Glock’s
Model 26 has been around for many years now. Commonly referred
to as the “Pocket Glock” or “Baby Glock“, it is
Glock’s smallest pistol that is imported into the United
States. Compact in size, and relatively light in weight, I
qualify the term “pocket Glock” with the Model 26 with the
prerequisite that the little Glock be carried in a good pocket
holster, and not just loose in the pocket. Its short-pull
trigger really needs to be covered in a pocket, and a pocket
holster also keeps the weapon properly positioned in the
user’s pocket for quick retrieval. While it will ride
comfortably in a pocket, it is even better suited to concealed
carry in a good belt holster. More on that later.
The Model 26 weighs in at about 21.5 ounces
empty, is about six and one-half inches in length and four
inches high. In overall size, it is about the same as a pocket
.38 Special revolver, but offers over twice the loaded
ammunition capacity. The 26 holds ten shots of 9mm ammo in its
magazine, for a loaded capacity of eleven.
Like all Glock pistols, the Baby Glock is as
reliable as a mechanical device can be. They work. Reliability
is everything in a defensive pistol, and the 26 is very
reliable. The Glock is one of the very few pistols that I would
grab and rely upon without extensive testing. They have an
enviable track record, especially the 9mm Glocks. The Glock is
an easy pistol to learn to shoot well. The trigger pull is
relatively easy to learn, and there are no external safeties to
manipulate. To fire the weapon, you simply pull the trigger.
The Glock is also easy to disassemble and
reassemble for maintenance, without the use of tools.
The Glock 26 shown here has the two-tone finish,
wearing Glock’s tough Tennifer metal coating, contrasting with
the Olive Green frame. As should any defensive pistol, the Glock
shown here is wearing the optional tritium night
sights, which allow accurate shot placement in dimly lit
situations. The Glock 26 comes in a hard case with two magazines
and a magazine loader, which is a welcome tool when trying to
fully load the magazine. The frame is contoured and textured for
a good hold, even with wet hands or while wearing gloves.
Many folks look with disdain upon the 9mm as a
defensive cartridge. I do not. I often carry a 9mm auto pistol.
I also sometimes carry a .45, .38, .357 magnum, or a .22 magnum.
Like any handgun cartridge, the 9mm is not ideal in a gunfight.
I greatly prefer a rifle or shotgun for such matters, but the
handgun is a compromise. With any handgun in a fight, you should
shoot quickly and shoot often, and make sure that the bullets
land where intended. Eleven 9mm hollowpoints will pretty much
solve any social situation that can be solved with a handgun.
The shooting world is now flush with small 9mm
auto pistols. The Glock is not the smallest nor the lightest
available, but it is built to last. Many small ultra light autos
are made to carry a lot and shoot a little, and they do fill a
role that needed filling, but are not really built for a lot of
heavy shooting. The Baby Glock, however, is just as strong and
just as durable as the full size Glocks. The Model 26 can be
expected to last for many thousands of rounds before needing a
major rebuild.
There is one modification that I make to any
Glock, and also to many other auto pistols, that insures
reliability, softens felt recoil, and protects the weapon from
wear. That is the DPM Multi-Spring Recoil
Reducer. This is a captured recoil spring and guide rod
system that is a drop-in replacement for the stock unit, and it
works noticeably well in making the auto pistol both easier to
shoot quickly and smoother in function. The DPM simply helps me
to shoot better, so I like it. Anything that makes me a better
shooter is just fine with me. It also stops the “slamming”
rearward of the slide in operation, making things to run
smoother, and likely increasing the longevity of the pistol.
Watching the video, you can see how smoothly this Baby Glock
runs with the DPM installed. It is not bad with the stock spring
unit, but the DPM is a noticeable improvement. The unit extends
from the front of the slide about three sixteenths of an inch
farther than the stock unit, but it in no way hampers the
concealability of the weapon.
I’ve been carrying this baby Glock around
lately in a new holster made by Bob Mernickle. Similar in
concept to a “small-of-the-back” holster, this Mernickle
holster is designed to be worn to the side a bit. Centered in
the back is not an ideal place to carry a handgun, but does
offer good concealment. Just as concealable, but moved to the
strong side a bit, the Mernickle holster allows the weapon to be
drawn with the shooter's palm facing outward, meaning that the
muzzle never sweeps past the owner’s body. It is quick to get
into action, easier to reach even while seated, and very well
concealed under an unbuttoned shirt or jacket. Bob Mernickle
makes top quality leather holsters, and I highly recommend this
new design shown here.
Glock now has something like around thirty
different models, but the Model 26 remains one of my favorites.
It is not the newest, the fanciest, nor the most powerful, but
it is one of the handiest and most useful Glock models
available, especially for concealed carry.
Check out the entire line of Glock pistols
online at www.glock.com.
For the location of a Glock dealer near you,
click on the DEALER LOCATOR icon at www.lipseys.com,
or buy online at www.galleryofguns.com.
You can order the DPM Recoil Reducing Guide Rod
System at: www.glockuser.com.
To order a holster like the one shown here, go
to www.mernickleholsters.com.
Jeff Quinn
For a list of dealers where you can
buy this gun, go to: |
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To buy this gun online, go to: |
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DPM Systems Technologies' recoil reduction
system is a worthy addition to any Glock.
Jeff with DPM Systems Technologies' Dimitrios
Mantas (left) and Eleni Chroni (right) at SHOT
2008.
Mernickle holster is a fine choice for minimalist
carry.
Drawing from the Mernickle holster is easy and
safe.
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