GLOCK 22 Gen4

Reliability and simplicity have made GLOCK® 22 GLOCK 22 Gen4 Semi-Auto Pistol one of the most widely used law enforcement firearms worldwide. The G22 is a full-size service pistol, chambered in the powerful .40 S&W pistol cartridge, a standard law enforcement round with proven knockdown power. The GLOCK 22 is a short-recoil operated, striker-fired semi-automatic pistol. The Safe-Action trigger system makes shooting in stressed situations infallible. The main frame of the GLOCK pistol is constructed of high-strength polymer resistant to shock, caustic liquids, and extreme temperatures for superior reliability in virtually any environment.

Favored for law enforcement worldwide
Short-recoil operated, striker-fire pistol
High-strength polymer frame
Steel slide with Tenifer finish
Safe-Action trigger system
Impervious to corrosion
Integral accessory rail
White-dot front sight
White-bracket rear sight
Fieldstrips without tools
Comes with 2 magazines

Glock 22 Gen4 — Duty-Proven Performance in .40 S&W

GLOCK 22 Gen4 Semi-Auto Pistol

The Glock 22 Gen4 is a full-size, striker-fired, semi-automatic pistol chambered in .40 S&W. For decades, it served as a staple duty sidearm for law enforcement agencies across the United States, valued for its blend of capacity, power, durability, and simple manual of arms. The Gen4 updates improved ergonomics and recoil management while preserving the rugged reliability the model is known for.

If you’re researching whether the Glock 22 Gen4 is a good choice, how it operates, what it can (and cannot) shoot, and how it compares to other Glock models, this guide answers those questions clearly while giving you a complete product overview.

What Is the Glock 22 Gen4?

Full-size polymer-frame pistol
Chambered in .40 S&W
Striker-fired, semi-automatic action
Double-stack magazine design
Gen4 features: Modular Back Strap System, Rough Textured Frame (RTF), dual recoil spring assembly, reversible magazine release

The Glock 22 is often considered the flagship .40 S&W Glock, equivalent in size to the Glock 17 in 9mm.

Is a Glock 22 Semi Automatic?

Yes. The Glock 22 Gen4 is a semi-automatic pistol. One round is fired per trigger press, and the slide cycles automatically to chamber the next round.

“Are Glock 22 Good?” / “Is the Glock 22 Gen 4 a Good Gun?”

These are extremely common search questions.

The Glock 22 Gen4 earned its reputation through:

Extensive law enforcement adoption
Proven reliability under heavy use
High magazine capacity for the caliber
Manageable recoil with Gen4 dual spring system
Long service life with minimal maintenance

Shooters who want a full-size pistol with more energy than 9mm and excellent durability often find the Glock 22 Gen4 a strong choice.

When Did Glock 22 Gen4 Come Out?

The Gen4 series was introduced around 2010, bringing ergonomic and recoil system improvements to existing Glock models, including the Glock 22.

Did Glock Discontinue the Gen 4?

Some Glock models transitioned to Gen5 in certain calibers and markets. However, many Gen4 pistols—including .40 S&W variants like the Glock 22—remain widely available and supported due to ongoing demand and agency use.

Shooting Performance and Recoil Control

GLOCK 22 Gen4 Semi-Auto Pistol

The .40 S&W cartridge has a reputation for “snappy” recoil compared to 9mm. The Gen4 improvements help mitigate this through:

Dual recoil spring assembly
Full-size frame weight
Aggressive grip texture for control
Wide grip surface distributing recoil forces

This makes the Glock 22 Gen4 more comfortable to shoot than earlier generations.

Do Glock 22 Have Safety?

Glock pistols, including the Glock 22 Gen4, do not have an external manual thumb safety. Instead, they use Glock’s internal Safe Action system:

Trigger safety lever
Firing pin safety
Drop safety

These automatic safeties disengage only when the trigger is deliberately pressed.

Caliber Questions — What Can a Glock 22 Shoot?

This is where many search queries appear, and accuracy matters.

Can a Glock 22 Shoot .45?

No. The Glock 22 is built specifically for .40 S&W. .45 ACP is a different size cartridge and requires a different platform.

Can Glock 22 Shoot 10mm?

No. 10mm Auto is longer and operates at different pressures. It is not compatible.

Can a Glock 22 Take 9mm?

Can a Glock 22 Shoot 9mm?

From the factory, the Glock 22 is designed for .40 S&W only. Some experienced users explore caliber conversions with aftermarket components, but the standard configuration is for .40 S&W. Always follow manufacturer specifications.

Does Glock Make a “22 Automatic”?

This question often refers to caliber confusion.

Glock does not make a .22 LR version of the Glock 22
Glock does produce .22 LR pistols in other models
The Glock 22 is named for the model number, not the caliber

Does Glock Have a .22 Caliber Handgun?

Yes, Glock manufactures .22 LR pistols in different models, but that is separate from the Glock 22, which is .40 S&W.

Ergonomics: Gen4 Grip and Backstraps

GLOCK 22 Gen4 Semi-Auto Pistol

The Modular Back Strap System allows you to:

Use the smallest grip profile
Add medium or large backstraps for larger hands
Adjust trigger reach and comfort

Combined with the RTF texture, this gives excellent control during recoil.

Magazine Capacity and Design

The Glock 22 Gen4 uses a double-stack magazine that offers strong capacity for a duty-size pistol. The design is known for:

Reliable feeding
Durable construction
Easy maintenance

Reliability and Durability

The Glock 22 built its reputation in demanding duty environments because of:

Polymer frame resilience
Simple striker-fired system
Corrosion-resistant slide finish
Consistent function across ammunition types

Many law enforcement trade-in Glock 22 pistols still perform reliably after very high round counts.

Maintenance and Field Stripping

Glock pistols are known for ease of care:

Tool-less disassembly
Minimal lubrication requirements
Simple internal design
Quick cleaning process

This contributes to the long service life of the platform.

How to Use Glock 22 Gen 4 (Basic Operation Overview)

Safe, basic operation includes:

Load magazine with .40 S&W ammunition
Insert magazine until seated
Rack the slide to chamber a round
Aim and press trigger to fire
The slide cycles automatically for the next shot
Remove magazine and lock slide open to unload

Always follow proper firearms safety practices and training.

Accuracy and Sight Radius

The full-size slide provides:

Longer sight radius for improved accuracy
Stable muzzle behavior
Better control during rapid fire

This is why many shooters prefer full-size pistols for range and duty use.

Practical Use Cases

The Glock 22 Gen4 is ideal for:

Duty and service roles
Home defense
Range training
Shooters who prefer .40 S&W performance

Its size makes concealment more challenging but improves shootability.

Why Shooters Still Choose the Glock 22 Gen4

GLOCK 22 Gen4 Semi-Auto Pistol

Common reasons include:

Proven duty history
Higher energy than 9mm
Excellent reliability track record
Gen4 ergonomic improvements
Simple manual of arms

Recoil Characteristics

While .40 S&W has more snap than 9mm, the Glock 22 Gen4’s:

Frame size
Grip texture
Dual recoil spring

Help make recoil predictable and controllable.

Longevity and High Round Counts

The Glock 22 Gen4 is built to handle extensive use:

Durable internal components
Designed for heavy training cycles
Maintains performance over time

Final Overview

GLOCK 22 Gen4 Semi-Auto Pistol

SEO Summary Highlights for the Glock 22 Gen4 Semi-Auto Pistol:

Full-size semi-automatic pistol chambered in .40 S&W
Gen4 upgrades: backstraps, RTF grip, dual recoil spring
Widely trusted duty pistol with long reliability history
Internal Safe Action safeties (no external thumb safety)
Designed specifically for .40 S&W ammunition
Excellent for duty, home defense, and range training
Introduced with the Gen4 line around 2010

The Glock 22 Gen4 remains a respected, duty-proven pistol that combines power, durability, and user-friendly ergonomics in a full-size platform.

GLOCK 22 Gen4 Semi

do glock 22 have safety

GLOCK 22 Gen4 Semi-Auto Pistol