The Glock 19
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to cover the Glock 19. This iconic handgun has persisted in common use for nearly four decades with a variety of end users. We are going to provide an overview of Glock, the Glock 19, and its many traits, features, and considerations. Without further ado, let’s talk about the Glock 19, one of the most common handguns in America.
Who is Glock?
Glock is a one of the most well-known handgun manufacturers in the world. Glock, formally known as Glock Ges.m.b.H., was founded in 1963 by Gaston Glock. The company initially produced consumer products such as curtain rods and notably had no background in firearms design. In 1980, the Austrian Armed Forces announced that they were seeking to replace their currently issued Walther P-38 pistols which were produced during World War Two and were due for replacement.
Glock was among the companies who responded to the request, eventually submitting the design which would become the Glock 17. The frame of the pistol and many major components were constructed from polymer making the pistol lighter than metal-framed handguns of the era. Additionally, this allowed for easy and economical production due to the molding process and Glock’s prior experience. We can trace Glocks as we know them today from this original design.
Currently, Glock pistols are some of the most popular handguns in the United States. Three generations of Glock pistols are still currently produced for the commercial market. The current generation of Glocks, Gen 5, is at the forefront with Gen 3 and Gen 4 models still being produced for specific contracts or markets. These pistols are employed by many and used for a variety of purposes such as self-defense, competition, recreation, and even hunting when in big bore caliber offerings.
What is the Glock 19?
The Glock 19 is a compact
9mm handgun that was introduced by Glock in 1988, the same year that Generation 2 Glock pistols made their debut. At its core, the Glock 19 is essentially a midsized handgun which sought to emulate the Glock 17 in a smaller package. The barrel and grip of the Glock 19 are half an inch shorter than the larger 17, reducing the overall profile of the handgun. This size reduction makes for a more concealable profile which fits the hands of a wide range of shooters. Notably, this reduced size does not make the pistol a diminutive pistol by any means and is viable for a wide range of uses.
At its core, the Glock 19 is a semi-automatic handgun that features a traditional locked-breech mechanism with a modified Browning-style cam-lock design. Like all Glocks, the Glock 19 is striker fired and features the company’s reliable Safe Action System and trigger safety. The 4” hammer-forged barrel features polygonal rifling which promotes accuracy. Factory magazines fit nearly flush with the frame of the pistol and hold 15 rounds of 9mm. From Generation 3 onward, Glock 19 handguns have featured accessory rails to allow for the attachment of lights and lasers, allowing shooters to further optimize their pistol.
Like their other Glock counterparts, Glock 19 pistols are simple and easily disassembled and serviced. As striker fired handguns, these pistols feature internal firing mechanisms and lack exposed hammers like single action and double action firearms. While Glock trigger pulls can be described as stout, Glock handguns are well known for their crisp and tactile reset. Additionally, with the exception of the trigger safety, there is no external safety present on these types of firearms.
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Glock Safe Action System
To an inexperienced eye, one would assume that Glocks lack any form of safety. Of course, this is false. As mentioned above, Glock 19s utilize the company’s iconic Glock Safe Action System. This system consists of three distinct points which provide various levels of safety to the shooter and is utilized in place of an external, manual safety.
The first point of this system is the Glock trigger safety. This mechanism is present in the bladed portion of the trigger which must be depressed to allow rearward travel of the trigger. To facilitate firing, both this safety blade and the trigger itself must be depressed and pulled at the same time. If this blade is not depressed, rearward movement of the trigger is not possible.
The second point of the Safe Action System is the firing pin safety. When the trigger on a Glock is pulled, the trigger bar pushed upwards into the firing pin safety housed within the slide. Like the name suggests, this device blocks the firing pin and prevents its forward travel unless safety mechanisms are properly engaged. As this plunger is moved, the firing pin is permitted to go forward to facilitate the firing cycle.
Finally, the third point of the Safe Action System is the drop safety. This safety feature utilizes the trigger bar which engages the firing pin and prevents forward movement unless the trigger is pulled. As a result, shock and drops experienced by the pistol will not result in forward firing pin movement. This eliminates the potential for unintended discharges in the event of a drop or impact. In short, the trigger bar's locking mechanism essentially makes Glock pistols drop safe.
Variants
While the Glock 19 is popular and viable in its base form, the pistol is also available in multiple variants. Perhaps the most popular variant of the Glock 19 design would have to be the MOS equipped model. The Modular Optic System, or MOS, variant of the Glock 19 comes from the factory ready to accept a wide range of optics. These optics are mounted via factory plates or by aftermarket plates and accommodate micro red dot sights from companies such as Trijicon, Aimpoint, Steiner, and Holosun. Other notable variants include the popular 19X and the compensated, or “C” models previously offered in Generation 3 and Generation 4 form. Additionally, the pistol has also been made available in various colorways and with the option of a factory threaded barrel.
Magazine Versatility
Due to its size, the Glock 19 can utilize a wide range of magazines. In addition to its standard flush fitting 15 round magazines, the Glock 19 is also able to accept larger magazines. This is to say that the Glock 19 can accommodate magazines intended for use with the Glock 17 as well as longer, extended magazines. A Glock 19 can easily accept 10, 15, 17, 19, 24, and even 33 round factory Glock magazines. Of course, the pistol can also accept aftermarket magazines of similar sizes, with or without additional extensions. In short, Glock 19 owners can access a wide range of compatible magazines.
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Viability in Many Use Cases
One of the most notable traits of the Glock 19 is its viability in many use cases. Since the pistol’s introduction in 1988, the pistol has been employed by both private and professional end users alike for various use cases. One of the most common use cases of the handgun is concealed carry, a role the Glock 19 is well-suited to. The Glock 19 provides concealed carriers with a capable and shootable handgun which is capable of being concealed while boasting a fair magazine capacity. Additionally, many law enforcement and military entities across the globe have utilized the Glock 19 in a variety of roles.
Aftermarket Support
Like most Glock pistols, the Glock 19 is well-supported by a staggering level of aftermarket support. Because of this, like most Glocks, the Glock 19 is highly customizable and can easily be tuned to the preferences of shooters. At this point in time, shooters can find accessories for Glock 19 pistols of all five generations. These accessories include major components such as slides, barrels, recoil assemblies, and triggers to name a few. Additionally, shooters can consider aftermarket sights, controls, magwells, and muzzle devices such as compensators when customizing their Glock 19.
Conclusion
All in all, the Glock 19 is one of the most prolific handguns on the market. With a decades-long track record, the pistol is well-loved and employed by a wide variety of shooters. The pistol is incredibly versatile and exceeds at use cases such as concealed carry, competition, or duty. While we do not sell firearms, we here at True Shot Ammo do carry magazines and ammo which pair great with Glock 19s. Whether you are after Glock magazines or ammo for your Glock 19 or another firearm, we have got you covered. As always, happy shooting.
