The Glock G47 MOS was just introduced, which is kind of strange because the G48 has been out since January, 2019. Glock’s naming nomenclature is sequential—meaning every model gets the next number in line. So how can this be? Well, the G47 was developed prior to the G48 specifically for the United States Custom and Border Protection and has been an LE only product until now. This January Glock finally offered the G47 to the public. Naming and timing nonsense aside, let’s take a look at the “what” and “why” for Glock’s latest commercially available pistol.
What Is the Glock G47?
It wouldn’t be completely tongue in cheek to simply say “it’s a Glock”, because that does convey quite a lot—meaning a polymer framed, striker-fired pistol with the grip geometry that has dominated handgun sales since the mid-1980s. More specifically, the G47 is Gen 5, standard/full sized 9mm Glock that not only occupies the same niche as the iconic Glock G17 but is actually poised to replace it.
One way to think of the G47 is as the love child of the G19/G45 and the G17. The G47 basically takes the frame of the G45—meaning G19 length at the accessory rail in front of the trigger guard—with the full-size grip length of the standard G17. It is topped by a slide and barrel exactly the same size as the G17, except that the slide ring that holds the guide rod is longer to take up the area not covered by the shorter G45 size frame.
Why Did Glock Make the G47?
Good question. The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requested this configuration, and given their quantities they were prepared to order, Glock obliged them. Practically speaking, because the CBP also uses G19s, this makes for more parts commonality including the guide rod assembly. You could even put a G19 slide on the G47 frame (thus making a G45) or the G47 slide on a G19 frame, thus making a long slide G19 (aka a G49 which, yes, it’s really a thing). The point of all this frame and slide swinging is that parts are more interchangeable.
As mentioned, the G47 MOS is a standard size, striker fired, polymer framed, 9mm pistol with a 17+1 cartridge capacity that comes optics ready using Glock’s MOS setup. MOS stands for Modular Optics System and allows for mounting different models of optics without the need to have your slide milled after the fact. This is a full-size handgun. It is identical in size to the venerable Glock G17. If you want to learn more about Glocks, this article covers all their offerings.
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 17+1 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.49 inches
- Length: 7.95 inches
- Width: 1.34 inches
- Height: 5.47 inches
- Weight: 23.21 ounces (without magazine)
- Frame and Grip: Polymer
- Slide: Stainless steel
- Sights: Polymer dot front, drift adjustable polymer rear
- Trigger: 6 pounds, 0 ounces (measured)
- External Safety: None
- Trigger Safety: Glock “Safe Action” trigger safety
- Price: $745
In The Box
Like every other Glock, the G47 comes in a hinged plastic case with a safety lock, polymer cleaning rod, bore brush, and an MOS plate for optics that use the RMR mounting pattern. It also comes standard with three 17-round G17 magazines unless you live in a communist state like Oregon that is controlled by hoplophobic halfwits, in which case it will come with three 10-rounders.
Glock G47 on the Range
Frankly, Glocks are boring, but in a good way. Meaning you know exactly what you’re going to get. Not surprisingly, my G47 felt like a Glock, shot like a Glock, and was reliable like a Glock. Which is to say it was accurate, comfortable to hold, and easy to control. While hardly a comprehensive long-term test, during the 500-plus rounds I ran through it there were no failures to feed or other issues.
I shot the G47 for accuracy at 15 yards, and there’s no doubt then pistol is capable of better accuracy than I’m able to get from it. Even with my less-than-steady hands it shot solid groups. Wanting to push things a bit—even with the stock “placeholder” polymer Glock sights—I shot the pistol with Hornady Critical Defense ammo and had an easy time getting A Zone body hits on an IPSC target at 25 yards. Running Mozambique, El Presidente, and Dot Torture drills rounded out my shooting.
If you’re familiar with Glocks then the G47’s controls will hold no surprises. There is no external safety other than the Safe Action trigger tab. The Gen 5 sports ambidextrous slide release levers, and an enlarged and reversible magazine catch, which is great for lefties.
Like on most pistols, after a few hundred rounds the slide stop lever was easier to use for releasing the slide, and the trigger also smoothed out a bit.
Gen 5 Glocks have a more aggressive texture than Gen 3 or Gen 4 Glocks and are sans finger grooves. While often accused of being “blocky,” the Gen 5s come with three different backstraps to customize the grip to your hand. Overall the grip is comfortable and secure. Are the ergonomics perfect? No, but they are functional, and the pistol is controllable and it works.
G47 Holsters
Because the G47 is basically a G17 with a shorter frame at the dust cover area, most G17 holsters should fit just fine. This is a nice bonus since pretty much any holster made has a model designed for the G17, which will make transitioning to a G47 that much easier.
What the G47 Does Well
It’s a Glock. There are no surprises. It’s reliable, familiar, and shoots well. That fact that holsters and mags are ubiquitous (the G47 runs G17 mags) is no small factor. Because it’s a Gen 5 it has their Marksman barrels, the ambidextrous controls, familiar takedown procedures, and improved texture.
Where It Could Do Better
Glock sights are well, Glock sights. There are better options than the plastic placeholders they use. The factory trigger is a bit heavy and it’s rounded face isn’t as desirable as a flat faced version. Fortunately, there are several options for aftermarket Glock triggers.
Glock G47 FAQ
What’s special about the G47?
The G47 has a barrel that’s the same length as the full-sized G17, 4.5 inches. But the frame has the same mounting dimensions as are found on the G19/G45 pistols.
Are there holsters for the G47?
Because the G47 has the same dimensions as a G17, there are plenty of holsters available. I ran my with a Galco Blakguard—which was optics-ready and in a lefty version—and it worked perfectly.
Final Thoughts on the G47
While the G47 is very much a Glock in terms of function, reliability, accuracy, and looks, it represents an important step in the evolution of the platform. By creating a full-sized pistol, along the lines of the G17, and building it with components that are compatible with the compact G19 series, Glock has introduced a level of mix-and-match modularity that end-users have been seeking, and that will give the company the ability to roll out new models that will keep the company competitive in the years to come.
