Are you looking for a gun with the right mix of durability, reliability and shootability that also has an affordable price tag? Look no further! I have the as-close-to-perfect-as-possible handgun for you: The GLOCK 19.
As Austrian manufacturer, GLOCK ’s second pistol produced, the GLOCK 19 currently comes in two configurations and three different models: the GLOCK 19 Gen 3, the GLOCK 19 Gen 4 and the GLOCK 19 Gen 3 made in the U.S.A. EDIT: They now offer the GLOCK 19 Gen 5.
Introduced in 1988, the GLOCK 19 quickly became popular with law enforcement agencies nationwide. After successfully selling the model 19 to United States law enforcement, GLOCK moved on to win the hearts of U.S. civilians. And win them they did. The GLOCK 19 is one of—if not the most—popular handguns in the United States—quite possibly the world.
The Basics
The GLOCK 19 is a scaled-down version of GLOCK ’s original full-sized model 17. It is a striker-fired, locked-breech short-recoil operated semi-automatic pistol chambered for 9mm. Not wanting to sacrifice ammunition capacity for size, requests from plain-clothes police officers led to the development of the GLOCK 19. Many of the gun’s dimensions are the same, however, the GLOCK 19’s barrel is smaller at just 4 inches and the overall length is shorter at 6.85 inches. Both have a 5.5-pound trigger pull, 9.84-inch right hand hexagonal barrel twist, and are 1.18 inches wide. The model 19 weighs in at 20.99 ounces unloaded and 29.98 ounces loaded. The 19 holds 15 rounds.
Shootability
The combination of the weight, barrel length and 9mm round make the GLOCK 19 a pleasure to shoot. Recoil is minimal and manageable. The slide is smooth and easy to operate without feeling like you’re going to pop a vein racking it. The 5.5-pound trigger pull is consistent with guns in its class and comes as no surprise for a striker-fired handgun. It breaks smoothly and consistently.
The model 19, despite its smaller size, still allows for a full grip. With the GLOCK 19, you get a big enough grip to handle the gun well. You do not need an extended magazine for that awkward dangling pinkie that so often is the case with sub-compact handguns. Its size means the gun is extremely controllable. The barrel sits naturally higher in the palm of your hand, meaning felt recoil pushes straight back controlling muzzle flip. This means you achieve quicker and more accurate follow-up shots.
The polymer, white dot front and u-shaped white outline rear sights work well enough to hit the bullseye and get consistent groupings within 15 feet. Due to the popularity of the GLOCK 19, finding upgraded sights from glow-in-the-dark night sights, to ghost ring, to straight iron sights at a wide variety of affordable prices is easy.
There is no external safety lever or buttons on the GLOCK 19. However, do not think this makes the GLOCK unsafe. The GLOCK actually has three independent mechanical safeties, which GLOCK calls “Safe Action.” GLOCK built one right into the trigger. The gun will not go off unless the trigger is completely depressed. This “Safe Action” safety system prevents accidental discharge of the gun, but still makes shots in competition and when needed in self-defense quicker.
Dependability
Much of the GLOCK ’s beauty is its minimalist design. Made of only 34 parts, GLOCK built the 19 strictly for function, ease-of-use, and reliability. This simplistic design means the GLOCK 19 has less chance to malfunction. Takedown is a cinch for routine cleaning and maintenance. With a little practice, even the most mechanically challenged handgun owner can learn how to clean and maintain a GLOCK.
Like all GLOCKs, the 19 runs consistently and reliably every time. It does not require much maintenance or need costly aftermarket parts. You can count on it every time whether it’s for home defense, duty-use or competition.
GLOCK compromises nothing. It works in extreme temperatures, while filthy, spitting out hand loads, +P and expensive self-defense round with ease. After thousands and thousands of rounds it just keeps shooting.
After years of hard and tough shooting, one law enforcement officer’s personal GLOCK 19 looks well-loved, but not worn-out. The matte black finish is certainly durable.
Affordability
Though the GLOCK will not win any beauty pageants, at half the price tag of its Miss Universe counter parts, the GLOCK 19 is one gun that goes from carry to target to competition without fail.
Gen 4
Gen 2 GLOCKs differ slightly from the Gen 3. Still in production today, the Gen 3 saw a change in the grip angle and texture. The added finger grooves on the Gen 3 models makes the trigger reach shorter. If the Gen 3 feels uncomfortable, you may want to try the GLOCK 19 Gen 4. Though the grip circumference is smaller on the Gen 4, the pistol comes with different sizes of interchangeable backstraps. If you have larger hands and the trigger reach is too short, just change the backstrap. Introduced in 2010, the Gen 4 has a Rough Textured Frame (RTF), so your grip stays secure even when things get slippery. For an extended review on the Gen 4, read The Gen 4 GLOCK 19.
GLOCK 19 is one of GLOCK’s top-selling pistols and one of the most widely used semi-automatic pistols in military and law enforcement agencies around the world. Clearly one of the classics everyone should have in their gun collection.
Specifications and Features
- Model: GLOCK 19
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 15 rounds
- Action: Double-action only
- Barrel Length: 4.02″
- Barrel Rifling: Right hand, hexagonal
- Length of Twist: 9.84″
- Trigger Pull: 5.5 lbs.
- Sights: Fixed sights
- Frame Finish: Matte polymer
- Accessory Rail: Yes
- Ambidextrous Mag Release
- Trigger Travel: 0.5″
- Sight Radius: 6.02″
- Overall Length: 6.02″
- Overall Height: 5.00″
- Overall Width: 1.18″
- Weight: 30.18 oz. loaded
Do you own a GLOCK 19? Tell us about it in the comment section.
G19 hands down my favorite pistol… she is Gen 4 and a sexy bitch. I own a G26 G27 G23 Gen 4 and G17.. I love them all but shot a friend’s G19 and had to have one absolutely the best. If I had to pick only one pistol to shoother ever again or carry all around it would be the 19
I have the first G 30 then Gen 4 G17 then Gen 4 dark earth G 19 thank you for making something I can count on
my 19 is by bitch,my 30 is big daddy
Go for it ( glock 19) get some night sight ( fto). I own one & love it. With a level 2 holster & two (2) additional glock 17 magazine loaded w Speer Gold Dot jhp 124′ gr. U will be set up good. Good luck.
NRA Pistol/ Rifle Instructor
NRA Range Safety Officer
Hello, let me first start off by saying that i am a first time hand gun owner . I did alot of reading and research on which hand gun I wanted to buy, I thought i wanted a .40 S&W caliber gun because of the power, but the more reading i did and the more You Tube videos convinced me otherwise. The sub $400 9mm handguns that i look at seemed heavy when loaded and didnt fit my hand well. But the Glock 19 Gen3 felt like a dream and after buying it and going to the range, it ABSOLUTELY shoots like one too! One month since purchasing and 400+ rounds shot through it , I am impressed!! It seems to have no problem eating any ammo put through it, hasnt jambed once and is a breeze to break down and maintain. needless to say this will not be my last GLOCK.
smith and wesson threw the whole gun industry under the bus about 15 years ago. they are part of the reason we gun owners that are law abiding citizens are having the troubles we are facing today. i will never own anything that even suggests the s&w company. dont believe me???? go to sites like wakapedia and look up their history and you will be surprised at how out of hand it got. they handed over their gun rights to the govt. and all of a sudden they were rolling in the money for those big fat govt. contracts. it was the first crack in our previously totally united efforts to uphold the second ammendment. all citizens of the usa better start to help funding organizations like the nra or a company like ruger. you can go to the ruger home site and look around. you will find an email letter you can send via the ruger company that will let all law makers such as senators house reps. mayors governors etc. on how you have a steadfast stance on not altering or doing away with the 2nd. if we all dont start standing up for our gun rights right this very minute from here on out, it will be just a matter of time before we will lose all of our guns and it will be a 20 year prison term if you get caught with one.any time you go on a site like this one and you read a comment that in any way suggests we give up our arms, you can bet it is some idiot that works for and is being paid in one way or another to uproot the site and whoever is in charge of this site better start flipping them OFF the site..we got ourselves a idiot on here right now making all sorts of counterproductive and conflicting remarks that needs to go….come on now, we all know who this PERSON is!!!!
Glock firearms are NOT unsafe-80% of all US Law Enforcement Agencies have carried them for years. The scary examples of accidental discharge given apply to ALL firearms. I have carried Glocks for years with no accidental discharges. The basic safety rules apply:Do not put your finger on the trigger unless youre ready to shoot. Do not point the weapon at anything you dont intend to shoot. Dont ‘lay down’ your weapon,no matter the make-Pretty Simple.
Smith and Wesson is working hard to regain some of their lost market. Speaking for myself,I will stay with Glock.
Am looking to purchase my first handgun as for self protection an for my security job which am looking forward to become a armed security officer.I’ve been looking an asking questions an have heard a lot about the glock handguns but wanted to know which one is rated # 1 in the U.S.A.So some feed back an recommendation in your behalf is very well appreciated an can help me make a decision faster. I might even purchase one from you guys. Thanks for your time.
The Glock 19 is most popular. The operation between Glock models does not change, although there are some minor changes between generations.
The Gen 4 is the latest version and costs a bit more than the Gen 3. The Gen 4 also comes with 3 magazines, where the Gen 3 only comes standard with two.
Things to consider: Use – Will it be a gun for concealed carry or open carry. If you are going to be using it for a security job, you’ll most likely be open carrying and want a full-size pistol.
Caliber – The Glock 19 is most popular among police departments and civilians, but so is the 9mm cartridge. If you would prefer something bigger, look at the Glock 22 in .40 S&W.
Local laws – you will see multiple listings for the same gun. Read the details! Some states only allow 10-round magazines. The Glock 19 comes standard with 15-round magazines. Be sure to pick the right one for your local laws.
When making your selection, also consider this…With a Glock 19 9mm that is all you get. However, with the Glock 22 you can shoot .40 or by simply swapping the barrel and magazine, you could also shoot 9mm or .357 Sig.
When shopping remember, Cheaper Than Dirt! offers free shipping on firearms. ~ Dave Dolbee
Glocks are great weapons period ! This petru sova person dont need to own a handgun regardless of how many manual safetys it has or dont have. That sova petru person dont know nothing about glocks at all.
To sit there and say the 1911 is safer is foolish. In the heat of the moment I don’t want to have to mess with two or three safety’s before taking out my attacker. That could cost me my life. There for the glock only have the safety being my finger is much better. Watch a few James Yeager videos and learn something. Those pistols with a. Excessive amount of safety could cost your life’s safety in the end.
Making comments like the “best safety is between your ears” paints the commenter as either totally inexperienced with firearms and human failings or a young person that has the typical attitude that “I am perfect and nothing bad could ever happen to me”.
The real facts are that people make errors because of stress, fatigue, being on prescription or even illegal drugs, drinking excess amounts of alcohol, reckless behavior, accidentally dropping a gun (which with a Glock which has no manual or grip safety and is on full cock) will usually result in the trigger catching on something when it hits the ground causing a discharge.
Why is it when way back over 100 years ago they could design a pistol like the 1911 that had both a manual safety, half-cock safety and grip safety that they could not design a Glock with the same safety features. They could have but the people who designed the Glock were not experience shooters, they were engineers who obviously never handled a firearm in their entire lives.
In Australia the gun is prohibited from importation without the addition of a manual safety which by the way Glock has but does not offer to the American market. Why? Is it arrogance or fear of even more law suits against them because they did not offer this feature in the original design.
To think otherwise is just plain foolish.
The main safety is between your ears. I love my old Gen 1 19 With a Stormlake stainless barrel and a LaserMax internal Laser. CompTac Infidel holster
Wow! I never heard that about S&W! That’s CRAZY!
Glad to see someone remembers S&W kissing up to gov.
Yup was Britt owned for years.
Everyone forgets is that if any firm sold or even bought used S&W you also had to comply with that rule.
Of course our little gun stores ended up joining.Cannot in np way evrr buy s colt, yes I knpw thete are twp Colt firms today, mot after they sold nent barreled M 16 to pir Vietnam soldiers.
oh well ee each.make vjoices ain t it nice.
yes,the smith and wesson mp series is a very nice gun, the jury is still out on the springfields it is so new and i have called them up on the internet and it seems to have drawn a lot of negativity on the fact that people that have them are having service problems with the company. but i promised myself that i would never buy a s&w when they cow-toed to the politicians about 15 years ago and threw the whole gun industry under the bus. in fact, i have read articles that said s&w was on the brink of bankruptcy, had actually got in touch with the ruger company to buy them out. then when they signed a deal with the govt. about giving up some of their gauranted second amendment rights, well, all of a sudden they got a bunch of us contracts and now they are big guys again. however, that all is beside the point. i really like the glocks because i got mine solely to protect my wife and me. i am dead sure it will function all the time IF i ever have to use it and i pray that nobody is stupid enough to break into my home! all said and done, i think we are all talking about very slight differences. all of these pistols under discussion are fine arms and will do that job. the glock 36 just happens to be MY choice.
Sorry but the Springfield XD .45 S (single stack)is a better weapon it also comes in 9 mm, it shoots .5 to 1.0 inch for five rounds at 15 feet, in .45.; it holds 5 rounds in the mag. and 1 in the chamber; it has the same trigger safety along with a grip safety and needs no de-cocker; it comes with a holster, two five round mags., a double mag. holder, and a mag extension is available. For CC it is presently the smallest .45 in the world that is affordable; and it looks so much better than a boxy Glock.
Yes, but Glock’s position is slowly being usurped by the Smith & Wesson M&P .40. In fact, many police agencies nation-wide are trading in their Glocks for the M&P. Case in point, Atlanta Police Department got rid of all of their Glock 17s quite some time ago and now carry the Smith & Wesson M&P .40. On a personal note, I too prefer the M&P over the Glock for two primary reasons: 1st, the weight; a fully loaded Glock is MUCH heavier than a fully loaded M&P (and that’s 9 vs. .40 respectively), and 2nd, Glock has a much bulkier footprint than the M&P. Because of this last fact, I often CC my M&P .40 but CCing my Glock 17 is never a consideration because of the weight and bulkiness. On a final note, I also like the grip size modularity designed into the M&P, making it a snap to fit to my hand, then to my wife’s hand and back again in less than 30 seconds. Just my two cents and many police agencies as well. Thanks.
i do not usually comment on an article, however, the glock 19 most popular gun is a great article about those persons that own or are thinking about owning a glock 19. buy a glock…any number!!!! my advise is to really think very seriously about just exactly what you plan to do with this gun???? what is the caliber you prefer??? are you a little fragile woman or a big fat man, like i am??? after you figure out that you are specifically looking for a personal defense weapon,which you, like i am praying….that i will never fire it with a PURPOSE, buy a…??? whatever you are personally desiring. go to the range, rent every glock you may be thinking of buying and try it out. maybe try all of them out. there you are sure to get some very professional advise. for instance…only place your finger on the trigger when you have the gun on target and are ready to shoot!!…do all of your investigations on all of the glocks you are thinking may be right for YOU!!! i heard a figure like over 80 percent of law enforcement agencies across the usa are using glocks!!! wow, that means that many very intelligent people have already done their homework and this glock pistol really must be the best thing on the market!!! and also, it is used more than any other pistol in law enforcement and military in eurpoe!!! so, ANYBODY that tries to make you think that a glock is unsafe…is probably someone that may have accidentally shot him or herself due to improper training, or simply being unfamiliar with the weapon and possibly, did not read the entire contents of the glock manual that comes with the pistol and has all saftey related issues covered and printed in the left hand column in RED!!! i will tell you this, i bought a glock when they were first sold in the usa. a glock 19 cal. 9mm. i sold it when times were tough. i kicked mysef in the pants every day until i had enough money to buy the right gun for me. i own the model 36….that is a cal. 45acp. i have other kahr pm pistols they are great guns….BUT the glock is the one that protects me and my wife from the criminals!!
So what is the consensous, worthy weapon or gimme my 1911, my gins prettier than yours and cost more too boot?
I would say by most responses the weapon is a proven force and if you do not like the sounds of it do not do as CTD wanrs buy it here, just get something else they sell.
Lets argue next over what type of bb is best in a Red Ryder.
Great article, well written. I have fired many Glocks and they areagood gun. I would really like to see a series of articles about the Steyr pistols. From their grip aangle, to their low profile slide and trapezoid sites, they have some great features, a better design and construction, and are less expensive. They are definitely undervalued and less well known, for no good reason. Thanks
This is in reply to the couple of posters who feel Glock handguns are dangerous,you have no idea of what your talking about.I have been carrying a Glock(17,19,26,27,30) on a daily basis for over 20 years, and have never had any issues.The reasons that you list for why you consider Glocks dangerous are true of any firearm. The incidents you cite as proof, usually occur when someone with little or no firearm eperience handles a gun in an irresponsible,unsafe manner.The Glock will NOT fire unless the trigger is fully depressed and in over 50 years of firearm eperience, I have only seen that happen when an individual physically places their finger on the trigger and pulls.I have carried with every conceivable holster made(both IWB and OWB) and have never pulled my weapon with my finger inside the trigger gaurd.To do that, I would have to think someone is intentionally trying to do it, which harks back to my previous point, that is an irresponsible way to handle ANY firearm.
RofOH…..
what are the ammo types you are using? bullet type and weight, type, load etc? does this happen with every magazine? If so could be several things starting off with a dirty weapon, bad ammo, or bad magazine. have you tried switching the magazines between the pistols? Next is the first round actually chambering. Did you release the slide properly and allow the round to be properly seated in the chamber? Does this happen with all types of ammo, such as ball, wadcutters, or other type bullets? Not getting into all the things that could be going on, but start with the simplest first and go from there.
It is quite possible if you are using other ammo than “hardball” and the weapon is not broken in with say using 500-1000 rounds of “hardball”, I may well be the ammo type you are using. ANY semi auto handgun needs to be broken in with the “Hardball” ammo. Just like breaking in a new car engine…A great guy and gunshop owner told me to take my 1911 and put 500-1000 rounds of hardball through it BEFORE he would make any modifications. It was great advice and saved me a lot money that would have been wasted. It is possible you may have a throating or weak spring, other issues which a decent gunsmith can cure. Or send the pistol back to Glock with a letter telling them what is going on….Not sure how you contacted Glock…but call them and get a live person and talk with them about the issues you are having. From what I understand about Glock from friends, their tech support is excellent! My friends have told me to avoid a certain Glock Gen model but I do recall what the Gen model was. Other than that I have liked the few Glocks I have held and fired.
As for carrying concealed the hammerless revolvers from Ruger and Smith & Wesson, “are on my radar” since they can be fired from a pocket or purse, etc. and no chances of jamming or the slide being caught on the material where the pistol is fired from. Personal carry is up to the individuals that have chosen to carry a firearm and their choice of what they decided to carry. Whatever caliber and whatever type of firearm, revolver or semi auto that fits their needs and that feels good in their hand and they can shoot accurately and consistently…. if all they have is a .22 rimfire and can consistently hit targets in groups under 2 inches…..they can adequately feel comfortable in defending themselves. Do I recommend a .22 rimfire for defense ?? BLEEP NO! BUT if used properly and in good hands it will work. 10 hits from a .22 will beat 6 misses from a .44 mag…any day. I do firmly believe the biggest caliber that someone can shoot reliably and consistently with accuracy and feels good in their hand, is the best weapon for them to use.
I carried a gen 2 Glock 19 for about 6 years, on duty and off, plain clothes and uniform. Yes, one should do so in a proper holster. When I carried it shoved into my waistband, I did so without a round in the chamber, in a “Chicago” shoe string holster. That said, your safety is ALWAYS your finger! Keep it off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot. I got into lots of hairy situations with that pistol, including beating bad guys to the draw, and never had an AD. TRAIN! Don’t just rely on hardware.That piece never let me down, in practice or the field.
I’m so excited! My Gen 4 Glock 23 just arrived at my LGS! Takes the same leather as my G 19, which I still have!WHOO HOO!
I bought a model G19 gen 4 at the same time that my daughter bought a G19 gene 3. I have had nothing but trouble with the gen 4 while my daughter has had no trouble with her gen 3. We always shoot together and shoot the same ammo. We have used several brands of ammo. My glock 19 gen 4 misfires most often on the first round (the most critical) and then two ore three times through the emptying of the magazine. I use the three magazines that came with the gun. I contacted Glock by fax but received no reply.
I have several Glocks as well as 1911’s, revolvers, and other auto loaders. Some have one or more external safeties and others don’t. When we train we assume the ready position and draw and fire at targets and feel good about ourselves. Now try a real world scenario where you’ve been hit by surprise. Your dominate hand is useless and the pain is becoming a factor. Can you still flip the thumb safety and squeeze the grip safety with your weak hand? Can your wife or other companion pick the gun up and readily fire it without a manual of arms to operate the safeties if they aren’t practiced in manipulating such items? Since most ranges won’t allow rolling around on the ground and firing, tuck your dominate arm in your shirt and see if the 1911 or XD can be readily brought to purpose. Magazine safeties? – same thing. shoot off handed and see if you can do it without hitting the magazine release in any way.
In the real world targets shoot back (or first) whether your hands are full of shopping bags or your cell phone or whatever. Do dry fire drills while simulating the loss of your dominate hand, eye, arm, even the ability to stand. Once you can do all those things well, then practice malfunction drills the same way as your weak hand may cause stove-pipe jams (using dummies of course) and see how effective you are. When you’ve mastered all of that come back and tell me that my Glock is a danger and a hazard to myself and those around me. Thank you.
I own a Glock 19. a 23 and a 1911. My Daughter (age 20) prefers the 19 and my wife and I both like the 23 better than the 1911. The 1911 is a little bulky for us to carry around concealed. I understand that the 1911 it is a 45, but at close range the difference between the two in the knock down power is not going to make a difference to the person getting hit by it. However, if you can’t get the weapon out when milliseconds count,then it is of little or no use to you. This may not be a problem for some, but it is for others.It also depends on how it is being carried.I can place more rounds down range and on target a lot faster and more accurate using the lock 40 and the 19. I changed out the trigger pull for the Glock 23 to a 3.5 at one time, but it didn’t take very long for me to changed it right back. I have not had any accidental discharges since doint this. With either of the Glocks, using the stock trigger pull is the best thing to do when carrying concealed. Finding the safety release on the 1911 however, can cause some problems in a stress situation, almost like trying to find the magazine release buttom on the side of the Glock. If you have large hands – no problems – if you do not you have large hands you may have to turn it sideways in order to reach it, which is why I placed an extension on mine.
I bought a Glock 19 within the first 3 months of it coming out. I still carry it everyday today, as of today. Every two weeks I send 20-60 rounds down range to stay sharp. I cannot comprehend people saying it’s NOT a “safe gun”. My wife has a S&W 38 Special revolver. That pistol has the same safety on it that my Glock does. Training, training, training. The one thing that I do like about the Glock, is in a high stress situation the only thing I have to do is reach for it, acquire the target & pull the trigger. The 1/100 of a second it takes to take the safety off might be the difference in a life or death situation. You know when it’s in the holster & the trigger is covered, how can anything touch the trigger & make it go off? It’s just logic.
I have owned a Glock 19 Gen 3 for nearly 10 years. I have run over 90,000 rounds through it flawlessly. It is my every day carry weapon and I shoot IDPA with it. I modified it with a 3.5 lb. connector and competition springs and ended up with a 2.5 lb. trigger pull. I have never had an premature discharge and carry the gun in holsters which completely cover the trigger guard. I wouldn’t recommend this modification for a novice or a law enforcement officer, but the added accuracy and speed of follow-up shots make it my ideal set-up. Feel free to gasp.
petru sova most of what you said is true ANY firearm. If anyone violates the basic firearm safety rules, will definitely get the ultimate results you mention. I will admit I am not a Glock fan. I have fired several and they are okay with me. I would not hesitate to carry one or put my life on the line with one. As far a manual/external safety AND/OR what some other nation or country requires is a baseless point and DOES NOT tell anyone anything. It may be telling one they have some restrictive firearm control laws.
REMEMBER MISTER MURPHY IS OUT THERE! You can lay ANY firearm down and someone can do something stupid. IT IS YOUR/ONE’S RESPONSIBILITY AS A FIREARM OWNER TO INSURE TAT DOES NOT HAPPPEN. IF YOU/ONE LAYS DOWN ANY FIREARM IN SUCH MANNER AS YOU DESCRIBE…THEY DO NOT NEED TO BE HANDLING FIREARMS!
As for holsters, I will not comment since I do not carry a Glock. I am quite sure there are many different RELIABLE holsters out there for the Glock, due to the popularity of the pistol.
I have a Glock Gen 3 model 19. I was inspired by James Yeager of Tactical Response to purchase one. I have loved it ever since the day I bought it. I carry it, traine with it, and flat out love it lol in my opinion it’s much better then the XD and M&P. also a few of my friends who are on our local PD carry G19 as there personal carry piece.
Thanks for reading
It’s not a “double-action only handgun.” It’s a STRIKER-FIRED handgun. There IS a difference.
Other than that, great article.
Wow…let’s apply a little common sense here, shall we? The Glock design is no more dangerous than any other pistol. A manual safety is not a cure for a negligent discharge. Indeed, the absence of a manual safety makes the Glock a more effective defensive pistol for obvious reasons.
Glocks can be carried safely in any good leather holster. Kydex is not mandatory. “Committing suicide”? Please. Oh, and there is no safety in the trigger guard – it’s in the trigger itself. Unless you consider the trigger guard another safety, which it is.
If you’re considering a Glock 19 or any other Glock pistol, you will find many haters out there. Likewise, you will find Glock worship aplenty. Ignore the hype from both sides, put one in your hands, shoot it until you form a solid decision of your own.
The best gun safety is between your ears. Learn, practice, train. Doing this will greatly increase the safety of any handgun. A guarantee? Nope, but much more effective than a little lever on the side of the gun.
I recently sold my Glock, but I have to agree that they are definitely reliable. I liken Glocks to Timex watches: nothing fancy, but they “take a licking and keep on ticking.” I think claims of this pistol being unsafe are greatly exaggerated. I was puzzled by the lack of manual safety, but I never felt unsafe handling this weapon. I feel it’s no less safe than all of the old revolvers that had no safety other than the trigger pull. I’m not crazy about the Glock’s blocky form-factor, but this is a rock-solid pistol.
I own both a Glock 17 Gen 4 (9mm) and a Glock 22 Gen 4 (.40 S&W). I looked at the compact versions of each, the 19 and 23, but my pinkie did rest right at the bottom edge of the grip on both, and I don’t have big hands. The full size frame fits my hand better than any pistol I’ve ever held except maybe my old Browning Hi-Power. The size difference between the 17/22 and the 19/23 is negligable — a 5/8 inch in length and 3/8″ in height plus the 17 is a whole 1 oz. heavier. I can’t visualize any type of clothing which would make one concealable and the other not. I have a Blackhawk polymer holster that fits both, and as a previous commenter notes, it’s the only way to carry a Glock. I have read stories about people shooting themselves in the foot with a Glock because of the lack of a manual safety, and I find it curious that you never hear stories about people shooting themselves in the foot with a Sig P250 or a Ruger LC9, both of which are DA only. You can’t “accidently” discharge a Glock; you have to pull the trigger, just like a revolver, and I know plenty of shooters who have Colt and S&W revolvers reworked to a 5 or 6 lb. trigger pull, and have never shot themselves or anyone else accidently.
As far as the reliability factor, a number of LE agencies cancelled contracts with Glock when the Gen 4 came out in 2010 because of Glock’s infinite wisdom in messing with the Gen 3 recoil spring (come on — if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it). Many Glock enthusiasts simply put Gen 3 springs in their Gen 4’s, and, Glock did finally solve the problem in late 2011, if I recall correctly. Both of my Gen 4s are less than a year old, and, after several hundred rounds in each, I’ve never had a jam or FTF.
Glocks shoot well and have many good features even if it is shaped like a cereal box, however, it is a dangerous gun with that BS “Safe Action”®. What do I mean? Simple, locked and loaded, finger goes to trigger and boom, especially in a stress situation. I predict it is a matter of time before Glock gets sued. Example: Several Youtube videos show shootings with Glocks; the subway shooting in Oakland and the deputy covering a suspect already on the ground. Don’t forget the Numbnuts DEA agent demonstrating gun safety. Yes, they disobeyed a basic safety rule of do not put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot, but when is that, especially in a stress situation? Then you have some armorers out there who do trigger jobs and reduce the trigger pull. Yeah, shoots great, but it also makes it just that more likely to pop one off unintentionally. No thanks, I would rather carry a 19911 or another weapon in a double action mode than go to re-holster my Glock and have the trigger get hung up on the edge of it and shoot myself in the groin like a man did sitting in his car in a Wal Mart parking lot….
My first pistol was a used Glock 19 Gen 2. It is still a favorite. Never had a misfire. And the trigger pull is heavy enough not to accidentally get “snagged.” Eventually purchased a 26 for concealment. Also never a misfire. Best pistol in my closet!!!
I have mixed emotions about the Glock. I do carry one because of its light weight and its single action trigger pull. BUT, BUT, BUT, IT IS ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS PISTOLS ON EARTH TO HANDLE AND CARRY PERIOD. It has no manual safety and one accidental snag or brush of the trigger will fire it off. Many people have accidently shot themselves and others without meaning to including many police officers. The documentation abounds with such stories. All this would never of happened if Glock in his arrogance would have agreed to put a manual safety and a grip safety on the weapon. As a matter of fact the gun must have a manual safety to be legally sold in Australia. What does that tell you.
Without a hard shell holster it is like committing suicide trying to carry one that way, so much for the worthless safety in the trigger guard. Again documentation of carrying one like that and the accidental discharge that follows are legendary. This gun never fails to give me a cold sweat when I handle and carry one. I never ever lay one down loaded because anyone not familiar with this weapon can and probably will immediately and accidentally shoot themselves.
I have also read a lot of reports that the lastest and greatest generation 4 pistol is not as reliable as the generation 3 variation.
Also buying an off-brand and often inferior grade after-market barrel to shoot lead bullets is a big waste of money as well. The gun is accurate with cast lead bullets and no more dangerous to us with lead bullets than any other type of rifling. Any type of rifling will eventually clog up with lead causing a blow up if not cleaned out after using such ammo.
CTD Suzanne, There’s a few Mistakes or rather unclear statements here:
“Magazines are interchangeable between the model 17 and the model 19.” – NOT TRUE, You can use a G17 Magazine in a G19, But NOT a G19 in a G17, Therefore they ARE NOT Interchangeable.
“Take down is a cinch for routine cleaning and maintenance with the included takedown tool.– First Off, Glocks Need NO TOOLS to Field Strip (Basic Cleaning) they do require a small Punch if one was inclined to COMPLETELY disassemble their Glock, As far as I know, Glock does NOT include a Punch with the Handgun.
“GLOCK compromises nothing. It works in extreme temperatures, while filthy, spitting out hand loads, +P and expensive self-defense round with ease.” — While this Statement is True, I do believe Glock states in the Owners Manual that shooting Hand loads, VOIDS the warranty.
Other than that though, The Glock 19/23 is as Stated, One Hellva of a Handgun.
TJB,
Thank you for pointing out the discrepancies in my article. I have made the necessary changes.
How do you tell what “Gen” they are? I just bought a Glock nine mil from a friend. My first plastic gun. Haven’t got to shoot it yet, but I’ve only heard good things about Glock. Glad to read your positive article about them.
Thanks,
Roy
What’s to comment?
It is a great weapon, quite possibly one of greatest short arms ever msdr.