Overview
The G29 was first introduced in its original Gen 3 format in 1996, then followed by the Gen 4 in 2013. For years it was the only option for those looking for a compact or sub-compact factory-made 10mm semi-auto pistol.
New for 2024, Glock is starting to evolve its 5th Generation offerings deeper into its subcompact lines, with the .45 ACP G30 and 10mm G29 tapped as the next two on the list, joining the 9mm G26 and .40 S&W G27.
The biggest updates among some 20 modifications from the old Gen 4 standard to the newer Gen 5 include deleting the finger grooves in favor of a straight grip, adding front slide serrations, an nDLC finish, ambidextrous slide stop levers, and an enhanced Glock Marksman Barrel.
When it comes to direct comparisons in caliber, capacity, and size, the only other pistol in the G29's space is the Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 3.8-inch Compact, with both guns fitting in the same box. Of course, it could be argued that the G29 edges out the XD in terms of aftermarket support and popularity. I mean, the G29 has been around now for almost 30 years for a reason.
A big up when talking about Glocks is the basic modularity of the company's pistol design. Let's face it, they all descend in a pretty straight-line family tree from the original G17 of the early 1980s. This means that it is rare to have a Glock that does not share parts with other members of the catalog. The G29 is no different, with the current Gen 5 model sharing lots of the same small parts (trigger, slide stop, etc.) with the Gen 5 G20 – its big brother in the same caliber.
For full disclosure, Glock supplied Guns.com with this pistol for T&E purposes on request. All testing was done on this one gun.
The Specs
- Overall length: 6.85 inches
- Barrel length: 3.78 inches
- Overall width: 1.38 inches at widest point over slide stops (1.11 inch over slide)
- Overall height including mag: 4.45 inches
- Magazine capacity: 10+1 rounder flush fit (can also use G20 mags)
- Weight, with empty magazine: 26.81 ounces
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Weight, loaded: 33.6 ounces (with 10+1 rounds of 200-grain 10mm Federal Punch JHP)
Features
Trigger
The trigger on the current G29 is Glock's standard fifth-generation pack. We found it to have a minimal take-up to the wall, breaking at 5.6 pounds on average out of the box. It has a short (about 0.26-inch) reset that is both tactile and audible, and it felt like the same trigger pull every time. We evaluated it again after 500 rounds, and it ran 5.3 pounds on average, which tracks.
Below is a video of the average trigger pull, seen in a strong hand-only grip, using the "Glock Knuckle" on the bottom.
Reliability
In our testing, we fired just over 500 rounds of factory-loaded SAAMI spec 10mm ammunition through the G29 Gen 5 we had for evaluation. True to form for a Glock, we had no issues on the range and went 500:500.
The bulk of the 350 rounds of range ammo used was CCI Blazer Brass 180 grain FMJ, listed at 1,200 FPS. Smaller amounts of Winchester Target & Practice 180-grain FMJs were also used.
When it came to the 160 self-defense rounds, we fed the G29, most were Federal's Personal Defense Punch 200-grain JHPs with an advertised velocity of 1,100 FPS. No problems were encountered.
The G29 at work with some Federal Punch.
The barrel is almost fully supported and, while we didn't inspect every piece of spent brass at the range, we didn't note any bulged cases.
For those who hold the felt recoil is too snappy, several things can be done to mitigate that, such as swapping out the OEM plastic guide rod assembly with a heavier aftermarket tungsten rod.
Accuracy
Getting on target with a stock Glock always has its own little set of gripes, between the kind of creepy factory trigger and the square U-notch sights. Another factor that came into play was the shortness of the grip, which combined with the recoil of full-power 10mm Auto, has its peculiarity.
One thing we noticed in our range sessions is that the grip, due to just having a sort of spiderman-style purchase, tends to walk a little in rapid fire, which translates into vertical group strings, especially at distance. It would be nice if Glock would have put a pinky extension on the baseplate, but it’s not the end of the world because there are aftermarket options for that. Alternatively, a carry option could be to have the 10-rounder inserted in the gun and a 15-round mag for a reload that would give an extended grip.
Stepping back to 25 yards, you could still keep everything center mass with a little concentration. I wish it had the option for a micro red dot which I think could really extend the practical range on this little 10mm.
Carry
Being a Baby Glock, albeit a chunky baby, the G29 is an ideal size for carry. The rule of thumb for being considered a "pocket gun" is typically one that stands under 4 inches high from the rear sight to the bottom of the grip, and the G29 stands at just 4.45, so it is almost that small. As shown above, dimensionally it compares well to the beefy Micro 9s on the market (SIG P365X-Macro/Springfield Hellcat Pro), putting it in good company.
Plus – and this is a huge plus when it comes to a carry gun – there is no shortage of holster fits for the G29.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compact
- 10mm Auto
- 10+1 round capacity
- Reliable
- Widely available holsters
- Lots of holsters available
- Controllable
Cons
- Thick
- Short grip
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No optics cut
Conclusion
The Glock 29 first hit the market when the Stone Temple Pilots were in the charts and Val Kilmer was Batman. It has since evolved through two different generational cycles to stand here as the Gen 5 G29 today. Coupling the flat trajectories and renowned performance of the 10mm Auto – a cartridge that has never been more popular – with a proven and well-liked sub-compact handgun that can easily be carried concealed and still clock in with 11 rounds when needed, is a strong platform on which to stand.
There is a lot to like about the welcome changes now bestowed to the Gen 5 G29, and there is still room to grow, for instance, with an optics cut (perhaps with a direct mill RMR footprint, just saying), but it remains tough to beat for someone who wants to carry a 10mm.
