Glock 27
The Glock 27 is Glock’s subcompact .40 S&W pistol — the same size and footprint as the G26 in 9mm, but chambered in .40 S&W for shooters who want a compact carry gun with more energy per round. With a 3.43″ barrel, 9+1 capacity, and the ability to accept full-size G22 and G23 magazines, the G27 offers genuine versatility in a package that disappears under a cover garment. It remains one of the most popular compact duty backup and off-duty carry guns for law enforcement officers who carry .40 S&W on duty.
Read our full Glock 27 Buying Guide ↓
Glock 27 Gen 4 vs. Gen 5: What Changed
The Glock 27 Gen 5 brought the same improvements as the rest of the Gen 5 lineup: the Marksman Barrel (enhanced rifling for improved accuracy), removal of the finger grooves for better fitment across hand sizes, an ambidextrous slide stop, and a flared mag well for faster reloads. The Gen 5 also brought the nDLC finish — more durable and corrosion-resistant than the previous Tenifer coating. Gen 4 G27s remain excellent pistols and represent good value in the used market. For a new purchase, Gen 5 is the right choice for the mechanical improvements alone.
Glock 27 vs. Glock 26: .40 S&W vs. 9mm Subcompact
The G27 and G26 are dimensionally identical — same frame, same grip length, same overall size. The difference is entirely caliber: the G26 carries 10+1 rounds of 9mm vs. the G27’s 9+1 rounds of .40 S&W. Modern premium 9mm hollow points have largely closed the terminal performance gap vs. .40 S&W, making the G26’s extra round and lower recoil a meaningful advantage for most shooters. The G27 remains relevant for law enforcement who carry .40 on duty and want caliber consistency in a backup gun, and for shooters who simply prefer the .40 S&W platform.
Glock 27 Magazine Compatibility: The .40 S&W Advantage
One of the G27’s most practical features is magazine compatibility across the .40 S&W Glock family. The G27 accepts flush-fit 9-round G27 magazines, extended 13-round G23 magazines, and full-size 15-round G22 magazines — all without modification. This means a G27 owner can carry the pistol with a flush mag for concealability and reload to a 15-round G22 magazine for extended capacity. For law enforcement carrying a G22 on duty, the G27 as a backup offers the same magazines and a familiar manual of arms in a much smaller package.
Glock 27 for Concealed Carry: Pros and Cons
The G27 is compact enough for appendix, IWB, or pocket carry in a quality holster. Its short grip is the primary printing challenge — a standard G27 mag sits flush with the grip, keeping the profile minimal. Recoil is more pronounced than a G26 or similarly-sized 9mm due to .40 S&W’s sharper impulse in a light pistol, which means trigger control and grip fundamentals matter more. Shooters who train regularly with the G27 manage recoil well. For new shooters or those prioritizing fast, accurate follow-up shots, the G26 or a compact 9mm may be easier to shoot well.
Glock 27 Specs, Ammo & Related Glock Pages
The Glock 27 Gen 5 specs: 3.43″ Marksman Barrel, 6.49″ OAL, 4.17″ height, 1.18″ width, 21.91 oz unloaded. Chambered in .40 S&W — see our .40 S&W ammo page for in-stock loads. For the full Glock lineup, see our Glock brand page. Related models: Glock 26 (9mm subcompact), Glock 22 (full-size .40 S&W), Glock 23 (compact .40 S&W — verify before publishing).