There’s no question that Glock is one of the most famous firearms brands, at least in the U.S. (I even know of at least one song with “Glock” in the title). And, in many people’s eyes, that fame exists for good reason.

Primarily, people seem to love Glocks for their reputation for reliability right out of the box and for the ability to customize them with replacement triggers, etc.

And the people who love Glocks really love their Glocks.

You might think, “If Glocks are that dependable, why would they ever release any new models?” It’s a good question. Still, occasionally, though, Glock does release a new model, or, in the case of today’s discussion, an update to an existing model, the G47.

If you’re not familiar with the G47, it uses the same full-sized frame as a G45 but (unlike the G45) with a full-sized slide. Maybe it’s the full-size and reputation for reliability that made the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency pick the G47 as their official issue sidearm. (Interestingly, because of the Customs and Border Protection Agency orders, Glock, after announcing the release of the G47, released another statement saying that the G47 would not be available to consumers. That situation has, now, changed, and you can buy G47s if you know where to shop for them.)

So, what is the update to the G47? The American Rifleman Staff gives us the details:

Additionally, the G47 is outfitted with Glock’s Modular Optic System (MOS), which uses a milled slide compatible with a number of adapter plates that accommodate most of today’s micro red-dot sights. Chambered in 9 mm Luger, the Glock 47 MOS has a standard magazine capacity of 17 rounds and is equipped with a 4.49″ barrel. Unloaded, the gun weighs 25.9 ozs. The pistol measures 7.9″ long, 5.5″ high and 1.3″ wide. Suggested retail pricing on the G47 is $620.

Yes, it seems that even Glock is having to make concessions to the inroads that optics are making for pistols.

So, if you’re in the market for a full-sized pistol (or you just want another Glock) and you’d like to think about installing optics on it without having to replace the slide, the G47 MOS may be a model to consider.