Glock 23 Gen 5 Review: The Compact .40 S&W Glock That Still Hits Hard

The Glock 23 Gen 5 is what happens when Glock takes the proven Glock 19-sized frame and chambers it in .40 S&W for shooters who still want a compact pistol with a little more violence in the recoil cycle. It delivers Gen 5 ergonomics, proven reliability, compact carry dimensions, and enough snap to immediately remind you this is not a soft-shooting 9mm range gun.

For a long time, the Glock 23 was everywhere.

Law enforcement agencies issued them. Plainclothes officers carried them. Armed citizens trusted them because they offered a balance between full-size shootability and compact concealment. Then the market shifted hard back toward 9mm.

Ammo improved. Recoil became a bigger talking point. Capacity mattered more.

But the Glock 23 never disappeared.

There are still shooters who shoot .40 extremely well. Shooters who trust heavier bullet weights. Shooters who grew up during the peak of the .40 S&W era and still believe a compact .40 caliber Glock makes perfect sense for defensive carry.

Honestly, they are not wrong.

The Glock 23 Gen 5 is still a solid compact defensive pistol for shooters who prefer .40 S&W and are comfortable managing recoil. It offers Glock reliability, modern Gen 5 upgrades, compact carry dimensions, and strong defensive performance, but it recoils noticeably harder than a comparable Glock 19 setup.

What The Glock 23 Gen 5 Does Well

• Compact and easy to conceal

• Reliable under hard use

• Strong defensive cartridge performance

• Massive aftermarket support

• Excellent holster compatibility

• Familiar Glock ergonomics

Where Some Shooters Still Prefer 9mm

• Softer recoil

• Faster follow-up shots

• Cheaper ammunition

• Easier learning curve for newer shooters

What Is the Glock 23 Gen 5?

The Glock 23 Gen 5 is Glock’s compact-frame .40 S&W pistol.

Dimensionally, it is extremely close to the Glock 19. Same general footprint. Same overall role. Same carry profile. The difference is the cartridge.

Instead of 9mm, the Glock 23 runs .40 S&W, a cartridge born from the FBI’s post-1986 search for better ballistic performance after the infamous Miami shootout. The goal was to find something offering more energy than 9mm without the size and recoil issues associated with full-power 10mm loads.

That eventually became the .40 S&W.

According to the FBI Handgun Wounding Factors and Effectiveness Report, advancements in modern 9mm ammunition eventually pushed many agencies back toward 9mm platforms, but .40 S&W still maintains a loyal following among defensive shooters who appreciate heavier bullet weights and a more aggressive recoil impulse.

The Glock 23 became one of the defining pistols of that entire era.

Glock 23 Gen 5 Specs and Features

Glock 23 Gen 5 Specifications

• Caliber: .40 S&W

• Capacity: 13+1

• Barrel Length: 4.02 inches

• Overall Length: 7.28 inches

• Width: 1.34 inches

• Weight: Approximately 23.6 ounces unloaded

• Action: Striker-fired

• Frame: Compact polymer frame

On paper, those dimensions look almost identical to the Glock 19.

At the range, they absolutely do not feel identical.

The Glock 23 cycles harder, snaps faster, and feels more aggressive under recoil. That sharper recoil impulse is the defining characteristic of the platform.

Some shooters hate it immediately.

Others love it.

Most experienced shooters land somewhere in the middle and simply recognize it requires more discipline than a comparable 9mm carry gun.

Gen 5 Upgrades Actually Improved the Glock 23

The Gen 5 updates genuinely improved the Glock 23 platform instead of simply refreshing cosmetics.

Glock Marksman Barrel

The Glock Marksman Barrel improved practical accuracy through revised rifling geometry and barrel crown design.

Most shooters notice tighter groups immediately, especially with defensive ammunition.

No Finger Grooves

Removing the finger grooves was one of the smartest things Glock has done in years.

Older generations fit some hands perfectly and others terribly. The Gen 5 grip feels cleaner and far more universal.

Improved Trigger Feel

No, it is not a tuned 1911 trigger.

But the Gen 5 trigger is smoother and more predictable than older Glock generations, which matters on a compact .40 caliber pistol where recoil management becomes more important.

Ambidextrous Controls

The ambidextrous slide stop improves usability for left-handed shooters and works better during defensive manipulation drills.

nDLC Finish

The upgraded nDLC finish handles sweat, humidity, and daily carry wear much better than earlier finishes.

That matters when a pistol spends long hours riding inside an IWB holster.

.40 S&W Performance, Recoil, and Shootability

This is where the Glock 23 conversation becomes real.

The Glock 23 Gen 5 is not difficult to shoot, but it absolutely demands more respect than a Glock 19.

The recoil impulse is faster and sharper. The muzzle flips harder. Follow-up shots require more discipline.

You feel the gun working.

That said, the internet often exaggerates .40 S&W recoil like it is uncontrollable. It is not.

Experienced shooters adapt quickly.

The bigger question is whether you are actually willing to train with the platform consistently.

Where The Glock 23 Still Makes Sense

The Glock 23 Gen 5 still works extremely well for:

• Experienced shooters

• Former law enforcement officers

• Defensive-minded concealed carriers

• Shooters already invested in .40 S&W

• People wanting compact dimensions with stronger recoil energy than 9mm

Where The Glock 19 Usually Wins

For many casual shooters, the Glock 19 remains easier to live with.

You generally get:

• Softer recoil

• Faster follow-up shots

• Lower training costs

• Less fatigue during long range sessions

That does not make the Glock 23 obsolete.

It just means the Glock 23 rewards shooters willing to practice regularly.

Is the Glock 23 Gen 5 Good for Concealed Carry?

Yes. In fact, this is still where the Glock 23 shines.

The dimensions are nearly ideal for concealed carry.

Large enough to fight with.

Compact enough to hide under normal clothing.

Substantial enough to control reasonably well.

Pair it with a quality Glock holster and the Glock 23 conceals surprisingly well for a pistol chambered in .40 S&W.

Why Holster Fit Matters

Compact .40 caliber pistols move more aggressively during recoil than softer-shooting 9mm carry guns.

Cheap holsters exaggerate that problem.

A properly fitted holster stabilizes the pistol, improves draw consistency, and dramatically improves comfort during daily carry.

That is where a dedicated Glock 23 holster matters.

CYA Supply Co. builds American-made concealed carry holsters with:

• Full trigger guard coverage

• Adjustable retention

• Comfortable IWB carry

• Strong appendix carry support

• Durable Boltaron construction

The difference between a good carry gun and a comfortable daily carry setup is usually the holster, not the pistol.

Glock 23 Gen 5 vs Glock 19, Glock 22, and Glock 27

Glock 23 Gen 5 vs Glock 19

This is the comparison most buyers care about.

The Glock 19 is softer shooting, easier to train with, and cheaper to feed.

The Glock 23 gives you:

• .40 S&W chambering

• Heavier defensive bullet options

• Sharper recoil impulse

• Similar carry dimensions

For most newer shooters, the Glock 19 probably makes more sense.

For shooters who specifically like .40 S&W, the Glock 23 still absolutely works.

You can also read our full Glock 17 vs Glock 19 comparison for a broader breakdown of compact versus full-size Glock platforms.

Glock 23 Gen 5 vs Glock 22

The Glock 22 is the larger full-size version.

It offers:

• Higher capacity

• Longer sight radius

• Slightly softer recoil impulse

But it is noticeably larger and harder to conceal daily.

Glock 23 Gen 5 vs Glock 27

The Glock 27 shrinks the platform even further into subcompact territory.

Yes, it conceals easier.

No, it is not nearly as pleasant to shoot.

For most shooters, the Glock 23 strikes the better balance between concealment and practical shootability.

Glock 23 Gen 5 for Home Defense

The Glock 23 Gen 5 also works very well as a home defense pistol.

You get:

• Proven Glock reliability

• Compact maneuverability

• Strong defensive ammunition performance

• Easy accessory support

Modern defensive loads from companies like Federal Premium and Hornady continue to keep .40 S&W highly relevant for defensive applications.

The important part is training.

A defensive pistol only matters if the shooter behind it can run it efficiently under stress.

Final Verdict: Is the Glock 23 Gen 5 Still Worth It?

Yes.

The Glock 23 Gen 5 still fills a legitimate role for shooters who prefer .40 S&W and want a compact defensive handgun balancing concealment with duty-grade durability.

It is not the easiest compact pistol to shoot.

It is not the cheapest pistol to train with.

And for many people, the Glock 19 will probably remain the smarter all-around choice.

But that does not make the Glock 23 outdated.

Far from it.

For experienced shooters who appreciate the recoil impulse, trust the cartridge, and want a compact Glock with serious defensive capability, the Glock 23 Gen 5 still absolutely earns its place.

And if you are going to carry one daily, pair it with a purpose-built Glock holster that actually supports the way you carry.

CYA Supply Co. builds American-made concealed carry holsters with secure retention, full trigger guard coverage, and comfortable IWB carry designed for real-world defensive use.

FAQ

Is the Glock 23 Gen 5 good for concealed carry?

Yes. The Glock 23 Gen 5 offers compact dimensions similar to the Glock 19 while delivering .40 S&W defensive performance in a carry-friendly package.

Does the Glock 23 Gen 5 recoil more than a Glock 19?

Yes. The .40 S&W cartridge produces noticeably more muzzle snap and recoil than a comparable 9mm Glock 19.

Is the Glock 23 Gen 5 still worth buying?

For shooters who prefer .40 S&W, absolutely. It remains reliable, durable, and highly capable for concealed carry and home defense.

What is the difference between the Glock 23 and Glock 22?

The Glock 22 is the larger full-size .40 S&W Glock, while the Glock 23 is the compact version designed for easier concealment and daily carry.

What holster works best for the Glock 23 Gen 5?

Most shooters prefer a dedicated IWB holster with secure retention, full trigger guard coverage, and adjustable carry positioning.

Is the Glock 23 harder to shoot than the Glock 19?

For most shooters, yes. The recoil impulse is sharper and follow-up shots are generally slower compared to the softer-shooting Glock 19.

Can beginners use a Glock 23 Gen 5?

They can, but many beginners progress faster and shoot more comfortably with a 9mm platform like the Glock 19.