Glock 19 Gen 5: Real Upgrades

Glock 19 Gen 5 for sale
July 5, 2023  
|  2 Comments
Categories: Guns

Glock has been accused of making minor cosmetic changes to its pistols and releasing them as new models…models like the Gen 5 G19, for instance. Adam Campbell, a writer for Guns.com, disagrees. Read what he has to say about it in his Glock 19 Gen 5 review, then find a good Glock 19 Gen 5 price when you find your Glock 19 Gen 5 for sale.

Glock 19 Gen 5 Grafts Real Upgrades Onto Family Tree

by Adam Campbell, Guns.com

Glock pistols are some of the most widely used, easily recognized firearms on the planet. With a stellar reputation of reliability from the original introduction of the Glock 17 service pistol in the early ’80s up to recent releases, numerous models and variants demonstrate the quality and consistency of Glock production. 

Glock has caught flak in the past from gun critics claiming the company periodically re-releases the same pistol, renamed with only aesthetic changes. 

I would disagree. Let’s take a look at the Glock 19 Gen 5, and I’ll show you why.

GLOCK 19 GEN 5 REVIEW

This is the Glock 19, the Glock 17's little brother. Photo credits to Seth Rodgers/Guns.com

Little brother to the Glock 17, the Glock 19 is one of the best-selling compact guns on the market, and the Gen 5 may be the best version yet. (Photo: Seth Rodgers/Guns.com)

Before we continue, however, some capitalism…

GLOCK 19 GEN 5 FOR SALE

Your Glock 19 Gen 5 price will vary depending on where you find a Glock 19 Gen 4 for sale!

Your Glock 19 Gen 5 price will vary depending on where you find a Glock 19 Gen 4 for sale!

 

Where to Find It

 

 

 

HOW WE GOT HERE

For nearly four decades, the Glock 19 pistol has been proving itself in the field as a premium defensive handgun with private citizens, law enforcement, and military all over the world. Originally produced in 1988 with military and law enforcement in mind, the Glock 19 has a barrel and grip shorter than the full-size Glock 17 by about a half-inch, but it is otherwise identical to its slightly larger counterpart. 

Because of this decrease in size, the Glock 19 became popular with plainclothes law enforcement officers looking for a more compact handgun. It started to find large circulation and popularity by the early 1990s and is now widely considered one of the best-selling handguns in the world, showing up on best-selling gun lists every year. 

There have been five generations or variants since the creation of the Glock 19, not counting the assorted transitional guns. This review will focus on the fifth generation, introduced in 2017.

The gun by itself in stock configuration is everything most people would expect in a Glock pistol: sleek, simple, and intuitive. However, the Gen 5 version has several upgrades, even over the recent Gen 4, that are worth noting, especially considering both Gen 3 and Gen 4 pistols are readily available.

GEN 5 APPEARANCE

The Gen 5 G19 is easily distinguishable due to its amazing near-glossy finish. Photo credits to Seth Rodgers/Guns.com

Fifth gen pistols are easily distinguishable by the near-glossy DLC finish on the slide; note the Glock 19 Gen 5 price isn’t much (if at all) higher than its older counterparts. (Photo: Seth Rodgers/Guns.com)

The first thing you notice about a Glock Gen 5 is the finish on the slide. An almost gloss-like shine immediately differentiates it from previous generations, with its near diamond-like carbon surface, or nDLC, finish on barrel and slide. The hardened finish adds resistance to elements and damage and improves function, as the smoother finish of the barrel makes lubrication more efficient. And the fresh look helps it stand out from the crowd of modern defensive pistols. 

Forward grooves on the slide modernize this Glock 19. Photo credits to Adam Campbell/Guns.com

Gen 5 also has forward grooves on the slide, a welcomed addition that brings the Glock 19 up to date with its contemporaries. (Photo: Adam Campbell/Guns.com)

You’ll also notice forward slide serrations. Pretty much a standard feature on most modern tactical pistols, the grooves not only add an enhanced look but also improve brass/press checks for more experienced shooters. 

It was something I always noticed as an instructor when I saw Glocks being used side by side with competitors featuring forward grooves on the slide. Without them, the Glock seemed behind the curve and slightly outdated. This was a much-needed and positive improvement to the design.

On the new Glock 19 Gen 5 the grip has the same pattern and texture as the Gen 4 but is missing the finger grooves. Photo credits Adam Campbell/Guns.com

While Gen 5 has the same texture on the grip as Gen 4, the finger grooves are notably missing. Also, note the flared mag well. (Photo: Adam Campbell/Guns.com)

Glock kept the same grip texture as the Gen 4 but got rid of the finger grooves on the grip. I personally preferred the look of the Gen 4 finger grooves, but after handling the Gen 5, I agree the older grip was outdated. This small change accommodates different hand sizes and makes customization – adding grip wraps, tape, etc. – a little easier. 

The frame has also been changed by adding a slightly flared magazine well, which isn’t super noticeable and seems more “tacticool” than tactical. However, based on my personal training and experience, I believe there is real credibility to increased speed and more proficient reloads with flared mag wells. 

MORE IMPROVEMENTS

The Gen 5 magazines have orange followers which improve visibility. Photo credits Adam Campbell/Guns.com

Orange followers in the Gen 5 magazines improve visibility. (Photo: Adam Campbell/Guns.com)

The Glock magazines themselves have been altered by changing out the traditional black follower for a bright orange one. A subtle change, but it provides a small advantage since it’s easier for the shooter to see the orange follower as the magazine gets closer to being empty, especially in low-light conditions.  

The Glock 19 Gen 5 has a snag-free design due to a slightly curved nose. Photo credits Adam Campbell/Guns.com

A slightly curved nose on the slide makes for a snag-free design, improving concealability. (Photo: Adam Campbell/Guns.com)

Finally, another subtle yet substantial change to the look of the G19 is the more contoured muzzle end of the slide, and eliminating the old Glock “hognose.” Essentially, the slide curves in toward the muzzle, giving the gun a less boxy look. This was once a feature reserved for the G26 and other subcompact models, but Glock has apparently made it a standard feature for all Gen 5 editions. 

Interestingly, Glock’s website doesn’t mention it. Again, a seemingly subtle upgrade, but in combination with the other enhancements, it makes for an overall improved look and modernization of the Glock 19.
 

FUNCTION & FEATURES

The G19 Gen 5 also has some new features like a Glock Marksman Barrel, ambidextrous slide locks, and one trigger crossbar. Photo credits Adam Campbell/Guns.com

Other new features include a Glock Marksman Barrel, ambidextrous slide locks, and one trigger crossbar, instead of two as on previous generations. I found the trigger felt slightly smoother on the Gen 5 than in earlier versions. (Photo: Adam Campbell/Guns.com)

The Glock Marksman Barrel seems to be Glock’s take on providing a match barrel as a stock feature, similar to what Springfield Armory did with the XDM line. Upon weighing the Glock 19 Gen 5, I noticed it is about half an ounce heavier than my stock Gen 4. How much of a difference does this make when firing the gun? Noticeably, none. However, I will take Glock’s word for it when it comes to improved durability and longer life on the barrel.

My Glock armorer also pointed out there is only one trigger crossbar instead of the usual two on previous generation Glocks. As a longtime Glock owner and shooter, this caused some initial concern. Why fix what isn’t broken? 

I was pleasantly surprised when the change seemed minor, and the only real difference I noticed was that the trigger felt slightly smoother. Glock claims the Gen 4 and Gen 5 travel times are identical, and I would agree. Would I still upgrade to a Glock Performance Trigger? Absolutely. But it’s another nice, subtle improvement that help the Gen 5 stand out from its predecessors.

Another not-so-subtle improvement is the addition of ambidextrous slide locks. This is great for left-handed shooters and provides more room for advanced techniques of locking back the slide. I personally shoot both left and right, and I like being able to release my slide with only my left hand in the event of an injury or other situation that could keep me from being able to load using my usual process.

SHOOTING

The new G19 during some slow pace, on the left, and controlled pair, on the right, shooting. Photo credit Adam Campbell/Guns.com

On the left, you have a slow, paced fire. On the right, you have controlled pairs. Both shot at approximately 21 feet with Magtech 115-grain FMJ. (Photos: Adam Campbell/Guns.com)

I ran four- to eight-round volleys of FMJ in slow and rapid fire at targets approximately 7 to 10 yards away. I also executed controlled pairs from the holster to test the snag-free design. I was happy to see that the Glock 19 Gen 5 was compatible with all my holsters for the Gen 3 and Gen 4, and I really felt no difference when presenting under pressure. 

My groupings were at least as tight as any shot with my Gen 3 or Gen 4, and I noticed less pressure over time on my trigger finger. I would say the results of my shooting were consistent with – if not a slight improvement over – my typical results with other Glocks.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Glock 19 Gen 5 review: The G19 Gen 5 has substantial upgrades to it. Photo credits Adam Campbell/Guns.com

Glock 19 Gen 5 price: the cost of a G19/G5 will vary with location, availability, and the individual retailer of course, but seems to run between $540 – $600 on average.

Glock’s website details a few other technical and mechanical enhancements to the Gen 5. My perspective, based on many years of shooting a wide variety of handguns and training thousands of new and experienced gun owners, is that the updates to the Glock 19 Gen 5 are substantial and not gimmicky. 

The Glock 19 Gen 5, like other Glock models, has proven to be a high-quality, reliable, and effective handgun right out of the box. The buyer gets many somewhat expensive customizations and upgrades for only a slightly higher price than a stock Gen 4 or Gen 3. 

For home defense purposes, the Gen 5 G19 gets the job done. Photo credits Adam Campbell/Guns.com

Glock 19 Gen 5 review, final word: In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with a Glock 19 Gen 5. (Photo: Adam Campbell/Guns.com)

As a defensive service handgun, I would grade a Glock 19 Gen 5 an 8 out of 10. It’s a touch small, and I don’t get quite the performance on the range that I do from a Glock 17 – however, it more than suffices for the needs of a home defense gun.

As a concealed carry handgun, I would grade the Glock 19 Gen 5 a 9.5 out of 10. The size is ideal for carry, without compromising too much in velocity or sight radius. It also has a large enough frame that drawing/presenting from a concealed carry holster is not much more challenging than drawing/presenting with a full-size service pistol.  

I would highly recommend a Glock 19 Gen 5 for personal defense, both carried concealed or for home protection and recreation. 

Like this Glock 19 Gen 5 review? Read more GUN REVIEWS

 

⚠️ Some hyperlinks in this article may contain affiliate links. If you use them to make a purchase, we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. It’s just one way to Back the Bang. #backthebang 

 

 

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Mad Duo

Mad Duo

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2 Comments

  1. Chad

    You missed one of the most important mechanical improvements, at least in the Gen. 5 guns with front serrations, the breech face cut. This small bit of machining to the breech face significantly improves ejection and reduces “brass to the face” and failure-to-eject malfunctions. The new coil spring systems for the trigger and take down lever should improve their durability. The newest gen 5s also have improved lockup between the barrel and slide.

  2. Core

    Glock could use some ergo enhancements but they seem to be bound to the original aesthetic. This is going to cost Glock sales. The MOS versions and modular straps are good but the gen 5 suffers from a few hiccups. The striker redesign and some internals could use some engineering enhancements. Excellent pistol but Glock needs to start adding more features to compete with other modern pistol designs.

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