Overview

The Glock 22 (Generation 4) is a full-size, polymer-frame, semi-automatic service pistol chambered in .40 S&W. It’s designed as a duty/defense handgun: large grip and slide for controllability, a relatively long sight radius for accuracy, and the durability/reliability Glock is known for. The Gen4 update brought ergonomics and recoil-management upgrades over earlier Glocks.

Construction & materials

Frame: High-strength polymer (polymer frame with steel inserts). The frame is durable, resistant to corrosion, and fairly light compared to all-steel designs.

Slide & barrel: Forged/precision-machined steel slide and barrel, treated with Glock’s nDLC/tenifer-type finish (corrosion/wear resistant).

Internal components: Steel striker-fired mechanism, hardened internal springs and pins.

Operating system & mechanism

Action: Striker-fired, semi-automatic; no external hammer.

Locking system: Short recoil operated, tilting barrel (Browning-type linkless locking).

Trigger safety: Glock’s integrated trigger safety + firing pin and drop safeties (three internal passive safeties typical of Glock).

Gen4 features (what changed vs earlier gens)

Modular backstrap system: Interchangeable backstraps (typically three sizes) to adjust grip circumference and feel.

Dual recoil spring assembly: Reduces perceived recoil and improves spring life compared to the single spring used on older Glocks.

Rough textured frame (RTF) or increased stippling: Improved grip traction (varies slightly between batches).

Reversible magazine catch: Ambidextrous capability for left- or right-handed shooters with a simple change.

Slightly different grip geometry and magazine well shape compared to Gen3 (still full-size frame).

Ergonomics & controls

Grip: Full-size grip that fits most adult hands; with backstrap options you can adjust fit. The grip angle is the familiar Glock geometry favored by many for fast pointability.

Controls: Simple — trigger, slide stop/release, magazine catch (reversible). No external safety lever.

Sights: Typically fixed 3-dot sights from factory; many owners upgrade to night sights or suppressor-height sights for optics or suppressor use.

Trigger feel: Glock’s characteristic short, consistent take-up with a defined wall and a relatively short reset. Many shooters replace or tune the trigger for a crisper pull, but stock triggers are serviceable and very safe.

Caliber & magazines

Caliber: .40 S&W — a compromise between 9mm capacity and .45 ACP energy; produces snappier recoil than 9mm but offers good terminal performance with proper ammo.

Magazine capacity: Standard factory magazines for the full-size Glock 22 are typically 15 rounds (varies by jurisdiction). Extended magazines are available from Glock and aftermarket makers. Magazines are polymer with a steel insert and a reliable feed lip design.

Size & weight (practical impression)

Full-size footprint: Longer slide and taller grip than a compact — gives a longer sight radius and more mass to manage recoil.

Weight: Heavier than compact pistols when loaded, which helps tame recoil but reduces carry comfort if used as a concealed carry option. (Exact numbers vary by magazine and configuration.)

Handling & performance

Recoil: .40 S&W produces snappier recoil impulse than 9mm; the Gen4’s dual recoil spring and the weight of the full-size slide help moderate it. Proper grip and stance are important for rapid follow-up shots.

Accuracy: Good out of the box for typical defensive ranges (0–50 yards). The longer sight radius helps consistent sight alignment. Many owners achieve very good practical accuracy with duty loads or quality defensive ammunition.

Reliability: Glock pistols (including the 22 Gen4) have a strong reputation for reliability in adverse conditions — dirt, rain, sand — provided they’re maintained and using appropriate ammo.

Pros and cons (practical buyer’s view)

Pros

Robust reliability and simple, proven design.

Full-size control and capacity for duty or home defense.

Gen4 ergonomics improve fit and recoil management over older Glocks.

Large aftermarket — sights, triggers, magazines, holsters, and accessories.

Cons

.40 S&W recoil is snappier than 9mm; more muzzle rise and felt recoil for some shooters.

Full-size weight and height make it less ideal for concealed everyday carry compared to compacts.

Some prefer a crisper trigger out of the box (many owners do aftermarket trigger work).

Ammunition cost and availability for .40 can be higher/less common than 9mm in some areas.

Typical users & use cases

Law enforcement / duty: Historically popular with police agencies (many departments issued .40s historically).

Home defense: Good option due to capacity and stopping power, especially if carried in a safe/holster at home.

Range & training: Solid for practice and familiarization; be mindful of higher recoil and ammunition costs.

Competition: Can be used in production divisions; many competitive shooters prefer 9mm for higher capacity and lower recoil, but .40 is still viable.

Maintenance & care

Field strip: Simple takedown procedure common to Glock designs (trigger pulled, slide locked back, takedown lever used). Don’t perform detailed maintenance unless you understand safe procedures — always clear the firearm first.

Cleaning: Regular cleaning and lubrication of barrel, slide rails, and recoil assembly keep reliability high. Gen4 dual-spring assembly should be inspected for proper seating during reassembly.

Spares: Keep extra magazines, a cleaning kit, and a good holster. Replace springs if you notice reliability falloff after heavy use.

Aftermarket & upgrades

Common upgrades include sights (night or fiber), improved backstraps, grip stippling, aftermarket triggers or trigger components, extended magazine bases, holsters, and slide/optic cuts or suppressor-height sights for mounting optics or using a suppressor.

Safety & legal note

If you own or handle a firearm, always follow the four basic firearm safety rules, be aware of local laws on ownership, carry, and magazine capacity, and seek qualified instruction if you’re new to pistols.