The Glock 45 is one of the latest pistols by the world-famous Austrian gun manufacturer. Although this handgun possesses many similarities to other Glock pistols, it also features unique characteristics that make it challenging to find a compatible holster.
If you have Glock’s latest Compact Crossover pistol or are considering purchasing one, learn everything you need to know about this handgun and find the best holster for it.
Glock 45: What is it?
If you are unfamiliar with this model designation, you may be forgiven for thinking it refers to a .45-caliber Glock. However, this is not the case. The Glock 45 (or G45) is perhaps better described as the Glock Model 45 because it is chambered in 9x19mm.
This handgun has most of the features you expect from a 5th generation Glock pistol. It boasts a lightweight polymer frame mated to a steel slide, Glock’s patented Safe-Action trigger and safety mechanism, a highly durable nDLC finish, and a mildly flared magazine well. It also features the accurate Glock Marksman Barrel.
Where the Glock 45 differs from other models is in the dimensions. This handgun features a full-size frame compatible with any standard double-stack Glock 9mm magazines that fit the Glock 17. However, unlike the G17, the G45 has a compact slide and a 4.02” barrel
In essence, the G45 is an official factory-produced pistol that combines a compact slide and barrel with a full-size frame. If this sounds familiar, it’s because Glock did this before with an earlier model, the Glock 19X.
The differences between the G45 and the G19X are minimal. The G45 is available in standard black, while the G19X is only in desert tan. The G45 has front and rear slide serrations, while the G19X only has rear ones. Lastly, the G45 has the factory flared magazine well, and the G19X does not.
These differences exist due to the products’ intended markets. The G19X descends from the Glock 19 MHS, which competed in the U.S. military’s XM17 Modular Handgun System (MHS) but lost to the SIG P320. The G45, in contrast, is mainly oriented towards the law enforcement and civilian markets.
How to Choose a Glock 45 Holster
Despite possessing identical slide dimensions to the G19 and G19X, there are valid reasons to seek a 9mm holster specifically designed for the Glock 45. It’s better to go with one meant for this model instead of reusing an older compact Glock holster.
Going with a holster specifically designed for the Glock 45 gives you the certainty and the peace of mind that it was molded and constructed around your pistol. Besides this consideration, the best Glock 45 holster for you depends on your carry style (IWB or OWB) and your pistol’s configuration.
The Best G45 Holsters
Whether you prefer to carry your Glock 45 inside the waistband (IWB) or outside (OWB), multiple holsters are available to you. Make sure you choose a holster that fits your particular handgun and accessory configuration. For example, a G45 holster intended for a pistol with a tactical light will not securely retain a stock G45.
Standard Glock 45
If you own a stock Glock 45 with no accessories and prefer to carry IWB, the WTPH Glock 45 IWB holster provides everything you need to carry your handgun safely and confidently. This holster employs 0.08” Kydex sheets in its construction and is available in both left-handed and right-handed versions.
It also fits in 1.5” wide gun belts. It is fully adjustable for cant, ride height, clip position, and retention strength. This holster comes with a sweat guard to protect your gun’s finish from exposure to sweat.
If you prefer to carry outside the waistband, the WTPH Glock 45 OWB holster employs the same materials and offers virtually the same functionality and adjustment capabilities. The only differences with its IWB counterpart are the belt clips’ position, which are on the inside, like all OWB holsters. It also lacks a sweat guard, which is unnecessary on an OWB holster.
You can use a minimally modified Glock 45 with any of the holsters, provided the modifications do not cause the pistol’s dimensions to exceed those of a stock G45. For example, if you installed aftermarket sights, make sure they aren’t extra-tall (e.g., suppressor height sights). Otherwise, you may be unable to reholster your gun correctly.
Glock 45 with light or laser
If you enjoy using a tactical light or a laser sight on your Glock 45, you must use a holster molded to fit your specific combination of handgun and light or laser models.
We The People Holsters offers multiple Glock 45 IWB and OWB holsters compatible with some of the most popular lights and lasers, including the following models:
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Streamlight TLR-7 or TLR-7A
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Streamlight TLR-1, TLR-1S, or TLR-HL
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OLight PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie
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Glock 45 MOS
The Glock 45 MOS (Modular Optics System) is the red-dot-ready variant of the original Glock 45. It features a slide with an attachment point for mounting a compatible red dot sight. Popular red dot sight choices for the Glock 45 include the Trijicon RMR, the Holosun 507, the Leupold DeltaPoint, or the Burris FastFire 3.
If you carry a Glock 45 MOS with an installed optic, you need a holster with a red dot sight cut, such as the WTPH Glock 45 MOS OWB holster. Fortunately, unlike with lights and lasers, the red dot cut is universal. No matter which optic you use, your handgun should fit as long as that cut is present.
If your G45 MOS possesses both an optic and a light or laser, then your carry holster must have the red dot cut and molding that fits your specific accessory. For example, the WTPH Glock 45 MOS with Streamlight TLR-1 IWB holster only accepts a Glock 45 fitted with a Streamlight TLR-1, TLR-1S, or TLR-HL plus the red dot sight of your choice.
Note that any holster with a red dot sight cut may still accept a pistol with no red dot sight installed. The purpose of a red dot cut is to clear space for the rear of the slide, where the optic sits.
Carry Your Glock 45 Every Day With We The People Holsters
We The People Holsters was founded to fulfill one mission: Providing American gun owners with the highest-quality hand-crafted holsters on the market. Our products are 100% hand-crafted and 100% American-made.
Whether you carry a Glock 45 or any other handgun, IWB or OWB, left- or right-handed, Kydex or leather, we have a holster for you. For product information, call us today at (888) 998-6191.