I’ve always disliked Glocks. My Glock aversion started the moment I first shot Gaston’s pistol. The gun left this small-handed shooter feeling like he’d shaken hands with a Genoa salami. My groups were wider than Julia Robert’s smile when Richard Gere tries to snap off her fingers with a jewelry case in Pretty Woman. Somewhere along the way this dislike grew into hatred. I’m sure it has something to do with marketing. What kind of firearms company sells a series of handguns that don’t fit a large percentage of the shooting population as “Perfection”? And then spends thirty years doing nothing about it? I became so incensed with the “Gaston knows best” snake oil, and the large number of shooters who swore by it, that I eventually grew disenchanted with all polymer pistols . . .
After discounting any and all Glocks for a carry gun, I opted for a Springfield XD. BUT—after training, my Sheriff’s department colleagues held a little shooting competition. I constantly placed second to a certain someone shooting a 1911. I convinced myself I was losing to the pistol, not the shooter. Although I knew polymer guns are inherently more reliable than JMB’s design, accuracy was the thing.
I cut my teeth on the 1911 as a youngster; I know how to run the gun. I find the grip angle extremely comfortable. In terms of stationary, non-threatening paper targets, I can put several bullets through the same hole at combat distances all day long. And the 1911 shoots the almighty .45 ACP. Those factors outweighed the cons: more parts that can go wrong, 44 ounces (unloaded), and seven round magazines.
So I bought and happily carried a 1911. I practiced regularly, shooting inch-wide groups at 15 yards, with a gun whose classic styling let you know she could kick ass like a prohibition era G-Man. I reckoned I’d made the best choice for defending me and my family. Then the day came that would shake the very foundations of everything I’d come to consider “law” in the world of firearms and self-defense.
Back it up . . .
If you read my preview and first impressions, you’ll know that Gen4 Glocks were undermining my enmity even before the first trip to the range. Thanks to the interchangeable back strap system, a Glock had suddenly become a pistol to have and to hold from this day forth—without wondering how I’d wandered down the deli aisle. Equally important, the Gen4′s rough texture frame provided crampon-level purchase for my strong hand.
The Gen4′s ergonomics were, dare I say it, perfect. In fact, the Gen4 G19 had somehow become the most comfortable gun I’d ever held, including the new Recaro-seat-like Springfield XD(m)s.
Unwilling to pass around the Gen4 Kool-Aid without a factual foundation, I hit the ‘net. The results were inconclusive. Every supportive comment about the latest iteration of the Austrian firearm was followed by ferocious firearms flaming. And shameless boosterism. XDs are better looking. M&Ps are more reliable. 1911s more accurate. Whether true or not, they gave voice to the Jiminy Cricket in my head reminding me why I’d refused to assimilate into the Glock Borg.
The Road to Damascus
When I packed up for the range last Friday, I thought I’d be returning home to write that the Gen4 Glock 19 had pleased me with its form-fitted finesse, but didn’t quite win me over with its grace under fire or accuracy.
When I reached the range, I began my session by running my 1911 through my standard 50-round qualifier. I experienced not one but two malfunctions, both of which required a tap rack bang. I achieved a score too embarrassing to post on TTAG; only 36 rounds had even touched paper.
My confidence had been shaken, to say the least. The gun to which I compared all others had failed me.
Thoroughly unnerved, I pulled the virgin Glock G19 out of its case and loaded some magazines. I sent the target out to 15 feet and racked the slide. I brought the pistol up to target. I immediately noticed the weight difference. Jiminy had his final say “No way a pistol this light can control recoil effectively.” Only one way to find out . . .
Even before the bullet hit the paper, I was deeply impressed. Dry firing the Gen4 G19 had foreshadowed the experience. As good as it was, and boy was it good, dry-firing the G19 was like getting caught stealing home. Close, but no Cohiba. Releasing 115 grains of nine mil down the tube was like hitting a grand slam over the Green Monster.
I’ve chosen the metaphor carefully. You know that feeling you get when your bat connects with a fast ball, when you swing with perfect timing and make contact right in the middle of the club’s sweet spot? The G19′s 5.5 lbs. trigger pull provides the same crisp contact, followed by the same seemingly effortless rush of power. This gun says home run even before the bullet leaves the barrel.
Some of that has to do with the Gen4 G19′s beefed-up spring assembly. If you concentrate your mind on felt recoil and felt recoil alone, there’s not much to separate the old Glock from the new gun. But if you compare the overall experience of shooting, including the vastly improved ergonomics, Gen3 and Gen4 are miles apart. The Gen4 pistol feels all of a piece; every aspect of the firearm working in endlessly repeatable harmony to make the gun controllable. Yes, perfectly.
When I released the G19′s trigger, I was amazed by how little real estate I had to surrender to reengage the sear. Credit where credit’s due; despite early negligent discharges by clumsy cops moving from revolvers to combat pistols, Glock stuck by their original trigger design. Right answer. Once you get used to the Glock’s quick reset, anything else feels like you’re waiting for a fuse to light.
When I pulled the G19′s trigger for the second time, the next hole appeared directly on top of the first. Damn that’s good. But could I do it again?
The third shot made a nice little clover. So I decided to empty the Glock’s mag and see what happened. What happened was this: I created one large ragged hole.
I was floored by the gun’s accuracy and lack of recoil. But that was slow fire. Eight rounds and four strings of committed pairs later found four sets of holes ringing the slow fire hole, all in the black on an NRA slow fire pistol target.
Even so, I was not yet a born-again polymer pistolero. I needed to see how the G19 fared through the qualification. I sent the target out to 25 yards. Fifty rounds later I pulled the target in from the three yard line.
I was floored. Forty-seven rounds on paper with 40 in the scoring area for a final tally of 200. Keep in mind I had never shot this pistol before. Statistically and reliability-wise my 1911 had been utterly destroyed.
I stood in shock and looked down at the Tupperware gun in my hand wondering, “What the hell just happened?” In one hour, my attitude about Glocks had turned 180 degrees. For the first time I saw my 1911 for what it is: an iconic pistol that has been surpassed and outclassed by superior technology. I was holding an ergonomic, compact, accurate, lightweight, high-capacity pistol with the reliability of a Swiss watch. I had seen the light.
In My Waistband
Due to a sticky fingered someone, I didn’t have the pleasure of trying the Remora holster RF sent my way. So, I tested the carry-ability of the G19 using one of my “universal” IWB holsters and a BlackHawk Check Six OWB.
Wearing normal clothing, the compact G19 concealed easily. (Mrs. Finn commented that it disappeared under my shirts much more readily then my usual carry guns.) I wore it for several days and put it through your typical suburban dad routine. The G19 was comfortable through every trip to the playground, remained easily accessible and stayed put throughout every activity. And why not? At 21 ounces unladen, the Glock’s a featherweight compared to my 1911.
Psychologically, there’s a lot to be said for carrying 15 rounds of nine millimeter, plus another 15 rounds (or more if you like) in a spare magazine. While I prefer nice big holes in my bad guys, my LEO work has convinced me that multiple threats are multiplying, requiring multiple rounds. As Bud drinkers might say, the G19 is less weight, more killing. Win win for me; lose lose for the perp.
Conclusion
I sent my 1911 back to the minors and called up a reliever with a 1300 fps fastball. It wasn’t an easy decision. But when confronted with the facts, I feel more comfortable protecting me and my progeny with the G19. It’s easier to carry, easier to shoot and instills me with confidence no other pistol has [yet] achieved. Despite Patrick Carrube’s assertion about the primacy of a different pistol, and keeping an open mind, I now believe that the Gen4 Glock 19 is the best easily-concealable self-defense handgun money can buy.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Caliber: 9×19
Barrel Length: 4.02”
Overall Length: 6.85”
Weight: 20.99 oz
Finish: Parkerized Tenifer
Capacity: 15+1
Price: $649 MSRP
RATINGS (out of five)
Style * * * *
It’s not the prettiest pistol in the land, but it’s no nonsense styling and finish get the job done.
Ergonomics * * * * *
The Glock fits so I must acquit. From ballistic brick to the most comfortable handgun I’ve ever held.
Reliability * * * * *
It’s a Glock. ‘Nuff said. (No hiccups of any kind.)
Customizable * * * * *
After the 1911 it’s one of the most customizable pistols money can buy: lights, lasers, sights, .22 conversion; you name it, they got it.
Carry * * * * *
Its compact size and heftlessness make the G19 more easily concealed than a guilty conscience. With plenty of holster options, you can easily bring it to any social engagement short of a White House dinner.
Overall Rating * * * * *
Accuracy, reliability, capacity. You can trust your life to this gun.
Looking at the picture of the target, even with a new gun, shows you are about an average shooter. Both Glocks and 1911s can be very accurate. Seems you are not concentrating on the true problem. This appears to be a software problem(you) not a hardware problem. (Gun) One thing you for got to mention was that a Glock Gen 4 9mm has considerably less recoil than a .45acp.
And your credentials are?
I found Ryan Finn’s marksmanship “on the white black and red target” for first time firing to be exceptional. His writing style to be entertaining and most importantly informative and honest. I came upon this article researching my quandary between a S&W M&P 9 and a Glock 19 Gen4. After handling, reading and shooting both pistols I found myself more comfortable with the Glock 19 Gen4. The overriding factor is the Conceal Carry. The Glock is more comfortable and less obvious here.I hope Ryan gets to try the Remora holster and write about that as well.
PS. My first time marksmanship was not as good as Ryan’s. I doubt many are.
Thank you Ryan Flynn
Love the review and the gun. I am buying one tomorrow. I shot several guns tonight at the range. I had been thinking about a small S&W 442 or a Ruger (forget the #) revolver. I shot the S&W 442 and was amazed at the kick. Not a gun to shoot many rounds through. I shot a small Beretta-it was just to small for my hands. I shot several Glocks ranging in price from 2,600.00 to 600.00. There was a difference but not a 2,000.00 dollar difference. I feel in love with the G19. It was bulls eye 8 out of 10 shots at 10 yrds and the other 2 where only an inch off. Not bad for the first time shooting this gun. Sold sold sold on the ergonomics of the G19. The grip is perfect, the trigger is so smooth and just right for my arthritic hands. Sighting was pretty much standard., jumping was minimal and I was able to reacquire my target easily.
I was considering buying a beretta px4 storm. I couldnt find many reviews that were good. The g19 however, looks amazing. Any thoughts on the beretta vs the glock? thanks….
Hi,
I’m willing to buy a Glock 19 (I think only the Gen 4 will be available), and I read online that some customers had issues when ejecting the cases.
They showed on several videos how the cases hit the face of the shooter.
Are theses problems still showing on the newer Glock 19?
Thanks for your help.
Regards,
Jordi
just got my Gen 4 19 today, ive had a 17 for awhile now gen 3 that is, but i love my 19, its great, and i have nothing more to say besides i trust glock with my life and my family’s lives.
I’ve had 3 misfires (bullet stuck going into the chamber) in the first 250 rounds on my new G19 Gen 4. I’m not an experienced shooter. That statement actually implies I have some experience. This is the first gun I’ve ever owned. I thought maybe this is part of the break-in period for a new gun. I don’t think it’s the loose wristed issue described above. I’ve been able to hold a 7 inch pattern at 40 feet. (I did mention first gun, first 5 boxes of ammo so cut me some slack on my pattern.). Any suggestions on the misfiring?
Brett it sounds like you’re describing a failure to feed and my first inclination is that your grip might be causing this. It’s common for people to “limp wrist” a pistol at times which can cause feeding and ejecting issues. Try to strengthen up your grip and see if that helps.
I just ordered a G-19 Gen 4 today. I enjoyed the review and the way it was written as well, and you can tell there is some pistolero in Mr. Finn. I too love the 1911, have several of them, way to go John Browning, but 1 to 2% FTF is unacceptable for ass covering. I have found no 1911 immune. My favorite in 9mm’s changes pretty frequently, today its the HK p-30 whoa what a pistol. Earlier it was the P7-M13, also Whoa… what a pistol. I love to shoot the 92FS, its smooth with three o’s. But, they all ride the safe. the 9 that covers my back is a PPS, its got pocket rash, drop dings, nicks bumps and scratches, and every time I go shooting it sends a string down range. I pull it out of my pocket or rig, pull the trigger and “bang”, every time. I am an old bulls-eye shooter, and at 7 yards they all go in the ten ring if I don’t push one or two out. It gets cleaned religiously and back in my pocket/carry rig. I load on an XL650, am working on 5,000 rounds down range of home grown 9s without a FTF and am looking forward to shooting the new G-19. By the way, my USP-45 has eaten everything I have fed it. To me the new designs being born of new technology are more ergonomic, and incredibly reliable and it makes all the difference. TT
Ryan,
I am now on my second G19 Gen 4; both with the new recoil spring/guide rod assembly. I have been shooting Glocks for 15 years and had normally carried the G19 Gen3, even though my hands are small, and the fit was not good. The only jam I had ever experienced with a Glock was the first shot I had ever taken with one, and my brother (police officer) explained the “limp wrist” issue. That was 15 years ago. No hiccups since and I have gone through a number of different Glocks.
The G19 Gen 4 was perfect for my hands, so a few months ago, I bought one. It would stovepipe one out of every 12 rounds. I traded it back in for a Gen 3 then came across something said in Marshall & Sanow’s “Stopping Power” published in 2001 regarding the evolution of the 40 S&W. They said that federal designed their personal protection ammunition around the G26. I found that interesting because it was not chambered in 40 S&W, but tucked it away.
It then occurred to me that the mini Glocks had always used the dual spring/guide rod assembly, so I tried something. I purchased G23 Gen 4 chambered in 40 S&W. I have fired any number of different ammunition types through it, and have had zero problems.
However, I really like the 9mm for controlability reasons, and decided to try another one; maybe it was just a fluke. I purchased it this morning, took it to the range, and after shooting 100 rounds through it, began to have stovepiping issues again. (For those of you not familiar with this, it means the casing is not able to clear the ejection port before the slide comes forward and captures it). I am not limp-wristing the handgun, and am not happy about this, so will talk the the Glock technical reps about it tomorrow.
I also have a G26 Gen 4 and have never had a problem with it. I personally think the G19 spring is too tight and threr is not enough recoil energy in many rounds to throw the slide all the way back and it is short cycling, but I will see what their tech reps can tell me.
FYI . . Jim Hunter . . Ocala, FL
Glock 19 Gen 4: I had 6 failures to feed on one clip with Federal loads. The Glock customer service guy verified I have the latest spring revision already in my gun. His only suggestion was to try different ammo. At this point the gun was between 400 and 450 rounds total (I’m also running some rounds through an older Beretta so my box count’s a little off).
I went back to the range today with my Flip video camera ready to capture this. 150 rounds of Remington, 150 rounds of Federal – no problems. In fact, my limited experience self just clustered 2 clips inside 8″ at 25 yards. Nothing for you experienced guys but I’m surprised (those 750 rounds in total now are all I’ve ever shot). I love shooting this gun – definitely hooked! I’ll keep posting as more unfolds. Right now I don’t feel I can trust the gun I purchased for self defense.
Glock has issues with the ejectors on late model Gen. 3 and some Gen. 4 9mm’s and .40′s. The recoil spring assemblies on calibers of Gen. 4 weapons have been changed one to three times that I know of depending upon the caliber. The whole reason those of us who love Glocks is because you know you can pull a new one out of a box with not so much as a cursory wipe down and depend upon it to protect you and/or your family.
I have no doubt as to the longevity and durability of the Glock platform but they must get this situation under control or it will seriously hurt their market position.
I am in the market for a new handgun and have decided not to buy the Generation 4 Glock until I see long term data on durability from a variety of agencies and/or military forces.
Are you speaking for Glock, or yourself? You did not cite a reference to your hypotheses. I acquired my Gen 4 G19 after the call-back on the recoil spring assembly and was told by Glock that my serial number weapon was retro-fitted before leaving the factory and the upgrade was not necessary. Have’nt heard a thing otherwise about any ejector problems.
I spoke to Glock’s service rep about my G19 Gen 4. It also had already been fitted with the revised recoil spring at the factory (I purchased it on 1/25/12). After establishing I had the new spring, the rep suggested I take it to a repair center for a revised ejector pin. At that point I clarified my issues was an ammo feeding jam not a spent shell ejection issue. He suggested trying a different ammo manufacturer. So indirectly Glock indicated to me there is also a revision to the ejector mechanism.
Glock has officially confirmed that they made a bad batch of ejectors. In fact they completely replaced and redid their design…for the 5th or 6th time. The new guns theyre pumping out are stamped with part number 30274, the old ones are 336. There is a big difference between the two.
Purchased G19 Gen4 in December with latest Recoil Spring and Latest Ejector.
Getting brass to the face, shoulder and everywhere. Experienced shooter having previously owned an early Gen3 G17, M&P’s, HK’s.
So far have about 1000 rounds of 124 and 147 grain. I really like the way this G19 shoots but if it doesn’t stopping erratically spewing brass all over the place its not going to be mine much longer.
I now sport a brass “Hot Branding” on my temple.
Horrendous!
Read it
Bought it
Confirmed it
Appreciate it.
Thanks!
Excellent (!) review (and a very fine site, read several well written ‘and’ entertaining reviews!) and I think this is the pistol I will suggest to my rifle shooting BILaw for his first handgun. I’ve owned Glocks since ’91 (.40 2nd Gen, the 4th Gen not available in Kalifornia) and, coming from the wheel, I liked it immediately. Armorer for them but in reality that came much later. My first G is still in operation (sans the original parts, well, aside from the frame) with some 75K and very minor mods have friends saying “what’ya do to the trigger” and so forth. Simplicity, great reliability (only one failure ever in any shooting circumstance was due the cruciform cracking in half at 55K – it was the original trigger and bar) and ease of maintenance, along with accuracy and concealability make for almost as good a gun as your review! Thank you…
Just purchased this gun for my daughter. It is her first Glock and she loves it, she too was shooting a 1911 S & W, and was pretty die in the world Smith Girl..But she is sold on this Glock. 1200 rounds through this gun so far and absolutely no problems at all and the ease of field stripping is incredible she says, she had the gun broke down cleaned, lubed and reassembled in less then five minutes..I just ordered her the Advantage Arms 22LR Conversion kit from a local dealer, curious how it will perform. Glock even recommended it so, we shall see how it shoots. Oh, by the way, she is only 21 yrs old…and the gun fit her hand perfectly out of the case with not changes to the grip at all. She is the envy of the shooting club, she “Blows the Hell” out of the center of those targets at 50 to 75 ft…just using the sights, no trace or nothing…she loves the new sights on the Gen 4, she can adjust the gun angle to , in her words…Mere Perfection!
Perhaps the Glock marketing finally did it’s job? Have you tried putting the G19 up against a CZ-75B? 2 Malfunctions in 50 rounds with your 1911, not a typical 1911 range session. Any gun that has that many malfunctions needs some gunsmithing.
I also own three 1911′s, and have never really cared for Glocks, until the Gen4 finally arrived. After months of deliberation on which Glock model to purchase, I decided on the Gen4 G19.
Never thought I’d says this ….. but it’s a beautiful pistol (from a gun owners standpoint). It does what it was intended for, and more.
One of my current carry pistols ….
Own a 1st gen and 3rd gen G19, carried both for quite some time. I have had no feed or fire failures that I can recollect with a variety of ammunition, from 115g lacquered ball Wolf, to Speer Gold Dot 124g +P HP duty ammunition.
Thanks Vince for an informed and experienced review of Mr. Finns article. Its reviews like yours and several others on this site that were influential on my decision to buy the Glock-19, and in Gen-4. I looked pretty hard at the G-30, and maybe next time. Its also the iconic reliability that Glocks are known for. About a year back, I read an article where one of the gun writers/self defense instructors had some 270,000 rounds through a first generation G-17 having bought it back in ’83, I hope I haven’t miss quoted, its a great read. TT
The Gen 3 .22 conversion kit that I have does NOT fit my Gen 4 19. As far as I know, none of them do. I know that just recently they started making .22 conversion kits specifically for the Gen 4 guns, but only in the full size offering (17,22, etc).
My Gen 3 slide actually fits my Gen 4 frame…and fires fine. My Gen 4 slide however doesn’t work on my Gen 3 frame. No clue why, obviously I would never count on its reliability, I was just curious and tried it out on the range one day, 100 rounds, no malfunctions.
Advantage Arms has one, you can order, but they are not shipping yet..Projected in April sometime. It is different then the G19 gen 3. http://www.advantagearms.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=AASOS&Category_Code=FitTable
I have one on order for my daughters Gen 4