfire package.

What are the specifications of the Glock 44?

Core specs

• Caliber: .22 LR (rimfire)

• Action type: Safe Action — striker-fired, blowback-operated

• Barrel length: 4.02 in (102 mm)

• Overall length: 7.28 in (185 mm)

• Slide length: 6.85 in (174 mm)

• Height (with magazine): 5.04 in (128 mm)

• Width: 1.26 in (32 mm) — slide ~1.0 in

• Magazine capacity: 10 rounds (single-stack)

• Weight: ~14.64 oz empty (415 g); ~16.40 oz loaded (465 g)

• Notable features: hybrid steel/polymer slide, adjustable rear sight with polymer U-notch front, Glock Marksman Barrel, modular backstraps, accessory rail, loaded-chamber indicator, Gen-5 ergonomics.

• Release year: 2020

Materials & finish

The G44 uses a polymer frame consistent with Glock’s centerfire pistols and a hybrid slide construction intended to reduce mass and tune cycling for .22 LR dynamics. Finish and materials follow Glock’s utility-first approach — corrosion-resistant surfaces where required and simplified, serviceable components.

How does the Glock 44’s design and build quality hold up?

Frame, slide, and ergonomics

The G44 keeps the Glock silhouette and grip geometry shooters expect from Gen-5. The polymer frame accepts modular backstraps, and the grip texture and angle are close enough to the Glock 19 to make the transition natural.

The hybrid steel/polymer slide lowers slide mass relative to a full-steel slide, helping the blowback action run more smoothly with rimfire ammunition while keeping felt reciprocating weight low.

Controls and user interface

Controls emulate larger Glocks: a familiar trigger with Safe Action safeties, standard magazine release, and a non-ambidextrous slide stop lever typical of Glock ergonomics. Field stripping and disassembly mirror Glock centerfire practice — a big plus for instructors and students working across platforms.

Sights, rails, and accessory compatibility

The G44 ships with adjustable rear sights and a polymer U-notch front. It includes an accessory rail for lights or lasers. There is currently no MOS/optic-ready variant from Glock

Gen-5 ergonomics but no optic-ready models), and no threaded-barrel factory option was offered at launch. The sights are sufficient for typical rimfire accuracy and quick training drills; however, competitive rimfire users may prefer dedicated match sights.

What variants and model differences exist for the Glock 44?

Glock released the G44 essentially as a single Gen-5–styled variant targeted at training and recreation; there are no official MOS/optic-ready or threaded barrel options in the initial production run.

Compared to centerfire Glock lines where compact, subcompact, and full-size variants proliferate, the G44’s release is constrained — a single compact rimfire model shaped to match Glock 19 ergonomics.

Comparable alternatives

For pure rimfire accuracy and match performance, legacy designs like the Ruger 22/45 or Browning Buck Mark still edge the G44 in dedicated target performance and magazine capacity. But for Glock owners, nothing on the market matches the G44’s fidelity to a Glock centerfire in size, controls, and training value.

How does the Glock 44 perform on the range?

Accuracy

For its role, the G44 is accurate. Real-world groupings at 15–25 yards are more than adequate for training and casual target work — tighter than typical “plinker” expectations and comfortable for introducing new shooters to sighted fire. The Glock Marksman Barrel helps keep groups respectable for a compact rimfire.

Recoil and follow-ups

Recoil is extremely light; follow-up shots are effortless. The low recoil and familiar grip geometry make the G44 excellent for building cadence and practicing trigger control without the flinch-inducing impulse of centerfire rounds.

Reliability and break-in

Rimfire ammo quality varies more than centerfire. User reports and range tests show the G44 runs best with high-velocity and brass-cased ammo; lower-power or cheap bulk .22 LR can increase failures-to-feed and stove-pipes.

Most owners report high reliability after an initial break-in and with the right ammunition — but expect some ammunition sensitivity that’s typical of blowback rimfire designs.

Trigger feel

Trigger travel and reset feel Glock-like — predictable, with a clean break for a striker-fired pistol of this class. It’s not a match trigger, but it’s consistent enough for training transfer to centerfire Glocks.

What ammunition works best in the Glock 44?

Recommended ammo types

• High-velocity .22 LR rounds — best reliability for cycling and fewer stovepipes.

• Brass-cased .22 LR — often favors smoother feeding and extraction versus some plated steel cases.

• Target and defensive practice loads — standard velocity target rounds are fine for accuracy drills but may require testing for reliable cycling.

Avoid (or test first)

• Low-power subsonic bulk lots — may produce more malfunctions.

• Some plated or very light rounds without prior testing — test ammo brands in your gun before relying on them for structured training.

Owners consistently report that carefully matching ammo brand and type to the pistol gives the best service life and lowest malfunction rate.

How suitable is the Glock 44 for different use cases?

Is the Glock 44 suitable for concealed carry or self-defense?

No — the Glock 44 is a rimfire trainer and not intended for defensive carry. While it copies Glock 19 ergonomics, .22 LR lacks the terminal performance and reliability expectations for self-defense. Use the G44 strictly for training and practice.

Is the Glock 44 good for home defense?

Again, no — it’s a practice gun. Home-defense roles require centerfire calibers and purpose-built defensive firearms. The G44 remains a valuable tool to hone skills that transfer to defensive pistols.

Is the Glock 44 competition-viable (IDPA/USPSA)?

For rimfire divisions or club-level rimfire matches, the G44 can be used for sport, but it was not designed as a dedicated competition rimfire pistol. Dedicated rimfire match pistols will generally outperform it in precision competitions. However, for informal USPSA or local rimfire shoots where Glock-like ergonomics help, it’s perfectly serviceable.

Hunting and outdoors utility

Minimal. .22 LR can be used for small pest control, but the G44 is not optimized for hunting — its role is training and recreation.

Range toy versus workhorse

For most owners the G44 is a high-value training tool and an extremely fun plinker. It is not a duty firearm, but for the explicit purpose of Glock-pattern practice and economical range time, it is a workhorse.

What are the best holsters for the Glock 44?

The Glock 44 holster market benefits from the pistol’s Glock-like footprint: many holster types built for compact Glocks fit or are specifically cut for the G44. 

Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster

Inside-the-waistband rigs provide deep concealment and close contact. A Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Glock 44 holster tucks the grip for concealment while maintaining a consistent draw stroke for training transfer.

Belt holster 

A belt holster offers stable carry and fast reholstering for range use or duty-style drills. Sturdy polymer construction keeps the G44 positioned reliably during movement and dry-fire practice.

OWB Paddle Holster 

Paddle OWB holsters give quick on/off convenience for range sessions and classes. They ride slightly farther from the body, making the G44 easy to draw and present for training drills.

Swivel Drop Leg Holster

A drop-leg swivel holster is best for range instructors or tactical drills needing leg access. The swivel feature allows adjustable cant and quick repositioning for dynamic training.

Chest Holster

Chest rigs are useful for instructors or long day hunts where hip carry isn’t practical. A chest Glock 44 holster keeps the gun accessible while leaving the waist clear for movement.

Hook & Loop Holster 

Hook & Loop (Velcro) holsters are excellent for beginner ranges and adjustable retention. They’re forgiving on clothing differences and useful for temporary carry during instruction.

Belly Band holster

A belly band offers versatile positioning and works well for off-body concealment or athletic movement. It’s a flexible Glock 44 holster option for casual practice when standard belt carry isn’t available.

What are the Glock 44’s pros and cons?

Pros

• Genuine Glock ergonomics: virtually identical grip angle and controls to the Glock 19 — excellent for practice transfer.

• Low recoil: ideal for long practice sessions and new-shooter confidence building.

• Good accuracy for a compact rimfire: Glock Marksman Barrel helps deliver respectable groups at typical training distances.

• Affordable training cost: .22 LR significantly reduces range bills compared to centerfire practice.

• Familiar maintenance and disassembly: field strips like other Glocks, simplifying instructor workflows.

Cons

• Ammunition sensitivity: functions best with high-velocity/brass ammo; some brands produce stovepipes and failures-to-feed.

• Limited factory variants: no MOS/optic or threaded-barrel official options at release.

• Not for defense: .22 LR is not an appropriate defensive choice; G44 is strictly a trainer/plinker.

• Mag capacity: 10-round single-stack is modest compared to many rimfire target pistols.

• Occasional component complaints: isolated reports of extractor or slide issues when paired with dirty or underpowered ammo — typical for rimfire platforms but worth noting.

What is the final verdict on the Glock 44?

The Glock 44 is an excellent purchase for Glock owners, instructors, and anyone who wants Glock-pattern practice without the expense of centerfire ammunition. If your priority is realistic, ergonomic training that transfers directly to a Glock 19, the G44 delivers clear value: realistic controls, low recoil, solid accuracy, and a design that supports training consistency.

Value for money is strong — MSRP near $400 with street prices often lower — when you factor long-term savings on ammo and the practical benefits of transferable practice. For new shooters and training programs, it’s a cost-effective tool; for dedicated rimfire competitors or those who need defensive capability, it’s not the right choice.

Recommend purchase if: you want a Glock-feel trainer, you prioritize economical range time, or you’re introducing new shooters to Glock controls.

Skip or supplement if: you need a defensive firearm, a dedicated rimfire match pistol, or a threaded/optic-ready rimfire out of the box.