Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
The G28 was originally available only to law enforcement when ER, Friends, and Home Improvement were in the top 10 TV shows in 1998. The release of the Glock 28 is like going back in time and if you like Gen3 guns this is an option—expect that there are plenty of other better, more modern pistols than the G28.
Table of contents
Preface
In May 1998 the Glock G28 Gen3 saw the light of day in the US, but it was only available to law enforcement. It is a G26 but chambered in .380 Auto. Back then the G28 made a good backup gun, but most would argue that the G26 chambered in 9mm was a better option, especially because the G26 is compatible with G19 and G17 magazines. If needed your backup weapon could use the same magazine as your duty weapon.
Glock knew the market for a .380 Auto pistol the same size as a 9mm pistol would be small in the US market, so Glock sold the G28 in countries, primarily in South America where many countries prohibit the civilian ownership of firearms chambered in military calibers like the 9mm.
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TALO Limited Run
TALO began offering a limited run of G28 Gen3 pistols in early 2023. These pistols are similar to the original G28 Gen3 guns and come equipped with a 3.4-inch barrel. A 10-round magazine is standard. It is compatible with G25 magazines. What the G28 is to the G26 can be said for the G25 to the G19. Same size and the same weight, but chambered in .380 Auto.
What is unique about the G28 and the G25 is that they use a unique blowback action. They do not use the locked breech system used on nearly all other centerfire Glock pistols. This is because the .380 Auto cartridge is less powerful than the 9mm, even though they use the same bullet size. On the G28 and G25, the barrel moves rearward in recoil until it tilts below the slide, very similar to a locked-breech system, but the breech never locks into the slide.
You will note that the forward edge of the G28’s breech block is tapered so it does not lock into the slide. If you are a Glock fan that might be enough to add the G28 to your collection, or maybe you need to fill that 28th model spot?
Is The Glock G28 Better Than The G26?
First the the good news. The new Glock 28 has less recoil than its 9mm cousin the G26. Magazine capacity is the same at 10 rounds. Those of you in States that limit magazine capacity will like the G28. The G28 is also easier to shoot than most subcompact pistols. The grip is not that long but it is wide and thick providing a good grasp.
My issue or lack of interest in the G28 is the caliber and the size. If I am going to carry a pistol the same size as a G26, I’ll take the 9mm caliber any day. For me, the .380 Auto is best suited for smaller pistols like the Ruger LCR, Bersa Thunder 380, S&W Bodyguard, or even the Glock G42. I prefer a trade-off between shootability and concealability with a small .380 Auto pistol.
The G28 is too big in my opinion. I’ll take a G26 because if I am carrying a gun that size I want the extra muzzle velocity and muzzle energy the 9mm produces over the .380 Auto. And like I mentioned the G26 is compatible with G17 and G19 magazines.
The real value of the G28 in my eyes is for someone with recoil aversion. If you hate recoil, then the .380 Auto is a better option for you. It also makes a great transition gun for the same reason. Train with the G28 and then move up to the G26.
Glock 28 Review
The G28 magazines have the same outer dimensions as a 9mm magazine except the interior of .380 Auto magazine is smaller than the 9mm to accommodate the shorter .380 Auto cartridge. The back edge of the G28 magazine has ridges, similar to the .22 LR magazine in the G44. The back side of the magazine is also clearly marked .380 and the witness holes are the same as on the G26 9mm magazine.
The Gen3 treatment is the same with finger grooves on the front grip strap, and the stippled grip sides. I have probably fired more Gen3 guns than any other Glock generation so it is familiar in a good way. Talk to a lot of Glock fans and custom Glock builders and they will say the Gen3 has the best frame of any generation of Glock.
The Ammo
I ran Hornady Critical Defense loaded with a 90-grain FTX bullet, suitable for self-defense, and found accuracy was good to 15 yards. My best 5-shot group measured 2.72 inches. Muzzle velocity averaged 929.3 fps and muzzle energy was 172.5 ft-lb. Less than a 9mm but suitable for self-defense.
Surprising was the discontinued TulAmmo. I had some of this ammo left over when nearly every handgun manufacturer was built .380s. The TulAmmo uses a 91-grain FMJ bullet and gave me the best group that measured 1.41 inches. Muzzle velocity averaged 887.0 fps and muzzle energy averaged 159.3 ft-lb. This ammo had impressive accuracy in the G28 but is no longer available in this country due to sanctions on Russia. Magtech made in Brazil also had impressive accuracy with a best group that measured 1.99 inches. The average group size was 2.55 inches, muzzle velocity was 875.8 fps and muzzle energy was 161.8 ft-lb with the 95-grain FMJ bullet.
The Grip
The small grip makes the pistol difficult to shoot accurately at distances like 15 yards, but far easier than a small single stack .380. Up close and shooting for speed, it was easy to land all 10 shots in an 8-inch circle at 7 yards.
Sights
The sight is ok and serviceable. Typical Glock sights with a white dot on the front sight post and rear sight notch are outlined. I like the contrast in the front and rear sight. The was as Glock Gen3 triggers be: mushy and heavy. But that said, very serviceable as you can in the accuracy attained. The recoil was very tolerable due to the wide grip and polymer frame. The dual spring recoil spring assembly also helps with muzzle flip and recoil.
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The G28 always ran. There were no issues encountered even with the cheap steel case TulAmmo.
This is a small run of Glock 28 so get one while you can, or don’t bother. Aren’t we over with the .380 fad yet?
Specifications: Glock G28 Gen3
- Caliber: .380 Auto
- Overall Length: 6.5 in.
- Barrel Length: 3.4 in.
- Height: 4.1 in.
- Width: 1.26 in.
- Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
- Weight (unloaded): 20.6 oz.
- Average Price: $500
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