Glock 22 Gen3 .40 (Made in USA) UI2250203

GLOCK 22 Gen 3 Pistol Review

This review of the third-generation Glock 22 Gen 3 was first written over a decade ago, back in 2019, when it was one of the very first handguns I owned for legal concealed carry. Like every other GLOCK I’ve owned, it proved to be rock-solid reliable and genuinely enjoyable to shoot. Fast-forward to today and the G22 has evolved into its fifth generation, with updated features and barrel refinements—but at its core, it’s still the same pistol that earned the trust of police departments and private citizens all across the U.S. Reliable, accurate, and effective—those qualities haven’t changed.

Why the Gen 3 GLOCK 22 Became My Go-To

Over time, I’ve settled on the .40 S&W as my favorite caliber, and within that caliber, the Glock 22 Gen 3 stands out above the rest for me.

Don’t get me wrong—I enjoy shooting everything from a .22 all the way up to a .50 caliber Desert Eagle. But week after week, round after round, the .40 S&W is where I’m at my best. And among all the .40s I shoot, my customized G22 consistently performs better than the rest.

Performance and Upgrades

To allow for reloading, I installed a Bar-Sto semi drop-in barrel. The Glock 22 Gen 3 was already an accurate pistol, but this upgrade took it to another level. The result was a remarkably precise shooter—so accurate, in fact, that it can be surprising just how consistently it hits exactly where you aim.

That said, the “semi drop-in” part came with a bit of a learning curve. Bar-Sto notes that their barrels drop right in about 70% of pistols. Naturally, mine landed in the other 30%. With a bit of patience and careful fitting, though, it came together nicely and locked up perfectly.

Once the barrel was installed, I added an adjustable rear sight and a tritium front sight. The front sight practically glows in daylight and low light alike—it looks almost otherworldly. While not the most critical upgrade from a functional standpoint, these additions noticeably improved the pistol’s overall profile, and yes, it simply looks better too.

Comfort, Fit, and Carry

The Glock 22 Gen 3 shares the same frame as the G17, which means it fits a wide range of hand sizes comfortably. In a full-size pistol like this, .40 S&W recoil is very manageable and actually fun to shoot. Despite its size, it’s also comfortable enough for all-day concealed carry, whether you’re dressed lightly in summer or layered up in winter.

Final Thoughts

Whether you leave it completely stock or customize it to suit your preferences, the Glock 22 Gen 3 is a hard pistol to fault. It’s dependable, accurate, versatile, and proven. Simply put—you really can’t go wrong with a Glock 22 Gen 3.