Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Anyone who has done the math figured Glock would someday introduce the G49 MOS. The G49 is a hybrid pistol much like the G19X and G45, except the G49 uses a G17-length slide mated to the G19-size frame. Think longer barrels with less capacity. The new Glock is hardly innovative but it is a variation on the G17 and G19 that some DIY Glock builders have concocted in the past and a variation Glock loyalists have harped on for years. Now the G49 label in your safe doesn’t have to be empty anymore. You now have a gun to fill that slot.
Table of contents
A Glock Nonevent
While the G49 is a bit of a nonevent, I did have to exercise my curiosity. The G49 uses the G19 frame with a G17-long slide and barrel. It looks awkward due to the compact grip frame and the longer barrel. They’ve given Gen5 treatment to the G49: so it has the Glock Marksman barrel, the MOS mount to bolt on a red dot, ambidextrous slide stop, switchable magazine catch, improved trigger, front slide serrations, and flared magazine well. The sights are Glock circa 1986; white dot front and outlined rear. I like the contrast in the sights and because I have used these sights since I’ve been using Glocks, I am accustomed and familiar with them.
In hand, the G49 points well, and due to the extra slide length, the sight radius is increased. Which is an aid when shooting iron sights. It won’t make much difference, however, if you are using a red dot optic. The extra barrel length ekes out a smidge more velocity but not that anyone will know except your chronograph.
G49 Expectations
So what can you expect from the G49? A reliable, easy-to-run pistol. If you like the G19 size grip this could be an option. The real benefit in my opinion with the G49 is that there is less muzzle flip due to the longer slide. The pistol cycled smoothly and the Gen5 trigger is a better Glock trigger.
Range Time With The Glock G49
I ran training and defense loads through the G49 and had no issues. That’s what I expect from a Glock and that is what the G49 delivered. I used a rest at 15 yards to gather accuracy data and found the best group with defense ammo came with Remington Ultimate Defense loaded with a 124-grain Golden Saber BJHP bullet with a 5 shot groups that measures 1.6 inches. On average it is grouped 1.7 inches. The best group with training ammo was 115-grain FMJs in Federal American Eagle ammunition. Best group measured 1.3 inches and averaged 1.5 inches. That is very acceptable accuracy for a service style pistol.
Shooting for speed at 7 yards the G49 was easy to control. I fired as fast as could while pushing my limit on accuracy. Keeping hits in a 8-inch circle in a few seconds was not hard to accomplish. I’d like to say that the G49 is like shooting a long slide G19 and that is the case.
Do You Need A Glock G49?
In my opinion, I’ll stick with a G47, G45, or a plain, tried and true G19. The G49 doesn’t bring anything new to the table. It does bring that legendary Glock reliability with Gen5 features. If Glock wants to innovate, I still think a compact size, single-stack magazine Glock chambered in 45 Auto would be a popular. Perhaps a G36X? Or reconfigure the G43X and G48 to hold 15 rounds, just like Taurus, SIG, Springfield Armory, Ruger and S&W have done with their compact models. In my onion that is the math Glock should be solving for.
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The G49 MOS isn’t in Glock’s catalog nor website. TALO Distributors introduced it in late 2023 when they ordered the limited-edition, specific combination from the factory. The G49 is a good, reliable gun, but there are other Glock models better suited for concealed carry. The novelty of having a Glock roll marked “49” is perhaps the biggest reason to own a G49.
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