There are times when you don’t notice a shift in the paradigm, but with the new Glock G17 and G19 Gen4 MOS (Modular Optic System) pistols the move is obvious and clear.
Conceal carry pistols equipped with optics are the next stage in the evolution of defensive pistols.
Glock has taken its most popular models, the full-size G17 Gen4 and compact G19 Gen4, and created MOS variants. The MOS variants that feature a small cover plate just forward of the rear sight. After removing the plate and replacing it with a mounting adaptor the user can mount a reflex red dot sight such as the popular models from Trijicon, Leupold, Meopta, C-More, Docter, and Insight. What this means is, a shooter can acquire a target faster and shoot with more accuracy while doing it with a pistol meant for personal protection. Red dots are not just for competition shooting and hunting any more.
Glock introduced the MOS (Modular Optic System) variants a few years ago. The G34, G35 and G41 Gen4 received the MOS treatment making them easier to equip with a red dot sight for competition shooting. Glock did the same for the 10mm G40 Gen4 MOS. The addition of an optic increases the shooter’s effective range. Mounting a reflex red dot sights increases the speed and aiming accuracy over traditional iron sights—well, plastic sights in the case of Glock. With a red dot, all a shooter needs to do is focus on the red dot and place it on the target. Traditional sights have three planes—rear sight, front sight, and target—that need to be aligned for accurate shooting. Adding a red dot simply seems to be the natural progression for conceal carry pistols.
| Glock G17 Gen4 MOS | |
|---|---|
| Trigger | Striker-fire (DAO) |
| Barrel Length | 4.49 inches |
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Overall Height | height in inches; use decimal numbers |
| Overall Length | 7.95 inches |
| Overall Width | width in inches; use decimal numbers |
| Weight Unloaded | 22.5 ounces |
| Sights | Fixed, dot/outline |
| Stock or Grip | stock type or grip type |
| Capacity | round capacity |
| Magazine | 17+1 |
| Frame | Textured polymer modular backstraps |
I recently—before the 2016 SHOT Show—had the opportunity to test a G17 Gen4 MOS and G19 Gen4 MOS. I mounted a Leupold Delta Point to them. At the range, I found I was more accurate and faster on target when compared to the same guns using only iron sights. Drawing the G17 and G19 from concealed cover, I experienced a bit of a learning curve. Make sure your concealing garment is out of the way. The optic is obvously higher and could potentially snag.
The transition from iron sights to optic also requires the shooter to aim differently. In my case, I needed to slightly lower the muzzle of the pistol to acquire the red dot within the sight’s window. Within a few magazines and practice draws, I was comfortable with the optic sight and the smaller groups in the paper downrange indicated my accuracy had improved. I’ve particularly grown fond of the G19 in a DGS Arms CDC (Compact Discreet Carry) kydex appendix holster, which I modified to fit the new Glock equipped with the Delta Point. I hauled the larger G17 with Delta Point in a Fobus IWBL holster, which required no alterations.
The size of the sight does mean the optic has the potential to snag, but proper training should alleviate any fumbled draws. The battery means you need to replace it on a schedule so you are not caught with a dead battery—both are easily managed. I also used the Delta Point as an improvised handle to rack the slide. Not something I would normally do, but I want to see if the mount held and if the sight went out of zero. I had no issues. The pistol ran like you would expect Glocks to run—flawlessly.
With the G17 Gen4 MOS and G19 Gen4 MOS, Glock is redefining the conceal carry pistol, making the pistol easier and faster to aim, which is an advantage. And we all want the advantage.
| Glock G19 Gen4 MOS | |
|---|---|
| Trigger | Striker-fire (DAO) |
| Barrel Length | 4.02 inches |
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Overall Height | 7.28 inches |
| Overall Length | length in inches; use decimal numbers |
| Overall Width | width in inches; use decimal numbers |
| Weight Unloaded | 21.16 ounces |
| Sights | Fixed, dot/outline |
| Stock or Grip | stock type or grip type |
| Capacity | 15+1 |
| Magazine | number of rounds |
| Frame | Textured polymer modular backstraps |
The author believes conceal carry pistols equipped with optics are the next stage in the evolution of defensive pistols. Do you see an optic equipped pistol in your future? Do you have any optic equipped pistols? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section.
[rsadowski]
I like and own several glocks but this just seems like a marketing gimmick to me. I prefer to personalize them 1 by 1, not out f the box…just my way of doing things, I guess.
Hi. Nice shooting. I don’t know where you live but here in Illinois your not allowed to carry your gun in a mall. If you look at all the shootings. They have happened in places where people can’t carry. The only thing you should be shooting at 50 to 100 yards away is food. Then you mention people with bad eye sight. They really shouldn’t be shooting at anything that far away. If you can’t see you have no idea what is going on or who your shooting at that far away. And someone that far away from you poses no real threat to you. The only reason you should pull your gun is to protect your life or your family. If you have your gun on you at a mall and you pull it because you hear shots being fired. Once you pull your gun you are now a threat. No one knows who you are. You could be with the shooter. And just as quick as you might pull your gun. Someone else might pull there’s and shoot you. That’s why you don’t shoot at people from far away. They pose no threat to your life. Self defense is hard to prove in defending your life and your families. Do you really want to try to prove it in the defense of others. Putting optics on a handgun so you can be more accurate at distances is not self defense. If you do shoot someone at a distance they will use your own gun against you. Saying you set it up to shoot people far away. When I got my CCW we had to shoot at a target that was 3,5,and 7 yards away. That’s 9-feet 15-feet and 21-feet away I’m just guessing they didn’t pull those distances out of a hat. I’m guessing that might be the distance they see could be self defense any thing over that might be seen as sketchy. I’m just guessing but there’s reasons they do stuff. Now if your a police officer. Apples and oranges. We don’t play by the same rules. I would like to see one expert one professional shooter say you need an optic on your handgun so you can defend yourself in a self defense situation. It’s nice to have bells and whistles on our guns. But you really can’t say their there for self defense. All you really should have time for is point and shoot. I didn’t even know what that was till I took my first class. The instructor told us to point to a picture. Then he asked us how accurate do you think that is. Then he went on showing us how accurate it is. Then he went on telling us about muscle memory. Then after all that he ended it with saying people don’t stand still to get shot. The best way to hit what your shooting at is what everyone tells me. Practice Practice Practice. Having an optic or laser on your gun doesn’t mean your going to hit what you’re pointing at. The way you pull the trigger has a lot to do with what you hit. Please don’t take this the wrong way. In Illinois I have to retreat run away hide try anything I can to take my life out of danger and then only then can I pull and shoot. No stand your ground law here.
One of the pioneers of red dots on pistols is Gabe Suarez. He teaches point shooting without sights at close range (so called defensive distance), but for longer shots, and particularly for those of us with diminishing eye sight, adding the RMR to a pistol increases our ability to shoot more accurately. Yes, we mostly train in the defensive context, where we really need no sights at all, but what about the longer shot – the active shooter at the mall? With innocents all around, you better be able to make that shot, not just get close. Red dots on pistols are made for that context, which, unfortunately, is becoming an increasingly real threat to our everyday lives. Finally, it’s all about placement. The red dot must be installed just in front of the rear sight – never behind it. Ideally, the sights should be taller suppressor sights that co-witness with the dot. I own two Suarez Red Dot V3 Glock slides – one on a Gen3 G17 – my home defense gun, and the other on a Gen4 G19 – my carry gun. With practice, acquiring the dot is automatic. I can consistently hit 8″ steel at 50 yards, and 80% at 100 yards. At 7 yards, I just point from retention ready and hit the center mass – 100% of the time. Practice drawing and shooting from as many positions as you can manage. Laser/Dry Fire drills help tremendously, until you can get to a bermed range that allows such live fire maneuvers. The best thing to remember comes from Clint Eastwood – “A man has to know his limitations.” All the best.
Hi. Nice shooting. I don’t know where you live but here in Illinois your not allowed to carry your gun in a mall. If you look at all the shootings. They have happened in places where people can’t carry. The only thing you should be shooting at 50 to 100 yards away is food. Then you mention people with bad eye sight. They really shouldn’t be shooting at anything that far away. If you can’t see you have no idea what is going on or who your shooting at that far away. And someone that far away from you poses no real threat to you. The only reason you should pull your gun is to protect your life or your family. If you have your gun on you at a mall and you pull it because you hear shots being fired. Once you pull your gun you are now a threat. No one knows who you are. You could be with the shooter. And just as quick as you might pull your gun. Someone else might pull there’s and shoot you. That’s why you don’t shoot at people from far away. They pose no threat to your life. Self defense is hard to prove in defending your life and your families. Do you really want to try to prove it in the defense of others. Putting optics on a handgun so you can be more accurate at distances is not self defense. If you do shoot someone at a distance they will use your own gun against you. Saying you set it up to shoot people far away. When I got my CCW we had to shoot at a target that was 3,5,and 7 yards away. That’s 9-feet 15-feet and 21-feet away I’m just guessing they didn’t pull those distances out of a hat. I’m guessing that might be the distance they see could be self defense any thing over that might be seen as sketchy. I’m just guessing but there’s reasons they do stuff. Now if your a police officer. Apples and oranges. We don’t play by the same rules. I would like to see one expert one professional shooter say you need an optic on your handgun so you can defend yourself in a self defense situation. It’s nice to have bells and whistles on our guns. But you really can’t say their there for self defense. All you really should have time for is point and shoot. I didn’t even know what that was till I took my first class. The instructor told us to point to a picture. Then he asked us how accurate do you think that is. Then he went on showing us how accurate it is. Then he went on telling us about muscle memory. Then after all that he ended it with saying people don’t stand still to get shot. The best way to hit what your shooting at is what everyone tells me. Practice Practice Practice. Having an optic or laser on your gun doesn’t mean your going to hit what you’re pointing at. The way you pull the trigger has a lot to do with what you hit. Please don’t take this the wrong way. In Illinois I have to retreat run away hide try anything I can to take my life out of danger and then only then can I pull and shoot. No stand your ground law here.
What is the cost?,,,I have a 17 gen 4 and my wife has a 17 older model
also what does the sight picture look like?
I like the idea! Do you know if Glock will modify the slide on my G19 for a fair price? If so i’m in. I have looked around and found some aftermarket slides machined for MOS but at over 500 dollars it’s not cost effective. Thanks, Steve
It cost about $100-$150 to have your Glock milled out to handle an electronic sight. Glockmeister and Glock Worx both do fine work. Some other individuals do as well. Actually drops the sight lower than the MOS version which is nice, but it also probably voids the warranty from the factory. Something worth checking. I’ve had Glocks milled by both companies and my Glocks are used daily and I have never had an issue.
I have been carrying a milled G26 and 19 since 2011. I carry the gun AIWB with little problem. I think Glock dropped the ball on the MOS. Milling the slide allows the optic to sit lower in the slide than the various plates allow.
I just wanted to mention that I use my Glock 30, gen 3 .45 for my EDC. It is also my quick go-to gun at home because I keep it with my clothes in my bedroom for quick access, although I have 4 additional choices, 9mm and .45 for quick access.
However I have been toying with the idea of keeping a Glock 21 in my Fort Knocks safe for quick access for home defense. I wanted another Glock .45 that I could keep with 13 rounds and spare magazines, use my Streamlight, super bright rail mounted light (doesn’t fit my concealed carry strategy), and maybe a quick-access red-dot site.
I own a nice Mossberg 590A1 shotgun and a nice Colt LE6920, I keep locked up my home office, however with kids at home, I choose not to keep them accessable at bedside. I prefer the nice bedside, heavy duty Fort Knocks safe. But I can only afford the space and cost of one for handguns.
While I like the Glock 19, I prefer a .45 cal, Glock 21 for protection in the home, in lieu of getting out the shotgun or AR-15. A super-bright light and a red dot sight are, in my opinion, excellent options for home defense.
Well I guess I’m old fashion I like my iron sight on all my guns they are tailored for close defence no need for me to put bells and whistles on them . All I need is to see what’s going on and if I really nice to get involved or can I escape the problem area, if it’s a home invasion me and my wife know our house and property and have and still do train for that day when some one will try to invade our castle.. P.S. a good iron frying pan about 10 inch or more can and will have a devastating effect on any one that breaks in. Been there done that.
I would like to add one more thing. The optic you put on the gun is mounted on the slide. The slide goes back and forth everytime you shoot your gun. The optic would need to absorb thousands of impacts over it life span. I’m just guessing for an optic to be that good is going to cost you.
I can’t believe any expert would say this is a good idea. Most or all experts don’t even like safety’s on their guns. In a lift or death situation you have to hope and pray that you remember to take the safety off turn on or activate your sight somehow and hope your sight is still spot on and your battery is not dead. After you do all that then you can protect yourself in that life or death situation. This only accounts if you bought your gun to carry and protect yourself. If you bought your gun for target shooting. They make and have better ways to mount stuff on your gun then on the slide.
I’ve been considering a second G19. I might think about one of these. I’ll have to price it first though.
I would just like to say this. I have a Glock 17 and 19 both are Gen 4 I love the 19 not so much the 17. The 19 feels real good in my hand. I shouldn’t of bought both of them because there pretty much the same gun. I don’t understand why Glock would cut off the top of the slide so you could mount some sort of optic on the gun. These are handguns not rifles. If you want to get on target faster. I’ll tell you what everyone tells me at the range when I ask them how they got so good. Practice practice practice and when your done practice some more. You really shouldn’t be shooting at anyone far enough away from you to where the point and shoot method doesn’t work. If Glock wanted to do something with there gun. I would start with putting good sights on the gun. Sights that work good in all lighting conditions. Once you start putting lights and lasers on your handguns you loose a lot of holsters and options on how you can carry it. As far as home protection goes. If someone is breaking into my house while I’m home. I would of course grab my gun turn on a light and scream I’m calling the police while I’m calling the police. I’m not going to go look for them in a dark house. You have no idea who they are or how many of them there could be or if there armed or not. I’m not a killer and I don’t want to be the one to end someone’s life if I don’t have to. If we killed people for doing stupid stuff we be extinct. Before anyone responds to this. people who are just looking to rob you and didn’t know you were home are way different then people who know you are home and are looking to rob you or rape and kill you. The difference is the the robber will run when he finds out your home the other ones won’t. This happened close to where I live. A 16 to 18 year old kid was breaking into this lady’s house she shot and killed him. They don’t keep story’s like this in the news so my details are sketchy at best. The kid was found on the front lawn with a gunshot to the head. I’m guessing she shot him in the head as he was coming in her window. Is this protecting yourself or laying in wait to kill someone. Would turning the lights on or screaming at him of scared him off. Did she do anything like that I don’t know. She was arrested because she wasn’t allowed to own a gun. Everybody said he was a good kid and can’t believe he would do something like that. But they always say that. I did stupid stuff when I was a kid. I never wanted to hurt anyone and I still don’t if I can help it. So keep safe and protect yourself and your family accordingly.
Sal, good response. In agreement in saying the last thing I want to or have in mind is to take a life. But having said that, it would be my upmost intent to protect my family. Agree 100% with the thought of practice, practice, practice.Thank you.
Vote Vote Vote Vote Vote…….
I agree Sal. I have a job where I have to walk through peoples yards, sometimes past their windows, to get to the back easement. I always, always, go to the door to let them know I need access thru their yard. But, it still bothers me. I never know when somebody might not have heard me at the door. Maybe they were in the shower, had the music on loud, whatever. They didn’t hear me and see me walking past the window. Pow.
Is there any indication whether Glock will offer just the optic-ready slide for sale so existing G19 gen 4 owners can just purchase the top without buying a whole new gun?
I have seen the MOS slides on Gun Broker. They are almost as much as a standard Glock but they are available.
I just purchased a Glock 19 but the “Next Gen” model was not available. Would I be correct in assuming that the MOS is not an option for the legacy model?
Allen,
The model you bought would not be the optic ready model. If you want to attach an optic to your check out a custom gunsmith. I had mine done by Jim Jones at J&L Gunsmithing. He will set it up so you can use the optic or your regular iron sights (as a backup). ~Dave Dolbee
I think I read somewhere that we can buy the slide for our older guns. That might be cheaper than a gunsmith.
What about all the Gen 1 owners? No rails, no tapped holes. Are the trigger guard mounted laser really useful?
So a manual safety is a bridge too far for everyday carry but a big battery powered optic is A-OK??
Matt, I actually limit my gun purchases to those without a manual safety. No real impact on safeness, but faster and more reliable first shots for me. I compete IDPA and USPSA against both types, and both are fast, but the guys with manual safeties have to develop that speed and skill to release the safety on the draw. There are plenty of 1911’s, Sig’s, S&W, etc. that have a manual safety. To each their own I guess.
Just a “devil’s advocate” question:
If you are able to acquire enough of a sight picture to make a real difference in shot placement — with iron sights, optics or otherwise — is it legitimate “self defense”?
Self-defense shooters very legitimately go to great lengths to oppose magazine capacity restrictions and similar efforts to disarm us, effectively, specifically because self-defense does not allow us to acquire a good sight picture so as to make each and every shot count for the highest “points” as in target shooting.
So, aren’t we at risk of giving credibility to magazine capacity restrictions and other such nonsense, by suggesting that we can acquire a good enough sight picture that optics will make a difference while defending ourselves from a thug bent on smashing our brains into a concrete sidewalk?
Optics are great for fun shooting at any range, and serious shooting from a distance, but I am not sold on either the need or the ability to use optics in the bad-breath-range shooting involved in true self-defense.
Red dot optics work similarly to lasers in the dark , especially when using a flashlight, without giving your position away ( when flashlight is off of course). Think home defense. Often dark. 5-25 foot distances. Far enough to want to aim, especially if your adversary is using cover.