As I arrived in Georgia, I couldn’t imagine what GLOCK would be introducing on December 10, 2019. Pieces of the puzzle began to appear before the event. First, the date was an indicator. It was to be launched on the 10th at 10:00 am, and by all indications it looked like a big 10mm introduction from the GLOCK professionals. Second, the images released were a far cry from the tactical scene, instead showing hikes in the woods and camping. I settled my guess on a new PCC in 10mm. Boy was I wrong.
When the dust settled and the G44 was announced, a subtle hush settled among the attendees. With the massive build-up to the introduction, many folks would call it underwhelming. Hold up. Just because GLOCK didn’t launch what we “collectively” thought should be pushed to the masses, should it immediately be labeled a failure? Sounds suspect to me. I want you to step back and look at this from a couple of different views.
New Shooters
We talk about it and do our best to recruit new shooters. This is a perfect intro for someone new to the sport. We tirelessly preach to folks about starting beginners at the basic level. Yet, we’re sitting here passing judgment on GLOCK about the G44. If you are a GLOCK fan, this is a big spark for you. This gives you a chance to pass on your passion for GLOCK.
We get emails quite often wanting to get a gun that is easy to shoot and load. Either their hands have arthritis or they just can’t muscle load magazines. Front serrations, rear serrations and a load-assist magazine all make this gun easier to rack and load.
As a bonus, GLOCK is providing an aftermarket threaded barrel for the G44. Granted, the crack of the .22LR isn’t horrible, but if we can make the experience more pleasant for new shooters, that’s a good thing.
Train Like You Carry
The G44 all but mirrors the popular G19. Here’s a quick spec rundown of both models.
G44
Width – 1.26 inches
Length – 7.28 inches
Height including Mag – 5.04 inches
Weight Loaded – 15.94 ounces
G19 Gen 5
Width 1.34 inches
Length – 7.28 inches
Height including Mag – 5.04 inches
Weight loaded – 30.16 ounces
Weight savings in the G44 begin at the hybrid steel/polymer slide. As I put rounds through it, I enjoyed the feel since I carry a G19. The familiarity in grip, sights and trigger on the G19 gen 5 is a huge step in saving money while you train. One considerable difference is capacity. It doesn’t come close to holding the capacity of my G19, but I see where GLOCK is going with this one. The G44 comes with two load-assist magazines. Again, think about beginning shooters or even shooters who have ailments that make loading mags difficult. These are simple and easy to load.
Sure, there are other .22s out there, but nothing in that caliber from the Austrian company that fans of the brand trust with their lives. One of the most recent launches I remember that allowed shooters to really train like you practice was the M&P 15-22. I didn’t hear as much pushback from that launch than this one. Who gives a rip if GLOCK is just now introducing this. It is right. I’d rather see something come out late than push it too early and it’s wrong.
Look, you may not agree with the G44, but fans of the brand should appreciate the company’s willingness to jump out
there and produce a gun for true beginners. Hell, this isn’t just a gun for beginners. I’ve heard from several seasoned professionals that love the G44 as an introduction to our sport. Before you pass judgement and write off the G44, stop to think about what this means for our sport rather than yourself. ~ KJ
Kevin Jarnagin
Kevin Jarnagin (KJ) hails from Oklahoma but quickly established Louisiana roots after joining the Gun Talk team. KJ grew up as a big game hunter and often finds himself in a bass boat. Whether it’s making his way to British Columbia for elk or training with pistols, Jarnagin always seems to find a gun in his hands and adventure on his mind.
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