Glock 19 vs 17 vs 45 vs 47 vs 19X vs 49: The Concealed Carry Decision That Actually Matters
Most “best Glock for concealed carry” debates obsess over barrel length. Concealment usually fails for one reason:
the grip prints. This article compares the Glock 19, 17, 45, 47, 19X, and 49 through the lens that matters most—grip height,
then builds the key strategic conclusion: if you already carry the bigger grip, take the longer sight radius and carry the 17 or 47 instead of a 45/19X.
The concealed-carry truth: the grip is what prints
Concealment is not primarily a “barrel length” problem. For most carriers, the slide is inside the waistband.
The part that pushes the cover garment outward is the grip—the longest external lever above the beltline.
That is why height (with magazine) is one of the most relevant dimensions for concealed carry.
Practical principle: If you want a pistol that hides better, shorten the grip first.
If you accept a full-size grip, then take the performance benefits a full-size gun offers.
Compact grip class (prints less)
Typically easier to conceal under light garments.
- Glock 19 (compact height)
- Glock 49 (compact grip; longer slide concept)
Full-size grip class (prints more)
More likely to print—especially at 3–4 o’clock and under thin cover garments.
- Glock 17
- Glock 47
- Glock 45
- Glock 19X
Why sight radius still matters for real-world accuracy
With iron sights, a longer sight radius (or Glock’s “line of sight”) reduces angular error: small deviations in front-sight alignment
translate into less deviation downrange. In practical terms, that means a longer sight radius can help:
- Maintain precision at speed (faster acceptable sight pictures)
- Hold tighter at distance (reduced alignment error impact)
- Track flatter under recoil for many shooters (more mass/length up front)
Concealed-carry reality check: Barrel length may be “secondary” for concealment,
but it is not irrelevant to performance. If concealment cost is driven by grip height, then performance gains should be captured where possible.
The crossover trap: Glock 45 and 19X conceal like full-size but shoot like compact
The Glock 45 and 19X are popular “crossover” concepts: a compact-length slide on a full-size frame.
They can be excellent duty, range, and general-purpose pistols. The concealed-carry issue is strategic:
If you already accept a full-size grip (the part that prints), why give up the longer sight radius of a full-size slide?
In many concealed-carry setups, the longer slide does not meaningfully increase printing—but it can improve shootability.
This is the logic that collapses the 45/19X decision for a concealment-first buyer. If your wardrobe, belt, holster, and body type
already allow a full-size grip, then you are paying the concealment “tax” up front. The rational move is to extract the benefits:
longer sight radius and full-size slide performance.
That is why the following approach is often more coherent for concealed carry:
Instead of carrying a 19X or 45, carry a 17 or 47.
Same grip concealment burden—more sight radius and a more “complete” full-size shooting system.
Buyer’s checklist: choose the right Glock for concealed carry
Use this checklist to avoid the most common concealed-carry mistake: buying a pistol that shoots well but prints constantly,
then blaming “comfort” or “holster issues” when the real problem is the grip length.
The 60-second decision checklist
- Define your non-negotiable concealment constraint: Is your cover garment light (t-shirts) or structured (hoodies/jackets)? If it’s light, prioritize the shorter grip (G19 or G49 concept).
- Choose carry position first: AIWB often tolerates longer slides better than strong-side because the slide is below the beltline; strong-side printing is dominated by grip length.
- Be honest about grip printing: If you cannot reliably conceal a full-size grip, do not “wish” your way into it—choose the compact grip.
- If you carry the full-size grip, cash the performance check: Skip the short-slide/full-grip crossover (45/19X) and take the longer sight radius of the 17/47.
- Decide on optics early: If you plan to run a dot, select an MOS/optic-ready model and keep your system consistent for training and maintenance.
- Match magazines to mission: Compact grip models conceal better with flush mags; carry a full-size spare as reload insurance.
- Validate with a concealment test: Wear your normal clothes, move naturally (bend, reach, sit), and confirm printing from multiple angles in a mirror and on camera.
Quick comparison: what matters most for concealed carry
The matrix below is intentionally biased toward concealed carry outcomes: grip height drives printing risk, while sight radius supports precision.
(Exact measurements vary slightly by generation and configuration; always confirm against the specific model version you intend to buy.)
| Model | Grip / Height Class | Slide / Sight Radius Class | Concealment Outcome | Performance Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glock 19 | Compact grip | Compact slide | Best concealment balance | Excellent general performance |
| Glock 49 | Compact grip | Longer slide concept | Conceals like compact | Shoots “bigger” than it conceals |
| Glock 45 | Full-size grip | Compact slide | Prints like full-size | Does not capture full-size sight radius |
| Glock 19X | Full-size grip | Compact slide | Prints like full-size | Does not capture full-size sight radius |
| Glock 17 | Full-size grip | Full-size slide | Printing risk higher | Better sight radius for irons |
| Glock 47 | Full-size grip | Full-size slide (MOS common) | Printing risk higher | Full-size capability + optics-ready pathway |
The decision rule that prevents wasted purchases
Rule A: If concealment is the priority
Shorten the grip first. Choose a compact-grip model. This is the fastest way to reduce printing risk.
For most carriers, a compact grip outperforms “wishful thinking” with a full-size frame.
- Pick: Glock 19 (classic concealed-carry balance)
- Upgrade pick: Glock 49 (compact grip + longer slide concept)
Rule B: If you already carry the full-size grip
Don’t donate sight radius for free. If your setup already conceals a full-size grip,
take the longer slide system and the performance that comes with it.
- Instead of: Glock 45 / 19X
- Carry: Glock 17 or Glock 47
Best picks by concealed-carry category
Best all-around concealed carry: Glock 19
The Glock 19 remains the benchmark because it balances concealability with performance. Its compact grip reduces printing risk
while keeping enough slide length and controllability for real defensive standards.
Best “conceals like a compact, shoots like a longer gun”: Glock 49
If you want a compact grip (the concealment advantage) but prefer a longer slide system for sight radius and recoil tracking,
the Glock 49 concept is purpose-built for that exact goal.
Best if you already accept the full-size grip: Glock 17 or Glock 47
If you can truly conceal a full-size grip, the 17/47 logic is straightforward:
you already pay the concealment cost, so you should capture the full-size benefit—longer sight radius and a more complete shooting system.
Bottom line
Concealment is grip-driven. If you need concealment, choose a compact grip (G19 / G49 concept).
If you can conceal a full-size grip, then skip the short-slide/full-grip crossover (G45/19X) and carry
the full-size slide (G17/G47) to take the sight-radius and performance advantage you’re already paying for.
Next step: turn the decision into capability
Buying the “right” pistol is step one. Proficiency comes from standards-based training, concealment work, and accountability under time.
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Safety note: Follow all local laws. Seek qualified instruction. Always verify fit, function, and reliability with your chosen ammunition and carry gear.
