Glock 29 Review: Sub Compact 10mm Protection

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.

9mm pistols are for sure my favorite pistol round, but there is 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 said in the beginning that I was never a big Glock fan, but that view is changing. The Glock 29 is surely on my list of Glocks I don’t mind having. It fills a pretty small niche of 10mm compact pistols, and it does so with Glocks service reputation and style. For a reasonable price, it has good features paired with a great shooting experience. If you are looking for a really powerful compact pistol, make sure you don’t look past the Glock 29 before spending your hard earned money. 

Glock 29 Pros and Cons 

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 wont 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 pistol, 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 manufacturers website and user manual.

• G29 by Glock
• Glock 29 User Manual