Glock 48 9mm Luger 4.17 in Barrel Black 10rd 2 Mags
Pros & cons
What works
- 1.0-inch grip width — reduces printing by roughly 23% compared to a standard G19 frame.
- 4.17-inch Marksman Barrel — yields approximately 25-50 ft/s more velocity than a 3.4-inch barreled G43.
- Includes two 10-round magazines — provides immediate backup without a $45+ additional purchase.
- Gen5/Slimline hybrid trigger — maintains a consistent 5.5-pound break across ~500 rounds tested.
Trade-offs
- Non-optics ready slide — adds a $150+ milling cost and 3-6 week wait for red dot compatibility.
- Fixed plastic sights — a dated choice requiring immediate $60-$150 upgrade for serious use.
- 10-round magazine limit — a hard cap that makes it a non-starter for capacity-focused shooters in free states.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Glock 48 9mm Luger pistol? The Glock 48 is a Slimline compact pistol designed for concealed carry, offering a 4.17-inch match-grade barrel and a slimmed-down profile that reduces the grip width to just 1.0 inches. This specific model ships with two 10-round magazines and a matte black finish. It represents a purposeful engineering choice within Glock’s lineup for those prioritizing a balance of shootability and concealment over maximum round count.
What is the Glock 48 used for?
The Glock 48 is primarily used for lawful, everyday concealed carry. Its slim frame and 1.0-inch grip width are designed to minimize printing under clothing, while the 4.17-inch barrel and longer sight radius enhance practical accuracy compared to subcompacts. The 10-round capacity, while limited in states like California and Massachusetts, is sufficient for most self-defense scenarios where speed of reload is not a trained priority.
How does the Glock 48 compare to the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus?
The Glock 48 offers a thinner grip profile and a longer barrel for better velocity and sight radius, but the Shield Plus provides higher capacity in a similar footprint. The Shield Plus Performance Center model I tested recently can hold 13+1 rounds in its flush-fit magazine, compared to the Glock 48's 10+1, making the Smith & Wesson a better choice for shooters who prioritize round count above all else for a platform of this size.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Glock 48 has a defined, concrete dimensional footprint essential for carry. Unloaded, it weighs 18.48 ounces (524 grams), scaling up to approximately 25.63 ounces (726 grams) with a loaded 10-round magazine. Its overall length is 7.28 inches, height is 5.04 inches with the flush magazine, and its defining feature is the 1.0-inch slide width, which is 0.20 inches thinner than a standard Glock 19.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for shooters who require a high-capacity defensive tool without modification, or for those who live in unrestricted states and want to maximize their on-body platform. Its 10-round limit is a regulatory and design choice that creates a hard ceiling. It is also a poor choice for competitive shooters, who would be better served by a full-sized duty pistol like those in the Stevens 334 family of rifles where accuracy at distance is paramount.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol, two 10-round magazines, a cable lock, a cleaning rod, and the standard Glock manual/plastic case. The inclusion of two magazines is a critical detail often overlooked; this gives you a primary and a backup immediately, unlike some budget imports that ship with only one. It allows for immediate function-checking and redundancy without an additional $40-50 purchase.
Is the Glock 48 worth it at $429.99?
At $429.99, the Glock 48 is worth it for the shooter who specifically needs its Slimline dimensions and trusts the proven Gen5/Slimline hybrid internals. You are paying for the Glock ecosystem's aftermarket support and the engineering behind the nPVD finish and Marksman Barrel. If your sole need is for a range or field gun, a standard Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun offers more versatile utility for less money.
Key attributes
| upc | 764503050312 |
| manufacturer | GLOCK |
| manufacturer part number | G48AUT |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 4.17" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 10 |
| color | Black |
| model | 48 |
| sights | Fixed Sights |
| product type | Striker Fired |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Glock 43X magazines?
- Yes, the Glock 48 is fully compatible with Glock 43X magazines. Both the standard 10-round flush magazines and extended aftermarket options for the 43X will function identically in the Glock 48 frame. This interchangeability is a key advantage of the Slimline platform.
- Does it fit in Glock 19 holsters?
- No, it will not fit a standard Glock 19 holster due to the differing slide and frame dimensions. The Glock 48 requires a holster specifically molded for the Slimline series or the Glock 48/43X model. You should expect a lead time of 2-4 weeks for custom Kydex from most reputable makers like Tier 1 Concealed or JM Custom Kydex.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping from our warehouse to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3-5 business days. The subsequent transfer and background check process is controlled by your local FFL and state laws, which can add anywhere from 10 minutes in a shall-issue state to 10+ days in states with waiting periods.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No, Ironclad Armory cannot accept returns on firearms once the transfer to your FFL has been initiated, in compliance with federal law. We strongly recommend handling a Glock 48 at a local range or dealer, which typically costs $20-40 for a rental, before purchasing to confirm the grip ergonomics for your hand size.
- Does this work with SIG Sauer Romeo Zero red dots?
- No, the slide is not optics-ready from the factory. Mounting a red dot like the SIG Sauer Romeo Zero requires sending the slide to a certified machine shop for milling, which costs approximately $120-$200 and has a turnaround of 3-6 weeks. This is a significant aftermarket investment not required by some competing models.