Glock 29 Gen 4
Pros & cons
What works
- Dual recoil spring smooths full-power 10mm recoil
- Interchangeable backstraps fit more hand sizes
- Shares magazines with the Glock 20
- Aggressive Gen4 texture for a secure grip
Trade-offs
- 10mm recoil is still sharp in a subcompact frame
- Fixed sights out of the box
- Bulkier stock grip than the dedicated SF version for small hands
- Roster eligibility must be confirmed before ordering in CA
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Glock 29 Gen 4 is Glock's fourth-generation subcompact 10mm Auto pistol, built on the same short, thick 10mm frame as the original 29 but updated with the Gen4 changes Glock rolled across its full lineup: a dual recoil spring assembly to soften the snap of full-power 10mm, an aggressive RTF-style frame texture for grip when wet or gloved, and interchangeable backstraps so shooters can size the grip to their hand. It fires the same full-power 10mm Auto round as the original 29, in a frame small enough to conceal.
What changed from earlier Glock 29 generations?
Gen4 added a dual recoil spring assembly, a reversible and enlarged magazine catch, an aggressive frame texture, and swappable backstraps — none of which touch the caliber, barrel length, or trigger mechanism. It's the same core 10mm pistol with ergonomics and recoil management updated. Shooters coming from an earlier-generation 29 will notice the texture and backstraps first.
What is it used for?
Woods and backcountry carry is the classic use case — a full-power 10mm round with real penetration in a pistol small enough to actually carry all day. It also works as a concealed-carry option for larger-handed shooters who want more caliber than 9mm offers, and as a home-defense gun for the same reason.
How does it compare to the Glock 29 SF?
The Glock 29 SF has a fixed Short Frame grip built for smaller hands; Gen4 keeps the standard-length grip and lets you swap backstraps instead of getting a factory-shortened frame. Both fire the same 10mm cartridge and hold the same 10-round capacity — the choice comes down to whether you want a fixed shorter reach or an adjustable one.
What magazines fit it?
The factory 10-round Glock 29 magazine is standard, and it shares its magazine well with the Glock 20, so longer G20 magazines fit for range use where legal. That's the same magazine compatibility the SF version offers.
Who is this not for?
Recoil-sensitive shooters should test-fire one first — 10mm in a subcompact frame is stout no matter how well the grip fits your hand, and the dual recoil spring smooths the edge without eliminating it. It's also not the pistol for someone who wants the flattest-shooting, softest-recoiling carry option available.
Does it work in California?
Only through a licensed CA FFL, and only if this specific configuration is roster-listed or otherwise exempt — confirm with your dealer before ordering. See California gun laws for the standard transfer, DROS, and waiting-period process.
Key attributes
| Manufacturer | Glock |
| Model | Glock 29 Gen 4 |
| Caliber | 10mm Auto |
| Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Frame Features | Dual recoil spring, interchangeable backstraps |
Frequently asked questions
- What's the real difference between the SF and Gen4 versions of the 29?
- The SF has a fixed Short Frame grip, while Gen4 keeps the standard-length grip but adds swappable backstraps, so you size the grip yourself instead of getting a factory-shortened frame.
- Does it come with more than one magazine?
- Standard listings ship with the factory 10-round magazine; confirm exact quantity with the dealer at time of purchase.
- Can I use Glock 20 magazines in it?
- Yes, the Glock 29 and Glock 20 share the same 10mm magazine well, so longer G20 magazines fit for range use where legal.
- Is the recoil manageable for a smaller shooter?
- 10mm in a subcompact frame is stout regardless of grip size — the RTF texture and backstrap fit help control it, but it's not a soft-shooting pistol.
- Is it legal to buy in California?
- Only through a licensed CA FFL, and only if the specific configuration is roster-listed or otherwise exempt — confirm with your dealer before ordering.