Glock 49: The Perfect Optic and Light for a New Handgun

Everyone has their own preference when it comes to the overall shape and size of a handgun and its configuration. I have always preferred a compact size grip with a full-size slide and barrel. So, when Glock announced the release of the Glock 49 (on a limited basis), I was excited to get my hands on it. Some didn’t see the point in this crossover model, but it was the perfect configuration for me. When Glock released the G45, it was a crossover between the G17 grip and a G19 slide.

I work in law enforcement, so this model makes sense from a tactical perspective as it has a higher capacity and a shorter slide to reduce weight and allow shorter holsters on duty belts or vests. The Glock 49 is the exact opposite of the G45. It’s basically a G19 frame with a G17 slide. Because the slide is longer than the frame, Glock customized the slide to fit a G19 recoil spring and guide rod. They did the same thing with the Glock 48, which is a G43X frame but with a longer slide.

Over the years, I have used the G17, G19, and G45 a great deal. My agency currently issues the G45 in 9mm to employees. I like each gun, but none of them has ever felt like the “perfect Glock” to me. If you are not familiar with Glock handguns, the combination of models being merged is probably confusing. So, I’ll stop talking about blended handguns and get back to the G49.

Glock 49

For whatever reason, the Glock 49 is not listed on Glock’s website as a regular production model. When I purchased it, it was listed as a “limited production” gun with limited quantities. I have medium-sized hands, so the grip on the G19 has always been the most comfortable for me. But I also prefer handguns with longer barrels because of the added accuracy. Also, I just think they’re cool. With the G49, I get the best of both worlds, and it’s optic-ready.

After picking up the G49, I decided to make this my “perfect” Glock, which is still a work in progress. It doesn’t need to be flashy or Gucci, just functional and set up the way I want it. The first thing I wanted to start with is the red dot and light. I’ve always used the Streamlight TLR-1 light so I decided to go with the HL version, which I’ll talk more about below. For the optic, I used the classic Trijicon RMR because of its durability.

Streamlight TLR-1HL

I can still remember when weapon-mounted lights were a futuristic advancement. The idea of a light on your gun was cool but also a little weird because the holsters were bigger, and the light was smaller. My only light for a few years was a big, heavy mag light. But now, this is a normal accessory for just about any weapon, and a lot of companies make them, including Surefire, Steiner, Crimson Trace, and Sig, to name a few. But I’ve used the TLR-1 on duty for a long time, and I’ve seen it get abused and keep running.

While it’s the same light, the HL version is brighter than the standard TLR-1 light. The head of the light is slightly larger, so pay attention to the HL designation when ordering a holster. The maximum output on the HL version is 1,000 lumens with a run time of 1.5 hours. One thing I have always liked about the TLR-1 is you don’t need a tool to install it. Some other lights I have require a screwdriver or Allen wrench when attaching it to the gun.

Made of machined aircraft aluminum this light is like a Timex watch, it just keeps running. It uses two CR123 batteries and has an ambidextrous toggle switch. If you want a remote pressure pad, they make an adaptor for that, too. Like I said earlier, there are other great lights out there, but I like the TLR-1 HL because of its quality and price. You can buy the TLR-1HL for around $150.

Trijicon RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) Sight

Every gun manufacturer uses a different footprint for their optic mount, which is frustrating. Sometimes, they even make a proprietary plate you must buy for a specific optic to mount on their gun. For this category, Glock would win the mounting-optics-made-easy award. When you buy an MOS-ready Glock, you get a small bag full of adaptor plates, screws, and a wrench. Using one of their adaptor plates, you can mount just about any popular optic to a Glock.

I selected the one listed for the RMR footprint and screwed it to the slide of my Glock 49. After that, the RMR was installed, and I was ready to go (for now). Trijicon offers several different models of the RMR, so I chose the RMO6 Type 2. This is a 3.25 MOA optic, which is great for a pistol optic, and has manual and auto modes. In auto mode, it will adjust the brightness of the dot for you. In manual mode, you can use the up or down arrow on each side of the optic to change the brightness setting.

The RMR doesn’t have a shake-awake feature like other optics because its battery life will power your optic for nearly a year. Trijicon recommends replacing the battery every six months to ensure it is always ready to go. They offer a lifetime warranty, and the price is hard to beat for such a durable optic. Many consider it to be as durable as Trijicon’s ACOG. You can’t really find a better handgun optic than the Trijicon RMR.

Glock 49: The Perfect Light and Optic?

I have always used Glocks, even if they are ugly. But the combination of the Glock 49 and this light and optic is one I am excited about. I am attending an out-of-state rifle/handgun training event in March, and this is the handgun I plan to use. I like the configuration of the grip and longer G17 length slide, which allows me to use just about any G17 holster. At some point, I will be adding optic-height iron sighs and possibly a trigger upgrade. But that will have to be determined later on. For now, I want to keep it simple and functional for everyday use. Until then, this is the perfect combo for my new Glock 49 handgun.