Glock pistols are well known to the general public, but less well known is that they were originally designed for police use. Some of these guns are still out there, kicking around in police surplus stores and sometimes even making their way onto new shooters’ hands as used gun deals.
The Glock 19 is the hamburger of the pistol world
The Glock 19 has become the hamburger of the pistol world because it checks all the boxes. It’s compact enough for conceal carry and big enough to be a reliable combat or law enforcement pistol. It’s chambered for the proven, manageable 9mm cartridge and has a standard 15+1 magazine capacity. It’s also affordable and incredibly reliable. It’s no wonder that Glocks are so popular.
Glocks are very simple, and this simplicity has allowed them to take a lot of abuse without breaking down. They’re also known for their durability, and Glocks have been used in some of the most extreme situations on the planet.
The Glock 19 is available in multiple configurations, including optics-ready versions. But if you want to get a great deal on a Glock 19, check out police surplus units. They can often be purchased for just a few dollars over the retail price. Glock also offers a new version of the 19, called the Glock 19X. This was the company’s submission for the Army’s Modular Handgun System competition, which ultimately went to Sig Sauer.
It’s easy to carry
There’s nothing fancy about the Glock 19 design, but it does the job and keeps working even when dirty and wet. This is why it’s the weapon of choice for so many armed professionals.
It’s also very easy to carry, especially with a good IWB holster and a gun belt. The Glock isn’t a heavy pistol and its magazine capacity allows it to be comfortably carried for extended periods of time.
The Glock has simple external controls that are intuitive to use. Its simple layout also allows for a large number of accessories, such as optics and lights.
One drawback of the Glock is its requirement that the trigger be pressed to release the striker for disassembly, which can lead to accidental discharges in locker rooms and homes. However, this is a design flaw that can be easily fixed. There are now many Glocks that require no trigger press for disassembly, such as the Gen 5 models with reversible magazine releases and ambidextrous slide locks.
It’s reliable
When you’re shooting, the pistol that’s in your hand is only as good as it is reliable. And while the Glock’s track record is not flawless (the original magazines would deform and the recoil springs were too strong) it’s as close as any service pistol gets to utter reliability.
This is partly due to the passive safety protocols that prevent accidental jostling and drop discharges. The trigger must be deliberately pulled in a transactional sequence to disengage the safeties and fire the gun.
Another reason for the Glock’s popularity is its durability. The pistol is made to last and is easy to maintain. It also has the flexibility to be adapted to different roles and situations. For example, it’s easy to add accessories such as lasers and lights. In addition, the magazine release can be trimmed with a blade to fit specific grip styles or hand sizes. It’s also inexpensive, even these days. This makes it a great option for anyone looking to buy their first handgun.
The Bottom Lines
The Glock 19 is a joy to shoot. The grip is large enough for most people to get their entire hand on it, which helps control recoil and makes the gun easier to aim and shoot under stress. The trigger is also very nice. While it may not be as good as a modern match-grade trigger, it’s very smooth with a slight take-up and a spongy wall before the break.
It’s also very accurate and comes with an adjustable rear sight. The Gen 4 version adds a dual-recoil spring assembly, which cuts down on wear and tear and makes the gun more reliable than ever before. In fact, there are reports of thousands of rounds fired without any malfunctions from the Gen 4.
