When it comes to the favored hotness of 2019 not much can top the G48. Glock launched its latest 9mm alongside the G43X, which has a shorter barrel, adding both models to their fifth-generation line of plastic fantastic pistols. The G48 is part of the company’s Slimline collection designed specifically for more effective concealed carry. So, is it really different from the G43, Glock’s first single-stack 9mm? Yes, enormously. Of course, you can’t really compare the G48 to the G43 because the G48 is basically a Slimline version of the G19. The G43 was popular when it launched but I must admit it was never a favorite of mine (but the G48 is).
Loving the G48 means needing the holsters to go with the gun. Before we get to holsters, though, let’s do a quick rundown of specs.
Specs
We know the G48 is a Slimline G19, and the G19 has the usual bulk of Glock’s classic double-stacks. How do they compare? They vary but they’re not dissimilar. The G19 has an overall length of 7.36-inches; the G48 has an overall length of 7.28-inches. Width varies as well with the G19 being 1.26-inches wide and the G48 a bit thinner at 1.10-inches wide. Height is an identical 5.04-inches for both guns. Glock did make a tiny change to the trigger distance: the G19 has a 2.80-inch trigger distance and the G48’s is 2.64-inches. These may sound like negligible differences but when it comes to concealed carry and self-defense handguns, every tenth of an inch counts. Those small changes mean the difference between an excellent fit or a gun not being quite right. The G48 is like the Goldilocks 9mm of the polymer pistol world: just right.
If you’re set on comparing it to the G43, we can do that, too. The G43 is just over three-quarters-of-an-inch shorter in height and more than one inch shorter length-wise than the G48. It’s definitely a more compact pistol. Then there’s the G43’s six-round capacity, a small round count that has never thrilled me. The G48 has a ten-round capacity. That’s a win.
Aesthetic changes were made to the G48 as well. The first G48 was launched with a contrasting black polymer frame and silver nPVD slide (then Glock put out an all-black version). Aside from its two-tone looks, the G48 does have a variety of features that make it a nice addition to the carry world. It has a match-grade Glock Marksman Barrel – the one associated with the Gen5 G17/19 – for superior accuracy and a reversible magazine release (magazine catch, in Glock-speak).
Other features include a built-in beavertail, forward slide serrations, and GMB rifling. The latter of those is shorthand for the Glock Marksman Barrel which has rifling and crown differences from earlier generations. The rifling is still polygonal. One of the best things is that it doesn’t have finger grooves on the grip.
Bottom line, this is a reliable, precise pistol. It produces consistent, single-hole five-shot groups out to ten yards and even as those groups broaden they stay impressive. The G48 has a definite edge. And yes, it makes a stellar carry gun. If you’re going to carry the G48 you should have the right holster for the job. Check out these favorite G48 holsters.
Crossbreed Reckoning
The Crossbreed Reckoning is one I like enough to mention on a regular basis. It’s great for AIWB carry but can be altered for use IWB and even OWB. You could say this is a super-versatile holster. The Reckoning is a hybrid holster with a top grain leather backer and Kydex holster with adjustable tension screws. If you haven’t tried carrying AIWB yet, the Reckoning is just the holster to get you hooked. It carries the gun higher on your waist than many AIWB models and delivers seriously good retention. There’s even an extra retention device under the trigger guard. No matter what I’m doing or how I bend, twist, or flip, the gun stays put. It’s comfortable, too, thanks to a fairly minimalist design and small footprint. There’s also a spare mag attachment so you can keep a mag handy at all times. 10/10 totally recommend.
MSRP: $48.97
Website: www.crossbreedholsters.com
Galco Gunleather Kingtuk Deluxe
In the realm of tuckable holsters, Galco Gunleather’s Kingtuk Deluxe has always been the clear winner. It does have a fairly large leather backer, meaning you have to get used to the feel of more material inside your waistband, but it’s worth the adjustment period. The Kingtuk Deluxe has a backer with center-cut cowhide as a liner, a smooth leather front, and a precision-molded Kydex holster pocket. It’s an IWB holster and has two UniClip Ultimate Stealth clips to secure it to your belt (pair it with a Galco Gunleather SB5 Sport Belt). Clips can be adjusted up or down as needed so you can change carry height and angle. There’s a good reason this is one of Galco’s most popular holsters.
MSRP: $89.00
Website: www.galcogunleather.com
Vedder LightTuck Kydex IWB
The Vedder LightTuck Kydex IWB is a great low-profile holster for concealed carry. Vedder handcrafts their holsters to fit your gun’s model for improved retention. The LightTuck also has an audible retention “click” which is a nice bonus when holstering your gun. This holster is adjustable for ride height, retention, and cant. Ride height can be set at one of three levels, retention is easily adjusted to meet your preferences, and cant is both forward and reverse-adjustable up to 30 degrees. The cant options make it easier to use the LightTuck in different positions like appendix and crossdraw. A single, durable spring steel clip attaches the holster to your gun belt – because you are using a quality gun belt, right – and keeps it securely in place. There’s also an optional claw attachment you can use to change the angle of the gun against your body. The LightTuck is a nice, streamlined Kydex holster with significant versatility.
MSRP: $59.99
Website: www.vedderholster.com
Bianchi Model 75 Venom Belt Slide Holster
The Bianchi Model 75 Venom Belt Slide Holster is a seriously slim-profile, compact design. It’s made from full-grain leather and has a belt loop that fits up to a 1.75-inch belt. The Model 75 Venom is made with an open muzzle so it can easily accommodate various barrel lengths and also for a smaller outline during carry. Leaving your muzzle open tends to be a matter of personal preference. The trigger guard is totally protected and there’s a wide retention strap that snaps closed behind the gun. This is a high-ride holster but it’s well-made and stiff enough it doesn’t slide or sag. If you want a minimal leather holster for your G48 this might be the perfect fit for you. Bianchi makes it in tan and plain black and also for both right and left-handed shooters.
MSRP: $58.00
Website: www.safariland.com
DeSantis Gunhide Intruder 2.0
The DeSantis Gunhide Intruder 2.0 is an IWB/OWB configurable holster so it can be worn inside or outside your waistband. Remember, you can conceal your gun with an OWB holster by using a good cover garment. Cover garments can be as simple as a hoodie or fleece jacket. The Intruder 2.0 is great IWB, too. It’s made with an open muzzle, protected trigger guard, and durable attachment points. Changes made to this 2.0 model include the modular belt loops that make OWB possible. The backer of the Intruder 2.0 is made from premium cowhide with a polyurethane coating and the holster body is molded from Kydex. Two belt loops attach the holster to your gun belt. This DeSantis Gunhide holster delivers excellent retention and does not slip on your belt (well, as long as you’re using a quality gun belt). Check out the Intruder 2.0 and while you’re on their website take a look at the rest of their lineup.
MSRP: $78.99
Website: www.desantisholster.com
Bottom Line
Take care when selecting a holster. What works for a friend or some guy on social media won’t necessarily fit your body or fulfill your specific needs. Figure out what you need the holster to do and go from there. Get a high-quality gun belt, too, because without one that holster won’t be able to do its job properly. Finally, consider having multiple holsters for each carry gun so you can change them out as needed depending on what you’re wearing. There’s a wide world of holsters out there and the options are practically endless, so be persistent and you’ll find the right one for you and your G48.
I ordered a Venom specifically FOR a G 48 with another email making SURE that holster would fit a G48. They replied that it WOULD. Well after 50+ days of waiting, I got a damn holster obviously for a G17! Because it fit my G19, I kept it But…………..I’ll never order another damn thing from them!
I wrote them a scathing letter, but they just probably laughed. Does anybody give a damn or know what they are doing there? I messed up and broke my rule of physically going to where I can personally check the holster fit. My fault.
The best 5 glock 48 holsters that the companies paid me to list.
Seriously what is this shit… straight garbage holsters… every single one of them.
For me, the longer length affects my choice for a aiwb/iwb. I’m looking at Gunners Custom holster trigger guard with tuckable polymer belt clip. I don’t care for metal clips. I opted for the owb DeSantis E-Gat leather holster on sale at $23. I also like Badger State’s tuckable kydex holster. Clean design.
The Glock 48 is my favorite Glock pistol. I replaced a G19 with the G48 due to the slim-line configuration. The G48 fits my hand so much better than the G19. I’d recommend that anyone looking for a concealed carry pistol consider the G48.
I’ve rolled a Vedder LightTuck for a couple years now. Quality piece, love it.
I like g19s so much im scared to try a 48.but i will soon.
They should make a micro roni for the g48 making a great pdw for home defense.
Crossbreed Reckoning MSRP is $48.97? Try more like $69.95 (more if you want other options).
Why leave out the Glock 43x, Its been out long enough to include along side the 43 .It is much closer to the 48 for comparison.
Agreed! Can the author update this article and include the 43X holster recommendations? Thanks.