Glock G26: One of 2019's Hottest Handguns

by
posted on March 9, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
glock-g26.jpg

For the second year in a row, the Glock G26 has claimed runner-up honors in the list of hottest-selling semi-auto pistols on Gunbroker.com. Like the top-place-finishing SIG Sauer P365 Nitron Micro-Compact, it’s also a sub-compact designed for every day carry or backup duty.

Glock introduced its original G26 to American enthusiasts in 1996, but the Gen5 improvements added to select models in August of 2017 breathed new life into a number of its veteran variants. When they arrived on this time-proven 9 mm, sales soared with refinements that include a tougher, more durable Glock nDLC finish on the slide and barrel.

The latter was also upgraded to the company’s “Marksman” version with improved rifling, enhanced accuracy and refined crown. The ambidextrous slide stop lever adds appeal to southpaws and the subtly flared mag well speeds reloads. Perhaps more importantly, depending on opinion, finger grooves are gone from the grip.

The Glock reputation for quality and reliability didn’t change, though. The striker-fired semi-auto weighs in at 21.69 ozs. with an empty magazine and has a 3.43" barrel. Three standard magazines come with the pistol and have a capacity of 10 cartridges. The company also offers 12-, 15-, 17-, 19-, 24-, 31- and 33-round versions. The forged-steel slide measures 6.26" and the frame is polymer. The steel barrel has a 1:9.84", right-hand rate of twist.

The double-action-only pistol is 6.42" long, 1.3"wide and 4.17" in height with the standard magazine. The slide’s front serrations ensure manipulation in inclement weather. Sights are fixed with white-lined U-notch to the rear and a bright white dot on the front post. Amerigo BOLD Night Sights or Glock Night Sights are included on select models for faster target acquisition and alignment in challenging light conditions. MSRP for the G26 Gen5 base version is $599.

Latest

Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web
Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

2025 Optic Of The Year: Burris Eliminator 6

Even as new generation after new generation of Burris Eliminator continued to add more advanced technology and functionality, it remained odd-looking—until the launch of this year’s sixth-generation product, which is the first in the line that can mount atop a rifle using standard 34 mm scope rings.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.