Description
Glock 23 Review: The Compact .40 S&W That Delivers Proven Power
If you are looking for a glock that bridges the gap between a duty sidearm and a concealed carry weapon, the Glock 23 is a benchmark in the firearms industry. Often described as the .40 S&W sibling of the famous Glock 19, the G23 packs a significant punch in a compact, reliable package.
In this guide, we dive deep into the Glock 23 specifications, its performance at the range, the differences between generations (Gen3 vs. Gen4 vs. Gen5), and how it stacks up against other popular carry guns.
What is the Glock 23?
The Glock 23 is a compact, striker-fired pistol chambered in .40 S&W. Introduced in 1990, it was designed as the compact counterpart to the full-size Glock 22. It shares the exact same frame dimensions as the Glock 19, meaning it fits the same holsters and feels identical in the hand—except it fires the larger .40 caliber round.
It has been a staple for law enforcement agencies and plainclothes officers for decades due to its balance of concealability, magazine capacity, and terminal ballistics.[citation: 1]
Technical Specifications (Glock 23 Gen5)
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Caliber: .40 S&W
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Capacity: 13+1 (Standard), optional 10/15/22
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Barrel Length: 4.02 inches (102 mm)
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Overall Length: 7.36 inches (187 mm)
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Height: 5.04 inches (128 mm)
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Width: 1.26 inches (32 mm) [citation: 1]
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Weight (Unloaded): 21.16 oz (600 g)
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Trigger Pull: ~5.5 lbs (28N) [citation: 1]
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Action: Safe Action® (Striker-fired)
Glock 23 Generations: Gen3 vs. Gen4 vs. Gen5
While the pistol has always been reliable, Glock has refined it over the years. Here is how to tell them apart:
Gen3 Glock 23
The classic model that most law enforcement agencies adopted. It features the iconic finger grooves and a smooth trigger pull. It is widely available and often the most budget-friendly option on the used market. [citation: 7]
Gen4 Glock 23
This generation introduced the Dual Recoil Spring Assembly (which helped mitigate the snappy recoil of the .40 S&W), interchangeable backstraps to adjust grip size, and a rougher grip texture (RTF).[citation: 2]
Gen5 Glock 23
The latest evolution (released in 2017) brings the G23 up to modern standards. Key upgrades include: [citation: 5, 6]
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No Finger Grooves: A more universal, comfortable grip for all hand sizes.
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Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB): Enhanced rifling for improved accuracy.
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Flared Magwell: Allows for faster, smoother reloads.
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Ambidextrous Slide Stop Lever: Easier operation for left-handed shooters.
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nDLC Finish: A tougher, more corrosion-resistant coating on the slide.
Note on Width: Gen5 .40 models have a slightly wider slide than previous generations. Ensure your holster specifies “Gen5” compatibility. [citation: 6]
Performance and Recoil: Taming the .40 S&W
One of the biggest questions shooters have is about recoil. The .40 S&W round is known for a “snappy” recoil impulse compared to 9mm.
The Verdict: The Glock 23 is not painful to shoot, but it demands respect.
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Gen3: You will feel the snap. It is very manageable for an experienced shooter.
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Gen4/Gen5: The dual recoil spring makes a significant difference. It tames the muzzle flip substantially, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
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Accuracy: With the Gen5’s Marksman barrel, the G23 is surprisingly accurate, often producing tight groupings at 15-25 yards once you master the trigger reset.[citation: 2][citation: 7]
Shooter’s Note: *”The G23 was a pleasant surprise… With 7-yard head shots and 25-yard center-torso shots… I only dropped one round outside of the A-zone.”* [citation: 7]
Glock 23 vs. The Competition
How does the G23 stack up against other popular carry guns?
Glock 23 vs. Glock 19
This is the most common debate.
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G19: 9mm, 15+1 capacity, softer recoil, cheaper ammo.
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G23: .40 S&W, 13+1 capacity, more stopping power, snappier recoil.
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Verdict: They are identical in size. The G19 is better for high-volume range training; the G23 is better for those who want maximum power in a compact frame.
Glock 23 vs. Glock 27
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G27: Subcompact .40 S&W, 9+1 capacity.
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Verdict: The G27 is easier to conceal deeply (ankle or pocket), but the G23 offers a much better grip and less felt recoil, making it easier to shoot accurately under stress. [citation: 10]
Best Accessories for the Glock 23
Because the G23 shares the frame of the G19, the aftermarket support is massive. Here are the top upgrades:
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Sights: The factory polymer sights are functional but fragile. Upgrade to metal night sights(Trijicon HD or AmeriGlo) or a red dot optic (if you have an MOS model).
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Holsters: It fits most G19 holsters, but double-check retention.
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IWB (Inside Waistband): Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5 for comfort.
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OWB (Outside Waistband): Paddle holsters for range use.
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Duty: Level 2 or 3 retention holsters for security.
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Lights: The accessory rail accepts the Streamlight TLR-7A (flush fit) or Surefire X300U (full-size).
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Magazines: Stick with OEM Glock magazines. The G22 magazines (15 rounds) also work perfectly in the G23.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the Glock 23 good for concealed carry?
A: Yes. Its compact size (same as the G19) makes it ideal for IWB and appendix carry. However, it is heavier than a 9mm when loaded, and the recoil requires practice to master for rapid fire.
Q: Is the Glock 23 going away (discontinued)?
A: No. While many law enforcement agencies have switched back to 9mm (Glock 19/17), Glock continues to produce and support the Gen5 G23. It remains popular with civilians who prefer the .40 caliber and as a hunting sidearm.
Q: What is the difference between Glock 23 Gen 3 and Gen 5?
A: Gen5 removes the finger grooves, adds a flared magwell, an ambidextrous slide stop, the Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) for better accuracy, and a tougher nDLC finish. duck.
Q: Can a Glock 23 shoot 9mm?
A: Not safely without conversion. You cannot just load 9mm into a .40 barrel. However, you can buy an aftermarket 9mm conversion barrel (e.g., from Lone Wolf or Storm Lake) and use Glock 19 magazines to practice cheaply. Be sure to swap back to .40 for defensive carry.
Q: How many rounds does a Glock 23 hold?
A: The standard magazine holds 13 rounds. Extended magazines from the Glock 22 hold 15 rounds, and happy sticks are available up to 22+ rounds.
Q: What ammunition is best for Glock 23 defense?
A: The Glock 23 cycles most ammo reliably. Top choices for defense include Federal HST (180 grain) and Speer Gold Dot (165 or 180 grain). These loads offer consistent expansion and penetration.
Q: Is the Glock 23 snappy?
A: Yes, more so than a 9mm. The .40 S&W cartridge has a sharp impulse. However, the Gen4 and Gen5 dual recoil springs significantly reduce the felt snap compared to older models.
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