The Glock 20, with its impressive .10mm firepower, often sparks debate regarding its suitability for concealed carry. While its stopping power is undeniable, its size and weight present significant challenges. This article dives deep into the realities of carrying a Glock 20 concealed, exploring its advantages, disadvantages, and ultimately, whether it's a practical choice for everyday carry (EDC).
The Glock 20: A Powerful Contender
The Glock 20 is a full-size, semi-automatic pistol chambered in the potent 10mm Auto cartridge. This cartridge delivers significantly more stopping power than the ubiquitous 9mm, making it a favorite among hunters and those needing serious self-defense capabilities. Its larger capacity magazines (typically holding 15 rounds) offer increased firepower compared to smaller carry pistols.
Advantages of the Glock 20 for Concealed Carry (With Caveats)
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Stopping Power: The 10mm round is a potent round, offering superior stopping power compared to 9mm or .40 S&W. This is a significant advantage for self-defense situations where a quick, decisive stop is crucial.
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High Capacity: The Glock 20's magazines hold a substantial number of rounds, providing a significant advantage in extended confrontations (though such situations are rare).
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Reliability: Glocks are renowned for their reliability, and the Glock 20 is no exception. Its robust design and simple mechanism ensure consistent function even under stressful conditions.
Disadvantages of the Glock 20 for Concealed Carry
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Size and Weight: This is the biggest hurdle. The Glock 20 is a large and heavy pistol, making it challenging to conceal comfortably. Printing (the outline of the gun showing under clothing) is almost inevitable for most individuals.
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Recoil: The 10mm round generates considerable recoil, which can be challenging for smaller individuals or those new to shooting. This recoil can impact accuracy, especially under stress.
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Concealability Challenges: The size and weight make it unsuitable for appendix carry for most, and even with proper holstering and clothing selection, it's likely to be less comfortable than smaller, lighter pistols.
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Carry Comfort: The weight and bulk make prolonged carry uncomfortable, leading to fatigue and potentially compromising safety due to discomfort adjustments.
Real-World Considerations for Concealed Carrying a Glock 20
Before even considering a Glock 20 for concealed carry, you must honestly assess your physical capabilities and lifestyle.
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Body Type: Smaller individuals will find it nearly impossible to conceal effectively. Larger individuals may have more success but will still likely experience discomfort.
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Clothing: Concealing a Glock 20 requires substantial clothing, limiting options, particularly in warmer climates.
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Training: Proper training is absolutely essential. Mastering recoil management is critical to maintain accuracy and control with the 10mm cartridge.
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Holster Selection: A high-quality, well-fitting holster is crucial for both comfort and safety. Consider options such as outside-the-waistband (OWB) holsters for better concealment, or if you're determined to try an inside-the-waistband (IWB) option, get fitted professionally.
Alternatives for Self-Defense
While the Glock 20 offers impressive stopping power, numerous other handguns are better suited for concealed carry. Consider these alternatives:
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Glock 19: A more compact and lightweight option chambered in 9mm, offering a good balance between firepower and concealability.
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Sig Sauer P365: A popular subcompact pistol known for its slim profile and high capacity.
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Springfield Hellcat: Another subcompact option with a high capacity magazine, well-suited for concealed carry.
Conclusion: Is a Glock 20 Right for Concealed Carry?
For most individuals, the answer is a resounding no. The Glock 20's size, weight, and substantial recoil make it a challenging and often impractical choice for concealed carry. While its stopping power is undeniable, comfort, concealability, and manageable recoil are critical factors for everyday carry. Unless you have a specific need for the 10mm's raw power and are willing to accept significant compromises in concealability and comfort, explore more appropriate options for self-defense. Prioritize a firearm that you can carry comfortably and confidently every day, as that is the most important factor in effective self-defense.