Few pistols have seen the proliferation of Glock’s venerable design. The polymer framed striker pistols are everywhere. Today we will take a first look at a new-to-me Glock design, we are reviewing the Glock 29 10mm semi-auto pistol. 

[Update] I reviewed the Glock 29 last year, but recently had the opportunity to spend more time with it. After putting several hundred rounds through the gun, my thoughts have shifted a bit. So, keep reading to find out what’s new in this updated review.

Glock 29 Background 

I must admit; to be completely honest, I have never been a big fan of the Glock design. But in my defense, it has been based mostly on aesthetics and look, as the design’s service record and popularity are undeniable.

But as my tastes have matured, I have become more and more open to Glocks and the band of clones that copy them. So I suppose it should come as no surprise that my curiosity built when I opened up the case of the brand new Glock model 29 Compact.

As a lifelong shooter, I’ve always favored 9mm pistols, but there’s something a little magical about the 10mm. For only one more millimeter, you gain impressive power and performance. Obviously, there is more to the design than just a bigger bullet, there is additional powder capacity which increases velocity.

All the 10mm bros can’t be wrong, so I decided it was my turn to descend into the 10mm rabbit hole. And the Glock 29 was the vehicle of choice. The model 29 is an abbreviated version of the model 20 10mm pistol. Trimmed up and reduced to fit in a CCW holster of your choice, but still bring the 10 millimeter heat. 

Glock 29 Features

1 Accessory rail

Picatinny style accessory rail to add your preferred weapon-light.

2 Low Profile Sights

The compact, polymer sights pop in your sight picture.

3 Safe action trigger system

Glock is famous for their safe action trigger system that prevents accidental discharge of the pistol.

4 10 round magazines

The magazine holds ten rounds of 10mm Auto, not a small payload.

5 Grip texturing

Decent grip texturing to help you hold on to the pistol under recoil.

Models and Variations of the Glock 29

The Glock 29 is available in both a 4th gen and 5th generation. The Gen 5 version incorporates some of Glock’s latest changes. Such as interchangeable grip back straps, removed finger grooves, and ambidextrous slide release. These are some nice features for those who are looking for them. 

As mentioned above, the G29 is a compact version of the larger model 20. The larger G20 allows additional grip area and additional weight to better allow the shooter to control the pistol.  If you find yourself trying to decide which model would better fit your needs, I would for sure get your hands on them. For my hand size, I find the 29 to be almost too small. I think adding a +2 magazine base plate would easily solve that concern for me.

Glock 29 – Review

To review the Glock 29, a friend and I took the pistol and a few boxes of ammunition into the hills. The G29 was literally new in the box and unfired by me, so it was with great anticipation that we prepped for shooting. 

It is not uncommon for shooters to create an idea in their mind of how a new gun experience will go. Having no experience with the Glock 29, I had imagined it would be a fairly spicy kick and perhaps a little of a challenge to control. 

Shootability

Shooting the pistol actually turned out to be much more pleasant than I had expected. The recoil wasn’t bad at all when shooting 180 grain ball ammo, and controlling the gun only took a bit of time to get used to. The short grip was a slight hindrance, though one I could deal with considering this pistol is optimized for concealing. 

The controls worked great and allowed quick manipulation of the pistol. The sights, though simple, were very useful and effective. 

It surprised me how easy it seemed to shoot the G29 accurately. Keeping shots on milk jug sized targets at around 15 yards at a swift cadence was impressive. As someone who does a lot of fishing in bear country, my shooting companion mentioned how the G29 might serve as an ideal fishing companion. 

After shooting the Glock 29 for the afternoon, I’d say I have to agree. Ten or more rounds of 10mm Auto would make a great deterrent to any menacing assailant two-legged or more.

Reliability

One of the more common praises of Glock pistols is their reliability. The simplistic design has simply worked for decades.  During our shooting we experienced only a single malfunction, where a round failed to fully seat into battery. A slight tap was all it took to correct the situation. While I am not positive about what caused the malfunction, I find myself quick to dismiss it as potentially a pistol that is not broken in yet. The ammunition and pistol functioned flawlessly together outside of this single issue. Time will tell if it was a singular event.

Value

With a comfortable and pleasant experience shooting the Glock 29, its sub six-hundred dollar street price seems to be pretty fair. There are a few other comparable pistols in the same price range. Though many of them lack some of the 29’s advantages. For example; the Springfield Armory XD compact shares its size, however it lacks the Glock reputation and service history. The Smith & Wesson M&P shares the service experience but lacks a compact model. These features help make the Glock 29 stand out.

Final Thoughts on the Glock 29

I’ve never been a huge Glock fan, but my opinion has been shifting lately. The Glock 29 is definitely one of the Glocks I wouldn’t mind owning. It fills a unique niche as a compact 10mm pistol, and it does so with Glock’s signature reliability and style. For a reasonable price, you’re getting a great gun with solid features and an excellent shooting experience. If you’re in the market for a powerful compact pistol, don’t overlook the Glock 29 before you spend your hard-earned money.

Glock 29 Pros and Cons 

Glock 29 Review – FAQs

Is the Glock 29 a flat shooting pistol?
Yes, the Glock 29 is known for its relatively flat shooting characteristics, especially for a compact pistol chambered in the powerful 10mm caliber. While 10mm has a bit more recoil compared to smaller calibers, the added velocity from full power loads helps keep the trajectory flatter than many expect for a compact handgun.

Can I use factory ammo with the Glock 29?
Absolutely. The Glock 29 is designed to handle factory ammo with ease. Many manufacturers produce reliable 10mm factory loads, and the G29 is well-suited for both range practice and personal defense rounds straight from the box.

Does the Glock 29 perform well with full power loads?
Yes, the Glock 29 is built to handle full power 10mm loads, offering impressive energy and performance. Its compact size doesn’t compromise its ability to shoot the hotter loads that 10mm is famous for, making it ideal for self-defense and even outdoor use, such as hiking in bear country.

Is the Glock 29 good for hand loads?
Many Glock users successfully use hand loads in their pistols, and the Glock 29 is no exception. However, as with any semi-auto pistol, it’s important to follow safe reloading practices and use properly measured charges to ensure reliability and performance, especially with the high pressures associated with 10mm rounds.

What bullet weights work best in the Glock 29?
The Glock 29 can handle a variety of bullet weights, commonly ranging from 155 to 200 grains. Lighter bullets tend to produce less recoil, while heavier bullet weights, such as 180 or 200 grains, provide greater momentum and deeper penetration. The best choice depends on your specific needs, whether for self-defense, hunting, or target shooting.

Is the Glock 29 a reliable semi-auto pistol?
Yes, like other Glocks, the Glock 29 is widely regarded for its reliability. Its simple design and robust engineering allow it to perform consistently in a variety of conditions, making it a go-to choice for many who rely on semi-auto pistols for protection or outdoor use.

Glock 29 Range Pack

Here are some items we think you will want when you take your Glock 29 to the range:

• Eye Protection: In our best shooting glasses article you will find a good pair of eye protection for your shooting needs.
• Hearing Protection: You don’t want to go to the range without some good hearing protection.
• Gun Cleaning Kit: A good gun cleaning kit will make maintenance easier.
• First Aid Kit – A good first aid kit is something you will want to have with you, not just for range trips.

Upgrades and Accessories for the Glock 29

Holster

The Glock 29 for sure needs a good holster. Whether you want to use it as a concealed carry gun, or as bear-mace, you will need a way to keep it close. A whole harness system like those offered by Alaska Guide Creations is a good way to keep it close. And if maximum concealment is your goal, the Kydex options from Vedder Holsters will help keep your Glock high and tight.

Weapon Light

A good light source is important for a CCW pistol. A compact pistol like the Glock 29 would benefit from one of the many compact weapon lights like the Streamlight TLR8.

Magazine Baseplates

Additional length can be added to the grip with extended floor plates. And the addition of more capacity is also welcome. These from Cain Arms suggest an additional 3-4 rounds, as well as helping you control the pistol better. 

Upgrades and Accessories for the Glock 29

Holster Vedder Holster Light Tuck IWB Holster		Adjustable ride height and retention 0.080″ thick Kydex	Buy on Amazon
Weapon Light Streamlight TLR-8A		500 Lumens Red laser Designed for compact handguns	Buy on Amazon
Magazine Baseplates Cain Arms Glock 10/45 Magazine Extension		Adds 3-4 rounds Fits 20, 21, 29, 40, & 41 Uses factory spring	Check Price

Best Ammo for the Glock 29

I shot both Blazer 180 grain ball ammunition and American Eagle 180 grain ball ammunition for my Glock 29 review. Both of them seemed to work and shoot great. For more serious work, I like shooting Speer Gold Dot 200 grain hollow points.

Other 10mm Handguns to Check Out

The Glock 29 made our best 10mm handgun article for the concealed carry category. There just are not that many small framed 10mm handguns out there. Below are two full sized 10mm handguns that would be good to consider as well.

How to Care for Your Glock 29

This video will show you how to clean and lube your Glock, regardless of what model or generation it is.

Important Links and Manuals for the Glock 29

Here are some links to the manufacturer’s website and user manual.

• G29 by Glock
• Glock 29 User Manual