The Glock 19 is everywhere. It’s the gold standard for concealed carry, law enforcement, and even competition shooting. Ask almost any gun owner about a reliable, all-purpose pistol, and odds are the Glock 19 will be at the top of their list. But despite its reputation, there are things about this gun that most people don’t realize. It’s not just the “perfect pistol” everyone assumes – it has quirks, upgrades, and surprising downsides that make it a bit more complex than the hype suggests.
A Major Change in Accuracy—What Happened?
The Gen 5 Glock 19 introduced a big change that Glock fans might not have expected. Glock had long promoted polygonal rifling as the superior barrel design, touting its durability and efficiency. But in a surprising move, they switched to traditional rifling in their new Marksman Barrel.
The reason? Accuracy.
This new barrel features better lockup and improved rifling geometry, making the Gen 5 Glock 19 noticeably more accurate than its predecessors. In fact, it’s about twice as accurate as earlier models with a wider range of ammunition. For shooters who previously considered an aftermarket barrel a must-have, this change is a game-changer. Now, out-of-the-box accuracy is good enough to make most shooters think twice about upgrading.
The Trigger—Finally an Improvement
For years, one of the most common complaints about Glocks was the spongy, unimpressive trigger. The Gen 5 model has finally addressed this, with a cleaner break, a more distinct wall, and a noticeably better feel compared to earlier generations.
That said, it’s still not perfect. Glock’s improvements put the stock trigger in a much better position, but for those used to competition-grade triggers – like those found on the Walther PDP or Sig P320 – it still leaves something to be desired.
The Finger Groove Debate—Where Do You Stand?
One of the biggest controversies in the Glock world is the removal of finger grooves on the Gen 5 models. Some shooters loved them, swearing they gave better control and grip consistency. Others hated them, arguing that they never fit right unless your hands were the exact size Glock had in mind.
Glock finally made the call to ditch the grooves entirely, returning to a smooth front strap. For those who never liked the grooves, this is a welcome change. But for longtime Glock fans who had adjusted to them, it’s a bit of a mixed bag.
Plastic Sights—Still a Weak Spot
Here’s the thing—Glock’s factory sights are still plastic.
While Glock did improve the sight picture slightly, making the rear notch deeper and the outline thinner for better front sight visibility, they are still not durable enough for serious use. Plastic sights are prone to snapping off if dropped or snagged on something.
That’s why most experienced Glock owners immediately swap them out for steel night sights, fiber optics, or aftermarket iron sights. If you’re serious about using a Glock 19 for self-defense or duty use, upgrading the sights isn’t just recommended – it’s mandatory.
Not All Glock 19s Are Optics Ready
With so many manufacturers adding optic-ready slides as standard, some buyers assume all Glock 19 models now have the MOS (Modular Optic System) cut. That’s not the case.
If you want to mount a red dot sight on your Glock 19, you need to specifically buy the MOS model – otherwise, you’ll have to send your slide off for milling or replace it entirely with an aftermarket optic-ready slide. If you’re in the market for a new Glock 19 and plan to run a MRDS (Miniature Red Dot Sight), double-check that you’re getting the MOS version before purchasing.
Glock 19X—A Strange Hybrid That Works
One of the most interesting variations of the Glock 19 is the Glock 19X – a “crossover” model that combines a Glock 19 slide with a Glock 17 frame. It has a full-sized grip but retains the shorter slide and barrel of the 19.
The result? Smoother shooting, better control, and a more comfortable grip for larger hands. It also features Factory Night Sights, an extended magazine well, and a unique coyote tan finish. While it might seem like an odd configuration at first, many shooters actually prefer the handling and balance of the 19X over the standard 19.
A Fraction of an Inch Makes a Big Difference
On paper, the Glock 19 doesn’t seem that much smaller than the Glock 17. It’s only a half-inch shorter in grip height and about three-quarters of an inch shorter in length. That doesn’t sound like much – until you actually carry it.
Those fractions of an inch matter when you’re trying to conceal the firearm under a t-shirt, sit comfortably in a car, or reduce printing. The Glock 19 strikes a balance between being large enough to shoot well while still being small enough to conceal comfortably.
Does It Really Recoil Less Than the Glock 17?
Here’s a surprising thing – some shooters actually say the Glock 19 recoils less than the Glock 17. That shouldn’t make sense. The Glock 17 is bigger, heavier, and has a longer sight radius – which should translate to better control and less recoil.
But in practice, the Glock 19 has a unique balance of reciprocating mass and spring tension that makes it feel softer and smoother to some shooters. While numbers might suggest the 17 should shoot better, real-world experience often favors the 19 when it comes to handling and control.
Reliability: The Glock 19’s Greatest Strength
While there are plenty of areas where the Glock 19 has evolved or even fallen behind its competitors, one thing remains undisputed – its reliability. No matter the generation, model, or configuration, Glock pistols are known for their ability to function in extreme conditions with minimal maintenance. The 19, in particular, has been tested in mud, sand, freezing temperatures, and thousands of rounds without cleaning, yet it continues to fire.
This level of dependability is one of the biggest reasons it remains a top choice for military, law enforcement, and concealed carriers alike. Other manufacturers have made strides in ergonomics, triggers, and optics-ready designs, but when it comes to sheer ruggedness and reliability, the Glock 19 still holds its ground.
So, Is the Glock 19 Still the King?
Despite some of its quirks, the Glock 19 is still one of the best all-around handguns available today. It’s reliable, compact enough to conceal, large enough to shoot well, and backed by one of the biggest aftermarket support networks in the industry.
However, competition is stronger than ever. Guns like the Sig P320, Walther PDP, and CZ P-10C offer serious alternatives, often with better triggers, factory optic-ready slides, and more modern ergonomics.
For those who love Glock’s simple, no-nonsense design, the Glock 19 remains a fantastic choice. But for new buyers, it’s worth considering whether some of the competition has finally surpassed Glock’s once-untouchable dominance.
At the end of the day, the Glock 19 might not be the gun you think it is—but that doesn’t mean it’s not still one of the best.
Raised in a small Arizona town, Kevin grew up surrounded by rugged desert landscapes and a family of hunters. His background in competitive shooting and firearms training has made him an authority on self-defense and gun safety. A certified firearms instructor, Kevin teaches others how to properly handle and maintain their weapons, whether for hunting, home defense, or survival situations. His writing focuses on responsible gun ownership, marksmanship, and the role of firearms in personal preparedness.