Glock 22 vs Glock 23: Which Size is Right for You?

The decades-long history behind the guns many refer to as tactical Tupperware proves that Glocks aren’t just affordably priced, they’re reliable. These are guns that have withstood many durability and function tests, including being thrown in rivers and lakes and being driven over by trucks. Glocks might not be the prettiest guns, but they work, and there’s no arguing the importance of that. Two models that are often compared are the Glock 22 and Glock 23. These 40 Smith & Wesson chambered pistols have a dedicated following, and we’re going to decipher the details of which of the two is better.

Spec Comparison

The Glock 22

They released the Glock 22 in 1990 with an eye for use by law enforcement, and it saw substantial use among officers. Its popularity kept climbing until the early 2000s and although the use of the Glock 22 as a duty gun tapered off, it’s still a gun favored by many people. Technology has made a difference in the calibers people choose, including members of law enforcement. Today, the 40 Smith & Wesson isn’t top dog anymore. Despite that, this full-sized handgun continues to see regular use. They have produced it in every generation that’s come out since its launch, including Gen 5.

Models and Variations of the Glock 22

The Glock 22 is available in a Gen 3, 4, and 5 options. Within the Gen 5, you can get the optics ready MOS version or the non MOS version.

The Glock 23

The Glock 23 can also trace its roots to 1990. They designed this 40 Smith & Wesson chambered gun for use by law enforcement, given the compact dimensions necessary to make it a great backup gun or simply an easier to carry pistol. According to Glock, quite a few law enforcement agencies have used the Glock 23 as a duty gun, and it continues to see use in some areas. Its common use as a duty gun dropped off about a decade ago, but there are still officers who prefer it. The Glock 23 is a durable and reliable pistol.

Models and Variations of the Glock 23

Just like the Glock 22, the compact Glock 23 is available in a Gen 3, 4, and 5 options. Within the Gen 5, you can get the optics ready MOS version or the non MOS version.

Glock 22 vs. Glock 23 Comparison

The Glock 22 and Glock 23 are both chambered in 40 Smith & Wesson and were both also released in 1990. They had a shared purpose as well: use by law enforcement. This purpose became reality when both models became standard issue guns for law enforcement agencies across the country. After all, they were launched in the aftermath of the 1986 FBI Miami Shootout, which was the event that resulted in 40 Smith & Wesson being favored by law enforcement for some time. For the era, it was the cartridge of choice and for good reason, because it had superior ballistics and was more effective at stopping threats.

Other similarities include the fact that both were launched in classic black and sport the standard Glock features. These include the SAFE Action System, polymer frame, and safety blade trigger. Both the Glock 22 and Glock 23 made the cut for being released as Gen 5 guns as well, meaning they’re available with all the perks of newer models.

The Main Differences

The biggest difference in the two guns is size. The Glock 22 is full-sized and the Glock 23 is compact. They were made for different carry purposes: the main gun and the backup (or open carry versus concealed carry). This means their dimensions vary a bit, although not so extreme as to be surprising. In fact, the differences in the Glock 22 and Glock 23 prove the point that tiny changes can matter.

Barrel length between the two is certainly different. The Glock 22 has a 4.49 inch barrel and the Glock 23 has a 4.02 inch barrel, making the latter easier to conceal. The greater length of the Glock 22’s barrel has the added benefit of getting more out of 40 Smith & Wesson ballistics. It can also help mitigate felt recoil and muzzle rise a bit. On the Glock 23, that shorter barrel is nice because it makes the gun easier to maneuver in tight spaces and better for concealment. They have even used it as an ankle-carry backup gun.

Overall length varies, which is logical considering the guns have different barrel lengths. The Glock 22 is approximately three-quarters of an inch longer than the Glock 23, a noticeable difference when you’re trying to conceal a handgun. That little difference could mean the difference between a gun that digs into you during carry or one that fits comfortably. Results partly depend on the user’s body shape and type, but it’s impossible to argue the fact that more compact handguns are simply easier to carry.

Weight is a factor as well, with the Glock 22 weighing 25.57 ounces empty and the Glock 23 weighing 23.63 ounces, also empty. That’s a full two ounces more for the Glock 22, and that adds up. Some of the weight certainly comes from barrel length. The Glock 22 is a pretty well-balanced gun, so that extra weight doesn’t go to bad use, and the Glock 23 manages to maintain a decent balance as well. Both pistols feel solid and even in the shooter’s hand.

Capacity differs as well, with the Glock 22 having a standard capacity of two more rounds than the Glock 23. Sure, you can get extended magazines for greater capacity, but that also adds length to the grip and makes the gun more awkward to conceal. Do those two rounds matter? We’d argue they do, especially when the gun is or was being used by law enforcement. Two rounds could be the difference between life and death. You never know.

The Glock 22 and Glock 23 both have different, yet similar, purposes. Choosing which one is best can be a challenge due to not only their similarities but because of their differences. So, which one’s better?

Shared Glock 22 and 23 Features

1 Backstraps

Interchangeable back straps so the grip size can be adjusted to fit the user’s hand size.

2 Magazine Well

Flared magazine well for easier magazine changes.

3 Slide Stop

Ambidextrous slide stop so gun can be operated by either the right or left hand.

4 Finger Grooves

Polymer grip without finger grooves which is preferred by many shooters.

5 Glock Marksman Barrell

Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) with polygonal rifling and adherence to strict specifications for greater accuracy on target.

6 Trigger Upgrade

Trigger spring enhancements for a better feel and resistance to harder use.

7 Front Slide Serrations

The Gen 5’s have front slide serrations for extra texture for slide manipulation.

Glock 22 vs Glock 23 – Our Grades

When to choose a Glock 22

If you’re in the market for a full-sized handgun and the 40 Smith & Wesson is your preference, the Glock 22 is a good option. Because of its full size, it’s a little easier to handle. The additional size helps reduce felt recoil and muzzle rise, and those things translate to improved accuracy on target. This is a great handgun for defensive use and as a full-size gun it’s ideal for home defense. The Glock 22 can be kept in a bedside safe or worn holstered at home where open carry is more sensible than doing so in public.

This is a gun that was literally made for self-defense, just for law enforcement. The chambering can be off-putting to some people as 40 Smith & Wesson has fallen out of favor in gun culture, but the fact remains that it’s a capable round. Aside from the self-defense side of things, the Glock 22 is also great for range use and hunting small pests and varmints, including feral hogs. Yes, 40 Smith & Wesson is effective on hogs, and through a full-size handgun, it’s even better.

There’s a Gen 5 Glock 22 as well, so you can get all the modern benefits on a gun with a longer history than some. This means improved accuracy, a more comfortable grip, and a longer-lasting barrel.

They made about 20 design changes to the Gen 5 Glock. Previous generations had their own changes made to them. Which generation you choose depends on your own preferences and the good news is that older used guns are more affordably priced.

The Glock 22 is a solid pick for home defense and handgun hunting. It’s not great for something like deer, but hogs and smaller are fair game with the 40 Smith & Wesson.

When to pick the Glock 23

Want a compact pistol chambered in 40 Smith & Wesson that you can conceal with relative ease? Then you should be checking out the Glock 23. This compact gun was once the ultimate backup pistol and it can still get the job done today. If you want a more compact gun for home defense, the Glock 23 can be used for that, too, or for use as a truck gun. It’s definitely a defensive handgun; there’s no arguing with decades of reliable performance.

This is the gun made as the smaller version of the Glock 22, so it’s understandable that some people would think it’s not as good. But what if the Glock 22 is flat-out too large for you, for whatever reason? Then you’ve got the Glock 23 as your go-to. It’s a pretty niche pistol, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

There’s a misconception that 40 Smith & Wesson produces way too much recoil to be comfortable in a compact platform. In reality, the design and balance of the guns, like the Glock 23, make the felt recoil and muzzle rise manageable and really no problem at all.

And the Winner Is?

We’re talking about a full-size and compact comparison of two guns that are, frankly, the same gun. Which one’s better? We have to go with the Glock 22 this time. The full-size gun has a lot to offer and that almost-half-an-inch extra barrel length does give you a slight edge for ballistics and accuracy. Maybe the difference isn’t mind-blowing, but it’s there. The Glock 22 can certainly be concealed. It’s just a little more challenging than concealing the Glock 23. For home defense, truck gun use, or hunting, the Glock 22 wins.

Of course, if you’re set on a compact pistol, you’re going to go with the Glock 23. It’s equally well-made and reliable as the Glock 22, just in a smaller package. And no, we’re not here to tell you to go with a 9mm instead. Some of us happen to like the 40 Smith & Wesson despite it no longer being significantly better, from a ballistic standpoint, than some other popular cartridges.

For the winner, since we had to choose one, we went with the Glock 23. This offers you a little more flexibility when it comes to concealed carry, while still being capable for duty or home defense.

Which Glock is your favorite? Tell us in the comments section.

Upgrades and Accessories for your Glock 22 and Glock 23

If you are going to upgrade your Glock start with upgrading the sights. The polymer sights are functional, but easy to improve upon. For handguns you will want to gather spare magazines and a good holster. You should also think about adding a weapon light and a red dot.

Upgrades and Accessories for Glock

Magazine – Glock 22 Glock 22 Factory Magazine		15 round capacity 40 S&W Polymer covered steel	Check Price
Magazine – Glock 23 Glock 23 Factory Magazine		13 round capacity 40 S&W Polymer covered steel	Check Price
Replacement sights Trijicon Night Sights for Glock		Fits Glock 17,19,22,23,24,25 and more Front site is orange outline with green tritium Rear is blacked out U notch with two green tritium dots	Buy on Amazon
Holster Safariland 6390RDS Level One Retention Duty Holster		Fits Glock 19 and 23 with Surfire X300U light Level 1 retention Cordura wrapped plastic	Buy on Amazon
Light SureFire X300		1,000 Lumens Waterproof	Buy on Amazon
Red Dot Trijicon RMR Type 2		6.5 MOA dot 8 brightness settings Impact resistant housing	Buy on Amazon

Important Links and Videos

Here are some links to the Glock website for each model discussed today and the owners manuals.

• G22 by Glock
• G23 by Glock
• Glock Owners Manuals

Here is a video how to care for you Glock pistol.