Glock 49 Review - The Firearms Club

Glock, an Austrian firearms manufacturer, has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and innovative handgun producers in the world. Founded in 1963 by Gaston Glock, the company initially specialized in polymer products, including military knives and grenade casings.

Glock’s journey in the firearms industry began with the development of the Glock 17, which was a game-changer due to its innovative use of polymer materials and its “Safe Action” system, a revolutionary trigger safety mechanism. This design offered a combination of reliability, ease of use, and durability that quickly garnered the attention of law enforcement and military agencies worldwide.

The Glock 49, the latest model in the renowned Glock lineup, continues the brand’s legacy of innovation and reliability. Released in November 2023, the Glock 49 has quickly become a topic of interest among firearm enthusiasts and professionals alike.

In this article, we will be doing a Glock 49 review, so sit back and enjoy!!

Design & Build

1) Aesthetic Overview

External Design Features

The Glock 49 has retained the traditional look of Glock guns, now iconic in the firearms industry, typified by clean lines, a minimalist profile, and functional design. At first glance, the Glock 49 may appear to be like any of the other models since it retained its aesthetic from its predecessors.

It is subtly different, however. The slide wear updated serrations both front and rear to provide users positive grip during slide manipulations. More texturing and slight contouring on the polymer frame of the pistol was done for better grip comfort and control, while the trigger guard is undercut slightly to provide accommodation for a higher grip for better control of recoil.

Comparison with Previous Glock Models

The Glock 49 borrows a lot from earlier designs, such as the Glock 19 and Glock 17. By design, it marries the features of both into one. It retains the general blocky yet functional design that Glock has come to be associated with, staying true to the brand’s focus on simplicity and reliability. Such as the fact that, compared to the Glock 19, the Model 49 uses a slightly longer slide and barrel for improved accuracy and sight radius without the bulk of a full-size model like the Glock 17. Texturing and slide serrations have been improved evolutionary from the Gen5 models where Glock first introduced these features. That’s what makes the Glock 49 different; it offers a ‘best of both worlds’ approach, marrying up compact dimensions best for CCW with performance characteristics best delivered by a duty-use pistol.

2) Materials and Construction

Frame and Slide Materials

The frame and slide of the Glock 49 are made from Glock’s famous polymer, which provides an ideal blend of strength and lightweight carry. It is also one of the hardest, most corrosion-resistant, and chemically inert polymers available today that would be suitable for a wide range of environments. The slide is made of high-strength steel and coated with Glock’s first version of nDLC finish. The coating also gives the slide a slippery, matte-black look and increases its resistance to scratch, wear, and corrosion, allowing the Glock 49 to stay up with harsh conditions and a lifetime of use.

Durability and Weight Considerations

Durability has been one of the strong points of Glock pistols for quite a long period of time, and the Glock 49 isn’t an exception. Its polymer frame, as well as its nDLC-coated slide, are built for many years of hard usage without any compromise in performance. The lightweight nature of the polymer frame overall makes this pistol manageable; it’s comfortable to carry for extended periods while still being strong enough for those defensive or tactical situations. The Glock 49 strikes a perfect balance between being light enough for comfortable everyday carry, yet solid enough to absorb recoil and provide a stable shooting platform.

3) Ergonomics

Grip Texture and Shape

The Glock 49 was designed to incorporate both comfort and control into its grip. The generation models already improved on that score, and the Glock 49 features additional improvements in the more aggressive yet comfortable texturing pattern on its grip. This texture provides a secure hold, even in adverse conditions such as wet or sweaty hands, without being overly abrasive. The grip shape has also been refined to better accommodate a wide range of hand sizes. Its more conical profile allows a natural and consistent grip, thus promoting better control and accuracy-even when shooting in rapid succession.

Handle and Finger Placement

The handle of the Glock 49 is designed to offer a high, tight grip that aids in recoil management. The undercut trigger guard enables the shooter to position the hand higher on the frame, reducing muzzle flip and allowing for faster follow-on shots. The finger grooves found on previous models have been eliminated, providing a grip that is adaptable to various hand sizes. With this flat front strap, it does allow for a little more flexibility with finger placement so that the grip feels comfortable and secure, whether the shooter is bare-handed or wearing gloves.

Key Specifications

The Glock 49 is made with versatility and performance in mind-be it for personal defense, duty use, or even just range shooting. Below, the key specifications that define this model are listed.

Overall Dimensions

Length: 7.5 inches
Height: 5.04 inches
Width: 1.34 inches
Barrel Length: 4.2 inches

That makes it slightly bigger than the Glock 19 but still rather compact to be seriously considered for carrying concealed. The longer barrel/slide promotes better accuracy and control over recoil; on the other hand, its overall dimensions ensure that this pistol stays easy to carry and manage.

Caliber Options

The Glock 49 is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, the same caliber that has made previous Glock models popular, such as the Glock 19 and Glock 17. It offers a great balance of stopping power, manageable recoil, and wide availability-all features desirable for a variety of shooting applications. The 9mm round lends itself well to high-capacity magazines, further upping the pistol’s effectiveness in defensive scenarios.

Barrel Length

The Glock 49 has a 4.2-inch barrel, situating it between the compact Glock 19 and its 4.02-inch length and the full-size Glock 17 at 4.49 inches. It strikes a good balance in length between being concealable yet accurate, with a longer sight radius for precision shooting, improved over shorter-barreled pistols, yet short enough to comfortably carry. The slightly extended barrel also serves to lengthen muzzle velocity, adding to the ballistic performance of the 9mm round.

Magazine Capacity

One of the most striking features about this Glock 49 is the magazine capacity. It is standard-sized for 15 rounds, as is also the case with the Glock 19: perfect for when one wishes to have enough firepower without losing too much in the size department. Those who enjoy even more capacity will find that the Glock 49 accepts extended mags in 17, 19, and even 33 rounds, making this an exceptional choice for many scenarios-set aside self-defense, duty use, or competition.

Weight

The Glock 49 weighs about 23.6 ounces unloaded- Enough to easily carry yet heavy enough to handle the recoil. Fully loaded, with one magazine carrying 15 rounds, the weight goes to about 30.2 ounces, still within what most shooters can handle. Such weight provides a good balance between stability when shooting and comfort during extended carry.

Trigger Type and Pull

Standard for Glock, the Glock 49 features a Safe Action trigger system that has consistent trigger pull from first to last shot. The pull weight is approximately 5.5 pounds, which is quite normal for Glock pistols and provides a good balance between safety and being easy to manipulate. Travel is short, and reset is tactile and audible to allow for swift follow-up shots. Accuracy and control on quick fire were enabled through outfitting a user-friendly trigger on Glock 49 for a smooth and predictable break.

Performance Analysis

The Glock 49 is engineered to deliver the reliability and consistency that Glock is famous for, while also pushing the envelope in terms of accuracy and ease of handling. Below is a detailed analysis of its performance in key areas.

Accuracy

Having a slightly extended barrel length (4.2 inches) compared to compact models like the Glock 19 enhances its overall accuracy. The increased sight radius provides shooters with better alignment, making it easier to engage targets at longer distances.

In range testing, the Glock 49 performed exceptionally well at standard defensive distances of 7 to 15 yards, maintaining tight groupings. At extended ranges of 25 yards, it demonstrated consistent precision, with its barrel design aiding in delivering reliable shots.

Range Testing and Results

During range testing, the Glock 49 consistently demonstrated its ability to produce tight, accurate groupings across a variety of distances. Testers reported:

At 7 yards: Nearly all rounds landed within a 2-inch grouping, making it ideal for close-quarters self-defense scenarios.
At 15 yards: Groupings were around 3 inches, maintaining reliability in a moderate defensive range.
At 25 yards: Groupings remained around 4-5 inches, showing the Glock 49’s capability to engage longer-distance targets.

The overall performance is comparable to the Glock 17 but with the added benefit of a slightly smaller, more manageable profile.

Recoil Management

The Glock 49 handles recoil exceptionally well, thanks to its slightly extended slide and barrel, which contribute to better balance and weight distribution. Combined with the high grip positioning allowed by the undercut trigger guard, the pistol minimizes muzzle flip, enabling quicker follow-up shots.

Even with hotter 9mm loads, the recoil remains very controllable, making the Glock 49 an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned shooters. The grip texturing and ergonomic design further aid in maintaining control during rapid fire, ensuring that the gun remains secure in hand even after multiple rounds.

Reliability

Glock handguns are renowned for their reliability, and the Glock 49 is no exception. Throughout testing, the Glock 49 fed, fired, and ejected various types of ammunition, including standard FMJ, hollow points, and +P rounds, without any malfunctions. It operated flawlessly through several hundred rounds, showing no signs of failure even in high-stress scenarios such as rapid-fire sequences or extended shooting sessions.

The nDLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating on the slide and barrel enhances its resistance to corrosion, ensuring that the firearm can handle harsh conditions like moisture, dust, and extreme temperatures. Whether shooting in dry, dusty environments or in cold, wet conditions, the Glock 49 maintained its reliability, making it suitable for both home defense and duty use.

Ease of Use

One of the defining features of the Glock 49 is its user-friendly design. Glock’s simple and intuitive controls are present here, with the ambidextrous slide stop lever making it easy to operate for both right- and left-handed shooters. The magazine release button is also easily accessible without needing to adjust your grip, ensuring fast and smooth reloads.

Field stripping the Glock 49 is as simple as its predecessors, with the firearm breaking down into five basic components for easy cleaning and maintenance. Glock’s “Safe Action” trigger system ensures that there are no external safeties to manipulate, which adds to the simplicity of its operation under stress. For both novice and experienced users, the Glock 49 is easy to handle, fire, and maintain, further enhancing its reputation for reliability and practicality.

Overall, the Glock 49 excels in accuracy, recoil control, and reliability, offering a seamless shooting experience for a wide range of users and environments.

Comparisons With Other Guns

The Glock 49 sits in a unique position within the Glock lineup, combining features from both compact and full-size models. Here’s how it compares with some of its key counterparts and competitors.

Glock 49 vs. Glock 17

Differences:

Size and Concealability: The Glock 17 is a full-size pistol with a 4.49-inch barrel, whereas the Glock 49 is slightly more compact with a 4.2-inch barrel. This makes the Glock 49 easier to conceal and carry compared to the bulkier Glock 17.
Magazine Capacity: The Glock 17 has a standard magazine capacity of 17 rounds, while the Glock 49 comes with a standard 15-round magazine. Although both models can use extended magazines, the slight difference in capacity can be a deciding factor for some users.
Weight: The Glock 49 is marginally lighter than the Glock 17 due to its smaller size, making it more manageable for everyday carry.
Intended Use: While both models are suitable for duty use, the Glock 17 is more popular among law enforcement and military personnel due to its full-size design and greater capacity. The Glock 49, on the other hand, offers a middle ground for those who want a balance between duty and concealed carry without the bulk of the Glock 17.

Similarities:

Caliber: Both pistols are chambered in 9mm, making them compatible with a wide variety of ammunition.
Reliability and Build Quality: Both the Glock 49 and Glock 17 are built using Glock’s durable polymer frame and feature the same reliable internal components. They share Glock’s signature “Safe Action” trigger system and similar handling characteristics.
Customization Options: Both models are compatible with a wide range of aftermarket parts, including sights, triggers, and lights, making them equally popular with gun owners who like to customize their firearms.

Glock 49 vs. Glock 19

Differences:

Barrel Length: The Glock 19 has a slightly shorter 4.02-inch barrel compared to the 4.2-inch barrel on the Glock 49. The Glock 49’s longer barrel offers a marginally longer sight radius, contributing to improved accuracy at longer ranges.
Size and Carry Comfort: The Glock 49 is slightly larger overall compared to the Glock 19, which is considered one of the best compact options for concealed carry. While both pistols are relatively easy to carry, the Glock 19 has a slight edge in terms of compactness and ease of concealment.
Magazine Capacity: Both models have a standard 15-round capacity, but the Glock 49 offers more grip and control due to its longer slide and frame.

Similarities:

General Versatility: Both the Glock 49 and Glock 19 are versatile options that can function well in both concealed carry and duty use. Their size and balance make them popular choices for a wide range of applications.
Ergonomics and Controls: Both models feature the same ergonomic improvements introduced in Glock’s later generations, including the removal of finger grooves, front slide serrations, and improved grip texturing. Their ambidextrous slide stop and magazine release controls are easy to operate for both left- and right-handed shooters.
Recoil Management: The slightly longer slide and barrel on the Glock 49 provide a slight edge in recoil control, but both pistols handle recoil well and offer fast follow-up shots due to their 9mm chambering.

Glock 49 vs. Competitors

Glock 49 vs. Sig Sauer P320 Compact

Ergonomics and Modularity: The Sig Sauer P320 Compact is one of the Glock 49’s main competitors, featuring modularity as its key selling point. The P320’s fire control unit can be swapped between different grip modules and slides, offering a level of customization not seen in the Glock 49. However, the Glock 49’s out-of-the-box ergonomics and overall simplicity make it a favorite for users who don’t need modularity.
Trigger System: The P320 has a slightly crisper trigger pull compared to Glock’s Safe Action trigger, which some shooters may prefer for precision shooting. The Glock 49, however, offers a more consistent and predictable trigger system, particularly beneficial in defensive shooting scenarios.
Reliability: Both pistols are known for their reliability, but Glock’s reputation for running flawlessly in all conditions gives the Glock 49 a slight edge in terms of long-term dependability.

Glock 49 vs. Smith & Wesson M&P 9 M2.0

Grip Texture and Ergonomics: The M&P 9 M2.0 is known for its aggressive grip texture and ergonomic design, offering excellent control during shooting. While the Glock 49 also features enhanced grip texturing, the M&P 9 M2.0’s customizable backstraps provide a more tailored fit for a wider range of shooters.
Trigger: The M&P 9 M2.0 has seen improvements in its trigger design, offering a crisper break and shorter reset compared to previous versions. That said, Glock’s trigger remains one of the simplest and most reliable systems, though not necessarily as refined as the M&P’s upgraded trigger.
Price Point: Typically, the Smith & Wesson M&P 9 M2.0 is priced slightly lower than a Glock, making it a competitive option for those seeking similar performance at a lower cost. The Glock 49, however, has the advantage of better aftermarket support and brand recognition.

Glock 49 vs. CZ P-10 C

Recoil Management: The CZ P-10 C is another strong competitor, known for its excellent recoil control and low bore axis. The Glock 49 also handles recoil well but may feel slightly more snappy in comparison due to its higher bore axis.
Build Quality: Both pistols are built to last, but the CZ P-10 C’s ergonomics, including its deeply sculpted grip and more pronounced beavertail, offer superior control during rapid firing. However, Glock’s durability and proven track record in the field give the Glock 49 an edge in long-term reliability.
Trigger and Reset: The CZ P-10 C is often praised for its superior trigger, with a shorter, crisper break compared to Glock’s Safe Action system. While the Glock 49’s trigger is reliable and consistent, the P-10 C may offer a slight edge for shooters looking for a high-quality trigger right out of the box.

Pricing and Value

When it comes to the Glock 49, pricing is a key factor to consider, especially given its position between compact and full-size models. Here’s a breakdown of its cost and how it compares to similar pistols in terms of value.

MSRP and Market Prices

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Glock 49 is expected to fall within the range of $550 to $650, consistent with other mid-sized Glock models like the Glock 19 and Glock 17. However, actual market prices can fluctuate based on location, demand, and availability. It’s not uncommon to find the Glock 49 selling for slightly more in certain regions, particularly if it’s in high demand or includes additional features such as night sights or extended magazines.

Standard Glock 49: $550 – $650
With Night Sights or Custom Finishes: $600 – $700+

Considering its pricing, the Glock 49 is positioned competitively against both other Glock models and comparable firearms from rival brands.

Conclusion

The Glock 49 stands out as a reliable, versatile, and well-balanced handgun, combining the best features of Glock’s compact and full-size models. With excellent accuracy, manageable recoil, and renowned durability, it’s a top choice for anyone seeking a dependable firearm for concealed carry, home defense, or duty use. While it lacks some of the modularity of its competitors, the Glock 49’s performance and reliability make it an exceptional value for its price.

Whether you’re a seasoned Glock user or considering your first handgun, the Glock 49 is worth a closer look. Its versatility ensures it can meet the needs of a wide range of shooters, from concealed carriers to recreational shooters.

Glock 49 Review: The Latest Evolution in the Glock Lineup