Glock pistols are favored by multiple law enforcement agencies around the world, including New York City police officers and members of the FBI. It is a striker-fired handgun that is easy to operate and handle. Its trigger is smooth and consistent. Its grip angle makes it point naturally, and its magazines are prolific.
Features
As a fighting pistol, the Glock 19 excels. It goes bang when you want it to and puts holes in the targets, more or less where you want them provided you do your part. It is also a great choice for new shooters. Its tame recoil allows shooters to manage longer strings of fire and deliver those shots on target. The striker-fired trigger is consistently smooth and fairly light. There are modern match triggers that beat it, but for duty and ccw, the Gen 5’s pull is just fine.
However, like the majority of polymer-framed pistols, the Glock 19 is a prime candidate for upgrades and modifications to increase its functionality and performance. One of the most common modifications is the addition of an aftermarket mag release for faster magazine changes. Match barrels are another popular upgrade, particularly for those invested in competitive shooting. These barrels are generally machined to tighter tolerances than standard factory offerings, and often incorporate specialized alloys for durability.
Safety
Glock pistols feature a series of mechanical safeties that ensure the gun is not accidentally discharged. Three separate safeties are built into the firing system of the Glock, including the trigger safety, the drop safety, and the firing pin safety. These safeties all disengage in sequence when the trigger is pulled, and automatically re-engage after the trigger is released.
For those with the time and patience, disassembling a Glock can be done by removing the base plate with a gunsmith’s punch or an armorer’s punch. Once the base plate has been removed, the slide can be pulled back to remove the ejector plunger and safety pin.
Adding accessories, like laser sites or rails can also change how the gun functions and may require maintenance. Cleaning the pistol and lubricating parts, like the bolt, is important for maintaining proper functionality and safety. Store your Glock in a secure location when not in use, keeping it away from children and unauthorized individuals.
Reliability
For those who know how to use them, Glocks are among the most reliable handguns available. Their safety features are backed up with a trigger safety that disengages only when it’s pressed, and the firing pin safety is always in place.
A Glock’s polymer frame and magazine are extremely resistant to heat, allowing it to be fired over and over again without a scratch or dent. The striker-fired action also produces one of the most consistent, light triggers around. While there are modern match triggers that surpass it, a Glock’s factory trigger is a great choice for duty and concealed carry use.
A friend who conducted a weapons inspection of his department found that many officers were not doing a good job of maintaining their Glocks, and many striker-fired guns suffered from poor ejection and failure to fire issues. This is a problem that can be avoided with regular maintenance. To keep a Glock running reliably, it’s important to remove the magazines, rack the slide and visually inspect the chamber after every shooting session.
Maintenance
Glock pistols are famous for having fewer parts than most handguns. This lowers the chance of a malfunctioning part and makes it easier to learn how to properly maintain your gun.
Before attempting any disassembly or cleaning, make sure your gun is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction. You should also check for any accessory attachments or other additions you may have, including laser sights and grip extensions.
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You should use a quality lubricant to keep your Glock 19 functioning properly. A good gun lubricant will protect the firearm from damage, especially in high stress or extreme weather conditions.
To help you get the most out of your Glock 19, consider adding a magwell extension from Tyrant CNC. The added width and angled walls help funnel your reloads home more quickly and reliably. They’re also very easy to install. The company offers different versions to fit every generation of Glock, and they look great on both single- and double-stack models.
