Glock 47: Obscure Perfection

Border Patrol agents shooting the Glock 47 pistol.
February 26, 2024  
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Categories: Guns
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News of the Glock 47 and the United States’ Customs and Border Protection (CBP) contract it served became available in early April 2019. Interest in the weapon continues among LE agencies and the public at large. There has been little news of interest regarding these Glock pistols after that, barring the announced availability of a Border Patrol commemorative Glock 47 for retired agents.

Until now.

This “unique” (use some finger quotes there) Glock pistol is available to pretty much everybody.

BLUF: You can buy a G47 for somewhere between $600 and $700.

9mm Glock 47

Glock 47: + G19 = 4 Guns in 1 (~ish)

Why do we say the Glock 47 is four guns in one (if you also have a G19 slide)? Because we can math good. Hell, we can count to 21 if we’re nekkid. Think about it.

As USBP Agent Jeb Maynard points out, if you have a Gen 5 Glock slide and a Glock 47, you can mixy-matchy and get all about modularity to get at least the following:

  1. G47 (effectively a G17 MOS ~ish)
  2. G19
  3. G45/19X (G19 slide on G47 frame, so a G19L)
  4. G17X (G47 slide on G19 frame)

We’re pretty sure that’s right, but Glock sometimes confuses us. Regardless, this combo probably should have been available several years ago, but… ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

The Glock 47 is a compact frame (Glock 19X/Glock 45) paired with a full-length slide and barrel. Specifically, it’s a G17 slide and barrel with Glock 19 recoil assembly. Pretty much like what we saw with the G48/G43X. As before mentioned, it is a Gen 5 handgun that dispenses with those annoying finger grooves and gives us forward cocking serrations on the slide instead.

This will intrigue some people and evoke outrage and ass-pain for others. That likely won’t matter to Glock, of course. They will be dragging a bunch of G47 ducats into their bank account.

Buy it and back the bang

Where to Find a Glock 47 For Sale

 

 

Glock 47 meme

Glock 47 Specifications

  • Caliber: 9 x 19mm
  • Capacity: 17 Rounds
  • Action: Safe Action Striker-Fired
  • Overall Length (S/M/L interchangeable backstraps): 7.95 inches/8.03 inches/8.11 inches
  • Slide Length: 7.32 inches
  • Overall Width: 1.34 inches
  • Slide Width: 1 inch
  • Height (Including Magazine): 5.47 inches
  • Weight (Without Magazine): 23.21 ounces
  • Weight (With Empty Magazine): 25.93 ounces
  • Weight (With Loaded Magazine) 34.29 ounces (approximate depending on ammunition)
  • Footprint: G45 MOS

47 Suggested Glock 47 Shooting Accessories

Actually, these are pretty much good accessories for any Glock. But we’re listing them this way because, you know, SEO. Also capitalism. It takes $$$ to run a website like this.

Also, there aren’t actually 47 of them.

1. PHLster Floodlight

This is an excellent holster used by more than a few of the Breach Bang Tribe. It’s a legit “universal” holster that works on the dimension and geometry of your weapon light rather than the gun. Available for Surefire X300 lights and Streamlight TLR-1 WMLs (among others) and in OWB or IWB configurations.

ambidextrous PHLster Floodlight OWB

2. Glock 47 Magazine Extension

Because why wouldn’t you want to increase your magazine capacity by +5?

Also available on

Glock 47 magazine extension

 

3. Maglula Universal Magazine Loader

There are people who will make fun of you for using a magazine loader. Those people are stupid. Don’t be proud. Go ahead and get ya one.

Also available on Optics Planet.

Maglula magazine loader

4. Tactical Pro Sports Wall Magazine Mount

This isn’t going to help you carry the recommended Way of the Gun loadout, but it will keep your mags organized in your safe, trunk, or locker.

Glock Magazine holder

 

 

5. ProMag 50-round Glock Drum Mag

Is it silly? Yes. Is it impractical? Undoubtedly. Should you get one? Damn skippy you should. 

ProMag 50 round drum mag

 

Some holster options available:

You will note that we don’t list anything that rhymes with DERPA on here. That is not an accident.

Commemorative Glock 47 post from US Border Patrol Museum December 2022

The Border Patrol commemorative Glock 47 is available to qualified buyers from the Border Patrol Museum.

Prior G47 News

Glock 47 | CBP Issues Mini Red Dot Sight RFI

Glock 47 | Now to be issued to Secret Service SOD

Glock 47 | Specs and more about it

Glock 47 | New model Glock for 2019 and the US Border Patrol

Review: Glock 47 MOS | An Official Journal Of The NRA (americanrifleman.org)

The Glock 47

CBP Issues Mini Red Dot Sight RFI for Glock 47 and Glock 19

Officially the RFI calls for a “Service Handgun Electronic Aiming Device.” That is, they’re looking to upgrade the G47 and G19 with mini red dot sights. The slides on both pistols are Modular Optic System (MOS) cut.

According to the RFI:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently awarded a contract to GLOCK, Inc. to provide the next generation of handguns for CBP and other U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) law enforcement agents and officers. The GLOCK model G47 and G19 handguns being procured are considered “optics ready” utilizing the GLOCK Modular Optic System (MOS). CBP has a strong interest in identifying optics compatible with these handguns which are suitable for duty use in the environments and conditions encountered by CBP agents and officers. Based on responses received during this Request for Information (RFI), CBP may solicit for an Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to provide optics for issued handguns.

Glock 47 Optic (General Requirements)

Mounting

Devices worthy of consideration should be specifically designed to mount securely to G47 and G19 MOS-configured handguns without adapter plates. Once properly mounted (Loctite, etc. can be used, but screws shouldn’t be exclusively relied on), there shouldn’t be any movement for front/back or left/right movement. The device needs to allow for backup iron sight visibility through the lower portion of the display in case the optic fails.

Visibility

The window needs to be resistant to environmental interference, such as fog or water adhesion. Also, the RFI specifies that the target allows for a clear target focus without distortion.

Reticle

The reticle can be a green or red dot with adjustable brightness capabilities ranging from direct sunlight conditions to nighttime operations. A 3-7 MOA dot is preferred and the reticle emitter needs to be fully enclosed to prevent diminishment due to sand, dust, mud, water, or debris. It also needs to resist orientation interference. The hertz frequency needs to be good enough to appear as a solid illumination point, with no flicker, to the human eye, even with rapid movement. It needs to be capable of zeroing on a G19 or G47, but adjustments for windage and elevation need to require deliberate action and the use of a tool.

Power Supply

The Mini Red Dot should be powered by a battery that can be easily sourced and replaced without dismounting the device from the firearm. It needs to last for a minimum of 6 months on the “on” setting. Solar or rechargeable battery power is acceptable but not required.

According to the RFI, candidate optics will be subjected to a righteous battery of testing which cannot result in a shift of more than 2 MOA. Tests include 25,000 slide cycles with 9mm +P ammunition and slide cycle g-forces in excess of 7000G. It needs to withstand a single drop of 60″ while mounted to a loaded G47 and a direct impact to the rear and front. Tests will also include intense exposure to blowing sand and dust, high and low temperatures, and saltwater immersion.

Glock 47

..

Glock G47 and WML are to be issued to USSS/SOD

August 02, 2019

According to Soldier Systems Daily (who in all likelihood has it right), the recently announced Glock 47 is now on the list of authorized handguns for the United States Secret Service SOD. SSD says,

“Earlier today in an internal message to the Secret Service, Director James Murray announced the adoption of the same technology as recently selected by the US Customs and Border Protection, the 9mm Glock 19 MOS Gen 5.”

Frank Horrigan's Secret Service Glock 47

SOD refers to the Secret Service Special Operations Division.

Glock 47 for Secret Service Special Operations Division

A Secret Service Glock 47 image provided by one of our friends who knows something about people (and pigeons). This is a probably almost maybe not Photoshopped image, The Glock 47, reportedly equipped with a SureFire X300, will be issued to elements of the United States Secret Service Special Operations Division. Secret Service SOD fields the Counter Assault Team (CAT), Emergency Response Team (ERT), and other specialized details.

In addition to the agency-wide availability G19 MOS Gen 5 in 9mm (which will replace their .357 SIG P229s), the Secret Service’s SOD will be issued the G47 MOS and G26 (both Gen 5), WML (weapon-mounted light), and holster. These weapons will be sourced from the same contract as the CBP contract reported on last April.

Glock G47: More About It

April 12, 2019

• The Glock 47 apparently puts a full-length slide on a G45 frame, with a barrel length identical to that of the Glock 17 – but the G17 slide will apparently not fit on a G47. That said, according to TFB, the end-user can swap the G47 slide for the G19 slide.

• Glock 19X magazines, G17 mags, G34 mags, and G45 mags are said to be compatible.

• It is said to feature a flared magwell and a match-grade GMB (Glock Marksman Barrel)

The Glock 47

Glock’s latest model: the Glock 47. This picture has been floating around the interwebz, so we can’t give proper image credit. Though we certainly will if we find out the legit originator.• According to Tactical Life, it will be equipped with Ameriglo BOLD sights. This assertion is also made by Military Times, to wit:

“G47s come standard with Ameriglo Bold sights, and the ability to field an RMR sight depending on the needs of the end-user. G47s will feature a 100% parts compatibility with the G19 Gen 5 MOS pistol which CBP will also be picking up, which ultimately saves the agency money and hassle in the long run.”

Glock 47 | US Customs and Border Protection

Glock 47 - 9x18 Makarov

April 10, 2019

*The 9 x 18 Makarov reference is from an April Fool joke a few years back, lighten up Francis.

Yesterday CBP (US Customs and Border Protection) announced the award of a contract for new duty handguns. That contract will be worth an estimated $85 million over the next decade.

What has people all over the interwebz stirred up, however, is word of a Glock 47. Glock 47, they cry, what is that?!

 

Let’s be clear about this. We don’t need a G47! We have the [insert Glock model here]! Why would any business be so stupid as to release a new handgun just to make $85 million (from the first customer)? I can’t answer that question, though, in fairness, I wouldn’t have asked it in the first place.

CBP Glock 47

I’m actually more concerned with the repeated number. Remember the halcyon days of 2015? There already is a Glock 47 and it’s chambered in 9×18 Makarov! (From this excellent article on Outdoor Hub) They announced that Glock 47 01 April, 2015, I remember it very clearly because it was right after the G43 was released. Apparently, Glock is now repeating nomenclature, which would make this the Glock 47 Mk. 2 Gen 5. I think. All the numbers and Ms and Xs and numbers start to confuse me pretty quickly.

For the sake of argument, though, let’s assume the new Glock 47 isn’t a typo. That’s a safe bet, as the number 47 appears a couple of times on the graphic from that duty handgun contract (the solicitation for which was announced last July). Let’s also assume it’s chambered in the same good ole fashioned 9mm all the other Glocks are using.

Note: there is a lot of sarcasm going on here. Hopefully, unlikely a couple of readers who completely missed the April Fools callout earlier, you’re reading this in the (hopefully) humorous manner intended.

If not, we’ll try hard. For those of you who are genuinely bitching about the Glock 47 and “how stoopid the Border Patrol is,” we say:

“Same small parts for every gun in the fleet. 100% small parts commonality across one of the largest and most widely distributed pistol customers on Earth? Fucking horrible idea. You’re right uninvested Internet person.” Jon Canipe

Speaking of the redoubtable JC, I wonder if there will be any issue with Magpul Glock mags in the new G47?

Does it solve a problem a previous Glock model doesn’t? I have no idea. It does seem to help offer the opportunity to change from a long slide to a shorter slide, and it doesn’t seem like this took a massive amount of engineering to accomplish. Presumably, there are advantages to a weapon of this design…and presumably, even if there weren’t, a savvy firearms manufacturer might go ahead and build it for $85 million+.

CBP Glock 47

 


“You realize now that if an agency buys the G19 & G47 (two guns) that they get FOUR configurations out of it, right?

•G47 (effectively a G17)
•G19
•G45/19X (G19 slide on G47 frame)
•G…17X (G47 slide on G19 frame)”

Glocks can now offer the same feature/function of swapping frames and slides that the P320 can… But they’re Glocks, so they get bonus points.  I’ll get a G47 just to have the swappable aspects covered since I already have a Gen 5 G19. Between my Gen 5 G34, my 19X, and now this? I still don’t have a reason to buy a G17. I’ll get a G48 when they finally come with the black DLC finish from the factory.”  Frank Woods, Tactics & Applications.

I’ll update this article as more information becomes available. In the meantime, I leave you with this compelling image from Jim Davis. The symbolism lies on several levels.

The Glock 47 is here, like it or not.

Thank you, Jim. Your profundity will help silence much tomfuckery.

Grunts: profundity.

You can learn more about the Border Patrol (et al) in the following TFB videos.

 

The new Glock 47

Stay tuned for a collaborative Glock 47 review by Bobby Logan, Jeb Maynard, Mike Banning, Duane Stevenson, Frank Horrigan, and (maybe) Doug Chesnic.

The I.C.E. / Border Patrol Glock 47 is now publicly available.

Where to buy Mystery Ranch packs

⚠️ Some hyperlinks in this article may contain affiliate links. If you use them to make a purchase, we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. It’s just one way to Back the Bang. #backthebang 

For another perspective on the Glock 47, see the review at American Rifleman.

⚠️ Some hyperlinks in this article may contain affiliate links. If you use them to make a purchase, we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. It’s just one way to Back the Bang. #backthebang 

en.

David Reeder

David Reeder

About the Author

6 Comments

  1. checkcamerashuttercount

    I’ve always been fascinated by Glock pistols, and this post has really made me appreciate the design and engineering that goes into them. The Glock 47 in particular looks like it was made for maximum comfort and accuracy. The ergonomic grip and smooth trigger pull make it feel like a natural extension of the hand. I’m sold! Can’t wait to read more about this obscure perfection.

    Reply
  2. Alfonso Tobias

    Is it April 1st, cause I can’t tell if this is real or a joke?

    Reply
  3. Bemused Berserker

    Meh! Just another Block, I mean Gl9ck. Not really a fan of Glocks. Even the Gen 5 trigger sucks. It’s better than it was in Gen 1 guns, but there are still better yet on the market right out 9f the box.

    Reply
  4. Brian

    “A Secret Service Glock 47 image provided by one of our friends who knows something about people (and pigeons).”

    LOL! Love the reference. I wonder how many readers will get it. I can just see Agent Horrigan winking at Agent Raines as he says that.

    Reply
  5. Gavin

    I hope glock changes ther mind and release the 47 on the civilian market.

    Reply
  6. Ken

    Glock will never run out of numbers. They’re a mathematical anomaly.

    Reply

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