A History of Glock’s Incremental Improvements
Before exploring the specific differences, it’s helpful to briefly trace the path of Glock’s development. The original Glock 17, released in the mid-1980s, revolutionized the firearms industry with its polymer frame and striker-fired mechanism. The company quickly gained a following for its design. Each subsequent generation has introduced thoughtful, evolutionary improvements.
Early generations focused on refining the safety mechanisms and ergonomics. Later generations, particularly the fifth, witnessed significant advancements in areas like the trigger system, barrel design, and overall user experience. Each iteration reflects Glock’s commitment to providing a robust, dependable, and easily maintained pistol.
Frame and Ergonomic Variations
The frame of a pistol is its backbone, and the design has undergone notable shifts between these generations.
The Third generation, which became a standard for a long time, features a frame constructed of a robust polymer. It incorporates finger grooves on the front strap and a textured surface on the grip. This provides the user with a secure hold on the firearm. These finger grooves, though helpful for some, weren’t universally loved and were often felt to limit grip customizability.
The Fifth generation, however, showcases a radical shift. Glock eliminated the finger grooves on the front strap and enhanced the grip texture. This resulted in a more adaptable grip that can accommodate a broader range of hand sizes and shooting styles. This newer texturing is more aggressive and offers superior purchase, even in wet conditions.
The inclusion of a flared magazine well in the frame of the Gen Five model contributes to faster, more efficient magazine changes. This can be a significant advantage in self-defense situations or competitive shooting.
The overall shape of the grip in the Gen Five has been subtly refined. This evolution in design allows the user to adapt to the gun better, and the slight adjustments help to prevent the shooter from experiencing discomfort.
The Slide: Design and Functional Changes
The slide of a pistol plays a vital role in operation, housing the firing pin, extractor, and sights. The advancements made on the slide are essential to the improved function.
One of the most immediate differences between the Gen Three and Gen Five models lies in the slide finish. While the Gen Three slides are commonly treated with finishes, such as Tenifer, the Gen Five series has adopted a newer nDLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) finish. This advanced coating is designed to increase durability and resistance to wear, corrosion, and abrasion.
The inclusion of front slide serrations on the Gen Five is a notable upgrade for many shooters. While the Gen Three models had serrations at the rear, the Gen Five introduced forward serrations. These provide additional points of contact for press checking the firearm or manipulating the slide in various scenarios. These can be extremely useful for rapidly clearing malfunctions or checking the chamber.
The slide release lever has also received an overhaul. The Gen Five features an ambidextrous slide release lever. This allows for easy operation by both right-handed and left-handed shooters, as well as those who prefer to use their support hand. This enhanced functionality is a significant advantage for those looking for a versatile pistol.
Internal Mechanisms and Safety Developments
Beyond the visible exterior changes, the inner workings have also seen substantial refinement. These changes affect the overall feel and performance of the pistol.
The trigger mechanism has been a focal point of change. The Gen Three trigger, while reliable, had a longer and less crisp pull. The Gen Five trigger has been optimized, resulting in a lighter, smoother trigger pull and a more tactile and quicker reset. These changes improve both accuracy and the speed with which follow-up shots can be delivered. The trigger components have been changed to create a more consistent and refined feel.
The barrel is another location where considerable enhancements were introduced. While the Gen Three models featured traditional polygonal rifling, the Gen Five includes the Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB). This barrel is designed to provide a higher level of accuracy and overall performance. The GMB is engineered with enhanced rifling to provide a tighter grouping of shots.
Other internal changes are also worthy of mention. Glock continues to improve the overall safety of their handguns, ensuring that they meet the highest standards of use.
Magazine Evolution: Impact on Compatibility
The magazines of the pistols have also been improved. While the Gen Three models have magazines with different base plates, the Gen Five model features magazines with flat base plates. These base plates make magazine changes easier.
It’s worth noting that, depending on the exact models, many of the Gen Five magazines are backward compatible with the Gen Three. This allows shooters to use the newer magazines in the older-generation pistols.
Performance Analysis: The Shooting Experience
The various changes directly impact the shooting experience, and there are notable differences in how each generation performs on the range.
With the refinements to the barrel design, the Gen Five pistols often demonstrate slightly improved accuracy compared to their predecessors. This is especially noticeable at longer distances. While both generations are reliable and accurate handguns, the Gen Five tends to exhibit better shot placement and greater grouping consistency.
The changes to the trigger mechanism and the grip also enhance the user experience. The lighter, smoother trigger pull on the Gen Five contributes to greater accuracy. This, along with the improved grip texture, promotes better control.
The ambidextrous slide release and the flared magazine well contribute to quicker, more efficient reloads. This can be a significant asset in scenarios where speed and response time are critical.
A Quick Review of Pros and Cons
To provide a clear comparison, here’s a side-by-side overview of the strengths and weaknesses of each generation.
Gen Three Pros:
Affordable
Wide availability of aftermarket parts
Familiar design
Gen Three Cons:
Finger grooves may not fit all hand sizes
Slightly heavier trigger pull
Slide finish less durable
Gen Five Pros:
Improved grip texture
Ambidextrous slide release
Improved trigger pull and reset
Glock Marksman Barrel for improved accuracy
Durable nDLC finish
Flared magazine well
Gen Five Cons:
Higher price point
Fewer aftermarket parts currently available
Which One Is Right for You? Making the Choice
Deciding which generation of the Glock 19 is best depends on individual needs and preferences. For budget-conscious shooters or those already invested in Gen Three-compatible accessories, the earlier generation remains a compelling option. It offers proven reliability and a wide selection of aftermarket parts.
For those prioritizing enhanced ergonomics, improved accuracy, and the latest technological advancements, the Gen Five is the obvious choice. The improved grip, trigger, and barrel offer an upgraded shooting experience. If a shooter is left-handed, the ambidextrous slide release makes the Gen Five particularly appealing.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to handle and potentially shoot both generations. This allows you to assess which one best fits your hand, shooting style, and priorities.
Concluding Remarks
The Glock 19, regardless of the generation, stands as a testament to effective handgun design. The Gen Five builds upon the established legacy of the Glock 19, incorporating enhancements that refine performance and improve the shooting experience. While the Gen Three remains a robust and affordable option, the Gen Five offers a more modern and feature-rich experience. Regardless of your choice, the Glock 19 remains a solid and reliable choice for personal defense, law enforcement, or recreational shooting.
If you have experience with either generation, please share your thoughts and feedback in the comments section. What are your preferred features? What are your experiences with them?
