The Glock 27 Gen 3 is a subcompact pistol chambered in .40 S&W. At 3.43 inches of barrel and 6.5 inches overall, it fits the subcompact category while still holding 9+1 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition. It weighs 21.34 oz unloaded. The polymer frame is black. 
 

Key Specifications 

• UPC: 764503275029 
• Caliber: .40 S&W 
• Action: Semi-Auto Striker Fire 
• Capacity: 9+1 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 3.43 inches 
• Overall Length: 6.5 inches 
• Weight (unloaded): 21.34 oz (1.33 lbs) 
• Frame Material: Polymer 
• Finish Color: Black 
   

Detailed Features 

The G27 runs Glock's standard striker-fired Safe Action system, which delivers a consistent trigger pull on every shot. The polymer frame keeps the unloaded weight at 21.34 oz, making it genuinely light for a .40 cal pistol. The matte black steel slide sits over the polymer frame and handles daily wear without issues. The textured grip gives a solid hold even with wet hands. 
 
The .40 S&W chambering means the G27 shares magazines and many parts with the G22 and G23, which is useful for owners who run multiple Glocks. Aftermarket support is extensive. Holsters, sights, triggers, and grip modifications are all widely available. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

Concealed carry is the G27's primary use case. It disappears easily under light clothing and gives 9+1 rounds of .40 cal for defense. It also works as a range gun for skill practice, though the .40's recoil in a subcompact frame is more noticeable than in a full-size. Law enforcement officers sometimes carry it as a backup to a larger duty pistol.

The G27 generates consistent discussion in concealed carry circles. Reliability is the most frequently cited strength. Owners report it runs without issues across a wide range of .40 S&W loads. The subcompact size earns consistent praise for everyday carry: it conceals well and doesn't weigh down a belt.

The .40 S&W caliber is genuinely divisive. Fans of the cartridge cite its stopping power advantage over 9mm; others find the sharper recoil in the short G27 frame harder to manage quickly, especially during rapid fire. Ergonomics split opinions along hand-size lines. The grip suits medium hands well but feels pinched for larger hands. Aftermarket grips and stippling are common modifications. The trigger is standard Glock, which gets both acceptance and criticism depending on what the shooter is accustomed to.

The Glock 27 in .40 S&W has been a trusty sidekick of mine for years, and it’s perfect for just about anything, especially when I go out backpacking. It’s a “Baby Glock” with some serious attitude, small enough to carry comfortably but with enough power to handle anything that comes your way. You get 9+1 rounds of .40 cal, and while it's got some snap to it compared to 9mm's, the recoil is surprisingly manageable. I've shot plenty of compact .40s, and the 27 just handles it better. One of my favorite things about my Gen 3 is the finish. The older salt-bath nitride treatment is nearly indestructible and wears like iron, unlike the Gen 5’s nDLC finish, which seems to scratch up just by looking at it. I’ve run thousands of rounds through mine, and it still looks better than a Gen 5 with barely 50 rounds. Whether I’m out hiking, running errands, or just at the range, it’s accurate, reliable, and easy to carry in just about any setup, ankle, IWB, or tossed in the pack. If you want a versatile, rugged sidearm, you can't go wrong with this Glock.

Compact and easy to conceal, yet the .40 recoil is stout. The pistol points naturally and has run wonderfully for me.