A brilliant evolution in pistols from Glock, the Glock 36 packs all of the line’s favorite features into a diminutive package with one heck of a punch.
This subcompact .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol carries a six-plus-one load with a single stack magazine to accomplish its barely-there dimensions.
The first single stack from Glock, the Glock 36 is a true slimline subcompact.
That single stack is the key to accomplishing the scant 28mm width. Built to be a slim version of the Glock 30, the end result is very similar to the Glock 19 in many ways. That said, the 36 brings one wallop of a difference to the table with the load.
When it comes to personal defense, some gun comparisons are up for debate. As an example, the 9mm Glock 19 is no joke, but the .45 of the Glock 36 will stop a threat. Full stop.
The obvious in the pro-column for me is the reliability of the Glocks as a whole. These simple and straightforward guns are perfect for my no-fuss preferences.
Similar to Glock’s Gen3 models in style with a typical pre-tensioned trigger, the Glock 36 is comfortably similar to the other stellar Glocks in my armory.
Trigger grip accommodates space for the middle finger and ring finger to fit into the grip recesses. My little finger also has room for purchase before the end of the magazine.
The texture on the grip is a bit smoother than I prefer, but given that it is my carry concealed Glock, not having an aggressively rough texture on the grips makes for a more comfortable carry.
Easy to read sights and simple function make shooting a breeze. Range time with the Glock 36 is to keep up my muscle-memory. Similar to my familiar 1911, I enjoy my routine shooting with this pistol for its simplicity.
One last thing of note is the pleasing difference in weight. Not only is this a polymer pistol with a super-model-skinny frame, but I’m also carrying around half of my normal ammo load. In my web-gear holster, the Glock 36 is heavy enough for an easy grab and light enough to not pull at my clothes.
The half load would freak me out a bit if this were a Glock 19. The 9mm just doesn’t provide the stopping power to keep my mind at ease in a dark alley.
With the Glock 36, the balance of the slim lines with it’s half-load is perfectly matched with the stopping power of the .45 caliber protection.
Easy to carry. Easy to shoot.
The Glock 36 is simply one of the best concealed carry Glock with maximum stopping power.
Richard Douglas is a long-time shooter, outdoor enthusiast and technologist. He is the founder and editor of Scopes Field, and a columnist at The National Interest, Cheaper Than Dirt, Daily Caller and other publications.