Glock G27 Gen4
Glock Ges.m.b.H. · Pistol · Discontinued · 2010
Also known as: G27 Gen4, Glock 27 Gen 4
Overview
The Glock G27 Gen4 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in .40 S&W, produced by Glock Ges.m.b.H. Featuring a 9-round magazine capacity, this pistol offers compact firepower for concealed carry applications. With a 3.4-inch barrel, this firearm prioritizes concealability for everyday carry while still delivering adequate ballistic performance at defensive distances.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 605 g (21.3 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 750 g (26.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 163 mm (6.42") |
| Barrel Length | 87 mm (3.43") |
| Height | 106 mm (4.17") |
| Width | 32 mm (1.26") |
| Sight Radius | 137 mm (5.39") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Safe Action |
| Trigger Pull | 28 N (6.3 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 9 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 308 m/s (1010 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 546 J (403 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 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
- .40 S&W · primary — also known as .40 Smith & Wesson, 10x22mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Trigger Safety, Firing Pin Safety, Drop Safety
- Features: Subcompact Frame, Interchangeable Backstraps, Dual Recoil Spring, Reversible Mag Release, Rough Textured Frame, Hexagonal Rifling, Accepts Glock 22 23 Magazines
Base model
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Law Enforcement (Various Departments) · as Authorized Backup/Off-Duty
- U.S. Civilian Concealed Carry
Production
Production years: 2010-2023
Gen4 production ran from 2010 until replaced by Gen5 in 2023. Exact production figures not publicly disclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Gaston Glock
Discontinued: 2023
Notes
The G27 Gen4 was introduced as part of the broader Gen4 rollout beginning in 2010. Weight without magazine is 550g (19.40 oz). The Gen4's dual recoil spring was especially beneficial for the G27, as the .40 S&W's sharp recoil impulse was the most common complaint about earlier generations of the subcompact. The modular backstrap system helped shooters with smaller hands better manage the .40 S&W recoil. The Gen4 was the last generation to feature finger grooves. Compatible with G22 15-round and G23 13-round magazines with grip extensions. The Gen4 was discontinued in favor of the Gen5 variant in 2023.
Background
The G27 Gen4 was the workhorse backup gun for thousands of police officers during the peak of .40 S&W law enforcement adoption. Departments that issued the G22 or G23 as duty weapons naturally gravitated toward the G27 as the backup, ensuring magazine compatibility and manual-of-arms consistency. The Gen4's dual recoil spring was widely credited with making the subcompact .40 significantly more manageable, turning what was once considered an expert-level concealed carry choice into a more accessible platform.