Glock 19 Gen 5 Review

Glocks are inarguably the most popular polymer frame pistols on the market. Of the many models the firearms manufacturer produces, a few stand out as top sellers—such as the Glock 19. At this time there are five generations of Glocks, the oldest of which aren’t easy to find at all. And although the Glock 19 wasn’t the first Glock ever made—that honor goes to the Glock 17—it’s close. The latest Glock 19 is the Gen 5 and it’s a gun loaded with improved parts and features. We put the gun through its paces and now we’re going to fill you in on what makes the Glock 19 Gen 5 worth having.  

Glock 19 Gen 5

Check Pricing

Have an opinion on this product? Click to leave your review

Glock 19 Gen 5 Background

The Glock 19 was introduced in 1988 as the second model in the company’s line of polymer handguns. It was created as the compact, carry friendly version of Glock’s first model, the Glock 17. That was also during the second generation of Glocks, because the first generation only included the introduction of the Glock 17. Of note is the fact that the Glock 17 is the “big brother” of the Glock 19, the latter of which was made as the compact version of the full-sized G17.

There are four generations of the Glock 19. Due to the reality that it’s one of the company’s best-selling models, it’s been included in all iterations (not every Glock model has that kind of claim to fame). The fifth generation was launched in August 2017 to much fanfare thanks to the many improvements the gun maker implemented. While previous generations might have seemed to only have minor changes, the fifth generation was clearly significant.

The Glock 19 Gen 5 checks all the performance boxes you’d expect it to from reliability to accuracy to durability. Numbers aren’t yet available regarding whether it’s the most popular generation of the Glock 19 so far, but it seems safe to assume that will be the case as time goes by and more used models find their way onto the market (meaning the price comes down).

Features of the Glock 19 Gen 5:

1 Magazine release

Interchangeable for Right and Left hand shooters.

2 Forward slide serrations

For more options when racking the slide.

3 Glock Marksman Barrel

With enhanced rifling and attention to tolerances for greater accuracy.

4 Ambidextrous Slide Stop lever

Allows for a better grip when firing.

5 No finger grooves

To improve ergonomics and fit more hand sizes.

6 Flared magazine

Well to facilitate rapid magazine changes.

Glock 19 Gen 5—Our Take

The Glock 19 Gen 5 would’ve grabbed my attention based on the removal of the finger grooves alone, but it has a lot to offer beyond a streamlined grip shape. The promise of features like a better factory trigger and the possibility of greater accuracy make it an appealing generation, to say the least. Then there’s the fact that compact guns are easier to conceal than full-sized models, and that means the Glock 19 Gen 5 immediately became of interest for its potential as the next big carry gun. 

Shootability

The gun feels comfortable in the hands and thanks to its being a double-stack, it has an edge for width. That’s a good thing for shooters such as myself who have longer fingers. With the finger grooves gone there’s no awkward placement of fingers around the grip, and that’s a huge plus. As a 9mm, it’s a given the gun won’t produce significant felt recoil or muzzle rise, but with the design enhancements of the fifth generation it’s an even flatter shooting gun than before.

Controls on the Glock 19 Gen 5 remain familiar. The reversible magazine release is great if you’re left-handed but also useful if you’re right-handed and just want to shoot mirror. Those things also apply to the ambidextrous slide stop—it’s a useful detail. This remains a fantastic carry gun and the new features are helpful without creating a new platform to get used to, and that’s nice as well.

Accuracy

Thanks to the GMB (Glock Marksman Barrel) and improvements made to rifling, this fifth generation is more precise than previous ones. Glocks tend to be accurate anyway and the changes to the barrel take the Glock 19 to the next level. It’s encouraging to see visible results on paper rather than the changed parts being nothing more than marketing. 

If you’re a fan of playing card drills—5 shots in 5 seconds from 5 yards—you’ll be pleased to know the Glock 19 Gen 5 is capable of producing beautiful single-hole results. All you have to bring to the firing line is the skill to make it happen. It’s also accurate to 25 yards while shooting offhand, although obviously the groups spread out with distance. As a compact this isn’t expected to be a long range handgun by any means, but it’s still more precise than many other compacts. 

Ergonomics

The ergonomics of the Glock 19 Gen 5 are better than the generations where finger grooves were used, but there’s more to the gun that just a smoother profile. Glock includes interchangeable back strips with the Gen 5 guns, and that means you can change the size of the grip for a better fit in your hands. While these changes might seem minor they can translate to better shot placement and greater comfort during live fire.

Value

As a Gen 5 that has yet to be “replaced” by sixth generation guns—because those don’t exist at this time—the Glock 19 Gen 5 does cost more than its predecessors. Even so, it’s still affordably priced and more than worth the money you might invest. If you spring for the night sights from the factory you’ll have solved the issue of sight replacement, which is the first thing most Glock owners do. As for the trigger replacement possibilities, this trigger is better than prior ones, but you still might want to replace it. Overall the Glock 19 Gen 5 offers solid value, new or used.

Glock 19 Gen 5 Pros and Cons

Report Card
Shootability	This is a well-balanced, compact gun that’s offers fantastic shootability. Glocks have a fairly simply platform and that’s a pro	A+
Reliability	Extremely reliable and consistently cycles all ammunition it’s fed, whether that’s target rounds or self-defense loads. And as long as you keep it lubed, it keeps going even when it’s filthy	A+
Ergonomics	This gun has far better ergonomics than older models thanks to the removal of finger grooves and addition of interchangeable back straps	A+
Accuracy	The GMB barrel gives already-present accuracy an edge that nudges it into precise. If you change out the trigger you’re likely to get even better results	B+
Value	Glocks tend to have good value and the Glock 19 Gen 5 is more of the same. Its new features make the slightly higher price point worth it	A+

Glock 19 Gen 5

Check Latest Price

Our Grade

A

Reviewed by Kat Ainsworth-Stevens

Reader’s Grade

TBD

Based on 0 Reviews

Your Grade

Do You Own This Gun? Leave A Review

Success Your Grade Has Been
Added To Our Reader’s Score

Submit Review

Leave A Comment Review More Guns

We use email to verify the accuracy of our reviews. We promise to never spam you.

My Preferred Ammo

Blazer 9mm 115 grain FMJ

Find Best Price

Winchester SilverTip 9mm 147 grain JHP

Find Best Price

Accessories to Include: 

1. Trijicon Bright & Tough Night Sights		Check It Out
2. ETS 15-Round Magazine		Check It Out
3. Galco Holsters Kingtuk Deluxe IWB Holster		Check It Out
4. Timney Triggers Alpha Competition Series Trigger		Check It Out

Important Links and Manuals for Glock 19 Gen 5

Are you looking to pick up a Glock 19 Gen 5 but need a bit more info?  Or maybe you’ve just misplaced your user’s manual?  Either way, check out the links below.

• Caring for your Glock Manual