Description
Glock 36 Gen 3 45 ACP 6rd 3.78″ Sub-Compact CCW
Glock 36 Gen 3 45 ACP 6rd 3.78″ Sub-Compact CCW
This Glock 36 Gen 3 is in excellent, used condition. This model has a 3.78″ barrel chambered in 45 ACP, feeds from a single stack 6 round magazine, and has all of the normal Gen 3 glock features that made it the most prolific handgun series in the world. This pistol has the stock Glock bucket sights. This would make an great concealed carry option for someone who wants a lightweight 45 ACP semi-auto single stack. Included with the handgun are two 6rd magazines, some miscellaneous cleaning tools, lock, loading tool, and the original Glock case.
The Glock 36 Gen3 is a subcompact, single-stack, striker-fired pistol chambered in .45 ACP. Introduced in 1999, it was Glock’s first slim-frame .45 ACP pistol and remains popular among shooters looking for a compact concealed-carry handgun that fires a full-power .45 ACP cartridge. The version described as “Original Case” typically indicates the pistol includes its factory Glock hard case and original accessories.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Glock |
| Model | Glock 36 Gen3 |
| Caliber | .45 ACP (.45 Auto) |
| Action | Semi-automatic |
| Operating System | Safe Action® striker-fired |
| Generation | Gen3 |
| Barrel Length | 3.78 in (96 mm) |
| Overall Length | 6.97 in (177 mm) |
| Height (with magazine) | 4.72 in (120 mm) |
| Width | 1.18 in (30 mm) |
| Unloaded Weight | 19.93 oz (565 g) |
| Loaded Weight | 26.81 oz (760 g) |
| Magazine Capacity | 6+1 rounds |
| Frame | Polymer |
| Slide | Steel with Glock corrosion-resistant finish |
Key Features
- Single-stack magazine for a slimmer grip than Glock’s double-stack .45 ACP models.
- Safe Action® trigger system with three passive, automatic safeties.
- Polymer frame for reduced weight.
- Accessory rail is not present on the standard Gen3 G36.
- Compatible with many aftermarket sights, holsters, and internal components designed for the G36.
Trigger System
The Glock 36 uses Glock’s Safe Action system:
- Consistent trigger pull for every shot.
- Typical trigger pull: 28 N (about 6.3 lb).
- Three automatic internal safeties:
- Trigger safety
- Firing pin safety
- Drop safety
No manual thumb safety is required; the safeties disengage only while the trigger is intentionally pressed.
Dimensions
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Barrel | 3.78 in |
| Overall Length | 6.97 in |
| Height | 4.72 in |
| Width | 1.18 in |
| Sight Radius (Glock Night Sights) | 5.83 in |
| Weight (unloaded) | 19.93 oz |
Magazine
- Standard capacity: 6-round single-stack magazine
- Chambered with a full magazine: 6+1 rounds
- Designed specifically for the Glock 36; magazines are not interchangeable with the higher-capacity Glock 30 series.
Sights
Most Glock 36 pistols were originally shipped with standard polymer sights, although some factory variants included Glock Night Sights or were sold with upgraded steel sights. If you’re considering a used pistol advertised as having “night sights,” it’s worth confirming whether they’re factory-installed or aftermarket, and checking the age of the tritium inserts, as they dim over time.
Handling and Performance
The Glock 36 is known for:
- Slim grip that fits many shooters better than double-stack .45 ACP pistols.
- Manageable size for concealed carry.
- Reliable operation with quality ammunition.
- Noticeably stronger felt recoil than comparable 9mm pistols because of its lightweight frame and .45 ACP chambering.
Typical Package Contents (“Original Case”)
A used Glock 36 advertised with its original case often includes:
- Glock 36 Gen3 pistol
- Original Glock hard plastic case
- One or two 6-round magazines (varies by seller)
- Magazine loader
- Cleaning brush and rod
- Cable lock
- Owner’s manual (if retained)
- Factory test-fired cartridge envelope (on some older examples)
Actual contents depend on what the previous owner kept.
Advantages
- Slim profile for easier concealed carry.
- Lightweight for a .45 ACP pistol.
- Proven Glock reliability.
- Simple field stripping and maintenance.
- Large aftermarket for sights, holsters, and replacement parts.
Considerations
- 6+1 capacity is lower than many modern compact pistols.
- Recoil is sharper than that of similarly sized 9mm handguns.
- Gen3 ergonomics lack features found on later Glock generations, such as interchangeable backstraps and an enlarged magazine release.
Comparison with Similar Glock Models
| Feature | Glock 36 Gen3 | Glock 30 Gen3 | Glock 19 Gen5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | 9×19mm |
| Barrel | 3.78 in | 3.78 in | 4.02 in |
| Capacity | 6+1 | 10+1 | 15+1 |
| Magazine | Single-stack | Double-stack | Double-stack |
| Width | 1.18 in | 1.27 in | 1.34 in |
| Weight (unloaded) | 19.9 oz | ~24 oz | ~23.6 oz |
Best Suited For
The Glock 36 Gen3 is commonly chosen for:
- Concealed carry by those who prefer the .45 ACP cartridge.
- Recreational range shooting.
- Home defense where lawful.
- Collectors interested in Glock’s original slim-frame .45 ACP design.
Despite newer slim-frame pistols entering the market, the Glock 36 remains valued by many owners for its combination of compact dimensions, dependable operation, and full-power .45 ACP chambering.

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