The Glock 45 is essentially the civilian version of the gun Glock submitted for the military handgun trials – the G19X. They share similar Gen 5 features including a hard-surface nDLC finish, a visible and palpable loaded chamber indicator integrated into the extractor and a swappable magazine release. The Glock 45 is optics ready and has an excellent balance of power, concealment, maneuverability, and capacity. This makes it a great choice for open carry or home defense.
Ambidextrous Slide Release
Whether you’re right or left handed, having the ability to quickly and easily manipulate your Glock 45 slide can make all the difference in high stress situations where fractions of a second matter. Easily enhance your firearm with a range of ambidextrous slides and slide stop levers offered at Omaha Outdoors.
While it may seem a little silly to suggest that vibration is responsible for auto-forward on a Glock, the fact of the matter is that if you slam a magazine in hard enough it will automatically advance the gun. It really depends on the angle of force applied as it’s inserted and where in the frame the insertion happens.
The best way to try it out is without slamming in a mag, simply reach up to the slide stop and down to the mag catch with your trigger finger and see what happens. This doesn’t require you to shift your shooting grip and is faster and more natural than using the thumb to manipulate the slide release lever.
Forward Cocking Serrations
Glock has a reputation for the most ergonomically sound pistols available and the G45 is no exception. It features the same hard-surface nDLC finish as other Gen5 models, and the addition of forward cocking serrations on the slide for more tactile options and easier manipulation. It also has a flared magazine well, ambidextrous slide stop levers, Modular Beavertail Backstrap System for individual adjustment and the accurate Glock Marksman barrel.
I found that the G45 feels like a natural extension of my hand when shooting offhand from a standing position at 10 yards. The polygonal barrel does a great job of directing the bullet toward target with every pull of the trigger and the gun was able to deliver tight five-shot groups from 25 yards bench-tested using Hornady and Federal ammo.
Of the four female shooters with whom I tested the G45 all were very pleased with their experience. One of them normally shoots a SIG 238 chambered in.380 and the G45 was a new experience for her. She was especially pleased with the control features and felt the recoil impulse to be manageable.
Interchangeable Backstraps
The Glock 45, introduced in 2018, is an interesting hybrid design of the Glock 17 and the Glock 19. It utilizes the compact slide of the 19, with a G17 grip, making it a true duty crossover pistol. It features an ambidextrous slide stop lever and reversible magazine catch. The grip is textured for sure handling and the beavertail backstrap provides a customizable fit. Glock has eliminated the finger grooves on the grip and replaced them with a more aggressive wrap-around slip-proof surface, as well as a replaceable lanyard rail.
The Glock 45 has a 13-round capacity, which is adequate for self defense in most scenarios. Other features include an accessory rail and interchangeable backstraps for customizing the grip to your hand size. It also has a reversible magwell and front serrations precision-milled just ahead of the ejection port on both sides. This feature ensures a solid, reliable, and consistent shot, especially during adrenaline-fueled situations.
What’s Next?
Glock’s ambidextrous magazine release lets you drop your mag with the thumb of either hand. It’s a great feature for law enforcement officers who need to be able to rapidly reload and keep their eye on the target.
The ambidextrous magazine release includes an actuator bar with left and right opposing push surfaces that are enlarged for user comfort and accessibility. The push surfaces include texturing to minimize the risk of a users finger slipping off of the enlarged push surface.
The ambidextrous magazine release flexes less than a pure polymer magazine release, making it easier to press with minimal force. The oversized push button is also more rounded, which reduces the potential for a snag. This is a great option for anyone who wants an easy-to-use Glock magazine release without changing the look or feel of their weapon.
