The Glock 36 is the first true single-stack slimline subcompact gun introduced by the brand, and the Glock 26 is known as the baby Glock subcompact weapon perfect for concealed carry. But do you know what makes them different?
Even though both are subcompact guns, factors like the overall size, weight, barrel length, slide length, and magazine capacity indicate significant differences between these two guns.
Glock 36 Vs. 26: Quick Comparison Table
Let’s check out the difference between these two guns through their specs-
| Specifications | Glock 26 | Glock 36 |
| Overall Length | 163 mm | 6.42 inches | 177 mm | 6.97 inches |
| Overall Width | 32 mm | 1.26 inches | 30 mm | 1.18 inches |
| Caliber | 9x19mm | .45 Auto |
| Barrel Length | 87 mm | 3.43 inches | 96 mm | 3.78 inches |
| Slide Length | 159 mm | 6.26 inches | 172 mm | 6.77 inches |
| Slide Width | 25,5 mm | 1.0 inches | 25,5 mm | 1.0 inches |
| Height incl. Mag. | 106 mm | 4.17 inches | 120 mm | 4.72 inches |
| Mag. Capacity | Standard: 10 Optional: 12/15/17/19/24/31/33 | Standard: 6 |
| Weight | 550 g | 19.40 oz (without mag.), 610 g | 21.52 oz (with empty mag.), 730 g | 25.75 oz (with loaded magazine) | 565 g | 19.93 oz (without mag.), 635 g | 22.40 oz (with empty mag.), 760 g | 26.81 oz (with loaded magazine) |
| Trigger Pull | 28 N | 28 N |
| Finish | Serrated Operator Flag Steel | Matte |
What’s The Difference Between Glock 36 and 26 Based on Features?
Let’s check out the difference between these two guns through their specs-
Feature 1: Single Stack Magazine Feature Makes The Difference So Visible
The Glock 36 is the True slimline weapon and features a .45 auto with a single slack magazine, which holds only six rounds.
On the contrary, the Glock 26 Gen 4 is a 9 mm pistol that can hold up to 10 rounds as standard. Besides that, the Glock also offers the option of holding 12 up to 33 rounds.
Therefore, the mag capacity of the Glock 36 is limited to 6 rounds, but with the Glock 26, you are getting higher along with several other mag capacity options. So, there is an obvious difference between these two Glock’s mag capacities, and choose the one that suits you or your purpose the most.
Feature 2: Overall Size & Length makes the obvious difference
The Glock 36 gun comes with a 6.97 inches overall length with 3.78 inches barrel length, a 1.18 inches overall width and weighs just 22.4 ounces (with an unloaded magazine) or up to 26.81 ounces (with seven rounds loaded magazine), this is a perfect example of an Officer-type pistol.
On the other hand, the Baby Glock 26 comes with a 3.42-inch barrel length, 6.41 inches overall length, 1.18 inches wide, and 4.17 inches height, it’s an ideal smaller compact weapon for concealed carry purposes.
The Glock 36 and the Glock 26 Gen 4 are comparatively small in size and better for concealed carry purposes than other Glock models, but if you compare these two based on their size, the Glock 26 is smaller and more lightweight than the Glock 36.
Feature 3: Better Caliber Offers More Stopping Power
The Glock 26 features a 9-millimeter luger caliber and the Glock 36 features a .45 auto caliber. The price of the 9mm is almost half of the price of the .45. That means the .45 is more expensive than the 9mm caliber.
But this (Glock 36) gun is worth the extra penny that you will spend because the Glock 36 offers a lot more stopping power perfect for paper target shooting. Unfortunately, similar level of stopping power you won’t get with the Glock 26, but it will do a decent job.
If your work requires better or more stopping power and price is not an issue for you, the Glock 36 is a more suitable option for you than the Glock 26.
Feature 4: Better Grip Ensures More Ease & Control Over the Gun
In some cases, the smaller length and frame size of the gun becomes the bigger disadvantage of the guns. That’s what happens with the Glock 26 because it’s not only smaller than the Glock 36 but also smaller than most other Glock guns. So, while holding the gun straight, you cannot put all three fingers on the gun and might not feel comfortable shooting with such a holding option.
Since the Glock 36 has a slightly bigger frame and slide length, you can comfortably put the rest of three fingers on the gun to get a precise grip. This is an advantage, especially for one-two-one continuous shooting tasks.
Remember, a better grip always ensures better control over the gun during shooting and for beginners ensuring proper grip over the gun is a must. But some people are good at holding smaller guns like Glock 26 and will not complain, but others might find this a significant problem.
Glock 36 or 26 – Which One to Choose?
Before answering this question, let me remind you that there’s no such concept as which Glock gun is better than another Glock version. Because more or less, most Glock guns are designed with similar features.
Does that mean all of them are similar and have no differences?
No. They definitely are not similar at least not these two Glocks. Glock has designed all the models with their Glock standard features, but each version has some additional features as a bonus that make them different.
Also, individually they are better at serving different purposes.
For example, Glock 36 and 26 both are well known for being excellent Concealed carry weapons, but are they similar or alternative to each other?
No, they are not. I have already pointed out the clear differences between these two and it simply depends on the consumer’s choice of preference to decide which one is better than the other.
If you are not concerned about the price and only looking for concealed carry gun with more stopping power and a better grip over the gun to ensure better control during target shooting, Glock 36 will be an ideal choice.
But if you are looking for higher mag capacity and additional mag options available with the concealed gun, the Glock 26 can be a better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Is the Glock 26 a fully automatic pistol?
No. The Glock 26 is originally designed as a semi-automatic pistol, but one can convert the Glock 26 Gen 4 gun to a fully automatic one.
What Ammo is best for the Glock 26 gun?
9-millimeter Ammunition is best suited for this Glock model.
Can my Glock 36 take a double stack?
No, it is designed to only take a single stack.
How often should I clean my Glock 36 or 26 gun?
If it’s a new gun and you are going to use it regularly Glock recommends cleaning and lubricating your gun before the first shooting.
After that, you should clean and lubricate your gun after every firing session. If it is not your everyday use gun and you have kept it unused for a long time, clean and lubricate it monthly.
Summary:
Both Glock 36 and 26 are designed cleverly and developed with quality features to deliver the best performance, but they will perform differently in serving different purposes.
However, both are perfect as concealed carry weapons.
Therefore, think thoroughly and determine your need first and choose the one that has characteristics most suitable to your needs.
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