Glock 19 Gen 4 Review: Unveiling the Reliable Classic Sidearm

The Glock 19 Gen 4 is a widely recognized 9mm pistol celebrated for its balance of size and capacity, making it a staple among law enforcement, military, and civilian shooters. Its compact design lends to its popularity for self-defense, offering concealability and a magazine capacity sufficient for various scenarios without the bulk of larger-duty guns. The Gen 4 variant, marking the fourth iteration of the Glock 19 series, introduces several enhancements over its predecessors, including a modular back strap system to accommodate different hand sizes, a reversible magazine catch to suit left or right-handed users better, and an improved rough textured frame for a more secure grip.

The pistol's internal design continues to follow Glock's reputation for simplicity and reliability. The safe action system used in the Glock 19 Gen 4 employs a series of internal safeties to prevent accidental discharge and ensure the firearm performs consistently. This reliability, combined with various available accessories and customization options, allows shooters to tailor the gun to their needs. As regulations vary, the Glock 19 Gen 4 remains compliant with state laws such as those in California, where handgun requirements are particularly stringent.

Key Takeaways

• The Glock 19 Gen 4 is a versatile 9mm pistol suited for defense and is highly regarded for its compact size and reliability.
• Users benefit from the pistol's adaptability, with customization options enhancing comfort, performance, and adherence to local laws.
• The firearm's construction and accessories are designed for many users and use, maintaining a straightforward approach that appeals to many.

Design and Features

The Glock 19 Gen4 is renowned for its reliability and versatility. It features a durable polymer frame and advanced safety mechanisms. Its customizable grip and consistent trigger pull are designed to meet the needs of both novice and experienced shooters.

Modular Back Strap System

The Glock 19 Gen4 incorporates a modular Bmodular back strap system that allows the user to change the pistol's grip size to fit their hand perfectly. This flexibility is a key aspect of the design, ensuring a tailored and secure grip for users with different hand sizes and thereby enhancing control and accuracy.

• Small - For users with smaller hands
• Medium - Mimics the size of the original Gen3 grip
• Large - Offers a larger grip size for larger hands

Ergonomics and Controls

Ergonomics are a central focus in the Glock 19 Gen4 design. The pistol features a reversible magazine catch, making it more user-friendly for right- and left-handed shooters by allowing them to switch the catch to their preferred side.

• Reversible Magazine Catch: Adaptable for right or left-handed users
• Trigger: Approximate 5.5 lbs trigger pull with a clean break
• Safety Features: Multiple integrated safety systems, including a trigger safety, a firing pin safety, and a drop safety

The contoured frame with textured grips offers users a firm hold on the weapon, reducing the chance of slippage and improving overall handling. These deliberate design choices reflect the Glock 19 Gen4's stature as a reliable choice for a wide range of shooting applications.

Performance and Specs

The Glock 19 Gen4 is renowned for its optimal balance of performance and specifications. It is engineered for precision and reliability and is a dependable firearm across various conditions.

Accuracy and Reliability

The Glock 19 Gen4 maintains a reputation for accuracy and reliability, a testament to its design and the stringent quality control standards enforced during its manufacture. It boasts consistent performance in 9mm Luger, a caliber known for its balance between recoil and stopping power. A rigorously tested steel barrel enhances the handgun's precision, ensuring accuracy shot after shot.

Barrel and Recoil System

The firearm's barrel length is precisely 4.01 inches, contributing to its accuracy. Glock's dual recoil spring system mitigates recoil efficiently, allowing quicker and more accurate follow-up shots. This system and a sturdy steel barrel provide a harmonious balance between recoil management and performance durability.

Carry and Practical Use

With its balanced dimensions, the Glock 19 Gen 4 offers a versatile platform for concealed carry and home defense. Its Safe Action System and 9mm chambering make it a reliable firearm suitable for various users.

Concealed Carry

Size and Concealability:

• Dimensions: With a barrel length of 4.02 inches and an overall length of 7.36 inches, the Glock 19 Gen 4 balances concealability and handling.
• Weight: Light enough to carry comfortably but with enough heft to ensure stability.
• Capacity: The standard magazine capacity is 15 rounds of 9mm, which provides ample ammunition without compromising the firearm's profile.

Holster Compatibility and Comfort:

• A wide range of holsters is available, fitting the Glock 19's frame for secure and discrete carry.
• Whether for IWB (Inside the Waistband) or OWB (Outside the Waistband), users report comfort during prolonged periods of carry.

Home Defense

Accessibility and Readiness:

• Quick to deploy from a safe location, the Glock 19 can be easily accessed during critical home defense situations.
• Its design is intuitive, allowing for rapid target acquisition even under stress.

Safe Action System:

• The safe action system has three independent mechanical safeties that ensure the firearm does not discharge accidentally, making it a safer choice for home defense scenarios.
• Reliability and ease of use are hallmarks of the Glock brand, making the Glock 19 Gen 4 a strong choice for defending one's home.

Accessories and Customization

Customizing a Glock 19 Gen 4 allows owners to enhance performance and tailor the firearm to their needs. This includes upgrading sights for improved accuracy, outfitting the pistol with a red dot for faster target acquisition, and maintaining the gun with high-quality magazines and maintenance tools.

Sights and Optics

Owners of the Glock 19 Gen 4 can upgrade the factory sights to night sights for better low-light visibility or install a red dot optic for quicker target engagement. Examples of popular upgrades include:

• Tritium Night Sights: These sights contain a small amount of radioactive tritium that glows in low light, aiding in sight alignment.
• Red Dot Sights: A red dot sight can be mounted on the Glock’s slide to provide a precise aiming point, improving speed and accuracy.

Installation should maintain the integrity of the trigger guard and not impede the safe operation of the firearm.

Magazines and Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for the performance and longevity of the Glock 19 Gen 4. Here's a breakdown of considerations for magazines and maintenance:

• Magazines: Ensure they are clean and the base plate is securely attached. Upgraded base plates can offer improved ergonomics and aesthetics.
• Maintenance Kits: A comprehensive maintenance kit should include tools and supplies for cleaning, lubricating, and minor repairs.

To prevent damage or malfunctions, it is essential to use only quality accessories compatible with the Glock 19 Gen 4. Regular maintenance should also be performed to keep the firearm in optimal condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, readers will find answers to common queries aboutck 19 Gen 4, providinclarifyingtures, comparisons, accessories, specifications, compatibilities, and user feedback.

What are the distinct features of the Glock 19 Gen 4 compared to previous generations?

The Glock 19 Gen 4 introduces a modular back strap system, an enlarged reversible magazine catch, and a dual recoil spring assembly, differentiating it from its predecessors for improved handling, customization, and reduced felt recoil.

Can you explain the differences between the Glock 19 Gen 4 and Gen 5 models?

Glock 19 Gen 5 features include a flared mag-well for easier reloading, a GMB (Glock Marksman Barrel) for increased accuracy, and a removal of the finger grooves on the grip, advancing ergonomics over the Gen 4 model.

What holster options are recommended for the Glock 19 Gen 4?

For the Glock 19 Gen 4, both inside-the-waistband (IWB) and outside-the-waistband (OWB) holsters are widely recommended. Popular materials include Kydex for its durability and a customized fit and leather for its comfort and traditional appearance.

What are the specifications of the Glock 19 Gen 4?

The Glock 19 Gen 4 has a barrel length of 4.01 inches, an overall length of 7.28 inches, and a magazine capacity of 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition. It weighs 23.65 ounces without a loaded magazine.

What laser attachments are compatible with the Glock 19 Gen 4?

The Glock 19 Gen 4 is compatible with various laser sights designed for under-barrel attachment via its accessory rail, including models from Crimson Trace, LaserMax, and Streamlight specifically crafted for this model.

How do users generally review the performance of the Glock 19 Gen 4?

Users generally praise the Glock 19 Gen 4 for its reliability, ease of use, and versatility as a compact firearm suitable for duty and concealed carry. They also appreciate its balanced size-to-firepower ratio and abundant aftermarket support.