The Glock 27 and 26 are functionally identical pistols. It has the same gun range, dimensions, empty weight, and everything else.
To choose the best Glock between 27 and 26, we have to compare the comparable qualities, keeping in mind what those qualities imply in these Glocks! And these include the recoil, caliber, ammo, feeding etc.
Glock 27 vs Glock 26: Quick Comparison Table
| Specs | Glock 27 | Glock 26 |
| Caliber | .40 S&W | 9x19mm |
| Grip | Polymer grip | Polymer grip |
| Action | Double-action | Semi-automatic, Short recoil |
| Safety | Safe Action | Safe Action |
| Capacity | 9 rounds | 10 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 3.43 inch | 3.43 inch |
| Weight | 750 g (loaded magazine) | 730 g (loaded magazine) |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Trigger Pull | 28N | 28N |
What’s The Difference Between Glock 27 and Glock 26 Based on Features?
In below, you will find everything you need to know about the differences between a Glock 27 and the Glock 26:
Feature 1: Recoil
There is a difference in felt recoil between the two. It all comes down to how much recoil each has without using the pinky.
The G27 is snappier with more recoil, but its still controllable due to the gun’s weight. Users are crazy about the extra power the Glock 27 brings because of this recoil.
The G26 may provide faster follow-up shots due to having less recoil.
I would say, if you are a pro shooter, you wouldn’t even feel the difference in recoil between the two. But the G27 will give you a better power.
Feature 2: Caliber
The main difference between the two is the caliber, 9mm as opposed to .40 caliber. Yes, they are externally similar. But internally, the extractor and a few other bits and bobs make a difference when attempting to adapt these two Glocks.
The 40 S&W round over the 9mm is better in a Glock. The G27 has a bigger round and more stopping power. The .40 caliber is more likely to hit the target and stop.
The Glock 26 has a smaller round and so less stopping power. But this varies with ammo. It gives ~350 muzzle energy.
In this case, the caliber of 27 wins, that is .40. Moreover, you can also adapt this to the Glock 26 9mm.
Feature 3: Ammo
Here is the standard ammo list for both the G27 and 26:
Glock 27
Federal Hydra-Shok 180 gr. @ 940 fps / 353# KE / PF 169
Remington Golden Saber 165 gr. @ 1,028 fps / 387# KE / PF 170
Glock 26:
Golden Saber 124 gr. +P @ 1,118 fps / 344# KE / PF 139
Ranger T 127 gr. +P+ @ 1,176 fps / 390# KE / PF 149
With common 180-grain ammunition, the 27 doesn’t kick all that badly (Gold Dot, HST). However, the 26 kicks less.
The Glock 26 has less recoil, more ammo capacity, and cheaper ammo. Moreover, it has more precise shot placement.
But, the calculated recoil for Golden Saber VS Golden Saber 40 is 18% higher. And a single-round difference between the 27 and 26 doesn’t account for much.
Moreover, ammo-wise, Glock 26 might be a better choice.
Feature 4: Feeding
Fitting the ninth round into the magazine of the G27 requires more effort than you would expect.
To get the magazine catch to engage once you’ve loaded the ninth round, you really need to force it into the gun. The slide doesn’t want to return once it is engaged.
On the other hand, failure to feed is quite common with the Glock 26. It malfunctions too frequently. The double feed system is highly unreliable.
Between these two, the better option will be the G27.
Feature 5: Concealability
Both the Glock 27 and 26 are small guns.
The main issue with the G27 is the pocket carry. All the little Glocks have significantly wider widths. However, the 27 is quite large for such a tiny gun. The finger extension mag is great for wood carry or truck gun duty.
As the Glock 26 is almost the same size as the 27, it too is small in the wrong ways. It also has a width that does not work in concealing.
Overall, the concealability is more or less the same in both the Glocks. In my opinion, a Glock like 19 is better for a backup concealed carry.
Feature 6: Barrel
The G27 barrel is larger than the G26 in diameter. You can convert the G27 into 9mm with a conversion barrel. However, the G27 has lesser feeding issues and is smoother.
The G26 barrel has a smaller diameter. It also faces frequent failure to feed and slide issues. Additionally, you will not be able to convert it into a .40 barrel.
This feature is owned by the G27. It has a better barrel and is good for smooth shooting.
Glock 27 or Glock 26 Which One to Choose?
Both guns are considered sub-compacts. People’s only concern between the G26 and G27 is the recoil of the bigger .40 caliber. It’s better to compromise the bigger bullet for a better shot group. The latter can be found with the 26.
But with the bigger caliber, it can be controlled well. So Glock 27 is good if you want to be proficient with the pistol as it is built.
I actually liked the .40 better. Yes! The Glock 27 for me, is completely dependable and would fire whatever I fed it.
In terms of CCW, it is not ideal for everyday carry. Because it defeats the purpose of concealability and does not offer enough of an accuracy advantage to make the trade-off worthwhile.
Although I would prefer the Glock 26 in my right mind. The Glock 27 is typically snappy as discussed. But the wide grip and good weight can counter that. Ultimately, shoot both guns and find out which one’s for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some tangible differences between the Glock 27 and 26?
The 9mm Parabellum has a 9mm projectile, as one might expect. The projectile in the.40 S&W cartridge is 10mm.
The primary difference is 1mm, which is the diameter of the projectiles they are designed to fire.
There are differences in the spring rates of the two pistols, particularly the recoil spring. The primary distinctions are in the clambering and the resulting difference in the spring rate of the recoil spring
Is a Glock 26 barrel change enough to convert the Glock 27 to a 9mm?
No, you cannot use a standard 26-barrel. It has to be a particular conversion barrel from .40 to 9.
How is a conversion barrel different?
In this barrel, the slides and ejectors are distinct.
Summary
You can’t go wrong with either of these guns if they fit your hand and carry style. They both appear to be excellent choices. You should definitely shoot the two of them and decide for yourself.
The G27 however, is a well-rounded gun. It has its goods and bads that are balanced. It is accurate, concealable, and powerful but is a load to carry and hard to conceal.
With that being said, the rest of the knowledge for your judgment is given in this article!
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