Glock 27 Review: Compact Power when Concealed Carrying

The Glock 27, a compact pistol designed for concealed carry, establishes itself as a powerful firearm in a small package. Combining the stopping power of the .40 S&W cartridge with the convenience of a sub-compact frame, it caters to law enforcement, security personnel, and citizens looking for a reliable self-defense weapon. The pistol's versatility also extends to its adaptability with interchangeable backstraps on later generations, improving ergonomics for various hand sizes.

Its design boasts a polymer frame known for its durability and a striker-fired action that ensures a consistent trigger pull. Despite its size, the Glock 27 offers a controllable shooting experience with its 3.42-inch barrel (for the Gen4 model), contributing to its accuracy. Safety is also a cornerstone of the Glock design, with features like trigger safety and a firing pin block to prevent accidental discharges.

Key Takeaways

• The Glock 27 is a compact .40 S&W pistol designed for concealed carrying with significant stopping power.
• This pistol features customizable ergonomics and a consistent striker-fired action, accommodating many users.
• The design incorporates multiple safety features, emphasizing reliability and accident prevention.

Design and Features

The Glock 27 is a compact, high-capacity pistol known for its intuitive design and features catering to personal defense and law enforcement. With refinements across generations, the Glock 27 combines size efficiency with performance.

Frame and Ergonomics

The Glock 27 features a polymer frame, contributing to its lightweight and durable design. Generations 4 and 5 introduced a modular back strap design that allows users to adjust the grip size to fit their hand, enhancing the pistol's ergonomics. Additionally, the reversible magazine catch makes it user-friendly for both right and left-handed shooters, while the Gen5 models have an ambidextrous slide stop lever, further improving the handling.

• Interchangeable Backstraps: Yes
• Grip: Textured for secure hold
• Ergonomics: Customizable for comfort and control

Barrel and Slide

The Glock 27 employs a Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) designed to improve accuracy. The weapon is often noted for its compact slide, which balances size and functionality. The slide’s length and width are proportionate to the sub-compact frame, contributing to the pistol's overall accuracy and allowing for comfortable concealed carrying.

• Barrel: Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) for enhanced precision
• Slide Length: Proportionate to sub-compact size for balance and concealment
• Width: Compact for ease of carrying

Caliber and Capacity

Chambered in the powerful .40 S&W, the Glock 27 is a potent sub-compact firearm that does not sacrifice firepower for size. It offers a standard magazine capacity of 10 rounds, positioning it as a reliable choice for those requiring a high-capacity, easy-to-conceal pistol.

• Caliber: .40 S&W for a balance of power and control
• Capacity: 10 rounds standard, balancing size and firepower
• Magazine: Designed to be robust and reliable

Safety and Reliability

Glock has long been a trusted name in the firearms industry, known for their pistols' inherent safety and reliability. The Glock 27 is no exception, combining compact size with mechanisms designed to prevent accidental discharges.

Action and Safeties

The action of the Glock 27 is a semi-automatic design that includes multiple safety features. One of its crucial safety mechanisms is trigger safety, which requires direct finger pressure to fire. Additionally, the internal firing pin safety and drop safety work to ensure that the Glock 27 will not discharge unless the trigger is deliberately pulled.

• Trigger Safety: A lever incorporated into the trigger ensures the pistol will only fire when properly depressed.
• Drop Safety: Prevents the firing pin from moving forward and striking a chambered round unless the trigger is pulled.
• Firing Pin Safety: A spring-loaded part that blocks the firing pin channel, prohibiting forward movement unless the trigger is pulled.

Reliability in Use

The Glock 27 is preferred as a backup weapon among law enforcement agencies due to its consistent performance under varying conditions. Its components are made to withstand extreme temperatures and exposure to chemicals, which makes it reliable in different environments. Additionally, the pistol's endurance is evident in its longstanding use without significant performance drops, whether carried daily in a holster or used at the range.

Maintenance and Care

Regular maintenance is required for the Glock 27 to remain a reliable pistol. This includes field-stripping the firearm, cleaning all parts, and applying lubricants that are appropriate for weapons. The simplicity of the Glock design allows for easy disassembly and reassembly, thus facilitating thorough cleaning and maintenance, which is essential for any gun to function reliably.

• Field Stripping: Basic disassembling of the firearm for cleaning and maintenance without the need for tools.
• Parts Inspection: Regularly check critical components for wear and replacement if necessary.
• Lubrication: Using firearm-specific oils or lubricants to minimize friction and protect against corrosion.

Legal and Health Considerations

The Glock 27, like all firearms, is subject to various legal and health considerations that potential owners should be aware of. These considerations ensure the safety and legality of owning and operating a firearm.

Warnings and Restrictions

The State of California has specific warnings regarding the Glock 27. The firearm contains chemicals known to the state to cause cancer, reproductive harm, and congenital disabilities. In California, products that contain lead, found in the Glock 27's construction, must carry a warning label. This is in accordance with Proposition 65, which is aimed at reducing exposure to toxic materials.

Shipping restrictions also apply to the Glock 27, as with all firearms, restricting the ability to ship the gun to specific locations without proper authorization and compliance with local and federal laws.

Law Enforcement Compliance

Law enforcement agencies have specific compliance requirements for the firearms they use. The Glock 27 is no exception and must meet rigorous standards in reliability and safety. Any law enforcement agency considering the Glock 27 for duty must ensure that the model complies with their department's standards and policies. Compliance on a federal level is dictated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and law enforcement agencies must also navigate an array of state-specific regulations.

Performance and Handling

The Glock 27 is renowned for its compact size without compromising power and performance. This sub-compact pistol is designed to be reliable and discrete for concealed carrying, offering an appealing balance between ease of handling and effective stopping power.

Range Performance

The Glock 27's sub-compact frame does not hinder its accuracy at the range. Its standard 3.43-inch barrel provides a sufficient line of sight, facilitating precision firing at close to moderate distances. The .40 S&W caliber affords it considerable stopping power, commonly seen as a step up from the 9mm models in ballistic performance. Compact handguns like the Glock 27 often excel in self-defense scenarios with a limited engagement range.

Concealability and Comfort

The Glock 27's dimensions are specifically tailored for concealed carrying. With a slide width of approximately 1.26 inches, it can be easily hidden in a holster or pocket, remaining unobtrusive. The pistol's compact nature ensures that it fits snugly against the body, minimizing any printing through clothing and providing a comfortable carrying experience throughout the day.

Shooting Experience

Despite its small size, the shooting performance of the Glock 27 is robust. The pistol exhibits a manageable recoil, especially considering its .40 caliber round—often regarded as snappier than its 9mm counterpart. This manageable recoil, combined with the Glock's ergonomics, allows for controlled follow-up shots and contributes to overall shooting confidence. Notably, the grip and controls are designed to accommodate a variety of hand sizes while still ensuring that the pistol remains compact and easy to handle.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Glock 27 is a popular choice for concealed carrying due to its compact size and powerful .40 caliber rounds. This section addresses some of the most common questions regarding its characteristics and capabilities.

What is the magazine capacity of the standard and extended magazines for the Glock 27?

The standard magazine capacity for the Glock 27 is nine rounds of .40 S&W ammunition. Extended magazines, depending on the specific model and manufacturer, can increase the capacity to 10 or more rounds.

What caliber rounds does the Glock 27 use?

The Glock 27 is designed to use .40 Smith & Wesson (S&W) caliber cartridges. This caliber provides a balance between stopping power and recoil.

How does the Glock 27 perform in concealability and comfort when carried?

Due to its compact design, the Glock 27 excels in concealability, making it a favored choice for concealed carrying. Its size and rounded edges contribute to a comfortable carrying, whether inside the waistband or in a pocket holster.

What are the main differences between the Glock 27 and Glock 26?

The primary difference between the Glock 27 and Glock 26 is the caliber—the Glock 27 chambers .40 S&W rounds, while the Glock 26 is chambered for 9mm cartridges. Additionally, due to the different calibers, the two models may have slight variations in weight and dimensions.

What aftermarket accessories are commonly recommended for enhancing the Glock 27?

Standard aftermarket accessories for the Glock 27 include extended magazine releases, grip extensions for added comfort and improved hold, and sights—either night sights or fiber-optic options—for enhanced target acquisition.

How has the Glock 27 Gen 5 been received regarding reliability and performance?

The Glock 27 Gen 5 has continued Glock's reputation for reliability and performance. It offers improved ergonomics, a refined trigger, and a Marksman barrel for increased accuracy, making it well-received among users.