Glock G22 Gen5 MOS Full-Size Pistol: The Definitive .40 S&W Platform for Peak Performance and Versatility

For individuals and professionals seeking an unwavering, high-performance handgun chambered in the potent .40 S&W caliber, the Glock G22 Gen5 MOS stands as a premier choice. This full-size pistol masterfully blends Glock’s legendary reliability with cutting-edge Gen5 enhancements and the innovative Modular Optic System (MOS), making it an ideal solution for a diverse array of applications, from demanding duty use to rigorous competitive shooting and critical personal defense scenarios. When considering a firearm that offers both formidable stopping power and unparalleled adaptability, the G22 Gen5 MOS consistently emerges as a top contender, addressing the needs of discerning shooters who prioritize safety, precision, and ease of customization.

Understanding the Potent .40 S&W Caliber

The .40 S&W cartridge, first introduced in 1990, was designed to bridge the gap between the 9mm Luger and the .45 ACP, offering a compelling balance of manageable recoil, increased capacity compared to the .45, and superior kinetic energy transfer over the 9mm. Its development stemmed from the FBI’s search for a more powerful service round after a critical shootout in 1986. The .40 S&W rapidly gained traction among law enforcement agencies across the United States, becoming a standard issue for many departments due to its demonstrated effectiveness.

The Glock G22 was one of the first pistols specifically designed to harness the power of the .40 S&W, quickly becoming a favorite among police and federal agents. For civilians, the .40 S&W provides a robust defensive option, delivering significant energy at the target while remaining controllable for most shooters, especially in a full-size frame like the G22. This caliber is celebrated for its versatility, performing admirably with various bullet weights and designs, making it suitable for both defensive and target shooting purposes.

The Evolution: Gen5 Enhancements for Enhanced Performance

The Gen5 series represents a significant evolution in the Glock design, incorporating numerous refinements based on extensive feedback from law enforcement and military users worldwide. These enhancements are not merely cosmetic; they directly contribute to improved accuracy, enhanced control, and superior durability. The Glock G22 Gen5 MOS benefits from these advancements, solidifying its position as a modern, high-performance firearm.

Key Gen5 features integrated into the G22 Gen5 MOS include:

• The Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB): At the heart of the Gen5's accuracy improvements is the GMB. This barrel features new rifling and an improved crown, which contribute to enhanced precision and tighter groupings downrange. For shooters who demand the utmost accuracy from their pistol, the GMB delivers tangible results, making every shot count whether on the range or in a critical situation. The 4.49-inch barrel length strikes an excellent balance between velocity potential for the .40 S&W cartridge and overall maneuverability.
• Flared Magazine Well: One of the most practical Gen5 upgrades, the flared mag well at the base of the grip significantly speeds up reloads. This wider, more forgiving opening guides the magazine smoothly into place, reducing the chance of fumbling under pressure. For competitive shooters, law enforcement officers, or anyone requiring rapid magazine changes, this feature is a game-changer, improving efficiency and reducing downtime.
• Ambidextrous Slide Stop Lever: Catering to a broader range of shooters, the ambidextrous slide stop lever allows for convenient manipulation regardless of whether the user is right-handed or left-handed. This seemingly small detail greatly enhances the pistol's ergonomics and operational fluidity, ensuring that all users can operate the firearm safely and efficiently.
• nDLC Surface Finish: The Gen5 Glock G22 features the highly durable nDLC (nitrided diamond-like carbon) finish on its slide. This advanced surface treatment provides superior hardness, offering exceptional resistance to wear and tear, even in harsh operational environments. Furthermore, nDLC significantly enhances the slide’s corrosion resistance, protecting the firearm from rust and environmental damage. The matte black finish also minimizes light reflection, a tactical advantage in various lighting conditions.
• Removal of Finger Grooves: Unlike previous generations, the Gen5 Glock G22 removes the finger grooves on the front strap of the grip. This design change caters to a wider array of hand sizes and preferences, offering a more universally comfortable and adaptable grip. Coupled with the interchangeable backstraps, users can truly customize the fit to their hand, leading to improved control and recoil management.

The Modular Optic System (MOS): A Gateway to Enhanced Sighting

A standout feature of the Glock G22 Gen5 MOS is its integrated Modular Optic System (MOS). In an age where miniature red dot sights (MRDS) are becoming increasingly popular for defensive, tactical, and competitive applications, the MOS system provides an elegant and robust solution for direct optic mounting. The slide of the MOS version is precision-machined with a cut-out at the rear, designed to accept various adapter plates.

How does the MOS system benefit a shooter?

• Faster Target Acquisition: Red dot sights offer a single, clear aiming point, allowing shooters to acquire targets more rapidly than with traditional iron sights. This is particularly advantageous in dynamic shooting scenarios or low-light conditions.
• Improved Accuracy: With a red dot, the shooter focuses solely on the target, not the front sight. This promotes better target focus and often leads to greater accuracy, especially at longer distances or for shooters with vision challenges.
• Versatility: The MOS system comes with multiple adapter plates, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of popular red dot sights from manufacturers like Trijicon, Leupold, Vortex, and Holosun. This allows users to select their preferred optic without needing custom machining or aftermarket modifications.
• Enhanced Situational Awareness: Because the red dot allows for an "eyes up" shooting style, maintaining focus on the target and surroundings becomes more intuitive, contributing to better situational awareness.

The MOS cut on the slide, combined with the traditional fixed sights, provides an excellent co-witness capability with many red dot sights, meaning the iron sights can be seen through the optic window, offering a reliable backup aiming system.

Glock Safe Action System: Uncompromising Safety and Consistency

Central to every Glock pistol is the revolutionary Safe Action System, a design philosophy that prioritizes safety without compromising readiness. The Glock G22 Gen5 MOS incorporates this robust system, featuring three independent, automatic mechanical safeties that are built directly into the fire control system of the pistol. These safeties disengage sequentially as the trigger is pulled and re-engage automatically when the trigger is released, providing a constant state of readiness while mitigating the risk of accidental discharge.

The three safeties are:

1. Trigger Safety: A small lever integrated into the trigger shoe itself. The trigger cannot be pulled rearward unless this lever is fully depressed.
2. Firing Pin Safety: A spring-loaded plunger that blocks the firing pin channel, preventing the firing pin from moving forward unless the trigger is pulled.
3. Drop Safety: Prevents the firing pin from moving forward if the pistol is accidentally dropped, ensuring it will only fire when the trigger is deliberately pulled.

This system results in a consistent trigger pull from the first to the last round, which is a significant advantage for training and maintaining accuracy under stress. The consistent pull weight and predictable reset allow shooters to master the trigger control necessary for precise shot placement.

Ergonomics and User Experience

The Glock G22 Gen5 MOS is designed with the user in mind, offering an intuitive and comfortable shooting experience. Its full-size polymer frame provides a robust yet lightweight foundation, ensuring durability and ease of handling. The black textured grip, combined with the interchangeable backstrap system, allows for personalized ergonomics, ensuring a secure and comfortable hold for a wide range of hand sizes. Shooters can choose from various backstraps to adjust the grip's circumference and beavertail, optimizing comfort and control, which is crucial for managing the recoil of the .40 S&W cartridge.

The ideal grip angle inherent to Glock pistols promotes a natural point of aim, reducing the need for conscious adjustment and allowing for faster, more instinctive target acquisition. The ample real estate on the frame includes a Picatinny rail, positioned conveniently forward of the trigger guard. This rail is essential for mounting accessories such as tactical lights or laser aiming modules, further enhancing the pistol's versatility for low-light operations or training.

Additionally, the extractor on the slide serves a dual purpose: it acts as a loaded chamber indicator. This feature allows users to visually and physically confirm whether a cartridge is present in the chamber, providing an additional layer of safety and situational awareness, especially useful in jurisdictions requiring such indicators.

Ideal Applications for the Glock G22 Gen5 MOS

The Glock G22 Gen5 MOS is a highly adaptable firearm suited for various roles:

• Law Enforcement and Duty Use: The .40 S&W caliber's proven performance, combined with Glock's renowned reliability and the Gen5 enhancements, makes the G22 Gen5 MOS an outstanding choice for police and security professionals. Its capacity, durability, and ability to mount optics make it a potent duty weapon.
• Personal and Home Defense: For those seeking a powerful and dependable handgun for self-defense, the G22 Gen5 MOS delivers. Its full-size frame helps absorb recoil, facilitating quick follow-up shots, while the Safe Action System ensures safety in a stressful situation. The option to add a tactical light via the Picatinny rail is invaluable for home defense scenarios.
• Competitive Shooting: The enhanced accuracy of the GMB, faster reloads from the flared mag well, and the advantage of red dot optics through the MOS system make the G22 Gen5 MOS a competitive platform in various shooting disciplines where the .40 S&W caliber is permitted.
• Firearm Enthusiasts and Collectors: For enthusiasts who appreciate Glock’s engineering and desire a modern, feature-rich pistol in a classic duty caliber, the G22 Gen5 MOS represents a significant addition to any collection. Its blend of traditional Glock attributes with cutting-edge technology makes it a fascinating and practical piece.

Unboxing and What's Included

When you acquire the Glock G22 Gen5 MOS, you're not just getting a pistol; you're receiving a complete package designed to get you started immediately and maintain your investment. The typical package includes:

• Three (3) Magazines: Ensuring ample capacity for training or defensive scenarios, providing reliable feeding for 10+1 rounds of .40 S&W.
• Magazine Loader: A simple yet effective tool to ease the loading of magazines, saving thumbs and time.
• Cleaning Kit: Essential tools to help maintain your firearm, ensuring its longevity and consistent performance.
• Pistol Case: A durable, custom-fit case for secure transport and storage of your firearm.
• Backstrap Set: A selection of interchangeable backstraps to customize the grip to your hand size and preference.
• Gun Lock: For adherence to safety guidelines and secure storage.

The Glock G22 Gen5 MOS, with its UPC 764503043710 and SKU PA225S201MOS, represents the pinnacle of modern handgun design, marrying the trusted legacy of Glock with forward-thinking features that cater to the evolving demands of shooters. Its robust construction, advanced safety features, superior accuracy, and unparalleled modularity through the MOS system make it a top-tier choice for anyone in pursuit of a reliable and versatile .40 S&W pistol.

Detailed Specifications

The Glock G22 Gen5 MOS provides an exceptional blend of features and performance for a full-size pistol. Below is a comprehensive overview of its key specifications, highlighting the thoughtful engineering that goes into every detail of this firearm.

Feature	Detail
Brand	Glock
Series	Gen5 MOS
Model	G22
Caliber	.40 S&W
Capacity	10+1 Rounds
Action	DAO (Safe Action System)
Barrel Length	4.49 inches (Glock Marksman Barrel)
Overall Length (OAL)	7.95 inches
Height	5.51 inches
Width	1.34 inches
Weight (unloaded)	37.32 ounces
Frame Material	Polymer w/ Picatinny Rail
Frame Finish	Black
Slide Material	Steel
Slide Finish	Black nDLC
Slide Description	MOS Cut / Serrated
Barrel Material	Steel
Barrel Finish	Black
Grips	Black Textured w/ Interchangeable Backstrap
Hand	Ambidextrous
Sight Configuration	Fixed
Safety	Firing Pin / Trigger Block (Safe Action System)
Included Accessories	3 Magazines, Mag Loader, Cleaning Kit, Pistol Case, Backstrap Set, Gun Lock
SKU	PA225S201MOS
UPC	764503043710