Glock 22 vs 23: What’s the Difference, and Which Is Right For You?
If you’ve been considering a .40 caliber pistol for open or concealed carry, odds are both the Glock 22 and 23 are at the top of your list.
The G22 and G23 are popular, reliable pistols specifically designed for law enforcement use. When comparing the Glock 22 vs 23, the main difference between the two is size. While the G22 is larger and features a higher round capacity, most people find the compact G23 easier to conceal.
Since both models are excellent pistols in terms of reliability and durability, the question of which one you should use comes down to personal preference. Either way, you can’t go wrong with one of these Glock models for concealed carry or home defense.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between these two pistols to help you decide which is right for you.
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About the Glock 22
Specifically designed for law enforcement use, the Glock 22 is a popular and reliable semi-automatic pistol that has earned a reputation for its durability, versatility, and reliability.
Released in 1990, the Glock 22 is chambered in .40 S&W cartridge, offering a balance between stopping power and manageable recoil.
The Glock 22 has a standard magazine capacity of 15 rounds, which can be increased to 16 or 22 with an extended mag. The pistol features Glock's Safe Action System, a triple-layer safety mechanism that aims to minimize the risk of accidental discharges.
Modularity is another reason many people choose the G22. The pistol's frame can be easily customized with interchangeable backstraps, allowing you to adjust the grip size to more comfortably fit your hand. Glock pistols also have a wide range of aftermarket accessories available, allowing you to tailor the firearm to your specific needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for a Glock 22 holster that’s as reliable as the weapon itself, check out our Holsters By Gun Model page to customize one for your unique firearm.
About the Glock 23
The Glock 23 is a compact semi-automatic pistol that shares many similarities with its larger sibling, the Glock 22.
Also introduced by Glock in 1990, the G23 is chambered for the .40 S&W cartridge as well. One of the key advantages of the Glock 23 is its compact size, making it a great choice for concealed carry and home defense alike.
The Glock 23 has a standard magazine capacity of 13 rounds, which can be extended to 14, 15, 16, or 22 if desired. Again like the G22, the Glock 23 features a Safe Action System, offering a consistent trigger pull and a triple-layer safety.
Like other Glock models, the Glock 23 offers modularity and compatibility with a wide range of accessories. The frame can be customized with interchangeable backstraps to achieve a comfortable grip for different hand sizes.
The Glock 23 has gained popularity among law enforcement officers as a backup or off-duty weapon due to its compact size and reliability and has become a common CCW as well. It offers the familiar Glock design and performance in a more manageable package, making it a great choice for everyday carry.
If you’re in need of a new Glock 23 holster, visit our Holsters By Gun Model page to order one that’s customized for your weapon.
Now, keep scrolling for a breakdown of the Glock 23 vs Glock 22 specs!
Glock 22 vs Glock 23: Specs
Glock 22 vs 23: Size & Capacity
When it comes to size, the Glock 23 is definitely the smaller, more concealable choice. While the Glock 22 might be slightly larger, it also features a higher round capacity.
The standard-sized G22 measures 5.47 inches tall, 1.26 inches wide, and 8.03 inches long with a barrel length of 4.49 inches. It weighs 25.57 ounces and comes standard with a mag capacity of 15.
The compact G23, on the other hand, stands 5.04 inches tall, 1.26 inches wide, and 7.36 inches long with a 4.02-inch barrel. It weighs 23.63 ounces and comes out of the box with a 13-round capacity.
At the end of the day, if your choice comes down to a smaller pistol for concealed carry, the G23 is the clear winner. If you’re looking for a higher capacity, the G22 may be the right choice, though both pistols are compatible with extended mags that increase the capacity to up to 22.
Glock 22 vs 23: Ergonomics
Frame
One of the biggest differences between the Glock 22 vs 23 is in their frames.
The Glock 22 features a standard frame that allows for a comfortable and secure grip, particularly if you have larger hands. On the other hand, the Glock 23 is built with a compact frame. It is slightly smaller and lighter than the Glock 22, making it more suitable for concealed carry and everyday use.
The frames on both guns are made of polymer, which offers benefits such as durability, corrosion resistance, and reduced weight. Additionally, both frames also feature an accessory rail, which allows you to attach things like lights or lasers.
Another similarity between the frames of these pistols is their modularity. They both have interchangeable backstraps, allowing users to adjust the grip size to their preference or hand size. This feature enhances ergonomics and accommodates a wider range of shooters.
Slide & Barrel
The Glock 22 and Glock 23 slides are both made from hardened steel, ensuring durability and resistance to wear and tear. The slides feature Glock's signature low-profile design, with front and rear serrations for easy racking.
Moving on to the barrel, both the Glock 22 and Glock 23 feature match-grade, cold hammer-forged barrels made from high-quality steel, both of which are known for their exceptional durability and accuracy.
Glock 22 vs 23: Sights & Optics
Both the Glock 22 and Glock 23 handguns come equipped with Glock's standard white dot sights, which are simple and functional. These sights consist of a fixed front sight and a non-adjustable rear sight, which are both made of steel.
Luckily, both models are compatible with a variety of aftermarket sights, in case you want to upgrade.
While neither pistol comes standard optics-ready, both are available in a Modular Optic System (MOS) variant that is. So, if optics are a must-have for you, you’ll want to go with one of these upgraded models.
Glock 22 vs 23: Controls
Safety
As you probably guessed, both the G22 and G23 come with Glock’s Safe Action System, which consists of three independently-operated mechanical safeties that disengage and re-engage as the trigger is pulled.
The Safe Action System offers trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety, all of which are designed to prevent accidental discharges.
Trigger
When comparing the trigger of the Glock 22 vs Glock 23, you’ll see they are nearly identical.
The Safe Action Trigger System ensures both pistols have a consistent and reliable trigger pull, featuring a 5.5-6.5 pound pull weight. These triggers are known for their short trigger reset, which allows for faster and more accurate follow-up shots.
Which is Right For Me?
Choosing between the Glock 22 and Glock 23 requires careful consideration of your specific needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for a larger, full-size handgun with a longer sight radius and enhanced control, the Glock 22 is an excellent choice. This pistol is perfect for duty use, range shooting, or home defense.
On the other hand, if you want a compact handgun for concealed carry or everyday use, the Glock 23 may be a more suitable option. Its smaller frame size allows for easier concealment and a more comfortable grip, particularly for those with smaller hands.
Both pistols offer the reliability, durability, and safety that Glock is known for, so your decision ultimately depends on what you plan to use it for, and whether you’re looking for a smaller more concealable weapon or one with a higher capacity.
Summary
When comparing the Glock 22 vs 23, it’s easy to see both are great handguns that are well-suited for self-defense. The two pistols do have some distinct differences, though. The 23 is smaller than the 22, which means it's easier to conceal. However, for more firepower or better accuracy at longer distances, the larger G22 is a better option.
Whichever gun model you choose, you’ll need a high-quality holster to carry it in.
If you’re looking for a new IWB, OWB, or pocket carry holster, visit our Holsters by Gun Model page for Kydex holsters that are custom-made for your weapon of choice.
Interested in items beyond holsters? Check out our Resources Page for links to recommended products like lights, lasers, first aid, maintenance, and more, and browse our selection of apparel, and accessories at our website, vedderholsters.com.
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