Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Difference between Glock 45 and 48

What is the practical difference between these two pistols? My father recently took his CCW class and now has his permit. But, he has really big hands so a subcompact carry gun will not work well for him. He took the class with my Beretta 92 which was fine but a bit large for CCW. Thought maybe one of these Glocks might work but I don't really know much about Glocks, as the M&P series guns work better for me.

you can always use a plus 1 or pinky extension on the smaller guns that make them fit larger hands, but then you always have the option of using a shorter mag if the situation requires it....Doesnt work going the other way.

They are two entirely different guns. The G45 is a G17 with a G19 slide. It's basically a black version of the G19X (slight differences). The G48 is a G19 sized gun with a thinner grip and 10rds. If he has big hands, the G45 would be better.

Thanks for the information. I might see if I can find a shop that has a 45 that he can handle.

If not, a 17 will be almost the same.

Glock 17 Gen 5.

'Nother option would be;

Get Dad a new Glock 19. It comes with three different back straps to change to size of the grip for larger or smaller hands.

I have medium hands, and the "small" back strap is just right for me.

Virgil B.

Yes, Glock 19 is perfect CCW size for someone with larger hands. I am waiting for new Glock that has lower bore axis, lever to release slide instead of side tabs, plus de-cocker feature that allows disassembly w/o first pulling the trigger. The gun is same size as G19. It will be harder to clean, but I have plenty of old toothbrushes saved for that purpose After nearly three years of development it will soon be in service. Glock 46.

This is maybe easier said than done with today's shortage of firearms on the shelves, but it would really help if he could put both guns in his hands. I wear large work/golf gloves, and I have a G43, G48 and G45 in the house. With the factory-supplied extended magazine, the G43 feels great in my hands. If I had to keep just one - this would be it! The thin grip of the G48 feels good too - a little slight, but not bad at all. My G45 feels a tad bulky to me, but given the choice between it and the G48, I would probably go with the G45. A friend of mine has larger hands than me and he loves the G48. It points very naturally for him and he shoots lights-out with it. When in doubt and in the land of Glocks for CC, I would agree that the Glock 19 would almost fall into that category of, "never a bad choice."