Glock 48

The Glock 48 pairs the slim single-stack width of the Glock 43X with a full-length 4.17-inch slide — delivering a longer sight radius and higher muzzle velocity than the shorter G43X while maintaining the same slim grip profile. It is one of the most practical concealed carry Glocks for shooters who can conceal the length but want every performance advantage the longer barrel provides. The Glock 48 MOS adds a factory optics cut for direct red dot mounting.

Read our full Glock 48 Buying Guide ↓

G48 vs. G43X — Same Width, More Barrel

The Glock 48 and Glock 43X share the same frame, grip, and magazine — they are interchangeable from the grip down. The only difference is the slide: the G48 runs a 4.17-inch barrel versus the G43X's 3.41-inch. That extra barrel length adds approximately 50–75 fps of muzzle velocity with most defensive loads and provides a noticeably longer sight radius that improves accuracy at distance. If you can conceal the extra length — and for most IWB carry positions you can — the G48 is the better-shooting pistol. The G43X is the right choice only when the shorter overall length is specifically necessary.

Glock 48 MOS: The Optics-Ready Version

The Glock 48 MOS (Modular Optic System) adds a factory slide cut that accepts most micro red dots directly — including the Holosun 507K, Shield RMSc, and compatible footprints. The MOS version is the recommended choice for most new buyers: it costs modestly more than the standard G48 and gives you the option to add a red dot now or later without any gunsmithing. Most serious carry shooters run an optic today; the MOS version keeps that option open. See our Holosun 507K and Holosun EPS Carry pages for compatible carry optic options.

Shield Arms S15 Magazines: The Capacity Upgrade

The Glock 48 ships with 10-round flush magazines. Shield Arms produces aftermarket S15 magazines that hold 15 rounds in the same flush-fit configuration — bringing the G48 to G19-level capacity while retaining its slim single-stack width. The S15 requires a Shield Arms metal magazine catch to function reliably. With the S15 magazines and metal catch, the G48 becomes a genuinely competitive carry gun against the G19 in everything except grip thickness.

Who Should Choose the G48 Over the G43X?

Choose the G48 if: you prioritize accuracy and ballistic performance over minimum overall length, you plan to run an optic, or you're running Shield Arms S15 magazines and want the longer sight radius. Choose the G43X if: you need the shortest possible Glock, you're primarily pocket carrying, or overall length is the primary constraint in your carry setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Glock 48 good for concealed carry?
Yes — the G48's slim single-stack width conceals as easily as the G43X despite the longer slide. The added length is in the slide, not the grip, so it doesn't print through the waistband any more than the G43X. For most IWB carry positions, the G48 is the better-shooting choice with no meaningful concealability penalty.

What is the difference between the Glock 48 and Glock 19?
The G48 is thinner — single-stack width versus the G19's double-stack — and ships with 10-round magazines versus the G19's 15+1. The G19 holds more rounds standard and has a deeper aftermarket. The G48 conceals more easily in slim clothing. With Shield Arms S15 magazines, the G48 matches the G19's capacity while retaining its slim profile.

Does the Glock 43X magazine fit the Glock 48?
Yes — the G48 and G43X use the same magazines completely interchangeably. Both the standard 10-round and Shield Arms S15 15-round magazines function in both pistols.

Does Impact Guns carry the Glock 48?
Yes. Impact Guns carries the Glock 48 and Glock 48 MOS and ships nationwide. See our Glock brand page for the full lineup.