Glock 48 MOS 9mm Pistol, 10rd, 2 Mags, Black
Pros & cons
What works
- Factory MOS optic cut eliminates $150+ gunsmithing cost for red-dot installation.
- GMB (GLOCK Marksman Barrel) delivers 3.0-inch groups at 25 yards with quality 124-grain FMJ ammunition.
- Slimline grip width of exactly 1.0 inch reduces printing significantly versus the 1.34-inch G19.
- Includes 4 MOS adapter plates covering the most common micro red-dot footprints.
Trade-offs
- Limited to standard 10-round capacity; competitors like the S&W Shield Plus offer 13+1 flush-fit.
- Aggressive front slide serrations lack depth compared to SIG P365 models, offering less purchase with wet/sweaty hands.
- Polymer frame lacks undercut trigger guard or forward texturing, requiring aftermarket stippling or grip tape for improved control.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Glock 48 MOS is a Slimline-format, compact, optic-ready pistol chambered in 9mm Luger. It represents the modern evolution of the single-stack Glock 43 into a service-duty footprint with a 4.17-inch barrel and slide-mounted optic system. This model bridges the gap between ultra-concealable micro-compacts and full-size duty guns, offering a balance of shootability, concealability, and modern red-dot compatibility right out of the box.
What is the Glock 48 MOS used for?
The Glock 48 MOS is used for everyday concealed carry and as a defensively-oriented compact handgun. Its primary design purpose is to provide superior concealment compared to double-stack Glocks like the G19 or G45 due to its reduced grip width of 1.0 inches, while retaining a full-length grip and longer sight radius of 6.85 inches for improved control. It's not a duty pistol for open-carry law enforcement, but a tool for the civilian or plainclothes professional prioritizing reliable, holsterable firepower, supported by its MOS system for adding a micro red dot for faster target acquisition.
How does the Glock 48 MOS compare to the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus?
The Glock 48 MOS has superior out-of-the-box optic readiness compared to the S&W Shield Plus, which requires aftermarket slide milling or a plate adapter for most red dots. The G48 MOS includes plates for direct mounting of sights like the Holosun 507K, whereas the Shield Plus forces you into a secondary purchase and gunsmithing. For sheer magazine capacity, however, the Shield Plus provides 13+1 rounds in a similar-width grip, an advantage of three rounds over the G48's 10+1 configuration, making it better for those prioritizing maximum ammunition in a small package.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the pistol weighs 20.74 ounces (588 grams), a critical figure for all-day carry comfort and belt stability. Its overall length is 7.28 inches, barrel length is 4.17 inches, height is 5.04 inches, and the Slimline grip width is precisely 1.0 inch. This combination yields a slender profile that disappears under clothing yet offers a full purchase for most adult hands; you can compare that to the more substantial frame options in our the Stevens 334 rifle series for a different handling paradigm entirely.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for the shooter who demands maximum standard magazine capacity in a compact pistol. If you require more than 10 rounds in a flush-fitting magazine and live in a jurisdiction that permits it, a double-stack micro-compact like the Sig Sauer P365XL or the Springfield Hellcat Pro is a more suitable starting point. It's also not for a shooter who dislikes Glock's ergonomics and wants aggressive, pre-installed frame stippling or a deep undercut trigger guard without immediate modification.
What's in the box?
The box includes the pistol, two 10-round factory magazines, four MOS adapter plates (RMSc/C&H, Trijicon RMRcc, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, and Sig Sauer ROMEO1PRO footprint), a cleaning rod and brush, a cable lock, and the standard Glock manual. Notably, it does not include a chamber flag or a loading tool, so you'll want to pick a quality magazine loader like an UpLULA for your range sessions. The comprehensive optic plate set makes it ready to mount a wide range of popular optics without a $100-$200 aftermarket purchase.
Is the Glock 48 MOS worth it at $507.99?
At $507.99, the G48 MOS offers a compelling value for a factory-ready optics platform, especially compared to buying a standard G48 and then paying $150-$250 for professional slide milling. You are paying a roughly $75 premium over the non-MOS G48 to get that vital feature, which I consider worthwhile for any serious defensive tool likely to be modernized. For a different value proposition in the sporting realm, see the Stevens 555 Sporting series review of shotguns. The cost justification hinges on your intention to mount an optic; otherwise, buy the standard model and save the money.
Key attributes
| upc | 764503049996 |
| manufacturer | GLOCK |
| manufacturer part number | UA4850201FRMOS |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 4.01'' |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 10+1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 5.04'' |
| magazine included | 2 x 10-Round |
| model | 48 |
| number of magazines | 2 |
| product type | Striker Fired |
| safety | Firing Pin/Trigger Block |
| shipping weight | 3.1 |
| sights | Fixed |
| sights type | FIXED |
| slide description | MOS Cut/Serrated |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Holosun 507K?
- Yes, the Glock 48 MOS is directly compatible with the Holosun 507K using the included RMSc/C&H pattern adapter plate (Plate #1). The Holosun 507K uses a 2 MOA dot and 32 MOA ring reticle, a perfect match for this pistol's sight radius of 6.85 inches. Direct mounting requires no additional filing or gunsmithing.
- Does it fit G19 holsters?
- No, the Glock 48 MOS does not fit holsters molded for the double-stack Glock 19 due to the significant difference in slide width and overall frame dimensions. The G48's Slimline profile is thinner by approximately 0.20 inches. You must use holsters specifically designed for the Glock 48/43X models to ensure proper retention and trigger guard coverage.
- How long does shipping take to a Montana FFL?
- Standard shipping to a licensed Montana FFL Dealer takes 5-7 business days from our warehouse in Fort Worth. All firearms must ship to your chosen FFL for the mandatory 4473 background check and transfer, which we coordinate through our Ironclad Armory dealer network. Expedited shipping options may reduce this to 2-3 business days.
- Can I add a weapon light?
- Yes, the Glock 48 MOS rail accepts a variety of compact weapon lights, specifically those using the GLOCK standard accessory rail. Popular choices include the Streamlight TLR-7 Sub (1913-key version), which projects 500 lumens, and the Surefire XSC, which is designed for single-stack profiles. Check your holster compatibility with these lights installed.
- Does it come with night sights?
- No, this configuration ships with standard Glock polymer sights with a white dot front and a white outline rear plate. These are adequate for range use but lack tritium or fiber-optic elements for low-light aiming. Upgrading to AmeriGlo, Trijicon, or factory Glock Night Sights typically costs between $70 and $120 plus gunsmith installation.
- Does this work with Shield Arms S15 magazines?
- The Glock 48 MOS accepts Shield Arms S15 magazines, which increase capacity from 10 to 15 rounds, but they require an aftermarket metal magazine catch. The polymer factory catch will wear out from the steel feed lips. This is an unofficial modification we recommend only for experienced users willing to verify function with their chosen carry ammunition.