Glock G28

About the Glock G28

The Glock G28 is a subcompact semi-automatic pistol chambered in .380 ACP, first introduced in 1997 primarily for international markets. The G28 is dimensionally similar to the 9mm G26 but operates on a straight blowback system rather than the locked-breech short-recoil mechanism used in most other Glock pistols, as the lower pressures of the .380 ACP cartridge do not require a locking mechanism. With a 3.43-inch (87mm) barrel, an overall length of 6.50 inches (165mm), and a height of 4.17 inches (106mm), the G28 provides Glock's proven Safe Action trigger system and reliability in a low-recoil package ideal for recoil-sensitive shooters or jurisdictions where 9mm civilian ownership is restricted. The pistol weighs 20.64 ounces (585g) with an empty magazine and holds 10 rounds of .380 ACP in its double-stack magazine. The trigger pull is slightly heavier than other subcompact Glocks at 28 N (~6.3 lb). Originally unavailable in the United States due to import point requirements, the G28 was finally offered to the U.S. civilian market in 2023 as a TALO Distributors exclusive, manufactured at Glock's Smyrna, Georgia facility in a Gen3 configuration with finger grooves. The .380 ACP's mild recoil makes the G28 one of the most controllable Glock pistols available, suitable for shooters who find the snappier 9mm subcompacts difficult to manage.

For over two decades, the Glock 28 was the 'forbidden Glock' in America -- well-known to exist but legally unobtainable by U.S. civilians due to import restrictions. Its primary market was Central and South America, where laws prohibiting civilian ownership of military-caliber firearms made the .380 ACP G28 the only Glock subcompact option for millions of potential buyers. When Glock finally made the G28 available to the U.S. market in 2023 by manufacturing it domestically, it generated significant excitement among collectors and enthusiasts eager to complete their Glock collections. The pistol's simple blowback design makes it unique among modern Glocks, offering the softest-shooting subcompact in the lineup.

Glock G28 specifications

The Glock 28 was originally designed for international markets, particularly in Central and South America, where civilian ownership of military-caliber pistols (including 9mm Parabellum) is restricted by law. Countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico prohibit civilian use of 9mm but permit .380 ACP, making the G28 an important product for Glock's international sales. The G28 was unavailable in the U.S. for over 25 years because it failed to accumulate sufficient points under the ATF's sporting purposes import test due to its small size and .380 chambering. The 2023 U.S. introduction was made possible by manufacturing the pistol at Glock's American facility in Smyrna, Georgia, bypassing import restrictions entirely. The U.S. model is a TALO exclusive offered in Gen3 configuration only, without the Gen5 improvements available on the G26 and G27. The blowback operating system results in a slightly different recoil impulse compared to the locked-breech G26 -- the slide velocity is higher but the overall felt recoil is lighter due to the .380 ACP's lower energy. Weight without magazine is 530g (18.70 oz). MSRP for the TALO edition is $599. Optional 12-round and 17-round magazines are available.