The Glock G23 Gen5 is a compact .40 S&W semi-automatic pistol with a 4.02-inch barrel and 13+1 round capacity. It weighs 1.6 lbs (26.67 oz) and measures just over seven inches in overall length. The slide carries a black nDLC finish that resists corrosion and wear. The striker-fired Safe Action system integrates three passive safeties with no manual safety lever required. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Manufacturer: Glock 
• Model: G23 Gen5 
• Type: Semi-auto Pistol 
• Action: Safe Action (Striker Fire) 
• Caliber: .40 S&W 
• Capacity: 13+1 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 4.02 inches 
• Weight: 1.6 lbs (26.67 oz) 
• Finish: Black nDLC 
• Sights: Fixed Glock Sights 
   

Detailed Features 

• Glock Marksman Barrel: Polygonal rifling improves accuracy and contributes to consistent shot placement. 
• Safe Action System: Trigger, firing pin, and drop safeties operate automatically. 
• Compact Design: Total length just over seven inches; fits most hand sizes with the standard grip dimensions. 
• Ambidextrous Slide Stop Lever: Works for left- and right-handed shooters without modification. 
• nDLC Finish: Hard coating on the slide provides corrosion and wear resistance. 
   
  .40 S&W in a compact frame is a meaningful tradeoff. The stopping power is genuine but recoil is sharper than 9mm in the same platform. Shooters who are comfortable managing that tradeoff find the G23 a capable daily carry and range pistol.

Owners of the Glock G23 Gen5 in .40 S&W speak positively of its reliability and durability. The pistol runs across different conditions with minimal issues, which is the core reason many choose it for concealed carry and duty use.

The compact size is a common draw. At 13+1 rounds with a frame that conceals well, it balances firepower and portability better than full-size alternatives. The Gen5 ergonomics get specific praise, with owners noting the improved grip texture and the ambidextrous slide stop and flared magwell as genuine improvements over earlier generations.

Recoil management is the most common area of disagreement. .40 S&W in a compact frame produces a snappier recoil impulse than 9mm, and some shooters, particularly those transitioning from 9mm, find follow-up shot speed suffers. A number of experienced users have raised whether modern 9mm loads close the effectiveness gap enough to make the recoil tradeoff unnecessary.

Trigger feel is inconsistently reviewed: some find the factory trigger smooth and usable, others upgrade it. Glock's utilitarian aesthetics come up occasionally, but most buyers prioritize function over appearance. Overall, owners are satisfied with its performance as a carry and duty pistol.

This Glock feels well balanced in my hands, which is the quality that stands out most to me.