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, and an ambidextrous slide stop. It also added a 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).