GLOCK G38
Posted May 14, 2023
The GLOCK G38 is a compact handgun designed to give shooters an option for concealed carry and home defense. With it’s compact design, the GLOCK G38 is easy to conceal and comfortable to carry. This firearm has become a popular choice for those looking for a secondary defense weapon in both open and concealed carry scenarios. This review will go in-depth and analyze the GLOCK G38’s features and performance, and ultimately help shooters decide if this firearm is an appropriate fit for their individual needs and preferences.
Weight and Dimensions
The GLOCK G38 is a small and lightweight pistol that is easy to maneuver with one hand. It is only 6.29 inches long and an unloaded weight of 20.17 ounces. This makes it an ideal choice for concealed carry, as it can be a comfortable yet discreet option for carrying in both inside and outside waistbands, pocket holsters and purse holsters. The size of the pistol also makes it a great choice for home defense, as it is small enough to be easily maneuvered in tight spaces–especially when compared to full-sized handguns.
Action
The GLOCK G38 operates on the GLOCK Safe Action system, which is a single-handed trigger system that is designed for a safe and easy draw. The Safe Action system uses three independent safety mechanisms to prevent unintentional discharges that could occur from dropping, mishandling and other forms of abuse. The Safe Action system also eliminates the need to manually operate a decocking lever and/or manual safety.
Caliber
The GLOCK G38 is chambered in .45 GAP (Glock Automatic Pistol), which is a shorter cartridge than traditional .45 ACP. While the G38 is a small gun, the .45 GAP still packs plenty of power, allowing shooters to have the stopping power they need in a small package. It is also worth noting that the G38 can accept magazines loaded with up to 10 rounds of the .45 GAP cartridge.
Ergonomics
The GLOCK G38 has an ergonomic grip that is designed to provide shooters with a solid grasp on the pistol. There are finger grooves on the front of the grip as well as texturing on the back. These features provide shooters with a secure and comfortable grip on the firearm. Additionally, the G38 has an aggressive slide that allows for quick and easy operation without having to shift your grip to operate the firearm.
Sights
The GLOCK G38 comes with a set of white-dot sights that are easy to acquire in various lighting conditions. The sights are made of polymer and provide shooters with a durable and reliable sight picture. The rear sight is adjustable for depth and windage, allowing shooters to customize their point of aim.
Barrel
The GLOCK G38 has a 3.5 inch barrel that is made of heat treated chrome molybdenum steel. The barrel is designed for improved accuracy and durability. It is also designed with an octagonal profile for reduced drag and improved accuracy.
Trigger
The GLOCK G38 comes with a 5.5 pound safety trigger. The trigger has a consistent and smooth break that is designed for quick and accurate follow-up shots. Additionally, the trigger features a short reset that allows shooters to quickly prepare for the next shot.
Accuracy and Reliability
The GLOCK G38 is a reliable and accurate pistol that is capable of producing tight groupings at close- to medium-range distances. Once the optimal load is dialed in, the G38 is capable of producing accurate shots with each trigger pull. Additionally, the GLOCK G38 is designed to be extremely reliable in all types of conditions and has proven itself to be one of the most reliable handguns on the market.
Pros
• Compact design makes it ideal for concealed carry and home defense
• Accurate and reliable pistol
• Safe Action trigger system allows for a safe and easy draw
• Ergonomic grip provides shooters with a Secure and comfortable grip
• 5.5-pound trigger provides a consistent and smooth break for accurate shots
Cons
• Magazine capacity is limited to 10 rounds
• Relatively expensive price-point for a compact handgun
• Ammunition options are limited compared to other popular carry calibers
Conclusion
The GLOCK G38 is a reliable, accurate and lightweight pistol that is perfect for those looking for a secondary defense weapon for concealed carry and home defense. It’s compact design and reliable Safe Action trigger system makes the GLOCK G38 an ideal choice for those looking for a comfortable and discreet carry weapon. The G38 is also capable of producing accurate and reliable shots, making it a good option for those looking for a handgun that will get the job done. However, the limited magazine capacity and ammunition options can be a deterrent for some shooters. Ultimately, the GLOCK G38 is an excellent choice for those looking for an option for concealed carry or home defense and should be considered by those who research this firearm.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-The GLOCK G38 has a small, lightweight frame that makes it easy to conceal.
-The gun is manufactured with quality materials and is known for its reliability.
-It is accurate and easy to shoot.
-It features a standard rail for accessories.
Cons:
-It has a limited ammunition capacity with only eight rounds in the magazine.
-The trigger pull can be quite heavy.
-It does not have any external safeties.
Who Should Buy
The GLOCK G38 should ideally be bought by people looking for a mid-sized .45 ACP handgun for concealed carry or self-defense. It is reliable, accurate, and easy to use and maintain.
The GLOCK G38 should not be bought by those looking for a lightweight or small handgun. It is slightly larger and heavier than most other subcompact or pocket pistols, making it an unsuitable choice for those wanting a small, easy to conceal firearm. It is also a bit more expensive than many other options in its size range.
Comparisons
| Product | Caliber | Magazine Capacity | Barrel Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glock G38 | .45 ACP | 8 Rounds | 3.46” | 20.93 oz |
| Glock G37 | .45 GAP | 9 Rounds | 3.78” | 21.16 oz |
| Glock G39 | .45 GAP | 6 Rounds | 3.78” | 18.21 oz |
| Glock G30S | .45 ACP | 10 Rounds | 3.78” | 27.34 oz |
| Glock G36 | .45 ACP | 6 Rounds | 3.78” | 19.95 oz |
Features / Specs
-Caliber: .45 Auto
-Barrel Length: 3.77"
-Slide Length: 6.49"
-Height (including magazine): 5"
-Magazine Capacity: Standard 6 rounds, Optional 7 & 8 Rounds
-Weight (with empty magazine): 20.11 oz
-Trigger Pull: 5.5 lbs
-Standard Sights: Fixed
-Trigger Travel: 0.5"
-Length to Back Strap: 4.8"
Popular Accessories
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- Magazines
- Holsters
- Lasers
- Sights
- Triggers
- Grips
- Lights
- Slides
- Magwells
- Cleaning Kits
Accuracy
The Glock G38 is a reliable and accurate pistol. Its accuracy is enhanced by its light trigger pull weight, and when fired by a stable shooter, it is very accurate up to 15 yards. The G38 has excellent ergonomics, which promotes a higher level of accuracy by allowing the shooter to maintain their shooting stance more easily. Additionally, the G38's light frame helps reduce felt recoil, which further helps accuracy.
