Glocks are a cool gun. They are easy to point because the grip is flat, they have a light trigger pull (though there are better modern match-type triggers) and their recoil is relatively tame. They are also popular with law enforcement and civilians because of their durability, reliability, and shootability. The gen 5 Glock is no different. It has ambidextrous slide stops, flared mag wells and removed finger grooves.
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Safety
Glock pistols feature a system of 3 mechanical safeties to protect the gun from accidental discharge. This redundancy is a big part of what makes the Glock one of the most trusted handguns on the market. The trigger safety prevents the trigger from moving unless it is depressed. This helps to prevent the firearm from accidentally being fired when it is in a holster or getting caught on clothing.
Glock 19 also do not have a manual safety that needs to be switched on or off. While this may not be ideal for some shooters, the lack of a switchable safety can make the gun more reliable in a stressful situation.
Trigger
When it comes to trigger upgrades, the first step is establishing your criteria. Do you want something lighter, smoother or more ergonomic? This will determine what kind of trigger you want to install.
One popular choice is the Apex VP70, which has a minus connector that reduces trigger pull weight to about 3 pounds. Its take-up is similar to factory Glock triggers, leading to a soft, crisp break that makes it easy to hit targets at long range and improve accuracy. It’s also relatively inexpensive and fairly simple to install. However, it has a small stutter in pre-travel that might annoy some shooters.
Sights
Glock’s factory sights work well enough, but if you plan on mounting a suppressor or red-dot sight on your gun it makes sense to upgrade to a better set of sights. These will provide a clearer sight picture and allow you to shoot in low light or darkness.
One option is XS Sights, which use a large front dot with a shallow v-notch for fast target acquisition. They’re machined from steel and feature a tritium tube that glows in the dark. To remove the factory sights, safely disassemble your pistol. Once you’ve removed the slide, use a sight pusher to remove the rear sight.
Weight
Glock’s minimalist design and polymer frame make the pistol lightweight and easy to carry. This helps users stay comfortable during extended shooting sessions without the need to frequently reload. Additional accessories like holsters offer a secure way to transport and store the pistol, catering to those who prioritize convenience and safety. Although these accessories may not significantly affect market value, they can enhance the shooting experience for a wide variety of shooters.
Upgrades like adjustable backstraps allow you to customize the pistol’s grip size and shape for a more comfortable fit. Also, the ambidextrous slide stop lever makes it easy to operate either right or left-handed.
Ambidextrous controls
The Glock 19 is ambidextrous. Both the slide lock lever and magazine release are double-sided so they can be used with either hand. It also features a flat-face frontstrap, which some shooters prefer. However, those who like the finger grooves molded into the grip will miss them as Gen 5 removed them.
The Glock’s striker-fired trigger is one of the best in its class, delivering an audible and tactile reset after about a half-inch travel. Its rounded trigger bow and spongy wall creates a comfortable and controlled pull with a measured 26 Newtons (or 5.84 pounds). It’s hard to beat this for duty or concealed carry.
The Bottom Lines
Glock pistols are incredibly popular and part of that popularity stems from the fact that they’re compatible with a large number of magazines. These detachable ammunition feeding devices can hold anywhere from 10 to 17 rounds depending on the model you select.
Glock 19 magazines are slick and durable, made from high-tech polymer to withstand long, constant use. They’re also ambidextrous, with magazine catch cuts on both sides of the magazine.
If you want to carry more rounds without worrying about reloading, you can opt for a drum magazine such as the one from KCI USA. It’s designed for 9mm Glock handguns and accepts 50 rounds total.
