The Glock G26 Gen5 exists for one reason: magazine compatibility. It accepts every Glock 9mm double-stack magazine ever made, from the 15-round G19 mag to the 33-round extended stick. No other subcompact does this. The gun ships with three 10-round magazines, weighs 21.69 oz, and runs a 3.43" barrel in a 6.42" frame. Those numbers put it on the heavy side for a 10-round gun, and the 1.3" width is thicker than slimline alternatives. But if you already carry a G19 or G17 on duty and want a backup that shares your reload, there is no substitute.

The 5.8 lb trigger is the heaviest in Glock's 9mm lineup. The G19 Gen5 runs 5.5 lbs, and the G43X comes in at 5.4 lbs. The S&W Shield Plus pulls at 4.5 lbs. The G26's grip is too short for a full three-finger hold without a magazine extension, which defeats the size advantage. Owners who carry a G19 as their primary report the G26 works best as an ankle rig or glove box gun where the thick grip and heavy weight matter less than interchangeable magazines.