Glock handguns are some of the most widely purchased and reliable firearms in the world. From law enforcement to civilian loyalists, their reputation for simplicity and durability has made them a top choice for decades.
But if I had to choose just one Glock to keep forever and let go of the rest, which would it be? That’s exactly what I set out to determine. I reviewed all the Glocks in my arsenal, reviewed them individually, and thoughtfully eliminated each model until only one remained.
First to Go: The Glock 43X

I know this might surprise some people, but the Glock 43X was the first one I’d sell. It’s a great carry gun for those who like a slim profile, and the grip does provide a good hold, especially for people with larger hands. But when I looked at it, I realized I don’t love how it shoots. The trigger pull is heavier than a standard Glock, and it feels different in a way that I don’t particularly enjoy.
Another issue is the factory sights, which are just awful. Of course, you can upgrade them, but that’s the case with most Glocks. What really pushed it off the list for me was the fact that there are better micro 9mm options out there. I’ve owned a Glock 43X before, sold it, and bought it again to see if my opinion had changed. It hadn’t.
Next to Go: Any Glock Chambered in .40 S&W

This one was easy – any Glock chambered in .40 S&W, including the Glock 23, would be gone. The .40 S&W cartridge was once popular, but modern ballistics have made 9mm just as effective while providing more rounds, less recoil, and cheaper ammo. When I compare the shooting experience of a .40-caliber Glock to a 9mm Glock, there’s no competition. The 9mm is simply easier to control and allows for faster, more accurate follow-up shots.
I know a guy who customized his Glock 23 with all kinds of upgrades – new trigger shoe, extended mag release, Ameriglo ghost ring sights, and even a titanium firing pin plunger. While I respect that, I still wouldn’t keep it over a solid 9mm Glock.
The Newest Addition: Glock 47

The Glock 47 is one of the newer models in my collection, and it’s essentially a Glock 17 with some modularity improvements. It comes optics-ready, has front slide serrations, and all the standard Gen 5 upgrades. It also allows for some interesting slide-swapping possibilities – this slide can go on a Glock 19 frame, which gives it some flexibility.
Despite all of that, I wasn’t blown away by it at the range. While I see the advantage of full-sized guns, I didn’t shoot significantly better with the Glock 47 compared to my other options. The size is just a little unnecessary for my needs, and while I’m still testing it, I wouldn’t hesitate to let it go if I had to.
The Little .380: Glock 42

The Glock 42 is a small, lightweight .380 ACP pistol that serves a very specific purpose. My wife loves it for concealed carry because it’s easy to carry and works well with her everyday outfits. While it’s not a bad little gun, I personally prefer the ballistics of a 9mm.
That being said, the Glock 42 is a joy to shoot. It’s much easier to control than something like the Ruger LCP Max, which is small but snappy. The Glock 42 feels great in hand, but at the end of the day, I wouldn’t pick a .380 over a solid 9mm. If I need something that small, I’d rather have a micro 9mm with higher capacity.
An OG Favorite: Glock 26

The Glock 26 is often considered the original concealed carry Glock, and for good reason. It’s compact, holds 10 rounds, and can use larger Glock magazines. I’ve had my Glock 26 for a long time, and I even installed Trijicon HD sights on it years ago.
But here’s the thing – times have changed. There are now better, thinner, and lighter carry options that still give you solid capacity. The SIG P365, Shield Plus, and other micro compacts have really changed the game. As much as I respect the Glock 26, I’d probably let it go in favor of something more modern.
Getting Down to the Final Two: Glock 19 Gen 4 vs. Gen 5

At this point, only two Glocks remained on the table: my Glock 19 Gen 4 and my Glock 19 Gen 5. The Glock 19 is one of the best all-around pistols ever made, striking the perfect balance between size, capacity, and shootability.
My Gen 4 has been a fantastic gun. I’ve put a little Burris FastFire 3 red dot on it, and it’s been a great shooter for years. It has Trijicon night sights and has never given me any trouble. This would be a strong contender if I had to keep only one Glock.
The Winner: Glock 19 Gen 5

At the end of the day, the last Glock I would ever sell is my Glock 19 Gen 5. Even though I haven’t modified it at all, it’s the best-feeling Glock I own. The biggest improvement for me? The removal of the finger grooves. It might seem like a small change, but it makes a huge difference in comfort.
The Gen 5 still has all the great things that make the Glock 19 one of the best handguns ever. It’s reliable, holds 15+1 rounds, and is easy to carry while still offering excellent shootability. While the trigger isn’t much different from the Gen 4, the improved grip ergonomics make it my top choice.
Why Glock Dominates the Handgun Market

Glock’s success isn’t an accident. Their pistols are known for reliability, simplicity, and ease of use. With a design that minimizes unnecessary parts and a polymer frame that keeps weight down, Glocks have become the standard for law enforcement, military, and civilian shooters alike. While some people complain about their aesthetics or factory triggers, there’s no denying that these handguns just work – every time.
Customization: A Double-Edged Sword

One of Glock’s biggest strengths is the sheer amount of customization available. From upgraded triggers to slide milling for optics, there’s no shortage of ways to make a Glock fit your needs. But with so many options, it’s easy to overdo it. Some modifications genuinely improve performance, while others introduce reliability issues. That’s why I tend to keep my Glocks close to factory spec, especially for defensive use.
Why One Glock is Never Enough

The funny thing about Glock ownership is that it rarely stops at just one. They’re so practical and modular that it’s easy to justify having different models for different roles. A Glock 19 for everyday carry, a Glock 34 for competition, maybe even a Glock 43X for deep concealment – the list goes on. While this article is about narrowing it down to one, the truth is, most Glock owners eventually find themselves adding more to their collection.
The Glock 19 Reigns Supreme

After going through every Glock I owned, I realized what I already knew—the Glock 19 Gen 5 is the best all-around Glock, and it’s the last one I’d ever let go. It’s versatile, easy to carry, and fits almost any role, from home defense to concealed carry.
That’s not to say other Glocks aren’t great. They all have their strengths and weaknesses, but if I could only have one, the choice is clear. The Glock 19 Gen 5 stays, and everything else can go.
Your Picks

What about you? If you had to pick just one Glock to keep forever, which one would it be? Let me know your thoughts. Do you prioritize size, capacity, or shootability when choosing a handgun? Are factory Glocks good enough, or do you believe modifications are essential? Do you think the Glock 19 truly deserves its reputation as the “do-it-all” handgun, or is there a better option?

Gary’s love for adventure and preparedness stems from his background as a former Army medic. Having served in remote locations around the world, he knows the importance of being ready for any situation, whether in the wilderness or urban environments. Gary’s practical medical expertise blends with his passion for outdoor survival, making him an expert in both emergency medical care and rugged, off-the-grid living. He writes to equip readers with the skills needed to stay safe and resilient in any scenario.