The Glock 23 has long held a significant place in the world of firearms, representing a blend of reliability, power, and concealability. This compact pistol, chambered in the formidable .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge, has become a favorite among law enforcement, civilians, and competitive shooters alike. The Gen 5 iteration brings several refinements to this already well-regarded platform, promising an improved shooting experience and enhanced performance. This review dives deep into the Glock 23 Gen 5, evaluating its features, design, performance, and suitability for various applications.
The .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge, the heart of the Glock 23, emerged as a solution to bridge the gap between the 9mm and the .45 ACP. Providing more stopping power than the 9mm while still fitting into a manageable pistol frame, the .40 S&W quickly gained popularity. It became a widely adopted round for law enforcement agencies across the United States and continues to be used today. The cartridge’s effectiveness and manageable recoil, combined with the Glock 23’s compact design, have made it a compelling choice for personal defense and concealed carry.
The Gen 5 evolution introduces a series of improvements and changes that address many criticisms of previous generations while retaining the core Glock DNA: simplicity, reliability, and ease of operation. The Glock 23 Gen 5 represents a significant step forward in the evolution of the compact .40 S&W pistol.
Unveiling the Features and Specifications
The Glock 23 Gen 5 boasts a range of specifications that are crucial to understanding its overall design and functionality. A deep understanding of these specifications provides a valuable context for evaluating its practical performance.
Let’s begin with its core specifications. The pistol is, of course, chambered in the potent .40 Smith & Wesson, offering a balance of power and capacity. The magazine capacity is an important factor, allowing users to carry a substantial number of rounds. The barrel length is a key contributor to accuracy and ballistic performance. The overall length, combined with the compact nature of the pistol, makes it suited to various carry options. The height and width of the handgun provide important clues about its concealability and grip ergonomics. The weight, both unloaded and loaded, impacts the overall feel and handling of the firearm.
Beyond the basic specifications, the Gen 5 brings specific features to the table. Front serrations on the slide are a welcome addition, providing an enhanced grip for racking the slide, especially in adverse conditions or when operating the pistol with wet hands. The ambidextrous slide stop lever is another major improvement, catering to both right- and left-handed shooters, making the pistol user-friendly for everyone.
The Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) is a crucial component, known for improving accuracy over previous generations. The GMB uses a more refined rifling process. The refined barrel contributes to better groupings and improved shot placement at various ranges.
The trigger pull has also been refined, enhancing the overall shooting experience. A more consistent and smoother trigger pull allows for more precise shot placement. The Gen 5 trigger mechanism provides improved feedback, contributing to accuracy and control.
The flared magwell, though subtle, offers a key advantage. The flared design makes for faster and more efficient magazine changes, which are vital in high-stress situations, or for competitive shooting. The absence of finger grooves on the grip provides a more universal fit, accommodating a wider range of hand sizes. This feature improves overall comfort and helps reduce the likelihood of slippage during handling.
The durable nDLC (diamond-like carbon) coating on the slide provides corrosion resistance and adds another layer of longevity to the pistol, providing an advantage over previous generations. The Gen 5 magazine design includes an orange follower, simplifying the identification of an empty magazine during a reload.
Form and Function: Delving into Design and Ergonomics
The design and ergonomics of a pistol are critical factors in its usability and overall appeal. How a firearm feels in the hand, how easily it can be manipulated, and how comfortable it is to shoot all contribute to a positive shooting experience.
The grip and handling of the Glock 23 Gen 5 are key to its popularity. The grip is designed to be comfortable and secure, even for extended shooting sessions. The texturing on the grip is carefully designed to provide a secure hold, minimizing slippage. The ergonomics of the grip and its pointability work hand in hand. The angle of the grip makes the pistol point naturally at the target, improving instinctive shooting.
The slide and controls are also crucial to the overall design. The slide is easily manipulated, even with gloves on, making it suitable for practical applications. The slide stop lever is easily accessible and ambidextrous, offering ease of use for all shooters. The magazine release is placed within easy reach, allowing for rapid and efficient magazine changes.
The Glock 23 Gen 5 utilizes standard Glock sights. The sights are designed to be simple and effective. The front and rear sights are easy to acquire, allowing for quick target acquisition. While the factory sights are adequate for most shooters, the widespread aftermarket support provides options to upgrade to different sights.
Performance Under Pressure: Evaluating Accuracy, Reliability, and More
The real test of any firearm comes down to its performance on the range. Factors such as accuracy, reliability, and trigger performance are all essential.
To evaluate accuracy, we conducted a series of tests at various ranges with several ammunition types. Results showed the Glock 23 Gen 5 consistently produced tight groupings. The GMB barrel contributes to a marked improvement in accuracy compared to previous generations. The Glock 23 Gen 5 is capable of both defensive and competitive shooting applications.
Reliability is paramount. Over the course of testing, hundreds of rounds were fired with a variety of ammunition types. The Glock 23 Gen 5 exhibited flawless reliability, experiencing no malfunctions, such as failures to feed or failures to eject. This is a hallmark of the Glock design, which is known for its robustness and durability.
The trigger performance is a critical factor in overall shooting. The Gen 5 trigger has a smooth pull, with a crisp break and a short reset. The trigger pull is consistent and predictable, further enhancing accuracy. The trigger feel is an improvement over earlier Glock generations.
The .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge does deliver substantial recoil, but the Glock 23 Gen 5, with its design, handles recoil well. The compact frame and weight help absorb the recoil, making it manageable. The pistol stays on target during rapid fire, allowing for follow-up shots.
The Balance Sheet: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Evaluating the pros and cons is critical in any comprehensive review. These factors help to provide a clear picture of the overall value and suitability of the Glock 23 Gen 5.
The Glock 23 Gen 5 boasts several advantages. Its reliability is legendary, a key reason for its popularity. The accuracy of the Gen 5 is also a strong point, making it suitable for both defensive purposes and target shooting. The ergonomics of the pistol are well-designed, providing a comfortable and secure grip. The wide availability of aftermarket support allows users to customize the pistol to their specific needs. The Glock 23 has an established reputation, and the brand’s positive legacy, contributes to user confidence. The price point is generally competitive within the compact pistol market.
There are also some drawbacks. The .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge can be felt as a heavier recoil compared to 9mm. Ammo availability and cost of .40 S&W can vary. While the trigger is good, some users may prefer to upgrade for a lighter or crisper pull. While the Glock “feel” has its fans, the grip angle may not suit all shooters. The overall size, while compact, is slightly larger than some 9mm subcompact options.
Comparing and Contrasting: Exploring Competition and Alternatives
The Glock 23 Gen 5 competes in a crowded market of compact pistols. Comparing the Glock 23 Gen 5 to its rivals provides insight into its strengths and weaknesses.
Several other compact pistols provide effective competition. Consider the SIG Sauer P320 Compact, and the Smith & Wesson M&P series. These pistols have features such as modularity, or different ergonomics. The choice ultimately boils down to personal preference and how well a pistol fits the shooter’s hand and needs.
The .40 Smith & Wesson and 9mm are the two main chamberings offered in compact pistol models. The .40 S&W delivers more stopping power, but the 9mm often provides easier recoil and a greater capacity.
Concluding Thoughts: Is the Glock 23 Gen 5 Right for You?
The Glock 23 Gen 5 is a worthy addition to the Glock family. The pistol offers a winning combination of reliability, accuracy, and concealability. The Gen 5 improvements elevate the platform, addressing feedback.
The Glock 23 Gen 5 is a suitable choice for concealed carry, providing both stopping power and ease of carry. It’s also suitable for home defense. The pistol’s reliability and simple operation make it an excellent choice for self-defense. The Glock 23 Gen 5 is also suitable for law enforcement personnel.
Overall, the Glock 23 Gen 5 is a compelling option. Its well-balanced features make it a solid choice for those looking for a powerful and reliable compact pistol.
Beyond the Review: Additional Considerations
We encourage readers to share their own experiences with the Glock 23 Gen 5, or ask questions in the comments section. This helps build a community of informed shooters. There’s a wide array of accessories available for the Glock 23. Consider a quality holster, extra magazines, and a weapon light. Always follow safe gun handling practices. Ensure that you’re familiar with all local and federal regulations concerning firearm ownership.
The Glock 23 Gen 5 is a testament to the enduring appeal of the .40 Smith & Wesson in a compact and reliable package.
