Glock 19 Gens - Glock launched the Gen 4 pistol line in early 2010, which addressed some strength-to-frame issues and brought some minor exterior changes. After seven years we are presented with the next generation in the Glock lineup. The Gen 5 variants are similar on the surface, but there are interesting changes that aren't immediately apparent.
I have been using my Gen 5 Glock 19 since the end of August and have put 4,000 rounds through it since then. I used it for static accuracy and dynamic defensive drills from concealment with and without a light attached to the rail. I spent some time apart, learning about internal modifications and parts replacement issues (Glocks are fun hobby tools).
Glock 19 Gens
For the most part, the Gen 5 Glock 19 is just a Glock 19, but there are interesting and unusual changes that warrant experimentation. There are also some recommendations that first-time buyers should be aware of. I hope to cover most of them here, but keep in mind that these insights come from less than 2 months of use, several times a week. More time can tell more stories.
Glock 19 Gen 3 9x19 4.02\
Most of this review deals with Gen 5 differences from previous versions and single-Gen-5 user issues (carrying, shooting, accessories, etc...). For a more basic review of the Glock 19 I encourage you to read my Glock 19 Gen 4 review here (“Review: Glock 19 Gen 4 – After 80,000 Rounds”).
Also note that the photos shown in this article do not show the company's new guns. Instead, these are photos of people who use hard guns several days each week. They beat a little.
The first and best reason to consider this gun is that it is a Glock 19; Arguably the best all-purpose manual pistol ever made. It's large enough to be a work gun and offers functional accuracy and substantial magazine capacity, yet is small and light enough for everyday storage.
Additionally, one cannot overlook the excellent reliability record that Glock pistols provide. From my own experience, I've shot over 100,000 rounds through Gen 3 and Gen 4 Glock pistols, and the only malfunctions I've experienced are non-Glock parts failing and a Cerakote performance failure. With stock components, the Glock pistol is flawless in performance even under harsh conditions.
Review: Glock Gen 5 G19
Specific to Gen 5, you can consider the new Glock 19 for two strong reasons. First, the slide lock lever is now ambidextrous. So if you're left-handed, switch the mag-release to the right and you'll have a completely left-handed gun. For those who like Glock pistols, but not grip fingers, the Gen 5 comes with a flat front sight on the grip. No customization required.
Gen 5 offers a very new to shooting experience with 2 notable exceptions. The Glock 19 has always been a smooth, easy-to-shoot gun, and has outmatched 99.9% of shooters with accuracy. The new Gen 5 barrel and flat front handle add to the experience.
Having shot a lot with Gen 3 and 4 Glocks I found a noticeable lack of fingerprints. I'm used to holding my power hand and now it feels different. I didn't find the difference to be bad, but the fingers fit my hand well and I lost them on this gun. I know many people don't like them at all, and many will be happy with this change.
Glock 19 Gen 5 after training a mud "sore arm". He fell to the ground a few dozen times.
Glock 19 Co2 Airsoft Pistol (g19 Gen 3
The new barrel rifling profile is built to double the accuracy at longer ranges (4 groups at 50 yards, Glock claims). I don't have enough to get 4" groups at 50 yards yet, but my groups at 25 yards are plenty. less with the Gen 5 than with my Gen 4 drawing. I can't say for sure, but I would guess it's because of a more normal age.
Gen 5 triggers may feel a little better than Gen 4, but it's subjective and hard for me to say. The Gen 5 trigger assembly is completely different from the Gen 4, configured like the Glock 43. It has a "New York" trigger spring that uses a polymer spring support and a compression spring (instead of an expansion spring that builds the bar into a cruciform .) I tried the 3.5lb connector and there was no pressure difference. So I tried a 2lb connector and got the 4.5lb pressure I expected on my guns. Them.
Most of the 9mm ammo I ran through the gun was 115gr ball, but I ran rounds from Federal Premium 147gr Hydra-Shock JHP, Spear Gold Dot 124gr + P GDHP, Federal Premium HP, HP 124g. Critical Defense 115gr, and Hornady Critical Duty 135gr...all with flawless performance.
I have no experience at ~4,000 rounds with my Gen 5 Glock 19. The only major problem I can report is that within the first 1000 rounds, I occasionally felt a little doubt as to how the first round in the magazine had worked. Instead of the standard "chicken" sound / feel a slide into the battery, do "ka-chunk" round feel a bit wobbly with the chamber. This anomaly goes away after about 1000 rounds and does not affect the performance of the gun. Each round is chambered and fired.
Glock 19 Gen 4 Vs Gen 5: The Major Differences To Know
Like every other Glock pistol, the Gen 5 G19 trigger guard is too angled for the grip and is not comfortable for the middle finger of a strong hand when shooting. Therefore, I suggest that every Glock pistol must have a Dremel tool placed on the side and bottom with the grip to the trigger joint to create a profile that is flexible and reduced. Other than this issue, the Glock 19 is comfortable enough. There are those who will not agree that the G19 or any Glock pistol is good without this little modification work. With this change I found the Gen 5 Glock 19 to be very comfortable. Without it, it cannot be used. I, personally, would never own a Glock that wasn't modified this way. Definitely a nice Gen 6 upgrade.
The Glock 19 is not snappy in any way and the recoil is very easy to handle. The position of the magazine release is good and my average hands have to turn my grip a little to get it into position to work (as I do on every gun I've ever made). Even with the smaller slide lever than the Glock, my grip often interfered with the lever, and I found that the gun occasionally wouldn't open the magazine for the last round. This is not the gun's fault. I am everything.
Although it is compact, the Glock 19 is larger than some in that category. However, with a good and efficient holster, you can easily hide it in many positions on your belt, inside or outside the waist. I wear a Glock 19 with the light in the extra position all day and have no trouble pressing.
Note, however, that concealment is largely controlled by the holster and its configuration. Most holsters made for concealed carry are poorly made, not configured to properly angle the gun to aid concealment. Careful!
Glock 19 Gen 3 Oem Frame (complete)
The Glock 19's fifteen-plus-one capacity is plenty, especially for a compact. There's no mistaking that the Glock 19 sets the standard for size-to-power in the gun world.
The stainless slide of the Gen 5 Glock 19 comes in a black Melonite finish that is treated with an nDLC coating. The result is a darker color and a more durable finish. I love this new finish and the beauty it provides. I can't tell if it's the right bit or not. However, I can say that repeatedly dropping on gravel in training has caused the finish to slide and the points to slip, as shown here:
The streams shown above are from doing a few dozen reps of the "wounded part" shown here:
The polymer frame is the same as the Gen 4, the sides of the grip are slightly polished to mimic the magwell (just an imitation) and the fingerprints on the front of the strap are gone. Gen 5 also has only one pin near the locking block instead of the 2 pins common to recent generations. Perhaps because of this change, the frame is much wider and much taller than Gen 4. The grip texture is identical to Gen 4 and is serviceable unless you have a wet or bloody hand (hence, stipple if it's a Glock carry gun).
G19 Gen 5 Is The Best All Around Glock, Change My Mind
If you carry a Glock 19 with fire,
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