For decades, the Glock 19 has held a prominent position in the world of firearms, consistently praised for its reliability, durability, and ease of use. Its reputation precedes it, becoming almost synonymous with the term “compact 9mm pistol.” But with the constant evolution of firearms technology, each new generation presents an opportunity for improvement. Does the Gen 5 Glock 19 truly live up to the legacy and claim the title of the ultimate compact 9mm, or are there challengers to its throne? This review dives deep into the features, performance, and overall value of the Gen 5 Glock 19, providing an in-depth analysis for both seasoned shooters and those new to the world of handguns.
The Glock 19, a mid-sized pistol, has carved its niche as a versatile handgun suitable for law enforcement, concealed carry, and home defense. The Gen 5 represents a significant refinement of the design, incorporating changes that aim to improve handling, accuracy, and overall user experience. The shift from generation to generation has always been a topic of excitement for Glock enthusiasts, and the Gen 5 promised substantial upgrades.
Key Features and Specifications
A visual inspection of the Gen 5 Glock 19 reveals a familiar yet improved silhouette. The pistol retains the iconic Glock profile, but several key changes immediately catch the eye.
The frame has undergone a notable transformation. The most striking difference is the elimination of the finger grooves found on previous generations. Many users found these grooves to be restrictive, not fitting all hand sizes comfortably. This change offers a more universal grip, allowing for a more natural and comfortable hold for a wider range of shooters. The Gen 5 incorporates a flared magwell which helps guide magazines into the pistol more efficiently, especially beneficial during quick reloads. The grip texture has also been updated. Known as the “Rough Textured Frame” or RTF, the Gen 5 provides a slightly more aggressive texture compared to earlier versions, enhancing grip security, especially in wet or challenging conditions.
The slide exhibits a sleek, modern design. One of the most visible updates is the inclusion of front slide serrations. These serrations provide additional purchase when manipulating the slide for functions such as press checks or clearing malfunctions. The slide is finished with nDLC (diamond-like carbon) coating. This coating is incredibly durable and resistant to scratches and wear, contributing to the longevity and aesthetic appeal of the pistol.
Concerning the standard sights, the Gen 5 Glock 19 comes equipped with Glock’s standard fixed sights. These sights are simple, effective, and adequate for most practical shooting scenarios. However, the Glock 19 boasts a massive aftermarket, and the availability of countless aftermarket sights for customisation is incredible. Users can easily upgrade to night sights, fiber optic sights, or other advanced sighting systems based on their preferences and shooting needs.
Looking beyond the external features, the Glock 19’s internal design incorporates features that contribute to its overall performance. The heart of the Gen 5’s enhanced performance lies within its core specifications.
The Glock 19 is chambered in the popular and readily available 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge, making it a go-to choice for users seeking reliability and effective self-defense capabilities.
Standard magazines for the Glock 19 hold fifteen rounds. This capacity provides a substantial advantage in a self-defense situation, allowing for more rounds before needing to reload.
The barrel length measures just over four inches, striking a perfect balance between compact dimensions and optimal ballistic performance. This length contributes to manageable recoil and good accuracy.
The inclusion of the ambidextrous slide stop lever is a welcome addition for both right and left-handed shooters. It simplifies operation for all users.
The Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) is a key element of the Gen 5’s design. The GMB utilizes polygonal rifling, which is known to promote improved accuracy. The Glock Marksman Barrel is also designed to provide increased resistance to wear and tear, further extending the lifespan of the pistol.
The changes to the beveled magazine well provide a subtle but significant improvement. This modification enhances magazine insertion speed, especially crucial during high-stress situations. The flared shape creates a wider opening, facilitating quicker and more positive reloads.
The trigger system is a major focus of the Gen 5 improvements. The trigger pull is approximately 5.5 pounds, though this can vary slightly. The trigger break is generally crisp, and the reset is short and positive. Glock made some adjustments to the trigger, which provide a more predictable and consistent pull than previous generations. This results in a noticeable enhancement to the shooting experience.
Handling and Ergonomics
Holding the Gen 5 Glock 19 feels incredibly natural. The absence of finger grooves is a major plus. The redesigned grip allows shooters to comfortably grip the pistol without struggling to fit their fingers into pre-set grooves. The grip texture strikes a balance between providing a secure hold and being comfortable enough for extended shooting sessions. The Gen 5’s grip is designed to fit a wide range of hand sizes.
Manipulating the controls is straightforward. The ambidextrous slide stop lever is a big benefit, providing convenience for both left- and right-handed shooters. The magazine release button is conveniently positioned, and the slide is relatively easy to rack, even for those with less hand strength.
The balance and weight of the Glock 19 contribute to its overall user-friendliness. The pistol feels solid in the hand without being overly heavy, making it easy to control and maintain a stable shooting platform. The weight distribution contributes to its ability to remain steady during recoil.
The Glock 19 excels in concealed carry. Its compact size makes it relatively easy to conceal under various clothing options. The rounded edges help to minimize printing and reduce the chances of the pistol being visible. Its weight is easily manageable for daily carry.
Performance and Reliability
The Glock 19 has a reputation for reliability, and the Gen 5 continues this tradition.
The accuracy of the Gen 5 Glock 19 is impressive. During testing, the pistol consistently produced tight groupings at distances of fifteen meters. The Glock Marksman Barrel clearly delivers on its promise. The rounds used in testing were varied, showing no preference for specific ammunition types. The GMB clearly contributes to the impressive accuracy achieved.
The Glock 19 demonstrated unwavering reliability throughout extended testing. Hundreds of rounds were fired without a single malfunction. Various types of ammunition were tested and the Glock 19 performed flawlessly, proving its ability to function reliably under a variety of conditions and with different ammunition types.
Recoil is easily manageable. The weight and ergonomics of the pistol help to mitigate felt recoil, allowing for quick follow-up shots. The Glock 19 is a pleasure to shoot.
The trigger performance is a critical element of shooting accuracy. The Gen 5 trigger provides a clean break and a short reset. The reset is also tactile and audible, which enables the shooter to quickly prepare for subsequent shots.
Pros and Cons
The Gen 5 Glock 19 has many advantages. Its exceptional reliability is a major selling point. The pistol functions consistently without malfunctions. Its accuracy is also a significant advantage. The Glock 19 is capable of excellent groupings, making it a great choice for self-defense. The ergonomics have been improved. The absence of finger grooves, combined with the improved grip texture, results in a comfortable and secure hold. The Glock 19 is easily concealed due to its compact size. The extensive aftermarket support is another strong point. The availability of various accessories is another great feature. The pistol is also durable. Its sturdy construction ensures it will hold up well over time, and continue to function for many years.
The Glock 19 also has some disadvantages. The trigger feel is often a point of contention for some. While it has been improved, some shooters may prefer a lighter or crisper trigger. The grip texture, while improved, might still be too aggressive for some shooters. Aesthetics are subjective. Some people may find the Glock’s appearance unappealing. The lack of an external manual safety might be a concern for some shooters who prefer this feature.
Comparisons
Several other compact 9mm pistols compete with the Gen 5 Glock 19. Each pistol has its strengths and weaknesses.
The Sig Sauer P320 Compact is a well-regarded pistol that has a modular design. It offers a customizable grip frame and a user-friendly trigger. However, the P320 has a higher price.
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Compact is known for its ergonomics and enhanced trigger. It offers a comfortable grip and improved trigger performance. However, some find the trigger’s reset to be a bit longer.
The Glock 19 is a blend of both brands, combining durability, ease of maintenance and a large aftermarket.
Aftermarket Support and Customization
One of the major strengths of the Glock 19 is the vast aftermarket support. A wide array of accessories are available. From sights, to lights and lasers, to holsters, to magazines. There are also trigger upgrades to customize the pistol’s trigger.
The number of customization options ensures that each owner can tailor their Glock 19 to their specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
The Gen 5 Glock 19 builds upon the legacy of its predecessors, offering a refined and improved shooting experience. The enhancements made to the grip, the slide, and the trigger contribute to enhanced ergonomics, better accuracy, and overall user satisfaction. The Gen 5 has retained the best features that made the Glock 19 famous, including reliability and a long lifespan.
The Glock 19 is a great choice for users looking for a reliable, accurate, and easy-to-handle compact 9mm pistol. Its suitability for concealed carry, home defense, and range use makes it a versatile choice for a broad range of shooters.
The Glock 19 is a good choice for people interested in self-defense or concealed carry.
For anyone seeking a robust, dependable, and adaptable handgun, the Gen 5 Glock 19 is a solid contender. The Gen 5 Glock 19 is still a dominant player in the compact 9mm pistol market.
If you’re considering purchasing a compact 9mm pistol, the Gen 5 Glock 19 is well worth your consideration. Its track record speaks for itself. If you are looking for a compact, reliable, and accurate pistol that can be readily customized, the Gen 5 Glock 19 is an excellent choice.
