Glock 26 Review

The Glock 26 was introduced in the fall of 1995 as a response to two evolving patterns within the country and the shooting community. On one hand, a new round of right-to-carry reforms had passed in several states. This wave brought to 30 the number of states in which citizens could exercise their right to carry firearms for personal defense. This growing trend meant thousands of potential gun carriers were looking for concealable yet powerful pistols suited for this mission. On the other hand, 1994 saw the passage of Bill Clinton's "Crime Bill," which limited the capacity of all newly manufactured firearm magazines to 10 or fewer rounds. Suddenly, the massive "Wondernines" built around high-capacity magazines seemed less efficient as 10-round guns. Smaller pistols, designed around a 10-round magazine and ideal for concealed carry, became the dominant trend for many handgun manufacturers by the mid-1990s.


The fit and finish are pure Glock. "Strictly functional," I've heard it called, and I agree, even though some of the two-tone models look pretty spiffy. Parts fit clean and tight, and all controls worked as advertised.

Surprisingly enough, I like the trigger! Letting off just enough to let the striker reset leaves you with a sort of "mini-DA/SA" effect that allows for faster follow-ups, but full-stroking each shot is by no means uncomfortable. There was none of the trigger-finger soreness I remember from shooting my Kel-Tec P-11. The trigger feels a little stiff, but the pull is so short. A lot of folks criticize the Glock for "not having any safety." While the Glock in fact has three safeties, they are all passive - designed to prevent the gun from accidentally going off without the trigger being depressed. The Glock and similar guns do require extra care and training - if you pull the trigger and there's a round in the chamber, the gun will fire. Because the trigger pull is shorter and lighter than most, reasonable precautions (such as training, and a holster that covers the trigger guard) should be taken.

The G26 is an almost ideal carry gun. Light-kicking, reliable and easy to conceal, and it packs 10+1 or more of a respectable caliber and is very accurate! Try before you buy, if you can, but I would not hesitate to recommend the G26 to anyone looking for a compact carry piece. If you're not a 9mm fan, the Glock 27 is an identical gun chambered in .40S&W...