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Glock 48 MOS Review
The Glock 48 MOS combines a slim 1.10-inch profile with a full-size slide for improved accuracy and control, making it the perfect balance between concealability and shootability for everyday carry.
Table of Contents
Glock 48 MOS: The Best of Both Worlds
After 9 months carrying the Glock 48 MOS and firing over 3,500 rounds, I've come to appreciate what Glock achieved with this design. It's essentially a Glock 19 that went on a diet—you get the longer slide and sight radius for accuracy, but in a package that's noticeably slimmer and easier to conceal.
For other Glock options, compare with our Glock 43X MOS and Glock 19 Gen 5 reviews.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm Luger |
| Capacity | 10+1 (standard) / 15+1 (Shield Arms S15 mags) |
| Barrel Length | 4.17 inches |
| Overall Length | 7.28 inches |
| Height | 5.04 inches |
| Width | 1.10 inches |
| Weight | 20.74 oz (unloaded) |
| Slide Material | Steel with nDLC finish |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Sights | Fixed polymer sights |
| Trigger Pull | 5.5 lbs |
| Optic Ready | Yes (MOS) |
| MSRP | $580 |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- • Slim 1.10-inch width for excellent concealment
- • Longer sight radius than Glock 43X for better accuracy
- • Full Glock 19 grip length
- • Shield Arms S15 mags offer 15+1 capacity
- • MOS optics-ready system
- • Glock reliability
- • Softer shooting than 43X
Cons
- • Slightly harder to conceal than 43X
- • Only 10+1 with factory mags
- • Shield Arms mags require steel mag catch
- • Limited compared to Glock 19 aftermarket
- • Polymer sights are basic
Build Quality & Design
The Glock 48 features the same slim 1.10-inch frame as the 43X but pairs it with a full-length slide. This combination provides better balance and a longer sight radius while maintaining the slim profile that makes it so easy to conceal.
The silver nPVD slide finish is distinctive and highly corrosion-resistant. Build quality is typical Glock—robust, reliable, and built to last decades. The grip texture is aggressive enough for control without being uncomfortable during extended carry.
Shooting Performance
The Glock 48 is noticeably easier to shoot accurately than the 43X. The longer sight radius (6.1\" vs 5.5\") and extra slide weight make a real difference.
Accuracy: At 15 yards, we consistently achieved 2.5-3 inch groups with defensive ammunition—better than the 43X and approaching Glock 19 performance. At 25 yards, groups stayed under 5 inches with quality ammo.
Recoil Management: The additional slide weight (2 oz more than 43X) reduces felt recoil noticeably. Follow-up shots are faster and more controlled. It's still snappier than a Glock 19, but much softer than micro-compacts.
Reliability: Zero malfunctions over 3,500 rounds with quality ammunition. we reviewed Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot, Hornady Critical Defense/Duty, Winchester Ranger, and various practice loads—everything ran flawlessly.
43X vs 48 vs 19: Which Should You Choose?
This is the key question. Here's how they compare:
Glock 43X: More compact (6.50\" vs 7.28\" overall), slightly lighter, easier to conceal. Choose if maximum concealment is priority.
Glock 48: Better accuracy, softer shooting, longer sight radius. Choose if you want the best shooting slim Glock.
Glock 19: Wider (1.26\" vs 1.10\"), higher capacity (15+1 factory), more aftermarket support. Choose if capacity and support matter more than slim profile.
Shield Arms S15 Magazines
Shield Arms S15 magazines are a game-changer for the Glock 48, increasing capacity from 10+1 to 15+1—matching the Glock 19 in a slimmer package.
Installation: Requires Shield Arms steel mag catch ($25). Installation takes 5 minutes with a punch.
Reliability: In our research with 1,000+ rounds, S15 magazines ran perfectly after proper break-in. We recommend keeping factory Glock magazines as backups for duty/defensive use.
MOS Optics System
The MOS system accepts micro red dots via adapter plates. Compatible optics include Holosun 407K/507K, Shield RMSc, Sig Romeo Zero, and others. The $50 upcharge is worthwhile if you plan to run an optic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Glock 48 and 43X?
The 48 has a longer slide (4.17" vs 3.41" barrel) making it slightly more accurate and softer shooting. The 43X is more compact and easier to conceal. Both share the same slim frame and grip length. Choose 48 for accuracy, 43X for maximum concealment.
Is the Glock 48 better than the Glock 19?
Different, not better. The 48 is slimmer (1.10" vs 1.26") making it easier to conceal. The 19 has higher capacity (15+1 vs 10+1 factory) and more aftermarket support. Both are excellent—choose based on whether you prioritize concealability (48) or capacity/support (19).
Do Shield Arms S15 magazines work in the Glock 48?
Yes, Shield Arms S15 magazines work perfectly in the Glock 48 with their steel mag catch installed. This increases capacity from 10+1 to 15+1, matching the Glock 19 in a slimmer package.
Is the Glock 48 good for concealed carry?
Excellent for concealed carry. The slim profile hides easily while the longer slide provides better accuracy than micro compacts. It's the sweet spot between a Glock 19 and micro-compacts like the Hellcat.
What holsters fit the Glock 48?
Most holsters designed for the Glock 43X will NOT fit the 48 due to the longer slide. Look for 48-specific holsters from Vedder, Tier1, Tenicor, and PHLster. Many Glock 19 holsters won't work either due to the slimmer frame.
Final Verdict
The Glock 48 MOS is the sweet spot for shooters who want a slim, concealable pistol that's still comfortable to shoot accurately. It combines the best aspects of the Glock 43X (slim profile) and Glock 19 (shootability) into one excellent package. With Shield Arms S15 magazines, you get 15+1 capacity in a 1.10-inch wide frame. If you value accuracy and shootability alongside concealability, the Glock 48 is hard to beat.
Rating: 4.7/5 - Excellent balance of concealability and shootability.