SHOT Show 2020: Glock G44

Even with its expansive collection of handguns in a wide range of calibers, one cartridge that's never been found in a Glock-produced handgun is .22 LR. That changed in 2020 with the launch of the Glock G44.

Sized like the company's popular G19, which is chambered in 9 mm, the Glock G44 provides a rimfire training option that offers increased reliability over many of the hit-or-miss conversion kits on the market. Additionally, the size and shape of the handgun and its magazines are exactly the same as the company's centerfire guns, so owners can make use of their go-to holsters and magazine carriers for training.

The Glock G44 also makes for a great training gun for first-time shooters, since the large size of the pistol makes for minimal recoil. One of the unique elements found on the design of the G44 is the slide, which is largely polymer.

To ensure that the low-powered .22 LR can consistently and reliably cycle the slide, reducing weight in this critical component was a priority. As a bonus, the lightened slide makes for an incredibly lightweight gun, which is even easier for shooters to hold and handle.

For all the details on the new Glock G44, watch the American Rifleman First Look video above.