Glock G23 Gen5 .40 S&W
Model: PA235S203
Glock G23 Gen5 .40 S&W
Model: PA235S203
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
The G23 Gen5 is the compact version of the G22 — same Gen5 internals, same Marksman barrel technology, same 5.9 lb trigger, same dual recoil spring assembly, just in a shorter 7.28" frame weighing 26.67 oz. The 4.02" barrel gives up about half an inch over the G22, which matters less in practice than the reduced grip length. It carries 13+1 rounds, and because it shares the G22 frame width at 1.34", it's the same width to conceal as the full-size. The G23 is the most popular compact .40 S&W for concealed carry precisely because the size reduction over the G22 is meaningful for carry without being dramatic at the range.
.40 S&W's commercial decline is real and worth acknowledging. The G23's closest 9mm equivalent is the G19 Gen5 — same compact form factor, same Gen5 trigger and internals, but 9mm. Owners report the G19 is noticeably softer to shoot, and 9mm ammunition selection is broader. Buy the G23 if you're committed to .40 S&W: you have existing ammo, departmental compatibility requirements, or a specific reason to prefer the cartridge. If you're open to 9mm, the G19 Gen5 shoots better and ammunition is cheaper and more available.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- Gen5 internals are the same proven components in the G19 Gen5 — dual recoil spring, Marksman barrel, ambidextrous slide stop. The track record on this platform is excellent across millions of rounds of documented service use.
- Accepts G22 full-size magazines, giving you a 15-round option for range use or as a backup mag while carrying the standard 13-rounder.
- The compact grip (5.08" height) conceals meaningfully better than the G22's 5.51" while keeping the same 4.02" barrel length — most of the size reduction is in the grip, not the slide.
- Same 1.34" width as the G22. If width is your limiting factor for concealment, the G23 doesn't help — the G26 in 9mm is the narrower alternative.
- The 5.9 lb trigger has the same soft take-up as every other Gen5 Glock. No optic cut on the standard model.
Category Rankings
How the Glock G23 Gen5 .40 S&W ranks among compact .40 S&W handguns.
Ballistics Calculator
Calculate trajectory, drop, and energy for .40 S&W ammunition.
.40 S&W Ballistics →Where to Buy
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the G23 Gen5 as reliable as older Glock .40s?
The Gen5 improved on the Gen4 with a revised dual recoil spring, a flared magwell, and the removal of the finger grooves that caused fitment issues for some hand sizes. The .40 S&W cartridge has a reputation for accelerating wear on Glock extractors and recoil springs faster than 9mm — this is a real observation documented across extended service use, not just forum speculation. The fix is periodic parts replacement, which Glock sells cheaply. With normal maintenance intervals, the G23 Gen5 has a track record that matches the platform's broader reputation for durability.
How does the G23 carry compared to the G19?
The G23 and G19 Gen5 are nearly identical in external dimensions — both 7.28" long, 5.08" tall, and 1.34" wide. The G23 weighs 26.67 oz unloaded vs the G19's 23.63 oz, a difference of about 3 oz. That difference is noticeable over a full day of carry. The G19 also shoots softer, and 9mm ammunition is more available. If dimensions are your deciding factor, these two guns carry the same. Caliber preference is the real decision.
