Glock 23
The Glock 23 is the compact .40 S&W member of the Glock family — the same footprint as the G19 in 9mm, with 13+1 rounds of .40 S&W and full compatibility with the 15-round full-size G22 magazines. It has been one of the most widely adopted law enforcement sidearms in the United States, chosen by agencies that wanted the stopping power of .40 S&W in a package concealable enough for plainclothes and off-duty carry. With a 4.02″ barrel, it shoots nearly as flat as the full-size G22 while remaining genuinely concealable.
Read our full Glock 23 Buying Guide ↓
Glock 23 Gen 4 vs. Gen 5: What Improved
The Gen 5 Glock 23 introduced the same improvements as the rest of the Gen 5 family: the Marksman Barrel with enhanced polygonal rifling for improved accuracy, removal of the finger grooves for universal hand fitment, ambidextrous slide stop, flared mag well for faster reloads, and the more durable nDLC finish. The Gen 4 introduced the dual recoil spring assembly that tamed .40 S&W recoil significantly vs. Gen 3, and the modular backstrap system. Either generation is a proven duty pistol — Gen 5 is the current production choice for new buyers.
Glock 23 vs. Glock 19: .40 S&W vs. 9mm Compact
The G23 and G19 are dimensionally nearly identical — same grip length, similar overall size, same holster footprint in many cases. The G19 carries 15+1 rounds of 9mm vs. the G23’s 13+1 of .40 S&W. Modern premium 9mm defensive loads have largely closed the terminal performance gap vs. .40 S&W, giving the G19 a meaningful capacity advantage with lower recoil. The G23 remains relevant for law enforcement carrying .40 S&W duty guns who want caliber consistency between duty and off-duty carry, and for shooters who simply prefer the .40 S&W platform’s performance characteristics.
Glock 23 Magazine Compatibility and Conversion Options
The G23 accepts flush-fit 13-round G23 magazines, extended 15-round G22 magazines (with a grip sleeve adapter), and the 22-round G22 extended magazines for range use. One of the G23’s underrated features is .357 Sig conversion: drop in a .357 Sig barrel and the same G23 magazines work, giving you a second caliber option without buying a new pistol. The reverse also applies — many G22 owners use a .40 S&W barrel swap to run a more compact gun for off-duty carry while maintaining the same magazine type.
Glock 23 for Concealed Carry: Pros and Cons
At 1.18″ wide and 21.16 oz unloaded, the G23 is IWB-concealable for most body types with a quality holster. It’s not as easy to conceal as the thinner single-stack G27, but most experienced carriers prefer the G23’s larger grip and 13-round capacity for full-time carry. The .40 S&W recoil in the compact frame is noticeable — more so than the G19 — which means follow-up shot speed requires deliberate training. For buyers who shoot well and want a carry gun with serious performance credentials, the G23 is a time-tested choice.
Glock 23 Specs, Ammo & Related Pages
Glock 23 Gen 5 specs: 4.02″ Marksman Barrel, 7.28″ OAL, 5.04″ height, 1.18″ width, 21.16 oz unloaded, 13+1 capacity. 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 19 (9mm compact), Glock 22 (full-size .40 S&W), Glock 27 (subcompact .40 S&W).