Full disclosure: I like GLOCKs.
After more than a decade running a ridiculous number of handguns, my GLOCK 19 remains a relied-upon staple in my gun wardrobe.
If you’re hunting for a reliable self-defense handgun they should be on your list.
Wondering if the fifth generation of Gaston’s creation is worth it?
Here’s my take with diving deep into the specs and shootability.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Plus possible upgrades!
Table of Contents
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Glock 19 Review at a Glance
Pros
- Renown reliability
- Comfortable grip with removal of finger grooves
- Adjustable backstrap
- Easy to field strip
- Tons of aftermarket support
Cons
- Stock sights are not great
- Trigger takes some getting used to
The Bottom Line
The Glock 19 Gen 5 leads the way in sales with stellar reliability, aftermarket support, and much better ergonomics compared to previous generations.
Specs & Features
Specifications
- Caliber: 9x19mm
- Capacity: 15+1
- Barrel length: 4.02″
- Weight (unloaded): 23.6 oz
- Weight (loaded): 30.16 oz
- Dimensions: 7.36″ x 1.26″ x 5.04″
Features
- Fixed sights
- Adjustable backstraps
- Safe Action trigger safety
Source: Glock
Background
The most popular model of GLOCK currently on the market is, of course, the G19.
Yes, the G17 full-size is a common duty gun for law enforcement and alphabet agencies around the globe, but the G19 is where it’s at (or so the sales say).
There aren’t just hundreds of thousands of these plastic fantastic pistols out there, there are millions. More than 20 million as of 2020.
History
Did you know GLOCK Ges.m.b.H didn’t start out manufacturing firearms?
Gaston Glock founded the company back in 1963 but it wasn’t until the 1970s he made his foray into firearms in an explosive way – by manufacturing grenade casings and machine gun belt links. (Admit it, now you want a GLOCK grenade.)
Then, in 1981, a 52-year-old Gaston designed and manufactured his first gun for the Austrian military. Sorry, G19 fans, the first GLOCK was a G17. Thus began Gen1.
For your sake, I’ll subdue my inner gun geek and summarize the gun’s history instead of taking a deep dive into the generations. Basically, Gaston created the inaugural model to meet the military’s specific needs.
The Austrian military wanted a handgun capable of being fired quickly and accurately; when it came down to it, Gaston decided in order to meet the level of speed they demanded, external safeties had to be eliminated.
He spent eighteen months designing the Gen 1 GLOCK, developing the well-known SAFE ACTION System and its trio of internal safeties: trigger, firing pin, and drop safeties. The internal safeties of the GLOCK are the most-argued feature of the handgun.
Simplicity
GLOCKs are simple.
The average GLOCK contains 35 parts, way less than the approximately 58 of a 1911 or a Colt Python with 57 parts.
Fewer parts translate to fewer potential failure points and have the benefit of simplifying repairs, maintenance, and modifications. Sounds like a win to me.
There are currently five generations of GLOCKs.
Over the years changes have been made like the Gen2 texturing of the front and backstraps, Gen3’s forward accessory rails and locking block pin, and Gen4’s reversible magazine release, to name a few. We nerd out on the generations here.
Generation 5 Glock
When GLOCK launched the Gen5 G19 it was the removal of the finger grooves that thrilled me.
Let’s face it, it’s rare to have your fingers precisely fit grooves on mass-produced guns.
There were about twenty changes made to the gun including non-polygonal rifled, match-grade barrel, nDLC finish, ambidextrous slide lock levers, and a ramped striker safety plunger.
They replaced the leaf spring of the slide lock lever with a coil spring, too.
A multitude of changes, but do they really matter?
Rating score
Who Is It For?
Anyone looking for the gold standard in handgun reliability that’s also the Goldilocks size…not too big and not too small. 15+1 rounds of 9mm is no slouch and Gen 5 ergonomics make the Glock 19 the winner compared to previous generations.
Fit & Feel
As soon as the Gen5 G19 was available I got my hands on one.
It wasn’t love at first grip, exactly, but it was mild infatuation.
The gun fits my hands more comfortably than previous generations thanks to the removal of those pesky finger grooves.
It wasn’t just that, though…the dimensions of the Gen5 G19 may not technically be different but it has an entirely different feel in your hands than the earlier generations.
Trigger reach remains at 2.76-inches but the changes to the grip itself made it fit my long fingers better.
The gun is fractionally heavier than the other gens, too. Those might sound like inconsequential changes but sometimes it’s the seemingly minute details that make a gun rock.
The Technical Part
For those who want technical details, this is for you. The Gen 5 G19 and G17 are versions of the 19M and 17M GLOCKs used by the FBI. These new-to-the-civilian-market GLOCKs are made for duty use and affordability.
Holstering is meant to be easier with these Gen 5 guns thanks to a somewhat more aggressively tapered slide; choosing a holster is as easy as always, too. There is a possibility your old G19 holster will be a bit snug but most likely the Gen 5 will fit well.
A number of internal changes were made to the Gen 5, none of them really impact you the shooter/owner though. But it does change the landscape of aftermarket options you once had…
Basically, the only components the Gen 5 has in common with the previous four generations are the trigger connector, striker spring, striker spring sleeve, and striker spring cups.
So if you were hoping to re-use all of the awesome upgrades you have in your Gen 3-4 for your new Gen 5…think again.
Externally, there are no forward cocking serrations on the slide. Some shooters have complained about this, but here’s the deal: you should be racking the slide from the rear, anyway. Speed and safety, guys. Quit putting your hand over the ejection port.
The GLOCK Marksman barrel is a solid upgrade.
It features aggressive rifling – still polygonal – a recessed crown, and promises greater accuracy overall. Of course, accuracy is partially dependent on the trigger. The good news is the triggers seem better in the Gen 5s, too.
After running four Gen 5 G19s I can attest with confidence to the lighter triggers and the slightly crisper break. They’re still the expected GLOCK factory trigger, meaning a lot of people will replace them, myself included. It’s improved but not vastly.
Remember, prior-gen aftermarket triggers will not fit your Gen 5.
How Does It Shoot?
Let’s jump right into the awesome times I’ve had with the Gen 5 G19.
I spent a couple weeks in Washington State attending MAG-40, Northwest Tac-Con, and Active Shooter Interdiction at the Firearms Academy of Seattle (FAS).
Mas Ayoob and Gail were in attendance for the duration, putting me in the interesting situation of shooting alongside them as students rather than instructors.
As a writer, I attend these trips using specific guns supplied by the manufacturer, and let’s just say it wasn’t going well.
It goes down as the most horrific trip for failures I’ve ever had. After watching me curse and fight with multiple review guns, Mas offered his Gen 5 G19.
Yes, I had a slight fan-girl moment.
During Active Shooter Interdiction I ran the GLOCK out to 50 yards on steel doing shoot-and-move drills and also did team drills with my friend Paul Lathrop, the host of the Polite Society Podcast.
I experienced one FTF with Winchester white box ammunition but the gun otherwise ran flawlessly (I’d borrowed a handful of the ammo and immediately unloaded it following the failure). I’d shot the model before, but it was in this class the gun won me over.
Working for days on end from the holster on moving targets, in the dark, and on longer-range steel plates – longer for a 9mm – was enough to show me this gun runs and hits like a champ.
At home, I put the gun through a variety of drills. Whether I was drawing from the holster on a timer or shooting slow and steady playing card drills the GLOCK performed with consistent accuracy.
Just like with any gun, the groups are tighter with some brands of ammo than with others. It could shoot through one hole with Remington UMC 9mm.
Check out our favorite 9mm ammo for range shooting & self-defense.
Glock 19 vs Glock 19x
If you’ve reached this far in the review you’ve probably done some research and also come across the Glock 19x.
What are the main differences between the Glock 19 and Glock 19x?
- Glock 19x has a longer full-size grip than the 17 with the slide of a 19
- Factory Coyote colored slide
- Improved nPVD slide coating
- New Glock Marksman Barrel
- Lanyard loop
Main thing…if you have giant hands or really want the coyote color you might want to consider the G19x variant.
It’s more for open carry instead of concealed carry because of the increased length of the grip.
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By The Numbers
Reliability: 5/5
Spanning all four Gen 5 G19s I’ve run, I’ve put over 3,500 rounds through this model (the number continues to grow since it’s the gun currently at my side). The only failures have been ammo-related.
I prefer to put a minimum of 500 rounds through any handgun I’m considering carrying and the Gen 5 G19 soared through those first 500 rounds beautifully. This is a reliable gun (of course it is, it’s a GLOCK).
The Pew Pew Tactical team has also had great success with suppressing their G19 and it running flawlessly.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Looking for a great multi-caliber suppressor? Check out our Best 9mm & .45 ACP Suppressors.
Ergonomics: 5/5
This is a slightly subjective evaluation. The gun fits my hands as if it was made for me, but it might not fit you the same way. The removal of the finger grooves is a huge bonus, in my opinion, and the alterations to this generation somehow made it more natural for me to draw and fire.
I can work the controls without shifting my grip and fire it quite precisely one-handed, strong or support side. GLOCK included a cut-out at the front of the mag well which does annoy me because it’s directly under my pinky finger. It’s a minor thing but worth mentioning.
Accuracy: 4/5
The Gen 5 G19 loses a point here because it dislikes some ammo. For example, it consistently shot ragged one-hole groups at ten yards, shooting offhand, when loaded with Remington 9mm 115 grain UMC. But when I switched to Federal Syntech 9mm 115 grain RN the groups expanded.
This is not unique to the model; the majority of firearms prefer one ammo over another. It is less a complaint and more an observation.
Customization: 5/5
Things have caught up to the latest Gen 5 iteration and there’s now tons of aftermarket support.
Value: 4/5
GLOCKs are workhorse pistols. They aren’t high-priced BBQ guns and I don’t expect a factory gun to perform to the same level as a custom gun.
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Overall: 4/5
Upgrades for the Glock 19
If you want a go-to gun for home defense you’ll want a light. And the TLR-7 fits nicely on the G19.
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Looking for a comfy pure Kydex holster? We like the Tenicor Sagax combined with the TLR-7.
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How about a hybrid holster that combines Kydex with a soft suede backer? Our go-to is Hidden Hybrid Holsters (check the full review).
There are a bunch more options for the ubiquitous G19…so much so that we have a Best G19 Holsters article.
And magazines…you can never have too many. For me, I adhere to at least five for each firearm. The go-to is the factory OEM…but we also have another article on Best Glock Magazines.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Remember our complaint about the stock Glock sights?
You’ll probably want to switch them out for glow-in-the-dark tritium night sights. This is the most cost-effective one but you can see our other recs in Best Glock 19 Sights and also How to Install Glock Sights.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Check out the rest of our favorites in Best Glock Upgrades to Gucci your Glock as much as your pocketbook allows.
Final Verdict
The Glock 19 Gen 5 makes some great improvements over the last generations. It’s no wonder countless police agencies and military units choose the G19 for its legendary reliability, decent ergonomics and accuracy, and ammo capacity. Plus the size lends itself for concealed carry.
Although I’ve liked the other gens of this model, the Gen 5 was the first to make me love it. My planned mods include taking advantage of the ambidextrous slide stop to move it out from under my strong-side thumb and replacing the trigger.
If you’re in the market for a reliable, accurate carry gun chambered, this gun is well worth checking out!
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Are you running a Gen 5 Glock? If you are running an older model still, maybe it’s time to upgrade with some of the Best Glock Upgrades!
And some even more fun Glock articles:
Own this gun? Drop a review down below!
Rating score
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Just bought my first glock 19 the Trump edition love it
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.