The launch of the Gen 6 Glock series brought with it several overhauls to the factory frame. Many (if not all) of those were based on modifications people made to prior models using aftermarket accessories. Among those were an integrated beavertail, palm swells on the grip, an undercut trigger guard, and other changes. These improvements seem to have been generally welcomed by the Glocknoscenti, but no stock, off-the-shelf pistol will ever be completely Goldilocks to everyone. Aftermarket Glock 19 Gen 6 accessories are already appearing. Shield Arms was among the first companies to bring upgrades to market with their Carry and Premium magwells. This will be considered a Good Thing by many folks because there’s no backward compatibility between Gen 6 and Gen 5.

Shield Arms Glock 19 Gen 6 Magwell: 2 Choices

There are two versions of these magwells available: a Carry version and a Premium version. Both are non-permanent drop-in designs CNC-machined from solid 6061-T6 billet aluminum with solid hardware for secure mounting. They have different geometries; however, each is intended for a different application.

SA Gen 6 G19 Carry Magwell

This is the lower-profile version of the two. The Gen 6 G19 Carry Magwell is a sleek funnel designed for everyday carry and concealed carry (though there’s only rarely much difference between the two). It’s also suitable for plainclothes duty use if you’re in that line of work. The Carry Glock 19 Magwell is designed to minimize fumbled reloads by improving entry angles, and it does so without adding a significant footprint to the gun. This obviously makes it less likely to print or snag on a cover garment.

SA Gen 6 G19 Premium Magwell

Despite its name, the Gen 6 G19 Premium Magwell isn’t the gun-grip version of Wagyu beef, Iberico ham, or, really, really good ice cream. This version has a greatly flared opening, maximizing the funnel aperture to encourage maximum reload speed. It was specifically designed for IPSC/USPSA, and other competitions in which a fast mag change or reload is more important than any need for deep concealment – though you could easily put it on a carry or duty gun, too.

SA Gen 6 Glock 19 Magwell Specs

Material: 6061-T6 Billet Aluminum (both)

Finish: Type II Anodized (both)

Optimized For: EDC, Concealed Carry, Duty (Carry) | Competition, Duty (Premium)

Aperture Style: Streamlined low profile (Carry), Maximum opening, aggressively flared (Premium)

Origin: Shield Arms, Bigfork, MT (both)

Compatability Notes

Whichever version you plan on using, you’ll need to take a couple of architectural constraints into account.

1. The Backstrap Lockout: The Gen 6 grip design requires specific mounting geometry. Because of this, neither Shield Arms magwells is compatible with the Glock factory modular backstraps.
2. Magazine Constraints: Both variants reportedly run OEM Glock 19 mags, good-quality aftermarket alternatives, and Shield Arms’ own mag extensions just fine. Users are cautioned to double-check seating and functionality when using bulky, third-party competition baseplates with the Carry funnel. Some of them may bind. The Premium variant, however, was explicitly designed to clear oversized extensions.

Procure Yours (if you’re so inclined)

And do it with one of our links, if you don’t mind!

• Concealment/Duty Version: Shield Arms Carry Magwell (G19 Gen 6)
• Competition/Big-Mouth Version: Shield Arms Premium Magwell (G19 Gen 6)
• Plus-Up Those Mags: +4/+5 Extendos

📢 Note: Breach-Bang-Clear readers should use the discount code BREACH if they’re going to buy from Shield Arms. Just sayin’.

Use “Breach15” at checkout and save 15% on holsters from StealthGear USA.