#MOS

For quite a few years, I considered the Glock 19 to be the gold standard by which all concealed carry handguns should be measured. I carried the G19 almost exclusively – first a Gen 2 model, then I later updated to a Gen 4. Anytime I tried a different handgun, the question I always came back to was, “Taking all factors into consideration, from shootability and reliability to concealability and capacity, along with every other facet of everyday carry, would I rather use this gun than my G19?” While I tried out some excellent pistols, many of which were highly capable of sufficiently fulfilling that concealed carry weapon role, time after time I returned to my trusty Glock 19. After swapping out the sights for a set of Hackathorn-style aftermarket upgrades and housing the gun in a quality Kydex IWB holster, I called it good and never left home without it. Before the advent of the slim-frame revolution with models like the G43X and G48, along with other manufacturers’ takes on skinnier carry guns, this double-stack 15+1 9mm setup served me exceedingly well in a gamut of training classes and my everyday life.

Is this Glock’s best pistol ever? James thinks so. In this episode of TFBTV, James​⁠ is at Glock USA HQ in Smyrna for the reveal and review of the new Glock 49. The Glock 49 Gen 5 MOS 9mm is the newest addition to the Glock lineup. Officially released to the commercial market, the Glock 49 Gen 5 MOS combines the compact and concealable design of the Glock 19 with a full-sized Glock 17 slide and barrel, offering enhanced performance and a longer sight radius. This new model has been eagerly anticipated since leaks of the “19L” began to circulate. The G49 MOS, boasting a 15+1 round capacity, a 4.49-inch Glock Marksman Barrel, and the MOS system for optics, merges compact frame convenience with full-size functionality.

Since the original Glock 17 was produced in 1982, there has been about nine different configurations of barrel lengths and grip sizes, but today, we’ll take a look at the curious “crossover” Glock 45 MOS. For those new to Glock pistols, the G45 is chambered in 9mm and features a full-size grip that accommodates the standard 17-round magazine, yet has a compact (4.02 inches) barrel. The “MOS” stands for Modular Optic System and MOS pistols come ready from the factory for a red dot sight of your choosing. Last year, I heard of police departments near me that had decided to issue the Glock 45 MOS as their standard-issue pistol, which made me pause to think “Why?”.

In this episode of TFBTV, James Reeves brings you an exclusive on the NEW Glock 47, coming to the civilian market in 2023. Originally introduced quietly by Glock in 2019, the Glock 47 was a contract-only gun for Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection agents. A full-size 9mm pistol with a 17-round capacity and the Glock MOS optics mounting system, the Glock 47 is similar to the Glock 17 MOS – almost identical, on paper. But the Glock 47 has a few tricks up its sleeve. Using a Glock 45 frame, the Glock 47 has the ability to also accept Glock 19 slides. Moreover, the Glock 47 slide is compatible with Glock 19 frames, meaning that the G47 gives you unofficial access to the long-awaited factory Glock 19L “long slide.”

Alongside the new G45, GLOCK is announcing a few additions to the modular optic-ready lineup.The G17 MOS and G19 MOS both get the Gen5 treatment. But like their G45 cousin, the new GLOCKs are also blessed with forward slide serrations and the deletion of the grip cutout on the front strap. The new MOS pistols will be available for purchase in less than two weeks.

Glock has begun to slowly expand their line-up of Gen5 models that are being transitioned in from the Gen4 series. Right now, they have the G17 and G19 as well as the just announced G26 Gen5 and the G34 Gen5 Modular Optic System (MOS) pistols. An argument could be made for 5 total with the G19X, but that is a unique crossover that shares attributes from both the Gen5 and Gen4 series.

Rumor mill engage…  One of our readers sent in the above image detailing what appears to be a number of SKUs that very recently dropped into a distributor database.  The SKUs are for Glock G17 and G19 MOS handguns.  For some background on the MOS, we had published a review from Range Day at SHOT 2015.

Off the bat, I would call this the F-350 of handguns. Its a ridiculous amount of handgun for most everyday users and one would typically not drive one into the city. Its just unwieldy. But, there is a reason F350s are made as there are users who know what they need to get a big job done. That may be heavy payloads, hauling long-distance, or simply hauling *ss.

The new Glock MOS – Modular Optic System handguns were ready to fire at the Industry Day at the Range. Recognizing an increasingly popular trend towards red dot optics for handguns, the Glock MOS handguns provide shooters a variety of options for using many of today’s most popular red dot handgun sights, using an intuitive design.