Known as the “Baby Glock,” the Glock 26 is a compact 9mm pistol that offers both durability and firepower in a small package. It is a double-stack handgun that accepts Glock 17 magazines. It is chambered in 9mm and can use all Glock double-stack magazines, giving it a firepower advantage over many other subcompact handguns on the market.
It’s Easy to Conceal
Glock pistols are known for their reliability, and the 26 is no exception. It is based on the tried-and-true godfather model 17, and it has been trusted by law enforcement agencies and civilian shooters alike. Its simplicity of design means there are few parts that can go wrong, so it is a reliable choice in stressful situations.
Unlike some other small double-stack pistols, the Glock 26 is not too bulky to fit in a pocket holster, making it an ideal option for concealed carry. It’s also compatible with larger Glock 19 magazines, giving you the flexibility of increased capacity when needed.
Despite its small size, the Glock 26 manages to mitigate recoil and is easy to use for shooters of all skill levels. It is lightweight enough to be used comfortably in a variety of situations, and its rounded edges make it easy to conceal under clothing. It also supports a front picatinny rail for mounting lights or lasers.
It’s Reliable
Glock pistols are known for their reliability, making them a popular choice for both law enforcement agencies and civilian gun owners. The Glock 26 carries on this tradition, offering a reliable handgun that you can trust to perform in high-stress situations.
In addition to its reliability, the Glock 26 offers a comfortable grip and ergonomic design. Its compact size makes it easy to conceal in a variety of holster options, including inside the waistband and appendix carry. Its lightweight polymer frame also helps to mitigate recoil for a more comfortable shooting experience.
Another great feature of the Glock 26 is its new Marksman barrel, which features deeper grooves that are designed to improve accuracy. While it isn’t an optics-ready model like the Glock 19 or Glock 43X, the slide on the Gen 5 version of the gun is wide enough to accommodate a red-dot sight. This option is available from several manufacturers, including Crimson Trace and Streamlight.
It’s Accurate
As we’ve seen with the G43X and other recent upgrades, Glock continues to innovate. Glocks are also renowned for their reliability and accuracy, and the 26 is no different. This small pistol is capable of delivering a 6.034-inch group with the Trijicon HD sights at 25 yards.
Another benefit of the Glock is its internal safeties. Some people might scoff at the lack of a manual safety, but it is far safer than external safeties that can get caught on clothing or otherwise hinder your draw during a stressful situation.
In Gen 5, Glock added what they call the “Marksman barrel,” which reportedly improves accuracy by cutting the grooves deeper than previous models. However, the only way to truly know how the Glock 26 performs is to try it out yourself. Just be sure to pair it with a reliable holster such as the Tenicor Velo to maximize its potential. The only downside is that, without the pinky extension, the gun is jumpy to shoot.
It’s Versatile
Often referred to as the “Baby Glock” by Glock enthusiasts, the Glock 26 is a small double-stack handgun that offers an impressive amount of firepower for its size. Its compactness and lightweight design make it ideal for concealed carry, and it can be fitted with a variety of accessories and modifications to suit the needs of individual gun owners.
The 26 also allows you to carry larger magazines than some other Glock subcompact models. Many officers, and some civilians, choose to carry a larger duty model like the Glock 17 or 19 as their primary handguns and use the smaller 26 as a backup that they can keep on them in case the larger gun becomes inoperable or unloaded.
Wrapping It Up
Fortunately, the Gen 4 version of the Glock 26 has improved upon this versatility by offering a range of features that make it easier to customize. For example, the reversible magazine catch and interchangeable backstrap system allow you to adjust for your hand size and the enlarged magazine extension from Tyrant Designs lets you add five extra rounds to the pistol’s capacity.