Updated Nov. 2023: Rewritten after several years of carrying and testing.
The Glock 19 has been around since the late 80s and has become a staple in the law enforcement and concealed carry communities.
Known for its reliability and durability, this model has seen several iterations, including the latest generation, the Gen 5.
Equipped with some upgrades over its Gen 4 sibling, the Gen 5 promises to elevate performance. But does it?
After thousands of rounds and several years of carrying it, we at Pew Pew Tactical decided to weigh in. So, keep reading as we walk you through the specs, features, pros, and cons and talk about what you can expect at the range.
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How We Tested & Rated the Glock 19
The PPT team have all used or carried a Glock 19 at some point in their lives.
Personally, a Glock 19 has been in and out of my holster for over a decade, with the Gen 5 model serving as my latest preferred Glock 19 generation.
My personal Glock 19 has seen thousands of rounds downrange and has spent countless hours in my AIWB holster. For this review, I’ve used that experience to rate the G19 on various factors, including ergonomics, accuracy, reliability, customization, and value.
Keep reading to see how it faired!
Glock 19 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lots of aftermarket support
- Reliability proven
- Fieldstrips without tools
Cons
- Plastic sights
- Mediocre trigger
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Glock 19 Specs and Features
Specs
Features
Glock 19 Background
Glock has been around since the 80s, with the illustrious Glock 17 kicking things off in 1981. The gun was a huge success, especially among law enforcement, and it wasn’t long until the market was clamoring for the same design, just a tad smaller and easier to carry.
Enter the Glock 19. Appearing in 1988, the Glock offered a more midsize approach to the popular G17 design with all the same features Glock fans had come to know and love.
Now, over 30 years later, the Glock 19 has become the most popular model of Glock in the company’s arsenal.
Want to learn more about how Glock got its start? Check out our Deep Dive into Glock’s History.
Who Is It For?
The Glock 19 is perfect for those who want a reliable, time-tested handgun that works for home defense or concealed carry.
Its mid-size design means it can easily ride in a holster or sit in a bedside safe. The Glock aftermarket is also really robust, so if you like to customize your guns, you have the ability to do just that with this pistol.
In terms of the Gen 5 model, specifically, Glock introduced some additional features, including an nDLC coating, fully ambidextrous controls, improved triggers, flared magwells, and the Glock Marksman Barrel. If you’re into any of those, the Gen 5 is a solid choice.
Fit & Feel
I’ve been carrying a Glock 19 on and off for over a decade. I started with the Gen 4 and then moved on to the Gen 5.
If you like finger grooves, I suggest sticking with the Gen 4; however, if you have smaller hands like I do, the Gen 5 works much better. I find the flat grip surface allows for a more comfortable grip and an overall better shooting experience.
The Glock 19, like its sibling, offers a blocky appearance and feel. It’s definitely not for everyone. The polymer frame also gives it a toy-like feel, so skip this pistol if you prefer the sturdiness of an all-metal frame.
That said, if you want something fairly lightweight and easy to maintain, the Glock is it. The company provides backstraps, so you can swap to something that fits your hand a bit better – I have the smaller one on mine.
It’s also got plenty of room for accessories like a light or laser – a bonus if you want it for a home defense.
How Does It Shoot?
I’ve had the Glock 19 Gen 5 since its release in 2017. It’s been my on-and-off again carry gun, and when it’s not in a holster, it’s tucked inside a bedside gun safe (alongside my Glock 17).
My Glock 19 has seen thousands of rounds put through it, and it’s still going strong. Even after all these years, it’s still as reliable as it was when it arrived.
The G19 has eaten a variety of ammunition during its time in my arsenal – including Winchester white box, Blazer brass, Hornady Critical Defense, and Speer Gold Dot. It’s done so without hiccups.
9mm Ammo in Stock
As a smaller framed shooter, I’m often asked about recoil and how the G19 handles. Out of all the Glock models, there’s a reason the G19 is my favorite. It’s midsize, and the lack of finger grooves really lends itself to smaller shooters.
I’m able to get a good, secure grip on the gun, and its heavier frame helps mitigate recoil and make follow-up shots a lot smoother.
My only complaint is that the mags can sometimes be a little tight, and I often rely on my Maglula to fully load them. Minor inconvenience at most, though.
The Gen 5 series comes with what Glock calls the Marksmanship Barrel, which is supposed to increase accuracy. Does it?
Jury is still out, at least for me. I don’t notice a difference between my shots with a Gen 4 Glock 19 and a Gen 5 Glock 19, but your mileage may vary.
Overall, the Glock 19 has upheld its reputation for reliability, at least for me. It’s easy to handle, easy to shoot, and easy to maintain. If you want a versatile gun to plink at the range, toss in a holster, or use as a bedside gun, the G19 is it.
Glock Generations
There are five generations of Glocks, but the most common you’ll see out and about are the Gen 3, Gen 4, and Gen 5.
Various small details set these generations apart…mainly accessory rails, magazine releases, and the grip texture/finger grooves.
That said, we dive further into the differences in our article dedicated to the Gen. 3 vs. Gen 4. and Gen. 5.
Glock 19 vs Glock 19x
In 2018, Glock released an updated take on its G19 platform by way of the Glock 19X.
The 19X was Glock’s submission to the U.S. Army’s Modular Handgun System competition, which ultimately went to Sig Sauer. It was later released on the civilian market as the 19X.
So, what are the differences between the 19 and 19X?
- Longer full-size grip on the G19X than the G17 with the slide of a 19
- Coyote colored slide
- Improved nPVD slide coating
- Glock Marksman Barrel
- Lanyard loop
The 19X is best suited for shooters with bigger hands or those who are dying for a color other than black.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Glock 19 By the Numbers
Accuracy
Hits where it needs to and can eat most ammo
Reliability
Very reliable gun
Customization
Lots of aftermarket options
Ergonomics
Feels great on the hand but a bit blocky
Value
Decent features at a decent price
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Copied! Visit Merchant
Upgrades & Accessories for Glock 19
Final Verdict
The Gen 5 Glock 19 is a workhorse of a pistol. If you’re looking for something you can run into the ground and still shoot, it doesn’t get much better than the Glock 19.
A staple in the concealed carry community for a reason; the G19 just doesn’t quit. Its midsize and easy-to-reach and use controls make it a solid choice for new shooters and seasoned ones alike.
Not running a Gen 5? If you’re sporting an older model, maybe it’s time to upgrade with some of the Best Glock Upgrades.
And even more Glock articles…
- Best Glocks: Top Calibers & Sizes
- Best 9mm Glocks
- Best Glocks for Concealed Carry
- Best Glock Triggers
- Best Glock Sights
- Best Glock Aftermarket Mags
What do you think of the Glock 19? Leave us your thoughts down below. Looking for a gun that’s like a Glock…but not? Check out our list of the Best Glock Clones.
Own this gun? Drop a review down below!
Rating score
51 Leave a Reply
Disappointed in my Glock gen 5 lower frame broke and wasn’t able to use it Glock never reply back making it a big disappointment
Five years ago was looking for a Glock 19 at a Texas gun show but bought a Springfield XD-M in .45 acp with three adjustment backstraps a short magazine for concealed carry, three extended magazines for duty carry with sleeves to match ergonomics of each back strap, a loader and an included kydex holster in a lockable case price...$500.00 it shoots much better than i do. Never looked back.
I have a 19, a 19X and a 45, and the 45 is the best of all for frame size with the larger grip. I have a light on it, but not a optic. I'd recommend the 45 for anyone who wants a full-size grip with a shorter barrel.
Love my Ruger Security 9 and my Walther Creed. Glock are solid but it’s more of a gun cult IMHO. Every firearm has merit.
Well done, I run a PSA Dagger with a Holsun red dot myself .
Sure, the Glock trigger is lacking, BUT they are consistent across the model line, and they work. IF the trigger is the only stumbling blocl in deciding to buy one, just have any local gun store install the new Glock performance trigger (under $100), and it makes a huge improvement...
Probably the best fighting gun ever made.
Glocks are like Harley Davidsons......if they are stock they suck until you put a grands worth of aftermarket parts.....Best to buy a Sig 365X or XL....better trigger, better sights, easier to conceal, acceptable capacity.
Worst trigger known to man…..
Just bought my first glock 19 the Trump edition love it
Get your Right on! Keep the faith. I bought q 19 recently and it's my favorite pistol carry. Compact and to the point!
Love my Glock and I appreciate your review.
I don't think deducting a point for a gun not shooting the same with all ammo is right. I don't own a gun that shoots the same with all ammo! A few are very picky! You only mentioned one type of ammo that "groups expanded" It did not sound like you tested a wide variety ammo? I think you got lucky with that lot of Remington ammo that shot so well. One hole groups offhand is not common with stock guns. At least without trying out a bunch of different ammo.
I did find the rest of what you wrote informative and helpful. I plan to try some of your suggestions.
The finger groves were fabulous. They fit me very well. Glock SHOULD bring them back. I have a feeling that most people liked them.
Smaller hands. Glock’s raised portion of the finger grooves were directly under my fingers making a strong grip painful. Had the grip “Robarized” smaller and grooveless and textured and it has held up.’
Likely this was the handgun used by Elijsah Dicken in Greenwood, Indiana to neutralize a rifle-armed shooter. My son, a security professional, understands that Dicken’s first shot was a hit at 40 yards, then another 7 hits, out of 10 fired.
I bought a Gen 5 last year and hate the stock sights also, what sights are you using or recommend?
TRUGLO Tritium glow in the dark night sights work great. $60 on Amazon.
I like my G22 gen 4. Me and the G22 have had some scary times together, never had a FTF with it with any ammo, always been trustworthy, and would not be alive today if it had not been for the reliability of the G22. The G22 is still going strong, almost 4,000 rounds through it over the years.
So it’s a “great” gun with cheap sights and a lousy trigger…
SO many better offerings at the same or lower price.
Still rocking my 19.2 from time to time. Not the best feeling gun, but after 24k rounds without any breakage and stunning reliability, it's a keeper. Maybe I'll get a 19.5, but that may only happen if my trusty CZ P10C does something to disappoint me terribly. The Glocks just don't fit my hands that well. I may have weird hands, dunno.
I attended Jeff Cooper’s Gunsite 250 pistol course in Dec 1977 with a 1911 Govt Model and used .45ACP 230gr FMJ bullets over 7.2gr Unique powder. I had zero failures to eject with that load, and qualified Expert that year. I returned the following year for whatever the follow-on pistol course was, and did well once again. I was 25 and 26yrs old, respectively. I still shoot and train with that original 1911, and prefer it above all other sidearms. The statistics, however, indicate the number of attackers in close-range gunfights has increased since 1977.
In 2015, I visited my daughter in Texas, who owned a G19 Gen 3, which I shot on a range and found impressively accurate. In 2018, I bought and now carry daily a G19 Gen 5 and find no flaw in it. Due to advancing age, I added a Crimson Trace rear-activated green Lasergrips kit. It is charmless by comparison with my 1911, but I no longer care. I prefer not to be the first man on a battlefield to run out of ammunition. Times change but the essences never change. My G19 is totally stock, other than the Lasergrips, and I particularly like the cutout above the toe of the magazine, somewhat similar to John Browning’s 1911 magazine toe - since most malfunctions are magazine-related in my extensive experience.
Power, speed and accuracy - that was the DVC balance Cooper recommended, and I stake my life on his superior wisdom still.
Another poorly written and edited article from folks of ill repute…Pew Pew is a joke.
Why bother to hang out here then? Makes no sense- unless you like jokes of course.
Read "Glock, America's Gun." The markup on them is unreal, they're cheap to produce.
I don't care how much expertise you have, I don't take a middle aged woman with green hair seriously.
I take any woman with a gun seriously.
Thanks Mr. Fudd. Question, do you still beat your wife?
And the last time Jonathon scored with a woman was probably 5 decades ago. It’s hard to get any action when dragging knuckles all day in his cave.
Kinda hard to take seriously someone who sees the hairstyle as defining a person instead of valuing their experience and ability. She knows firearms and how to write- which is a lot more than most can claim.
Thank you for everything you do
Excellent review. Thank you.
I've carried concealed for 15 years, the last five of which a 19.4, and lately a 19.5. Now, I also own and carried a 23.4; for the life of me I cannot make up my mind whether to settle on my 19 or 23.
I shoot both platforms well, with the nod to "back on target" to the 19. However, I enjoy the 23 and trust the .40 S&W.
Perhaps you can help with my dilemma. I ask because I noted the .40 has a special place in your heart. Thanks!
I had to chuckle when I read the comment about Winchester White Box 115 grain ammo. At the range where I go to train I cannot count how many times a newer shooter has complained of FTF, FTE and stove piping issues. When they talk to the range officer about the issue he/she will ask what ammo they are using. In the at least a dozen times I have heard the question asked, the answer has always been: "Winchester White Box 115 grain". When the range officers chuckle and say that is the problem the shooters are stunned.
The ironic thing is that the original home of Winchester is in sight of the range. There were at one time 4,000 employees working across the road. As a result new shooters are conditioned to think that nothing could go wrong with Winchester ammo. The gunsmith at the shop/range is a retired Winchester employee and every time he hears someone asking about a problem with their ammo, he ducks back into his shop. I have posted this story elsewhere and be bashed pretty heavily. The facts remain.
Great read. Mas is the man
First time pistol owner, Glock 19G5. I've only been to the range once, but found that the grip pinky cutout is uncomfortable, edges are rather sharp. I really don't like that. I shot well right out of the gate but decided my glasses need an upgrade, too. Any others have negative thoughts about the cutout? Is there a solution to this?
Buy the Pearce Magazine Baseplate for Glock 19 gen 5 and don't look back. These will make you love the gen 5.
Glock now is selling the Glock 19 Gen 5 FS (front serrations), which looks just like the more expensive MOS, but without the cut-out for optics on the slide. I hope that this will be the new Gen 5 version from now on.
G19 Gen 5 is my daily CCW. I alternate between a Shield and the G19 depending on wardrobe. The G19 is my second Glock and while I agree they are not the sexiest, I know if I pull it and need it that it will work everytime. Like one of the commenter's I will not change triggers, but I did have the Ameriglo sights put on it and that is a fantastic add. Regardless, my biggest tip is to find one you are comfortable with and spend time at the range practicing. You MUST be confident and proficient if you are going to carry.
Great write-up but....you have a "gun wardrobe"? Can't say I've ever heard it put like that. For some reason I just can't get myself to like the Glock despite the millions that have sold.
I sold my gen3 g19 and brought a Glock45 9mm gen5...it was a hard choice between the g19 and g45 but In the end,it was well worth it...glock found the sweet spot in the pistol market with the g45..very nice gun...
Wow. A Gen 5. Must be nice.
Sincerely,
Poor Bastard in California, subject to the.... ROSTER.
Try to move to a free state
Says the guy that lives in a Free State.
And the standard response from douche-bags...
Glock's are like Budweiser, there is nothing inherently wrong with them...You just wouldn't want to take then to a party. Thy are still ugly and have a lousy trigger and sights.
Glocks are definitely NOT at all like Budweiser. As far as "Ugly, lousy trigger and sights" I'm old enuff to remember the same being said of the Colt 19111A pistol. Some guys spent a lot of money getting their 1911 tweaked out. Way more I think, than doing something about the sights and trigger on a Glock.
The triggers on my Glocks are OK for duty weapons, I simply do not want them to be anything close to hair triggers. They arent meant to be target pistols either.
For the sights, I have a "thing" for tritium glo-sights and in any event would change them out on that account.
"Taking them to a party" so to speak is why we carry in the first place, isnt it?
Excellent, comprehensive article. And thanks for a clean edit/proof! Makes for a much more enjoyable read.
We are picking up a 43X for my wife this weekend. Some day I hope to be able to shoot it without having to aim 3" above the target - an issue I've experienced with every Glock model I've shot.
You might be better with S&W. I read an article years ago about how the Glocks and S&W angle is different. I had the problem with S&W shooting low while I am right on with Glocks. It’s the way our bodies hold them.
The G19 is not my favorite model. I own a few and I’ve built Polymer80 versions but my heart is with other models.
So which model is it?
Like the brand but not the best I have experienced in that price range. Nice pistols but I find I must change enough things on them that they become expensive in the end. Still, I have one and appreciate it. But one is enough.
Still no reason to upgrade from my customized Gen 3
I respect Kat Ainsworth for her knowledge and for the articles she writes. However, Glocks just do not fit my hands and I do not shoot them as well as some other brands. My handguns eat any ammunition I feed them,; my accuracy is better with them than with any GLock I have fired; and I do not change triggers on my carry guns for the potential for legal issues if I am ever forced to defend myself with my EDC. There are many loud, Glock voices and I am certain they work very well for many people. I am not listing my handguns because I am not arguing that my handguns are better than Glocks for other people.
The Glock G19 gen 5 is my first Glock and I love it. I was not a big Glock fan but the meany changes won me over.