Glock 19 Gen 5: The Complete, In-Depth Review of a Legendary Firearm

Glock 19 Gen 5 Review: The Complete Guide

The Glock 19 Gen 5 is the latest iteration of one of the most popular compact pistols, renowned for its unmatched combination of reliability, accuracy, and ease of use. This article covers every feature, improvement, and practical benefit of the Glock 19 Gen 5, exploring why it has become a top choice for everyday carry, personal defense, and shooting enthusiasts alike.

Glock 19 Gen 5 Overview

The Glock 19 Gen 5 is a striker-fired 9mm pistol, ideal for a range of uses from concealed carry to home defense. With a 4.02-inch barrel, ambidextrous controls, and the latest design improvements, this model retains the Glock DNA while bringing new features that cater to both left- and right-handed shooters. Glock enthusiasts and new shooters will both find that this gun combines the best of Glock’s traditional strengths with modern enhancements.

Key Specs and Technical Details

• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel Length: 4.02 inches
• Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds (with additional mag options)
• Trigger Pull: Approximately 5.5 pounds
• Overall Weight: 23.63 ounces (empty)

These specifications give the Glock 19 Gen 5 a balance between compactness and performance, which appeals to a wide range of users.

What’s New in the Glock 19 Gen 5?

With the release of the Gen 5, Glock introduced several notable changes, primarily influenced by law enforcement and military requirements. Here’s what sets the Gen 5 apart:

• Ambidextrous Slide Stop Lever: The Glock 19 Gen 5 includes ambidextrous slide stop levers, making it easier for left-handed shooters.
• Removal of Finger Grooves: The finger grooves have been removed from the grip, which increases comfort and adaptability for different hand sizes.
• Improved Trigger Mechanism: A redesigned trigger with a smoother pull improves accuracy.
• Enhanced Barrel: The Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) increases accuracy with improved rifling, offering better precision over previous models.

Design and Build

The Gen 5 continues Glock’s signature polymer frame, providing a lightweight yet durable base for the gun. The slide, coated with a nDLC finish, is corrosion-resistant and ideal for withstanding rough conditions.

Trigger Improvements

One of the highlights of the Glock 19 Gen 5 is its updated trigger system. Unlike the previous generation, the Gen 5 has a crisper, shorter pull that improves shot accuracy. While it may not rival competition-grade triggers, this stock trigger is an improvement, offering a smoother reset that enhances shooting comfort.

Sights and Accuracy

Glock equips the Gen 5 with basic polymer sights, but many users upgrade to night sights or fiber optics for enhanced visibility. This Glock model’s accuracy is improved further by the GMB, with slightly tighter groups and a faster sight acquisition.

Glock 19 Gen 5 vs. Gen 4

While the Glock 19 Gen 4 was a hit with both civilians and professionals, the Gen 5 improves in areas of ergonomics, controls, and accuracy. The removal of finger grooves is the most noticeable change, followed by the ambidextrous slide stop and the Glock Marksman Barrel. For those looking for a versatile, comfortable, and highly reliable pistol, the Gen 5 may be worth the upgrade.

Compact Size and Ergonomics

The Glock 19 Gen 5 maintains a perfect balance for concealed carry, with a slightly more compact frame that allows it to be worn discreetly. The improved grip texture helps retain control without causing discomfort when holstered.

Magazine and Capacity

Equipped with a standard 15-round magazine, the Glock 19 Gen 5 ensures plenty of ammunition for most situations. Glock has designed the Gen 5 magazines to be backward-compatible, meaning that magazines from previous generations will fit.

Reliability and Durability

Glocks are famous for their reliability, and the Gen 5 is no exception. The new nDLC finish on the slide provides extra protection, while the polymer frame keeps the gun resistant to various environmental stresses. Numerous user reports and endurance tests confirm that the Glock 19 Gen 5 functions reliably under intense conditions.

Handling and Shooting Experience

Shooting the Glock 19 Gen 5 is a smooth experience. With its ergonomic design, the pistol offers easy recoil management and accuracy, even during rapid fire. The improved trigger pull makes a noticeable difference, allowing users to remain on target more easily. The Gen 5’s compact build also makes it highly manageable in tight situations, enhancing overall control and comfort.

Safety Features

Like previous Glock models, the Gen 5 has multiple internal safeties integrated within the trigger system. It lacks an external safety lever, which streamlines operation but necessitates careful handling.

Customization and Aftermarket Parts

The Glock 19 Gen 5 has one of the most robust aftermarket support systems. Users can easily upgrade sights, install weapon lights, or swap out the magazine release. Many enthusiasts also upgrade the trigger, although the stock version performs well for most purposes.

Field Stripping and Maintenance

Maintaining the Glock 19 Gen 5 is simple, thanks to Glock’s intuitive field-stripping design. By following a few basic steps, users can quickly disassemble the gun, clean each component, and reassemble it.

Accessories

The Glock 19 Gen 5 can be customized with a range of accessories:

• Weapon Lights: Many choose compact lights for improved low-light visibility.
• Sights: Red dot sights and tritium night sights are popular additions.
• Grips: Textured grips improve handling, especially for competitive shooting.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Reliable, durable design
• Ergonomic improvements over previous models
• Compatible with many aftermarket parts

Cons:

• No external safety may deter some users
• Standard sights may require upgrading for enhanced performance

Popular Comparison: Glock 19 vs. Glock 17

The Glock 17, while larger and with a higher capacity, is often preferred for home defense, while the Glock 19’s compact form is perfect for daily carry. Both models share Glock’s reliability and ease of maintenance, so the choice largely depends on the user’s size and capacity preferences.

Conclusion: Why the Glock 19 Gen 5 Stands Out

The Glock 19 Gen 5 is a highly versatile firearm that blends reliability, comfort, and customization. For users seeking a reliable, easy-to-handle pistol with ample aftermarket support, the Glock 19 Gen 5 remains one of the best choices on the market.

FAQs

• Is the Glock 19 Gen 5 good for concealed carry? Yes, its compact size and balanced weight make it ideal for daily concealed carry.
• What is the difference between the Gen 4 and Gen 5 Glock 19? The Gen 5 includes improvements like the ambidextrous slide stop, the Glock Marksman Barrel, and the removal of finger grooves.
• Can you upgrade the trigger on a Glock 19 Gen 5? Yes, the Gen 5 has a range of trigger options available for customization.
• Does the Glock 19 Gen 5 have an external safety? No, the Glock 19 relies on internal safeties.
• What type of ammo is best for the Glock 19 Gen 5? Standard 9mm rounds are recommended, though hollow points are commonly used for defense purposes.