The Glock 19. The mere mention of those numbers conjures images of law enforcement, military personnel, and concealed carry enthusiasts alike. This iconic handgun has become a staple in the firearms world, lauded for its reliability, simplicity, and adaptability. For decades, it has stood as a testament to Glock’s innovative design philosophy, shaping the landscape of modern pistol technology. But with technological advancements, how does the newest Glock 19 generation stack up against its predecessor? This article dives deep into the Glock 19 Gen 5 vs Gen 4 debate, examining the key features, advantages, and disadvantages of each model to help you determine which handgun best suits your needs.
A Legacy of Reliability: The Enduring Appeal of the Glock 19
Before we delve into the specifics of the Gen 4 and Gen 5, it’s crucial to appreciate the foundation upon which both models are built. The Glock 19, chambered in the ubiquitous 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge, is a compact, semi-automatic pistol. It is renowned for its polymer frame, which offers a lightweight yet durable construction. The pistol’s basic design principles, including a striker-fired action and a Safe Action system, have become trademarks of the Glock brand, ensuring a level of operational simplicity that has earned it a devoted following.
Both the Gen 4 and Gen 5 maintain the same core specifications that have made the Glock 19 so popular. Both carry a standard magazine capacity of fifteen rounds, providing ample firepower for a variety of scenarios. The overall dimensions are relatively similar, ensuring a comfortable size for concealed carry while offering a full-size grip for improved control during firing. Both models possess a durable polymer frame and a steel slide, built to withstand the rigors of constant use. This shared DNA is a fundamental factor in the continued appeal of the Glock 19 family.
The Fourth Generation: A Closer Look
The Glock 19 Gen 4 marked a significant evolution for the platform. The introduction of this generation brought notable changes that improved the overall user experience.
One of the most recognizable features of the Gen 4 is the Rough Texture Frame (RTF). This frame provided a more aggressive grip texture, offering improved control, especially in wet or challenging conditions. The RTF increased the amount of surface area that grips the hand, allowing for better purchase even with sweaty palms or in adverse weather. The slightly more aggressive texture was a welcome addition for many shooters looking for enhanced stability.
Another critical change was the implementation of a dual recoil spring assembly. This design aimed to reduce felt recoil and increase the longevity of the spring. By absorbing the force of the slide cycle more effectively, the dual recoil spring system made the Gen 4 pistol more comfortable to shoot, especially during extended range sessions. The enhanced recoil spring assembly also contributed to the Gen 4’s renowned reliability by mitigating wear and tear on critical components.
The Gen 4 also introduced interchangeable backstraps. These included backstraps of varying sizes, allowing users to customize the grip to their hand size. The customization offered with the Gen 4 backstraps proved a significant benefit to many shooters, ensuring a comfortable and secure grip that facilitated better control and accuracy. This feature ensured that the pistol could be tailored to a broader spectrum of users.
Another feature of the Gen 4 that bears mentioning is the magazine release. The magazine release was also slightly modified in Gen 4. The larger, more defined magazine release made it easier to actuate for faster reloads.
The Gen 4 Glock 19 is a reliable, accurate handgun that many find to be ideal for carry, home defense, and range use. It has a proven track record with countless users, and its overall performance has cemented its place in firearm history.
The Fifth Generation: Refining Perfection
The Glock 19 Gen 5, building upon the foundation laid by its predecessors, represents a further refinement of the Glock platform. Glock engineers took user feedback to heart and implemented various improvements to enhance the overall design.
One of the most striking changes in the Gen 5 is the removal of the finger grooves on the grip. Many found the finger grooves on the Gen 3 and Gen 4 to be ill-fitting, hindering their grip and causing discomfort. Removing them created a more universal grip profile that suits a broader range of hand sizes and shooting styles. Without those grooves, the pistol adapts to the user’s hand instead of the other way around, improving comfort and handling for a wider audience.
The Gen 5 also incorporated front slide serrations. These additional serrations on the front of the slide offer more gripping points for manipulation. This makes it easier to rack the slide, perform press checks, or quickly clear malfunctions, particularly when using one hand or when the shooter’s hands are wet. Front slide serrations are a feature frequently requested by users, especially those who like to carry their pistols.
The ambidextrous slide stop lever is another prominent upgrade found on the Gen 5. This feature allows both left- and right-handed shooters to easily manipulate the slide stop, streamlining operation and enhancing user experience. This is a significant upgrade for left-handed users who often struggled with the right-sided only levers of previous generations. This feature improved the usability of the pistol.
The Marksman Barrel, a substantial upgrade in the Gen 5, significantly improves the accuracy of the handgun. This barrel utilizes a different rifling method, designed to improve bullet stability and consistency. This results in tighter groupings and enhanced accuracy, making the Gen 5 an impressive performer on the range. The Marksman Barrel provides greater accuracy in all shooting disciplines.
Another important improvement is the revised trigger mechanism. The Gen 5 trigger is designed to provide a smoother, crisper pull and a more distinct reset. This refined trigger action promotes greater control, accuracy, and faster follow-up shots. The new trigger significantly changes the feel of the pistol, making the shooting experience even better.
The magazine release on the Gen 5 has also been modified and is now flared, making it easier to use, and it can be switched for right-handed or left-handed shooters.
The Gen 5 offers a modern take on a proven design with its features that are designed to maximize performance and the user experience.
A Direct Comparison: Head-to-Head
When comparing the Glock 19 Gen 5 and Gen 4 directly, the differences become apparent.
In terms of **Ergonomics**, the absence of finger grooves on the Gen 5 is a pivotal change. While some users loved the finger grooves on the Gen 4, many found them a hindrance. The Gen 5’s grip, without the grooves, typically offers a more comfortable feel and a better fit, particularly for those with larger hands. The Gen 4 grip texture can feel less secure, whereas the Gen 5 has a more universally appealing and effective grip.
The **trigger** is another key point of differentiation. The Gen 5 features a redesigned trigger mechanism, delivering a smoother and more consistent pull compared to the Gen 4. The crisper reset of the Gen 5 trigger aids in faster follow-up shots and improves overall shooting performance. The improved trigger makes shooting the Gen 5 much more enjoyable.
**Accuracy** is a domain where the Gen 5 excels. The Marksman Barrel in the Gen 5, with its enhanced rifling, delivers noticeably tighter groupings and improved accuracy compared to the Gen 4. This advantage is particularly beneficial for target shooting or in situations where precision is critical.
**Reliability** remains a hallmark of both generations. Both the Gen 4 and Gen 5 are known for their inherent dependability. The Gen 4’s dual recoil spring assembly contributes to this, while the Gen 5’s updated design maintains the platform’s reputation for consistent operation. Both pistols run reliably under all conditions.
**Aesthetics** play a part in the user experience, with some visual differences. The front slide serrations on the Gen 5 lend it a more modern and aggressive look. The absence of finger grooves in Gen 5 also contributes to its sleek appearance. These are minor changes, but the pistol’s aesthetic is part of the package.
The **price and availability** of both models will influence purchasing decisions. Gen 4 models are frequently available at a lower price point than Gen 5, particularly as they are often available on the used market. Gen 5 models tend to command a higher price, reflecting their newer technology and design enhancements. Availability can vary depending on location and demand.
Choosing the Right Firearm for You
When deciding which Glock 19 is the right choice, consider your specific needs and preferences.
For **concealed carry**, both the Gen 4 and Gen 5 are excellent options. The Gen 5, with its improved ergonomics and enhanced features, can provide a slight edge in handling and accuracy, especially for those who dislike the finger grooves. The Gen 4, however, remains a capable and reliable option, often available at a lower cost.
For **home defense**, the Gen 5 offers the benefits of improved accuracy and a better trigger, which could be crucial in a high-stress situation. But the Gen 4’s ruggedness and proven reliability make it an excellent choice as well.
For **competition**, the Gen 5’s improvements in accuracy, trigger, and ergonomics provide a notable advantage. The Gen 4 is still a solid contender, but the Gen 5 could offer an edge in competitive shooting.
If **budget** is a primary concern, the Gen 4 is the more affordable option. You can often find it for a lower price, which is a significant advantage for those looking to save money.
If you appreciate the latest advancements in firearm technology, the Gen 5’s enhanced features, such as the Marksman Barrel, front slide serrations, and ambidextrous slide stop lever, make it the clear choice.
Ultimately, if possible, it’s advisable to **handle and test-fire** both models to determine which best fits your hand and shooting style. Factors like hand size, shooting experience, and personal preferences play a crucial role in making the right choice.
Conclusion
The Glock 19 remains a timeless firearm, and whether you choose the Gen 4 or Gen 5, you’re choosing a reliable and accurate platform. The Gen 5 builds upon the Gen 4’s solid foundation, offering improvements in ergonomics, trigger feel, accuracy, and features. Choosing between the two is a matter of personal preference and priorities. Both generations are capable firearms. Ultimately, the “best” Glock 19 is the one that fits you best. Considering the advantages and disadvantages of each model, you can choose the Glock 19 that best fits your specific needs and shooting style. By carefully considering these points, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and take home the handgun that truly reigns supreme for you.
