New Glock 49 MOS: Is it better for CCW or Duty Cary?

Glock recently released the Glock 49 MOS, which is another hybrid model. From their micro-compact G43 to the G17 that started it all, Glock has moved to manufacture hybrid versions of their guns in response to a growing demand for compact guns with a larger frame and increased capacity. My agency switched last year to the Glock 45, which is a G19 slide on a G17 grip. This newest addition from Glock is basically the opposite of that. A G17 slide on a G19 grip with an optic plate that many are calling the G19L. So what gap is this newest version intended to fill?

What’s not clear at this point is how long this new handgun will be available. Will the G49 become a standard model, or is it truly limited, as TALO has stated? As of the date of this writing, Glock has not listed the G49 on their website. In fact, Glock didn’t even announce the model at all. It was introduced by TALO Distributors who stated that “production and availability is limited.” Does that mean limited quantities over time or a limited run before they shut it down?

We will get more into the details of this new model in another article, but today, we are talking about its purpose. Is it best for duty or CCW? Is it possible this could be a dual-purpose gun? I’ve been carrying one around this week to see if I can get a feel for it. I’m using inside the waist, outside the waist, and my duty holster to see if anything feels different about it.

Is the G49 a duty-carry gun?

The most popular duty gun for cops across the country is the Glock 17. Other brands like Sig, FN America, Smith & Wesson, and others have started to move into the law enforcement market. Glock remains the most used handgun by police. What appealed to our agency with the G45 is the shorter barrel, which would yield shorter holsters. This makes it more comfortable for the road guys driving around in their cars.

But the G17 grip gives patrol guys a little more ammo in their guns. Switching from a higher capacity to a lower one is probably not going to happen with many agencies. It would be the opposite of what agencies are looking for. Longer guns with less ammo are not on that must-have list. There could be a small market for plain clothes or special assignment officers looking for a smaller grip like the G19 while utilizing the G17 holsters they already have.

The G49 could also be an option for those with small hands making their duty gun easier to handle. While the difference in grip from a G19 to a G17 doesn’t look like a lot, it’s noticeable when shooting. Those with large hands will find the G17 grip more comfortable. The big red flag for cops, however, is magazine compatibility. The G49 uses G19 mags, so they are too short for a G17/G45 grip. Because of this, I don’t see it making its way into the uniform/duty market.

CCW Carry with the Glock 49

When looking at the G49 for concealed carry, it makes a little more sense. There is only about a half-inch difference in slide length from the G19, but that’s enough to notice. Adding the distance between the sights offers improved accuracy and the recoil will improve a little as well. Will these things make enough difference to notice? Maybe. I have always shot a little better with my G17 for longer distances.

During one of my agency’s qualifications days, we added a “fun” shot at the end of the course. This was an 8-inch metal gong at 100 yards. I was able to hit it three times throughout the day with my G17. I never could with the G19, however. Several other guys also made the shot with their G17s. However, if you are carrying a weapon for concealed carry, it’s not as relevant. The chances you will need to make a 100-yard shot is not zero, but unlikely.

Longer barrels still improve accuracy over short distances, too, so there is a benefit for them. And even though there’s only a 2-bullet difference in capacity, lugging around the G17 is not so easy. Compared to the new G49, concealing it is easier with a shorter grip. After carrying it around some, I’ve decided I like my vertical Galco shoulder holster the most. Longer barrels are more comfortable for me in a shoulder holster. And the shorter grip doesn’t stick out so far from your chest.

Holster that fit the new Glock 49

A lot of people carry the G19 inside their waistbands. I like thinner guns for IWB carry, but this could be a nice configuration if that’s what you prefer. An OWB (outside-the-waistband) concealment holster could also work if you wear clothing that covers it up. The good thing about a cross-over gun from Glock is that holsters are already abundant. Because of the slide length, the holster needs to fit a Glock 17. Some Glock 19 holsters will fit if they have an open bottom to allow the slide to stick through. Here are some of my favorite Glock 17 holsters:

• Safariland 7360 RDS Level III Duty Holster: This holster works with a light and optic. Retail $146.99
• Safariland IncogX IWB Holster: This is a great option if you want to carry the G49 IWB. Retail $73.99
• Alien Gear ShapeShift Appendix Holster: Here is one of my favorites for appendix carry. Retail $62.99
• DeSantis Gunhide Thumb Break Scabbard Holster: For those who like leather belt holsters, this is an excellent choice. Retail $56.99
• Galco Miami Classic Shoulder Holster: I like vertical shoulder holsters, but you can also use a horizontal shoulder rig that fits the Glock 17. Retail $200.00

When selecting a holster, be sure to pay attention to light and optic compatibility if you plan to use either one. Some holsters have cutouts for optics, and others do not. When carrying a light, the holster must fit the model you are carrying or be compatible with it.

Not great for duty, but a winner for CCW

Members of law enforcement carry different equipment across the country. But in general, I would say the Glock 49 will not be a popular duty pistol. It has a maximum-length slide with a shorter grip and carries less ammo. But I think this new model has a place in the CCW world. Again, there isn’t much difference in slide length between the Glock 19 and 17. But it’s enough to notice when you’re carrying, holding, or shooting it. I like the idea of a Glock 19 frame with a Glock 17 slide, and I plan to carry the new G49 around. It would make a great CCW gun for winter months when I can wear a coat and an OWB holster or shoulder rig.