Glock 19
While the G17 was the pistol that made Glock famous, a second design would eventually be developed that would solidify Glock’s name in the firearms world. That design was the Glock 19, also known as the G19, a compact version of the G17. Today, the Glock 19 is one of the most recognized and widely discussed compact 9mm pistols, particularly among buyers looking for a versatile handgun. But that was not the original intent of the pistol.
The G19 grew out of the success of the G17, particularly the G17’s adoption by the Austrian government after a series of pistol trials in 1982. The larger sibling of the G19 was reliable, affordable, and simple to use—a combination that made it well suited for widespread adoption with a relatively small learning curve.
The G19 was originally marketed to military and police agencies before it was adopted on the civilian market. This first version of the G19 featured the new texturing, checkered front, and checkered backstrap found on Gen 2 Glocks. The original G19 would run from 1988 to 1998, when the Gen 3 models were first released.
In its Gen 3 configuration, the G19 would feature an accessory rail for the first time, allowing lights and lasers to be attached below the barrel. This increased the versatility of the pistol as light technology became more refined. The G19 also included the finger grooves on the grip that would continue through the Gen 4 series released in 2010.
The Gen 4 series introduced several upgrades aimed at improving modularity and comfort for the shooter. That idea was carried even further in the Gen 5 versions of the G19.
But what makes the Glock 19 so desirable to military, law enforcement, and civilian users?
The answer is size. The G19 is roughly half an inch shorter in the barrel and grip compared with a G17. The G17 is a full-size handgun and comes with the weight and dimensions associated with that designation. The G19, on the other hand, offers similar characteristics in a shorter package. Officially considered a compact handgun, the G19 is on the larger end of the compact-pistol spectrum, but it is still smaller than a full-size pistol.
This is useful because it takes up less space, requires a slightly smaller holster, and can be easier to carry. In terms of concealed carry, it can also be easier to conceal than a full-size pistol. That combination of size and capability is a major part of the G19’s appeal.
Glock 19 Standard Features
- Overall shorter profile than the G17
- Striker-fired design
- Lightweight frame
- 15+1 base capacity
- Compatible with G17 magazines
- Approximately 5–6 lb trigger pull, depending on generation
- Safe Action system
- Two-stage firing pin
- No manual safety
Like the G17, the G19 is a short-recoil, striker-fired pistol derived from the locking system of the Browning Hi-Power. It features the two-stage firing pin design found on most Glock pistols and also has the Safe Action system built into the trigger.
The Safe Action system incorporates multiple passive safety mechanisms and is designed to prevent the pistol from firing unless the trigger is intentionally actuated. This trigger and striker combination results in a trigger pull that feels different from some other pistol designs.
To aid in manufacturing, the G19 features a polymer frame that also helps reduce the weight of the pistol. The slide is still square for easier machining but retains much of the overall mass associated with the G17 slide.
This means that while the slide is shorter than the G17’s slide, its mass is sufficient to maintain the operating characteristics of the smaller pistol. The G19’s goal is a smaller overall footprint rather than a dramatically lighter pistol.
In practice, the G19 only saves a few ounces when compared with the loaded and unloaded weight of the G17. This does mean that the recoil impulse and mitigation can feel different between the G19 and G17.
The shorter grip can also make the G19 slightly harder to control than the G17 for some shooters because there is less grip contact available. One variant of the G19, the G19X, takes a different approach by pairing a G17-length grip with a G19-length slide.
An accessory rail is located on the underside of the barrel. This allows lights or other compatible accessories to be mounted to the pistol.
The G19 has been offered with several sighting configurations. Standard polymer and steel Glock sights use a front-post and rear-sight arrangement designed for quick target acquisition. Glock Night Sights, or GNS, add tritium inserts for use in low-light conditions.
The other major sighting option is Glock’s Modular Optic System (MOS). MOS models are designed with a factory-cut slide interface that allows a compatible red-dot optic to be installed using the appropriate mounting plate. The correct plate is important because different optics use different mounting patterns.
Glock 19 Gen 4 Features
The fourth generation of Glock pistols introduced several modifications intended to add comfort, versatility, and user adjustability.
The primary modification was the addition of the modular backstrap system. This allowed the end user to change the backstrap in order to achieve a better fit in the hand. This approach would continue in the Gen 5 versions.
Another important change was the standardization of the dual recoil spring assembly. While some earlier models used dual recoil springs, the feature became standard across Gen 4 pistols. The Gen 4 frame was also widened to accommodate the updated recoil assembly.
The magazine catch was modified as well. It was enlarged and could be reversed to accommodate left-handed shooters while making it easier to activate.
The frame texture was also made more aggressive to provide additional traction when gripping the pistol.
Gen 4 pistols retained the finger grooves introduced with the Gen 3 models. Although they were part of the standard design, their shape did not suit every hand, which led some owners to modify or remove them.
Glock 19 Gen 4 Features
- Enlarged/reversible magazine catch
- Rough-textured frame
- Dual recoil spring assembly
- Modular backstrap system
- Finger grooves
- MOS available on applicable models
Glock 19 Gen 5 Features
The Gen 5 G19 marked a significant series of upgrades to the pistol. Several changes that had previously been common aftermarket modifications were incorporated into the Gen 5 design, giving buyers a more refined pistol out of the box.
The Gen 5 G19 features the nDLC finish for increased resistance to normal wear. The barrel was also upgraded to Glock’s Marksman Barrel (GMB), providing an improved factory barrel design without requiring the owner to immediately replace it with an aftermarket option.
The magazine well is flared for easier magazine insertion, and the slide stop lever is ambidextrous.
The firing pin safety and trigger springs were also updated. The revised trigger assembly provides a somewhat different trigger feel from earlier generations.
The magazine floor plates were enlarged, and the frame incorporates a beavertail backstrap system. The available backstraps can also help provide additional protection from slide contact for shooters using a high grip.
The largest departure from previous generations is the removal of the finger grooves from the grip. While this is technically a return to the earliest frame style of the Glock series, the finger grooves had become a familiar part of Glock’s design language.
The Gen 5 also features a standard trigger-guard undercut. This can provide additional comfort for shooters who use a higher grip.
Glock 19 Gen 5 Features
- Glock Marksman Barrel
- Flared magazine well
- Enlarged magazine floor plate
- nDLC finish
- Firing pin and trigger spring enhancements
- Beavertail backstrap system
- Removal of finger grooves
- Safe Action system
- Trigger-guard undercut
- Ambidextrous slide release
- Front slide serrations
Glock 19 Model Variations
The Glock 19 comes in several popular variations. The major versions include:
- G19 Gen 4
- G19 Gen 5
- G19 Gen 4 MOS
- G19 Gen 5 MOS
- G19X
G19 Gen 4
The Gen 4 G19 is a workhorse of a pistol for both civilian and law enforcement use. The smaller size of the pistol combined with its relative modularity made it a common choice for both private and duty use.
Due to the large aftermarket available for Glock pistols, the G19 Gen 4 was heavily modified to suit the needs of the end user. This ranged from grip reductions and compensators to specialty milling for red-dot sights.
While many of these modifications grew out of the competition sphere, the benefits of faster aiming and better control of an already controllable pistol were not lost on serious self-defense advocates and law enforcement.
These modifications also helped set the stage for future developments in the G19 design.
The G19 Gen 4 remains a familiar choice among those looking for a compact 9mm pistol. Its straightforward design, extensive aftermarket support, and consistent operating characteristics have helped give the G19 its reputation.
The Gen 4 variant is still widely available despite the Gen 5 version gradually becoming the newer standard.
G19 Gen 4 Specs
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Action | Semi-automatic |
| Caliber | 9x19mm / 9mm Luger |
| Capacity | 15, 17, 19, 24, 31, 33 |
| Barrel length | 4.02 inches |
| Weight loaded | 30.16 ounces |
| Overall length | 7.28 inches |
| Overall width | 1.26 inches |
| Slide length | 6.85 inches |
| Sights | Polymer, steel, and GNS |
G19 Gen 4 MOS
The G19 Gen 4 has one major variation, the Gen 4 MOS. There are two major differences between the standard Gen 4 G19 and the MOS version.
The mechanical difference is that the Gen 4 MOS uses Glock’s Modular Optic System. This system allows a compatible red-dot sight to be mounted using the appropriate OEM mounting plate rather than requiring custom slide milling.
The correct mounting plate must match the optic. Once the appropriate plate is selected, the system provides a relatively straightforward way to mount a compatible optic without sending the slide out for specialty machining.
The Gen 4 MOS is also notable for its association with the MK27 MOD 2 designation, making it particularly interesting to buyers interested in that configuration and its history.
G19 Gen 4 MOS Specs
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Action | Semi-automatic |
| Caliber | 9x19mm / 9mm Luger |
| Capacity | 15, 17, 19, 24, 31, 33 |
| Barrel length | 4.02 inches |
| Weight loaded | 30.16 ounces |
| Overall length | 7.28 inches |
| Overall width | 1.26 inches |
| Slide length | 6.85 inches |
| Sights | Polymer, steel, and GNS |
G19 Gen 5
The G19 Gen 5 features improved ergonomics and several changes that make it more adaptable than previous generations. These include ambidextrous controls, removal of the Gen 4 finger grooves, and front slide serrations.
The improved barrel and updated internals also make the Gen 5 a more refined option straight from the factory. Less modification may be necessary for someone who wants a modern G19 without immediately investing in aftermarket parts or services.
The newer trigger assembly provides a somewhat different trigger pull from previous generations, while the accessory rail and available sighting options allow the pistol to be configured for different lighting conditions.
For someone who wants a current-generation G19 without immediately moving into a red-dot setup, the standard Gen 5 remains a straightforward option.
Due to its updated internals and frame changes, the Gen 5 is slightly wider than its Gen 4 counterpart.
G19 Gen 5 Specs
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Action | Semi-automatic |
| Caliber | 9x19mm / 9mm Luger |
| Capacity | 15, 17, 19, 24, 31, 33 |
| Barrel length | 4.02 inches |
| Weight loaded | 30.16 ounces |
| Overall length | 7.28 inches |
| Overall width | 1.34 inches |
| Slide length | Single bead |
| Sights | Polymer, steel, and GNS |
G19 Gen 5 MOS
The MOS version of the Gen 5 provides the same basic Gen 5 features with the additional ability to mount a compatible red-dot optic using the factory MOS system.
The model is slightly lighter than the non-MOS version, while the slide includes the factory mounting area for the appropriate optic plate. A protective cover plate is included when an optic is not installed.
The MOS system allows the user to select a compatible optic and mounting plate without requiring custom aftermarket slide milling.
For someone interested in moving to a red-dot-equipped G19, the Gen 5 MOS provides that capability from the factory.
G19 Gen 5 MOS Specs
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Action | Semi-automatic |
| Caliber | 9x19mm / 9mm Luger |
| Capacity | 15, 17, 19, 24, 31, 33 |
| Barrel length | 4.02 inches |
| Weight loaded | 29.98 ounces |
| Overall length | 7.28 inches |
| Overall width | 1.34 inches |
| Slide length | 6.85 inches |
| Sights | Polymer, steel, GNS, and MOS |
G19X
The G19X is one of the more interesting variations of the G19. Designated as a “Crossover pistol,” this design combines features of the G19 and G17 to create a configuration that sits between the two.
The G19X was Glock’s submission to the XM17 Modular Handgun System competition, an effort to replace the U.S. military’s M9 service pistol. While the 19X did not win the competition, it went on to find success on the civilian market.
The 19X combines a G19-length slide with a G17-style frame. That gives the pistol a longer grip than the standard G19 while retaining the shorter slide footprint.
The pistol is offered in coyote tan from the factory, including a matching slide. Its finish differs from the standard Gen 5 nDLC finish, using an nPVD coating.
A front lip and lanyard ring are included near the magazine well. This can affect magazine compatibility, so buyers should pay attention to the specific magazine and floor-plate configuration they intend to use.
The 19X features a G17-length grip, making it taller than a standard G19. The G19 is roughly 5.04 inches tall with a magazine, while the 19X is approximately 5.47 inches. The additional grip provides more surface area for the shooter’s hand.
The grip is similar to the Gen 5 design because it does not feature finger grooves but does include a beavertail for added slide-bite protection.
The pistol comes with Glock Night Sights as its standard sight option, while steel sights are also available.
In practice, the 19X is essentially a larger-gripped G19 configuration with the grip benefits of the G17. That makes it an interesting middle point for someone who wants a G17-sized grip without the additional slide length of the G17.
It lacks the full versatility of an MOS-compatible G19, but it does include an accessory rail for compatible lights and other accessories. For buyers interested in the XM17 trials history, the 19X is particularly interesting, while its basic dimensions and configuration also make it a capable compact/full-size crossover option.
G19X Specs
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Action | Semi-automatic |
| Caliber | 9x19mm / 9mm Luger |
| Capacity | 15, 17, 19, 24, 31, 33 |
| Barrel length | 4.02 inches |
| Weight loaded | 31.19 ounces |
| Overall length | 7.44 inches |
| Overall width | 1.30 inches |
| Slide length | 6.85 inches |
| Sights | Steel and GNS |