Looking for a duty-ready handgun that bridges the gap between compact concealment and full-size control? The Glock 45 – 19mm delivers exactly that, offering the proven reliability of the Glock 19 slide on the full-size G17 frame for superior handling and capacity.

Imbertsmithersarms is a Grand Forks, ND-based retailer specializing in firearms for hunters, outdoorsmen, and responsible citizens. The Glock 45 – 19mm is a duty-oriented 9mm pistol that combines the compact slide of the Glock 19 with the full-size frame of the Glock 17. This hybrid design provides enhanced grip control and magazine capacity while maintaining a balanced, shootable profile. Available now for $429 with same-day shipping from our North Dakota warehouse.

Reviewed by Cody Ramirez, E-Commerce Director at Imbertsmithersarms. 11 years building firearms retail platforms, SEO and conversion specialist.

Last updated: April 2026

Why the Glock 45 – 19mm Belongs in Your Collection

After over a decade in this business and countless range days, I’ve seen what works for folks from Grand Forks to the backcountry. The Glock 45, often called the “Glock 45 – 19mm” due to its slide configuration, isn’t just another pistol. It’s a purpose-built tool. It answers a common request I get: “I want the shootability of a full-size gun but don’t want a massive slide for my concealed carry holster.” This model solves that. You get the faster slide cycle and familiar sight radius of the Glock 19, paired with the full, confident grip of the G17 frame that fits all your fingers without a pinky extension. For duty use, home defense, or as a primary sidearm during hunting season, this balance is hard to beat.

Glock 45 – 19mm Specifications

Specification	Detail
Product Type	Semi-Automatic Pistol (Striker-Fired)
Material (Frame)	Polymer (Glock Polymer 2)
Material (Slide)	Steel with Tenifer Finish
Manufacturing	Glock Ges.m.b.H., Austria
Finish	Black nDLC (nPVD) on slide; Standard Polymer Frame
Hardness/Quality	Rockwell Hardness ~64 HRC on slide; MIL-SPEC durability
Compatibility	Glock 19 Gen5 slides; Glock 17 Gen5 frames; Uses Glock 17 magazines (17+1, 19+1, 24+1, 33+1)
Installation/Usage	Ready for duty/defense; Compatible with most Glock 17 holsters
Weight (Unloaded)	24.48 oz / 694 g
Dimensions (Length x Height x Width)	7.44 in x 5.47 in x 1.34 in
Country of Origin	Austria
Condition	New in Factory Case
SKU	PI-G45-9-USA (Varies by shipment)

How Does the Glock 45 Stack Up?

Let’s be practical. When you’re spending your hard-earned money, you want to know what sets this apart from other options on the shelf. Here’s a straightforward comparison.

Feature	Glock 45 – 19mm	Budget Import 9mm (e.g., ~$70-100)	Premium Metal-Frame 9mm (e.g., ~$600+)
Material & Build	Proven Polymer 2 frame, Tenifer-finished steel slide	Cast zinc alloy, questionable steel quality	Machined steel or aluminum alloy frame
Quality & Reliability	Military & LE proven worldwide; extreme environmental testing	Range toy at best; frequent failures	High precision, often hand-fitted; excellent for competition
Compatibility	Vast aftermarket for holsters, sights, magazines	Virtually none; proprietary parts	Good, but often brand/model specific
Shipping & Compliance	FFL required; we handle all paperwork seamlessly	Often sketchy import channels	FFL required; similar process to Glock
Lifespan & Durability	Designed for tens of thousands of rounds with minimal care	Lifespan measured in hundreds of rounds	Long-lasting but may require more meticulous maintenance
Price	$429 – The value benchmark for duty reliability	$60-$80 – You get what you pay for	$600+ – Investment for specific use cases

The Honest Pros and Cons

Based on handling hundreds of these and listening to customer feedback, here’s the real-world breakdown.

Pros:

✅ Superior Grip Control: The full-size G17 frame gives you a complete, non-cramped grip that improves recoil management significantly over the compact G19.
✅ Balanced Shootability: The shorter G19 slide reduces muzzle flip and allows for faster follow-up shots. It just feels “right” in the hand.
✅ High Magazine Capacity: Accepts all Glock 17 magazines, starting at 17+1 rounds. For duty or home defense, that’s a major advantage.
✅ Holster Compatibility: Fits most holsters designed for the Glock 17/22, making it easy to gear up.
✅ Proven Glock Reliability: It’s a Glock. It eats any ammo, works in dirt, sand, and cold North Dakota winters, and goes bang every time.

Cons:

❌ Not the Most Concealable: The full-size grip can print more than a true compact like the Glock 19 under a light shirt. It’s a duty/OWB-first design.
❌ No Front Slide Serrations (on early models): Some users prefer front serrations for press checks. Later models and aftermarket slides address this.
❌ May Feel Large for Smaller Hands: If you have very small hands, the full-size grip might not be ideal. Consider the Glock 48 or 43X for a slimmer profile.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Glock 45

Buy it if:

You’re a law enforcement officer or armed professional looking for a modern duty weapon.
You want a primary home defense handgun that’s easy to control and has high capacity.
You like the Glock 19 but wish for a fuller grip without adding a magazine extension.
You’re a hunter or outdoorsman who wants a reliable sidearm with a confident grip, even with gloves on.
You value aftermarket support and want a platform you can customize extensively.

Skip it if:

Concealed carry is your primary and only concern. The grip length makes deep concealment a challenge. (Look at the Glock 19 or subcompacts instead).
You’re on an extremely tight budget and are considering a low-cost import. Save a little longer for the real deal.
You simply prefer the feel of a metal-framed pistol or a different trigger system. This is classic Glock through and through.

See It in Action

Don’t just take my word for it. Head over to YouTube to see detailed reviews, breakdowns, and range footage. It’s the next best thing to handling one in person.

▶ Watch Glock 45 – 19mm Reviews on YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between a Glock 45 and a Glock 19?

The core difference is the frame and slide combination. The Glock 45 uses the full-size Glock 17 frame (for a full-hand grip and 17-round magazine compatibility) paired with the compact Glock 19 slide (for a shorter sight radius and potentially faster cycling). The standard Glock 19 has both a compact frame and slide.

Which is better, a Glock 19 or a Glock 45?

“Better” depends entirely on your use case. For concealed carry where minimizing printing is key, the Glock 19 is often the preferred choice due to its shorter grip. For duty use, home defense, or competition where maximum control and capacity are priorities, the Glock 45 and its full-size frame typically offer an advantage in shootability. It’s about picking the right tool for the job.

What size is a Glock 45?

The Glock 45 has a hybrid size. Its slide length is identical to the Glock 19 at 7.36 inches long. Its grip height (and overall pistol height) matches the Glock 17 at 5.47 inches. The width is a standard 1.34 inches. Think of it as a Glock 17 with a shorter slide.

Is the Glock 45 good for concealed carry?

It can be done, especially with the right holster and cover garment, but it’s not its primary design intent. The full-size grip is the main factor that can cause printing. If concealed carry is your main goal, you’ll likely find the standard Glock 19, 48, or 43X easier to conceal consistently.

What generation is the Glock 45?

The Glock 45 is a Gen5 model. It includes all Gen5 features like the marksman barrel, ambidextrous slide stop levers, and the flared magazine well. It does not have front slide serrations on the earliest production models, but many now available do.

What magazines does the Glock 45 use?

The Glock 45 uses standard Glock 17 magazines. This includes the standard 17-round magazine, the 19-round extended magazine, and even the 24- and 33-round fun sticks. It will not accept the shorter Glock 19 magazines without modification.

Where can I buy a Glock 45 – 19mm online?

You can purchase the Glock 45 – 19mm right here at Imbertsmithersarms (imbertsmithersarms.com). We are a licensed retailer based in Grand Forks, ND, and we handle the entire FFL transfer process to ship to your local dealer securely and efficiently.

Ready to Order Your Glock 45?

When you order from us, you’re not just getting a firearm; you’re getting a seamless, trustworthy buying experience built on over a decade of serving the shooting community.

✅ In stock — ready to ship today
✅ Same-day shipping from Grand Forks, ND
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns (unfired, in original condition)
✅ Secure checkout

At $429, the Glock 45 – 19mm represents a serious value for a duty-proven, versatile handgun. It’s the workhorse you can depend on, whether it’s on your hip during a long day in the stand or secured in your home.

Browse more: Glock Handguns | Full Shop

About this review: This assessment is based on hands-on experience with the product, technical specifications from the manufacturer, and aggregated feedback from our customer base. As E-Commerce Director at Imbertsmithersarms, my goal is to provide practical, transparent information to help you make an informed purchase. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Last updated: April 2026