Glock 19 Gen 5 Review

Glock 19 Gen 5: Still the Standard

After more than a year carrying and shooting the Glock 19 Gen 5, with over 5,000 rounds through two test guns, I understand why this pistol remains the default recommendation for shooters seeking a do-everything 9mm. The Gen 5 takes Glock's proven formula and refines it with thoughtful improvements that matter.

There's a reason the Glock 19 is the most popular handgun in America among law enforcement, concealed carriers, and competitive shooters. It's not flashy, it's not the cheapest, and it doesn't have the best trigger—but it does everything well enough that it's become the measuring stick against which all other compact 9mm pistols are judged.

For other excellent carry options, see our Springfield Hellcat for micro-compact carry, or check our Best Red Dots for Glock 19 guide to maximize accuracy.

Key Specifications

Pros and Cons

What's New in Gen 5

The Gen 5 represents Glock's most significant update to the 19 platform. Here's what changed:

No More Finger Grooves: The most obvious change is the removal of the finger grooves that divided opinion for years. The smooth front strap fits more hand sizes comfortably. If you hated the Gen 4 grooves, you'll appreciate this change.

Ambidextrous Slide Stop: Finally, left-handed shooters get equal treatment. Both sides feature a slide stop lever that's actually usable (unlike the Gen 4's barely-there reversible mag release).

Flared Magwell: A subtle but helpful addition—the Gen 5 frame has a slight flare at the magwell that speeds reloads, especially under stress.

nDLC Finish: The new finish is more durable and corrosion-resistant than the previous Tenifer finish. It also looks slightly better (if you care about such things on a Glock).

Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB): The new barrel rifling improves accuracy noticeably. In testing, we consistently shot tighter groups with Gen 5 than Gen 4 using identical ammunition.

Improved Trigger: Glock refined the trigger internals. The break is slightly crisper with less grittiness, though it's still clearly a Glock trigger (not good, not bad, just consistent).

Shooting Performance

The Glock 19 is easy to shoot well. The compact size provides a full three-finger grip for most shooters, and the 4.02-inch barrel offers enough sight radius for accurate shooting.

Accuracy: At 15 yards, we consistently achieved 3-inch groups with quality defensive ammunition (Federal HST 124gr, Speer Gold Dot 124gr). At 25 yards, groups opened to 4-5 inches with defensive loads, and tightened to 3 inches with match ammo. The GMB barrel delivers on its promise—noticeably tighter than Gen 4.

Recoil Management: The 23.65 oz frame provides enough mass to manage 9mm recoil comfortably. Muzzle flip is moderate and controllable. The grip angle (often criticized) actually helps control muzzle rise once you adapt to it. Follow-up shots are fast and accurate.

Ergonomics: The grip texture is aggressive enough for control without being abrasive. The removal of finger grooves helps—hands both large and small fit better than Gen 4. The trigger reach is moderate; smaller-handed shooters may want the smaller backstrap installed.

Trigger: The Safe Action trigger breaks at a consistent 5.5 lbs with moderate takeup, a somewhat squishy break, and a positive reset. It's not a match trigger, but it's predictable and consistent. Aftermarket options abound if you want improvement.

Reliability Testing

This is where Glock built their reputation. Over 5,000 rounds through two test guns, we experienced zero malfunctions with quality ammunition. we reviewed:

• Federal HST 124gr and 147gr
• Speer Gold Dot 124gr
• Hornady Critical Defense and Critical Duty
• Winchester Ranger T-Series
• Various ball ammunition (115gr, 124gr, 147gr)
• +P defensive loads
• Cheap steel-cased ammo (Tula, Wolf)

Everything ran flawlessly. We intentionally didn't clean one test gun for 2,000 rounds—it kept running. We shot in temperatures from 20°F to 95°F—no issues. We used aftermarket magazines (Magpul, ETS)—they worked fine.

This level of reliability is why police departments, militaries, and concealed carriers trust Glocks. They just work.

Concealed Carry Performance

The Glock 19 hits the sweet spot for concealed carry—small enough to hide, large enough to shoot well.

AIWB Carry: The Glock 19 works excellently for appendix carry. The grip length is comfortable even when sitting. we reviewed multiple holsters (Tier1 Axis Elite, Tenicor Velo, PHLster Enigma) with great results. See our Best IWB Holsters for Glock 19 guide for specific recommendations.

IWB 4-5 O'Clock: Traditional strong-side carry is comfortable all day. The compact size doesn't dig into your side when seated.

Printing: With a quality holster and proper belt, the Glock 19 conceals well under a t-shirt or light jacket. It's not as easy to hide as a micro-compact, but most people can conceal it successfully with minimal wardrobe adjustment.

Weight: At 30 oz loaded, it's not the lightest carry gun, but the weight is manageable for daily carry. The balance point works well for comfort.

Magazine Availability and Cost

One of the Glock 19's biggest advantages is magazine availability. Factory Glock magazines run $20-30, and reliable aftermarket options (Magpul, ETS) cost even less. Compare this to $40-60 for many competitors.

Capacity options include:

• 15-round (standard)
• 17-round (Glock 17 mags work perfectly)
• 19-round (aftermarket extended)
• 24-round and 33-round (for range use)

MOS System

The Glock 19 Gen 5 MOS (Modular Optic System) comes milled for red dot mounting. The universal mounting system accepts most popular optics with included adapter plates.

Compatible Optics: Trijicon RMR, Holosun 407C/507C/508T, Sig Romeo1 Pro, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, and many others. For specific recommendations, see our Best Red Dots for Glock 19 guide.

Installation: Remove the cover plate, install the appropriate adapter plate, mount your optic. The suppressor-height sights allow for lower-third co-witness with most red dots.

Worth It?: For the $50 upcharge, yes if you plan to run a red dot. Even if not immediately, having the option is valuable.

Comparison to Competitors

How does the Glock 19 Gen 5 compare to other popular compact 9mm pistols?

vs. Sig P320 Compact ($600): The Sig has a better trigger, modular grip system, and slightly better ergonomics. The Glock has proven reliability, more aftermarket support, and cheaper magazines. Both are excellent; choose based on ergonomic preference.

vs. Springfield Hellcat ($569): The Hellcat is much more compact for deep concealment but has snappier recoil and a shorter sight radius. The Glock 19 is easier to shoot accurately. Choose the Hellcat for maximum concealment, the 19 for versatility.

vs. CZ P-10C ($500): The CZ has superior ergonomics and a better trigger out of the box. The Glock has more aftermarket support and a longer reliability track record. Both are reliable; the CZ feels nicer, the Glock is more proven.

vs. S&W M&P9 M2.0 Compact ($500): The M&P has better ergonomics, aggressive grip texture, and a nice trigger. The Glock has more aftermarket support. The M&P is underrated and worth considering if the Glock doesn't fit your hand well.

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Prices last checked: January 2025. Prices may vary.