Glock 26 Review [And Comparison]

The Glock 26 is also known as the “Baby Glock" due to its small size and is sold in 3 different generations, from Gen 3-Gen5. A Glock 26 shoots a 9mm Luger cartridge for fast and accurate shots when you need them the most.

Before we get into the different models of the Glock 26, it’s best to understand the purpose and capability of the pistol to determine if this is something you’d like.

We recommend the Glock 26 for police officers who carry the Glock 19 or the Glock 22 as their service pistol. The 26 can easily be carried on your ankle for a seamless transition between your primary carry pistol and your backup.

We’ll review each of the 3 Generations of the 26, so you can decide for yourself what fits you best.

Glock 26: Subcompact Perfection

The Glock 26 should not be merely categorized as Glock’s version of a subcompact pistol. Instead, view it as a compact rendition of Glock’s design perfection.

Sharing its foundation with Glock’s renowned models; the full-size Glock 17 and the more compact Glock 19, the Glock 26 boasts the same durability and reliability, but within a more streamlined subcompact frame.

The pistol’s shorter grip houses a double-stack magazine capable of holding 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Its polymer frame offers a lightweight feel, while the metallic slide and 3.4-inch barrel ensure it remains as resilient as any of Glock’s other offerings.

Glock’s Safe Action trigger, combined with its striker-fire mechanism, makes the Glock 26 not only safe but exceptionally user-friendly. In high-pressure scenarios where one might need to use the pistol, there’s no room for confusion with manual safeties or external hammer mechanisms.

Though the Glock 26 has a more compact profile than both the Glock 17 and Glock 19, key features like the trigger, magazine release, and slide take-down levers retain their standard measurements and placements. This consistency means that mastering one model’s functionalities naturally translates to familiarity with the other models, ensuring a seamless transition between them.

RELATED – Glock 17 For Concealed Carry

Glock 26 Gen 3

The Glock 26 Gen 3  added the now infamous finger grooves to their pistols for added grip and control during the operation of the gun.

The Gen 3 also added the Universal Glock Rail to the dust cover of the pistol frame to add attachments, such as after-market sights, lasers, and lights.

Gen 3 was the first model to add thumb rests on each side of the pistol grip to give us lefties some added comfort (I didn’t like it at all). One of the best features of the Gen 3 was the extractor being raised up from the frame when the gun is loaded. This gives the Gen models an added safety feature because it acts as a loaded chamber indicator that is easy to see. Finally, a cross pin was added to the trigger guard pin to help reduce felt recoil in the barrel.

Specs

Cons

• The finger grooves are very uncomfortable and cause you to grip the pistol in a standard position
• Gen 4 and 5 are much better pistols and will give you a much better feel
• Buying new for a Gen 3 is like buying the original Playstation, it might work just fine, but it’s not going to feel or look as good as the Playstation 4 (I can’t wait for the 5!)
• The trigger pull weight is very heavy for such a compact pistol

Features

• Safe Action safety feature (no manual safety)
• Loaded chamber indicator added to all Gen 3 pistols
• Thumb rests for ambidextrous characteristics
• Added finger grooves
• Added Universal Glock Rail

Why Should I Buy The Glock 26 Gen 3?

Glock 26 Gen 4

The Gen 4 model pistols from Glock is when I feel like Glock turned the corner from a reliable company that sells great guns, to a revolutionary company that continually strives to be better than they were before.

Obviously, Glock has always tried to improve their pistols, but the Gen 3 to Gen 4 differences are pretty drastic in my opinion.

The Gen 4 added the Modular Backstrap System that allows shooters to customize the backstrap to fit their hand size more easily.

To accommodate lefties and shooters with bigger hands, the Gen 4 enlarged the magazine catch and made it reversible to add fluidity to your mag changes.

The best new feature for the Gen 4 is the dual recoil spring assembly, which reduces the felt recoil and increases the accuracy of the pistol on follow-up shots.

Specs

Cons

• The finger grooves are very uncomfortable and cause you to grip the pistol in a standard position
• The trigger pull weight is very heavy for such a compact pistol
• Although they tried to increase the ambidextrous features with the Gen 4, it’s still not fully ambidextrous

Features

• Safe Action safety feature (no manual safety)
• Modular backstrap System
• Enlarged Reversible Magazine Catch
• Dual Recoil Spring Assembly
• Rough Textured Frame (RTF) adds more grip under any weather condition you will face

Why Should I Buy the Glock 26 Gen 4?

The Gen 4 is a more polished version of the Gen 3 that is much easier to customize with the interchangeable backstraps and the reversible magazine catch.

The RTF is a great addition versus the Gen 3 because the thumb rests were a distraction, and the pistol didn’t feel as comfortable. The RTF feels very rugged, but it feels like you gain more control over the pistol with it than you did with the Gen 3.

Glock 26 Gen 5

If I were in the market for a concealed carry pistol and had to decide whether to go with the newest Gen 5 or the cheaper Gen 3 or 4, I’d choose the Gen 5 every time.

For a complete explanation of the features of the Gen 5, read our “Glock 19 Review" blog. With over 20 new features with Gen 5, it’s difficult to explain all of them, so I want to keep focused on the ones that I noticed the most. The NDLC finish adds durability to the pistol by preventing scratches from the normal wear and tear of gun ownership.

The most advertised feature is the Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) which has been specifically engineered for improving accuracy shot after shot. With thousands of complaints from Gen 3 and Gen 4 owners, Glock finally removed the finger grooves on the pistol grip to provide better ergonomics and recoil control.

Specs

Pros

• Trigger pull was lightened to 5.84 lbs from 6.29 lbs
• The new finish will extend the life of the gun by years
• The new fingerless grip adds stability, accuracy, and comfort
• The new marksman barrel increases your range to at least 25 meters

Cons

• Stock sights seem like Glock didn’t think about improving them

Features

• Safe Action safety feature (no manual safety)
• Modular backstrap System
• Enlarged Reversible Magazine Catch
• Dual Recoil Spring Assembly
• Rough Textured Frame (RTF) adds more grip under any weather condition you will face

RELATED – Glock 17 Gen 5 Vs. Glock 19 Gen 5

Why Should I Buy Glock 26 Gen 5

The Gen 5 Glock 26 is the perfect concealed carry pistol for federal law enforcement, such as F.B.I., D.E.A., and the A.T.F. because it fits perfectly for an ankle, inside the waistband holster, and a shoulder holster with ease.

The Gen 5 gives the shooter more control, customization less felt recoil, and is more ergonomic than the Gen 3 and Gen 4.

With most police officers using the Glock 22 or going to the Glock 19, I highly recommend considering the Glock 26 as your secondary pistol.

Glock 26 Gen 5

$586.99

at GUNS.COM

VIEW DETAILS

Prices accurate at time of writing

John Wick Glock 26

In the initial trilogy of John Wick films, a sub-compact Glock 26 was prominently featured, which is more compact than other firearms used in the John Wick movies.

These Glock 26 Gen 3 pistols are presented in their original unmodified form. Equipped with standard 10-round magazines, they are convenient for John Wick to handle and retrieve.

In a notable action sequence, Wick employs one of these Glock 26 handguns in a bathhouse confrontation, utilizing the “failure drill" technique on an adversary. Subsequently, he reverts to his P30L leading up to a chase into a nightclub.

When Wick depletes his ammunition for the H&K firearm, he once again relies on the Glock 26 to finish off that sequence.

For Glock 26 Gen 3 owners, Taran Tactical offers a Grand Master Connector Kit to enhance its performance, mirroring the Taran Tactical Combat Carry Glock 26. Moreover, Taran Tactical +2/3 base pads are available for purchase.

With an investment of less than $100, one can elevate a standard Gen 3 Glock 26 to a level akin to that preferred by John Wick.

Glock 26 Accessories

Glock 26 Sights

We are big fans of running a concealed carry gun, such as the Glock 26, stock with the exception of the sights.

The sights we really like and recommend are the XS Sights Big Dots. These sights make for quick and easy target acquisition due to the “Dot The I" aiming concept. If you go with the tritium model, it’s like having an analog red dot. No batteries to fail, but you have an always-on sight system.

XS SIGHTS DXT2 Big Dot Night Sight for Glock Pistols

$121.99

at Amazon

VIEW DETAILS

Prices accurate at time of writing

Glock 26 IWB Holster

Enhancing a firearm’s sights is undeniably crucial for accuracy and confidence in the field. However, equally important is investing in a durable and dependable holster. A holster not only safely secures the firearm but also ensures it’s readily accessible when required. There’s a plethora of esteemed holster manufacturers crafting Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) holsters, particularly for the Glock 26, which is a preferred choice for many enthusiasts and professionals.

Among these manufacturers, Tenicor has particularly caught our attention. Their commitment to precision, quality, and user-centric design stands out. Over time, as we’ve experimented with various holsters from different brands, we’ve observed a recurring trend: our frequent and almost instinctive return to the Tenicor Velo.

The Tenicor Velo seamlessly merges functionality with comfort. Its design ensures that the firearm sits snugly, minimizing any potential print while providing a swift draw. Moreover, the materials and craftsmanship promise longevity, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about their equipment.

In summary, while upgrading sights is vital, pairing your Glock 26 with a reliable holster, such as the Tenicor Velo, is imperative to optimize its potential and ensure safety.

VELO4 AIWB HOLSTER FOR GLOCK

$99.00

at Tenicor

VIEW DETAILS

Prices accurate at time of writing

Glock 26 OWB Holster

When John Wick faced off against the formidable high table, his holster of choice came from the renowned GunfightersINC.

Named “The Baba Yaga cut Ronin," this OWB holster was meticulously crafted according to Keanu Reeves’s precise requirements for the film’s action sequences. Every detail was fine-tuned to fit the character’s exacting standards and demands, ensuring not only precision but also reliability under the most intense circumstances.

The holster is designed with a neutral cant configuration. This specific design choice ensures that the user can draw the weapon smoothly and instinctively without any unnecessary tilt or twist, providing optimal ergonomics during rapid response situations.One of the standout features of this holster is its battle-cut front shell. This design modification facilitates a swifter draw, which is especially critical when every second counts. Furthermore, the battle cut aids in smoother re-holstering, even when the user is under significant stress or pressure, making sure the firearm is securely placed back in its holster without any hindrance.In addition, there’s a high sweat shield integrated into the holster. This shield is not only vital for protecting the weapon from potential corrosion and wear from perspiration but also ensures the user’s comfort by preventing direct contact with the body.In essence, the Baba Yaga cut Ronin, produced by GunfightersINC, is a testament to elite craftsmanship, tailored to cater to the unique demands of high-intensity scenarios as seen in John Wick’s confrontations.Available for all Glock 26 gens.

Glock 26 Mag Extension

Knowing that the Glock 26 has a very short grip length, utilizing a Pearce Grip Extension goes a long way in improving your grip.

Pearce Grips PG-26XL GLOCK Model 26/27/33/39 Grip Extension

$9.95

at Amazon

VIEW DETAILS

Prices accurate at time of writing

With these three accessories, you’ve taken a proven Glock platform and elevated it into a formidable concealed carry pistol.

Basic Maintenance of a Glock 26

Conclusion

Glock is already a great company with a storied history that is continually written in ingenuity and technological advancements.

The Gen 5 Glock 26 is specifically made to be a concealed carry pistol, capable of accurately hitting its target at similar ranges to full-sized pistols. The dual recoil spring assembly absorbs some of the force from the explosion and gives the shooter a noticeably lower-felt recoil.

I would use this gun as a concealed carry pistol for law enforcement and carrying in public events. It also fits perfectly in any size purse, without adding a lot of weight.