Glock G26
Glock Ges.m.b.H. · Pistol · In Production · 1995
Also known as: G26, Baby Glock, Glock 26
Overview
The Glock G26 is a subcompact semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, introduced in 1995 as the first subcompact in Glock's lineup. Nicknamed the 'Baby Glock,' the G26 was designed to offer maximum concealability in a package that still delivers meaningful 9mm firepower. With a 3.43-inch (87mm) barrel, an overall length of just 6.42 inches (163mm), and a height of 4.17 inches (106mm), the G26 is significantly smaller than the compact G19 while still offering a standard capacity of 10+1 rounds. A key advantage of the G26 is its full backward compatibility with all Glock 9mm double-stack magazines, including those from the G19 (15 rounds), G17 (17 rounds), and the 33-round extended magazine, making it highly versatile. The current Gen5 model features the Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) with enhanced hexagonal rifling for improved accuracy, nDLC finish for enhanced durability, a flared magazine well for faster reloads, an ambidextrous slide stop lever, and the modular backstrap system (MBS) with beavertail for customizable grip fit. The G26 weighs 21.69 ounces (615g) with an empty magazine. The Safe Action trigger system maintains Glock's standard 26 N (~5.8 lb) pull weight with three independent passive safeties. The barrel features right-hand hexagonal rifling with a 1:9.84-inch (250mm) twist rate. Since its introduction, the G26 has become one of the most popular subcompact pistols in the world, widely used by law enforcement officers as a backup weapon and by civilians for concealed carry.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 615 g (21.7 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 739 g (26.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 163 mm (6.42") |
| Barrel Length | 87 mm (3.43") |
| Height | 106 mm (4.17") |
| Width | 33 mm (1.30") |
| Sight Radius | 137 mm (5.39") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Safe Action |
| Trigger Pull | 26 N (5.8 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 360 m/s (1181 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 481 J (355 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Tenifer |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Trigger Safety, Firing Pin Safety, Drop Safety
- Features: Subcompact Frame, Reversible Mag Release, Interchangeable Backstraps, Dual Recoil Spring, Glock Marksman Barrel, Ndlc Finish, Flared Mag Well, Ambidextrous Slide Stop, Accepts Glock 19 17 Magazines
Variants
- Glock 26 Gen5 — Generation
- Glock 26 Gen5 MOS — Optics Ready
- Glock 26 Gen5 FS — Front Serrations
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Federal Air Marshal Service
- U.S. Law Enforcement (Off-Duty/Backup) · as Authorized Backup/Off-Duty
- German Federal Police (Bundespolizei)
- U.S. Civilian Concealed Carry
Conflicts
- War on Terror (2001-present)
Production
Production years: 1995-present
Exact production figures not publicly disclosed. The G26 is one of the best-selling subcompact pistols in the world and among Glock's most popular models. Over 20 million Glock pistols of all models have been produced since 1982.
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Gaston Glock
Notes
The Glock 26 was introduced in 1995 alongside the .40 S&W G27 and has gone through five generations. The Gen5 model, introduced in 2017, brought the most significant updates including the Glock Marksman Barrel, nDLC finish, flared mag well, and ambidextrous slide stop. The G26 uses the same frame size as the G27 (.40 S&W), G28 (.380 ACP), G33 (.357 SIG), and G39 (.45 GAP). Despite its small size, the G26 maintains the same reliability and durability standards as all Glock pistols, rated for tens of thousands of rounds. The pistol ships with two 10-round magazines but accepts all higher-capacity Glock 9mm magazines with grip extensions available for 15 and 17-round magazines to improve ergonomics. Optional 12-round magazines with grip extensions are also available for Gen5 models. The MOS (Modular Optic System) variant allows direct mounting of micro red dot sights. Weight without magazine is 559g (19.72 oz). The loaded weight includes a full 10-round magazine at approximately 124g.
Background
The Glock 26 earned the nickname 'Baby Glock' when it arrived in 1995 as the first purpose-built subcompact in Glock's lineup. Its genius was not just in shrinking the proven Glock design, but in maintaining full magazine compatibility with its larger siblings -- a G26 carrier with a spare G17 magazine effectively has a 10+17 round loadout in a pocket-sized package. This magazine interchangeability made the G26 the go-to backup gun for officers already carrying a Glock 17 or 19 on duty, and it quickly became one of the most popular concealed carry pistols in America.