Glock G45 Gen5 9mm
Model: PA455S203
Glock G45 Gen5 9mm
Model: PA455S203
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
The Glock G45 Gen5 is a crossover: it pairs the G19's compact 4.02" slide with the G17's full-size grip frame. The result holds 17 rounds in a 7.44" package, half an inch shorter than the G17's 7.91" length. With an empty magazine inserted, Glock lists the G45 at 24.48 oz — heavier than the G19 Gen5 (23.63 oz) by about an ounce, but slightly lighter than the G17 Gen5 (24.87 oz). The G45's value is grip length plus capacity in a shorter slide, not weight savings.
Glock introduced the G45 in 2018 as a black follow-up to the 2017 G19X, primarily for military and law enforcement contracts that wanted G17 capacity without the full-size slide. The "45" is a model number, not a caliber. The Gen5 trigger runs 5.8 lbs with a soft take-up before the wall breaks. Glock includes three 17-round magazines instead of the standard two, giving you 51 rounds total before buying extras.
The full-size grip is the G45's defining trade-off. The 5.47" height extends further below the belt than the G19's 5.04" grip, which can print under fitted shirts. If concealment is the priority, the Sig P320 Compact or HK VP9 keep 15-17 rounds in a shorter grip. If shooting comfort and capacity matter more, the G45's longer grip fills the hand better for sustained range sessions and recoil management during rapid strings.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- 17 rounds in a 7.44" package — half an inch shorter overall than the G17's 7.91" while sharing magazines. Compact slide profile reduces printing from outside-the-waistband holsters.
- Ships with three magazines instead of the usual two, giving 51 rounds of factory capacity before ordering spares.
- The 5.47" grip height extends further below the belt than the G19's 5.04" grip. That extra 0.43" prints more easily under fitted or tucked shirts, limiting the G45's concealment compared to true compacts.
- No optic cut on the standard model. The HK VP9 ships optic-ready in its OR variant at the same capacity, and the Sig P320 Compact offers modularity the G45 lacks.
Category Rankings
How the Glock G45 Gen5 9mm ranks among compact 9mm Luger handguns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the G45 too big for concealed carry?
The compact 4.02" slide carries well. The full-size grip is the issue. At 5.47" tall, it extends further below the belt than the G19's 5.04" grip. In an IWB holster with an untucked shirt, most people can hide it. Under fitted or tucked clothing, the grip length prints. If concealment is your top priority, the G19 is the better choice.
Do G17 magazines work in the G45?
Yes. The G45 uses the same G17 frame, so all Glock double-stack 9mm magazines fit. The standard 17-round G17 mags are flush-fit. The 19-round G17 extended mags and 24-round or 33-round extended magazines all work. G19 15-round mags also fit but sit about half an inch below the grip without filling the magwell.
How does the G45 compare to the G17 in size and weight?
The G45 is about 0.5" shorter overall (7.44" vs 7.91") because it uses the compact G19-length slide on the full-size G17 frame. With an empty magazine, Glock lists the G45 at 24.48 oz versus the G17 at 24.87 oz — within half an ounce of each other. Both hold 17 rounds and share magazines. Pick the G45 for a slightly shorter slide profile in a duty holster; pick the G17 if you want the longer sight radius for accuracy work.
