Glock is one of the most well-known pistols on the planet. It’s capable of stopping otherworldly bad guys (according to The Avengers), is universally recognized by law enforcement and can be used with a variety of accessories. Its compact size makes it easy for a broader range of shooters to comfortably handle and carry concealed. Its reliability is legendary, but it isn’t immune to “issues.”
Features
The Glock 19 has been around since the 1980s and has evolved through many generations. It is a double-stack 9mm pistol with a capacity of 15 rounds and has been used by law enforcement, military, and special operations units in various capacities.
Glock pistols are designed to be simple to use, and they have a reputation for being indestructible. The company uses a proprietary finish that’s ion-bonded to the polymer, which prevents scratches and protects the gun from corrosion, even in extreme weather conditions.
The Glock’s polarizing aesthetic may turn off some buyers, but it’s a practical choice for those looking to carry a pistol that can perform in any environment or situation. Glock offers several options for customization, including different holsters, sights, and accessories that make the gun compatible with any mission. The latest generation, Gen 5, offers a few subtle changes to the Glock that will not affect performance or reliability. These include a new modular back strap system, an enlarged reversible magazine release, dual recoil spring assembly, and a rough-textured frame.
Design
Glock pistols are simple, reliable, and functional. They’re recoil-operated, striker-fired, locked-breech semi-automatic pistols that feature a magazine-fed, polymer-framed design. They’re known for their modularity, with external controls & accessories that allow users to adapt them to fit their specific missions.
The Glock 19 is no exception. Its modular design allows users to outfit the gun with a variety of options, from an optic to a compensator. Its frame and slide are made from a super strong polymer that Gaston Glock invented, called Polymer 2. The material is highly durable and resistant to shock, caustic liquids, and temperature extremes that would weaken or warp steel components.
It also shows up clearly on x-ray machines, unlike other polymer handguns. The polymer is molded with four hardened steel rails, two on the back of the frame, and a pair above and in front of the trigger guard. The Glock 19 also has ambidextrous slide locks and a magazine release, along with a rounded slide nose profile and flared magazine well.
Safety
Glock pistols have no external safeties. Instead, their 3 safety systems are internal and include a trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety. All three must be engaged before the trigger is pulled. The trigger safety mechanically stages the cruciform and trigger bar up against a safety ramp inside the trigger mechanism. This prevents the trigger from being pulled until the trigger safety is pressed flush with the rest of the trigger.
Similarly, the drop safety physically restrains the trigger bar so it can’t move forward to fire the gun if it gets dropped. This system is an important part of what makes a Glock so reliable.
In a stressful situation, having an auto-reseting trigger that’s smooth and fairly light can be a big help. Even in comparison to modern match-type triggers, the Glock’s pull is very manageable. The polymer frame is a huge advantage in this regard. It’s tougher than steel and resists shock, caustic liquids, and temperature changes that would warm up and weaken a traditional steel-framed pistol.
What’s Next?
Whether it is for a police officer, home defense or target shooting, the Glock 19 is a solid fighting pistol. It goes bang when you want it to and doesn’t go bang when you don’t want it to, and puts holes in the things you want them to put holes in (provided you do your part).
The gen 5 additions included finger grooves that were molded into the grip frame for better placement and traction. It also included ambidextrous slide stops, flared mag wells and more durable finishes on the metal components.
The dual recoil spring assembly reduced trigger weight and recoil, and was a good solution to the single-action issue that many had with the gen 3 and 4. Also added was a rough-textured frame and modular back straps to allow for more customization of how the gun feels in your hand. The internal safeties are easy to operate, and the trigger pre-travel is customizable depending on your needs.
