The Glock 19 has long held a revered position in the handgun world, a near-mythical status cemented by its reliability, simplicity, and widespread adoption by law enforcement and civilians alike. The Gen 5 iteration builds upon this legacy, refining existing features and incorporating several notable improvements. This review delves into the specifics, examining what makes the Glock 19 Gen 5 a top contender in the compact 9mm market.
What's New in the Gen 5?
The Glock 19 Gen 5 isn't a radical redesign, but rather a thoughtful evolution. Key upgrades include:
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Marksmanship Enhancements: The most significant changes center around improved handling and accuracy. The addition of the marksman barrel contributes to enhanced accuracy and reduces muzzle rise. The nDLC (Nitride) finish on the slide and barrel provides superior corrosion resistance and a smoother action. The updated trigger offers a cleaner, more refined pull, further enhancing accuracy.
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Ambidextrous Features: Glock finally embraced ambidextrous functionality with the Gen 5. The reversible magazine catch caters to both left- and right-handed shooters, a long-requested feature.
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Improved Ergonomics: While maintaining the familiar Glock feel, the Gen 5 features an improved grip texture. The aggressive texturing enhances control and reduces slippage, crucial for maintaining a firm grip under stress. The absence of finger grooves also allows for a more customizable and comfortable grip for a wider range of hand sizes.
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Simplified Disassembly: While Glock's takedown process was already straightforward, the Gen 5 further simplifies the process by removing the need for the trigger-pin punch.
Performance and Handling: On the Range
The improvements made in the Glock 19 Gen 5 translate directly to improved performance on the range. The enhanced accuracy is immediately noticeable, even for experienced shooters. The smoother slide action and refined trigger contribute to quicker follow-up shots. The improved grip texture provides excellent control, even during rapid fire.
Reliability: The Glock Standard
Reliability remains a cornerstone of the Glock 19, and the Gen 5 continues this tradition. Thousands of rounds have been fired through various Gen 5 models without a single malfunction, reinforcing the reputation for robust performance.
Who is the Glock 19 Gen 5 For?
The Glock 19 Gen 5 is a versatile handgun suitable for a broad spectrum of users:
- Law Enforcement: Its reliability, compact size, and high capacity make it an ideal duty weapon.
- Concealed Carry: Its manageable size and weight make it a popular choice for concealed carry, particularly for individuals seeking a balance between capacity and concealability.
- Home Defense: The Glock 19 Gen 5’s reliability and stopping power make it a highly effective home defense firearm.
- Competitive Shooters: While not a dedicated competition pistol, its accuracy and ergonomics make it suitable for some shooting disciplines.
Potential Drawbacks
While the Glock 19 Gen 5 excels in many areas, some potential drawbacks should be considered:
- Trigger Feel: While improved, the trigger still maintains a characteristic Glock feel that some shooters may find less refined than other handgun designs.
- Recoil: The 9mm cartridge produces a manageable recoil, but some shooters might find it more noticeable compared to larger calibers.
Conclusion: A Refined Classic
The Glock 19 Gen 5 represents a significant refinement of a classic design. The improvements in accuracy, ergonomics, and ambidextrous functionality elevate it above its predecessors. While it maintains the renowned reliability and simplicity of the Glock platform, it adds a level of sophistication and user-friendliness making it a top choice for both experienced and novice shooters alike. Its versatility and proven reliability make it a worthy investment for self-defense, law enforcement, or sport shooting.
