Glock 47: What It Is, Specs, and How It Compares to G17/G45

The Glock 47 MOS is a full-size, duty 9mm pistol closely related to the Glock 17 Gen5 MOS. It was developed for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) contract in 2019, with commercial release to the public in 2023. The G47 features a shortened dust cover and parts-compatibility goals tied to the CBP/DHS contract requirements, emphasizing modularity within Glock's Gen5 MOS family.

This guide explains what the Glock 47 is, its specifications, how it compares to the Glock 17 and Glock 45, and who should consider it. Whether you're curious about this relatively new model or considering it for duty or range use, understanding the G47's design and capabilities will help you make an informed decision.

People often ask about the Glock 47 because it's less common than the Glock 17 or 19, and its parts-compatibility features create interesting modularity options. It's become popular among those who want full-size duty performance with enhanced parts-compatibility capabilities.

What Is the Glock 47?

The Glock 47 is a full-size, duty 9mm pistol closely related to the Glock 17 Gen5 MOS. It features the same barrel length and sight radius class as the Glock 17, with a shortened dust cover that distinguishes it from the standard G17. The G47 was designed with parts-compatibility emphasis within Glock's Gen5 MOS family, per Glock's own release language.

The G47 was developed for the CBP contract in 2019, with commercial release to the public in 2023. The contract requirements emphasized modularity and parts compatibility. Per Glock's official language, the G47 MOS maintains parts compatibility with the G17 Gen5 MOS, G19 Gen5 MOS, and G45 MOS. The commonly stated swap concept is G47 slide with G19/45-family frames, creating flexibility within the Gen5 MOS platform.

Unlike the Glock 45 (which has a Glock 17 frame with Glock 19 slide), the G47 is a full-size duty pistol similar to the G17 Gen5 MOS, with the primary functional difference being the shortened dust cover and enhanced modularity/parts-compatibility goals rather than grip size differences.

Specs & Key Features

  • Caliber: 9mm Luger
  • Capacity: 17 rounds (standard magazine)
  • Barrel Length: 4.49 inches
  • Overall Length: 7.95 inches
  • Height: 5.47 inches (with magazine)
  • Width: 1.34 inches
  • Weight: Varies by configuration (with or without magazine)
  • Trigger Pull: Typical factory spec ~5.5 pounds (varies by connector)
  • Sights: Standard Glock polymer sights
  • Frame: Polymer, Gen5 design
  • Slide: Full-size, compatible with Gen5 Glock 19/45-family frames (per Glock's compatibility claims)
  • MSRP: Varies

How It Compares to Similar Options

Understanding how the G47 compares to other Glock models helps you choose the right pistol for your needs. For more detailed information, see our guides on Glock 17 Gen 4 and Glock 19 Gen 4.

Glock 47 vs Glock 17

The Glock 47 and Glock 17 are very similar in size and role, both being full-size duty 9mm pistols. The primary functional difference is the G47's shortened dust cover and enhanced parts-compatibility/modularity features rather than grip length differences.

Both have the same barrel length and sight radius, so accuracy potential is similar. The G47's modularity features and parts-compatibility goals make it attractive for those who want to mix components within the Gen5 MOS family, while the G17 offers a more traditional full-size configuration.

Glock 47 vs Glock 45

The Glock 45 has a Glock 17 frame (long grip) with a Glock 19 slide (shorter barrel), creating a crossover configuration. The G47 is a full-size duty pistol similar to the G17 Gen5 MOS, with a shortened dust cover and modularity features.

These represent different crossover intents: the G45 prioritizes grip capacity and control with a shorter slide for faster handling, while the G47 is a full-size duty pistol with enhanced modularity. Choose based on whether you want a compact-slide/full-grip crossover (G45) or a full-size duty pistol with modularity features (G47).

Glock 47 vs Glock 19

The Glock 19 is a true compact with both a shorter slide and shorter grip. The G47 is a full-size duty pistol with a longer slide and barrel, similar in size to the Glock 17.

The G47 offers better accuracy potential due to the longer sight radius and full-size configuration, while the G19 is more compact overall and easier to conceal. The G47 is better suited for duty use or range shooting where size is less of a concern.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • • Full-size barrel length and sight radius
  • • Full-size shootability and duty performance
  • • 17-round capacity
  • • Parts compatibility with Gen5 Glock 19/45-family frames
  • • Proven Glock reliability
  • • Parts-compatibility advantages within Gen5 MOS family
  • • Duty holster compatibility similar to G17

Cons

  • • Less common than Glock 17/19
  • • Full-size profile makes concealment more challenging
  • • Higher price than standard Glock models
  • • Similar in size to G17 (not a compact option)

Who Should (and Shouldn't) Choose It

Best For

  • • Duty use where full-size performance is needed
  • • Those who want full-size shootability
  • • Shooters interested in modular Glock configurations
  • • Range shooters who want maximum sight radius
  • • Those who value parts-compatibility within Gen5 MOS family

Consider Alternatives If

  • • You need maximum concealability (choose Glock 19)
  • • You want a more traditional full-size (choose Glock 17)
  • • You prefer compact-slide/full-grip crossover (choose Glock 45)
  • • Budget is a primary concern
  • • You don't need modularity features

For holster options, see our guides on best IWB holsters and Tenicor holsters.

Glock 47 FAQ

What's the difference between Glock 47 and Glock 17?

The Glock 47 and Glock 17 are very similar in size and role, both being full-size duty 9mm pistols. The primary difference is the G47's shortened dust cover and enhanced modularity/parts-compatibility features. Both have the same barrel length and sight radius, with the G47 offering enhanced modularity within the Gen5 MOS family.

Can I use Glock 47 slide on a Glock 19 frame?

The G47 slide is designed to be compatible with Gen5 Glock 19/45-family frames (per Glock's compatibility claims), creating modularity between models. This was part of the original CBP contract requirements. However, frame/slide/recoil spring assembly compatibility details matter, and not every mix-and-match configuration is automatically reliable. Always test any modular configurations thoroughly before relying on them.

Is the Glock 47 good for concealed carry?

The G47 can be concealed, but its full-size slide and full-size profile make it more challenging than a true compact like the Glock 19. Concealed carry is doable, but it's not a compact option. It's better suited for OWB carry, duty use, or those who can conceal a full-size pistol.

What magazines does the Glock 47 use?

The G47 uses standard Glock 17 magazines (17 rounds). It's also compatible with extended magazines and other Glock 17/19 magazine options.

Why was the Glock 47 created?

The G47 was developed for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection contract in 2019, with commercial release in 2023. The requirement was for a pistol that could share components with both Glock 19 and Glock 17, creating modularity and parts-compatibility within the Gen5 MOS family for different user preferences and operational needs.

Is the Glock 47 worth the extra cost over a Glock 17?

That depends on your needs. If you value the modularity features and parts-compatibility advantages within the Gen5 MOS family, the G47 offers unique value. If you're fine with a more traditional full-size configuration and don't need the modularity features, the Glock 17 may be a better value.

Safety Considerations

Ammunition Compatibility

The G47 is designed for standard pressure 9mm Luger ammunition. It can handle +P ammunition, but frequent use may accelerate wear. Always use ammunition that meets SAAMI specifications.

Holster Selection

The G47's full-size profile means it's generally compatible with Glock 17 holsters due to similar dimensions. Duty holster compatibility is similar to the G17. Always verify holster compatibility before carrying, especially for specific models or light-bearing configurations.

Modular Compatibility

While the G47 slide is designed to be compatible with Gen5 Glock 19/45-family frames (per Glock's compatibility claims), frame/slide/recoil spring assembly compatibility details matter. Not every mix-and-match configuration is automatically reliable. Always test any modular configurations thoroughly before relying on them, and verify function with your specific setup.

Bottom Line

The Glock 47 is a full-size, duty 9mm pistol closely related to the Glock 17 Gen5 MOS, with a shortened dust cover and enhanced modularity features. It was developed for the CBP contract in 2019 and released commercially in 2023. It offers full-size performance with parts-compatibility advantages within the Gen5 MOS family.

It's best for duty use, range shooting, and those who value parts-compatibility features. The G47 offers full-size shootability similar to the G17, with enhanced parts-compatibility capabilities that allow mixing components within the Gen5 MOS platform.

If you need maximum concealability, a more traditional full-size configuration, or don't need modularity features, other Glock models may be better choices. If you want full-size duty performance with enhanced modularity, the G47 offers a compelling option that's less common but well-designed for its intended purpose.