Glock 19 vs Glock 45: Does Size Matter (Grip Size)?

The Glock name has been around for decades and odds are good, you know more than a few people who own one or more of the Austrian gun maker’s firearms. Glocks are popular for a lot of reasons, including the fact that they’re relatively affordably priced, durable, and reliable. Even many of the naysayers who once complained about the weight and thickness of the classic double-stacks have changed their minds now that there are Slimline models offered. So if you’re in the market for a Glock, you might be wondering which model to go with. Two popular compact models are the Glock 45 and Glock 19. If you’re considering adding a Glock to your collection for use as a carry gun, these are likely to be two you look at. We’re going to consider the pros and cons of both models and decide which is superior: the Glock 45 or the Glock 19.

Spec Comparison

The Glock 19

As for the Glock 19, its history reaches back further. They originally launched the Glock 19 in 1988 as the compact version of the full-sized Glock 17 (the Glock 17 was, of course, the first handgun Gaston Glock came out with). Gaston’s goal was to create a lighter, somewhat smaller version of the Glock 17, which had really taken off. The Glock 19 was met with much fanfare, especially among gun owners focused on concealed carry and law enforcement officers in need of a solid backup or carry gun. 

Since 1988, there have been five generations of the Glock 19, with each generation offering different, enhanced features. It comes as no surprise that the Gen 5 Glock 19 is seen as the best, considering its implementation of modern features and technology. The barrel upgrade alone makes the Gen 5 a great option for many shooters. It is, of course, a double-stack pistol as all the early Glocks are, meaning it offers greater capacity but is also a bit heavier and larger.

Models and Variations of the Glock 19

Over the last thirty-five years, there have been four generations of Glock 19, with and without MOS optics mounting and a few independent variants. This includes the Glock 19X. The 19X is Glock’s entry into the XM17 Modular System Pistol trials. Features include a coyote tan finish, lanyard loop, and an elongated grip to accommodate a seventeen round magazine.

The Glock 45

The Glock 45 is a newer arrival to the polymer pistol family. It hit the market in 2018 and was advertised as the ultimate compact crossover. According to Glock, they designed the model based on the performance and results of the 19X—the pistol designed for the military handgun trials—and the specifications and needs of operators and law enforcement around the world. It was met with mixed reactions; some gun owners felt it looked like nothing more than an all-black 19X while others believed its dimensions promised to make it exceptionally useful. 

Models and Variations of the Glock 45

Since the Glock 45 is a relatively new addition to the Glock lineup, there is only one generation (Generation 5). They do have a non MOS option.

Glock 19 vs. Glock 45 Comparison

Both the Glock 45 and the Glock 19 are compact models, and they offer each in Gen 5, which means they have all the benefits of the most recent evolution of the guns. They’re made with the standard polymer frames used across the Glock line and feature the SAFE Action System rather than an external thumb safety. What that means is that the guns have a series of internal safeties: trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety. This series of safeties was designed by Glock to ensure the guns are safe—including drop safe—and can be deployed without the need to fumble for an external safety. 

These are striker fired guns, meaning they function through use of a striker system rather than a hammer and firing pin. Racking the slide puts the necessary tension on the striker for the gun to fire when the trigger is pulled. Other shared features include the 9x19mm Parabellum chambering, 4.02 inch barrel length, and black finishes.

The Main Differences

For the most part, the differences between the Glock 45 and Glock 19 are fairly small. Examples include the trigger distance, which is 0.04 inches shorter on the Glock 45, and the overall height (the Glock 45 is less than half an inch taller). It might seem easy to dismiss these nuances at first, but the truth is that seemingly minor differences can have quite an impact on how a gun handles for a specific person.

Trigger reach matters, which is one reason there are aftermarket triggers that are adjustable for reach—and those adjustments are quite minute. When you’re talking about the distance it takes for a finger to comfortably engage the trigger, shaving off fractions of an inch can be the difference between the perfect fit and a less than stellar feel. Trigger control is important because it translates to greater—or worse—accuracy down-range. When you’re choosing a gun, any gun, we should take the trigger reach into consideration. 

Overall height can affect easy of carry for many people. Everyone has a different sized body and varied requirements for the carry gun, and that just-under-half-an-inch gain in height on the Glock 45 might cause printing for some people. That or it might mean the gun presses into their side or abdomen in an uncomfortable way it otherwise would not.

Capacity matters quite a bit, and the Glock 45 does have a standard capacity of 17 rounds versus the Glock 19 standard capacity of 15 rounds. It’s certainly possible to increase the capacity of either model by using an extended magazine, but that also extends the length of the grip. Both models have good overall capacity, but for some gun owners, those extra two rounds in a standard Glock 45 magazine will make it the clear winner.

Weight comes into play as well, with the Glock 45 being an ounce heavier than the Glock 19, assuming both guns are empty. While that ounce might seem like nothing—and might really be nothing for many people—there are times an extra ounce has an impact, usually in a negative way. Shaving off a little weight here and there can be helpful.

The Glock 45 and Glock 19 are two of many compact designs Glock has come out with, but due to their shared and similar features, they’re a pair that are frequently compared. They are both available in the Generation 5 configuration which have many great features.

Features of this Gen 5 Glock include:

• Flared magazine well for easier magazine changes
• Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) with aggressive polygonal rifling and adherence to strict specifications for improved accuracy
• Polymer grip without finger grooves
• Ambidextrous slide stop so gun can be fired using either hand as the strong hand
• Trigger spring enhancements for greater longevity even with hard use
• Enlarged floor plate for smoother magazine changes
• Interchangeable back straps for a customizable grip that better fits the shooter’s hands

Overall, Glock states there are 20 design changes in the Gen 5 Glock models. All these things translate to more impressive results and tighter groups on paper. So, which one’s better?

Shared Glock 19 and 45 Features

1 Backstraps

Interchangeable backstrap system allows you to customize the grip to your hand size.

2 Optics Ready

Glock uses their MOS system of plates to mount red dot optics.

3 Finger Grooves

The finger grooves have been removed for the 5th generation of Glocks 19 and 45.

4 Front Slide Serrations

The Gen 5 Glock 19 and 45 have front slide serrations for extra texture for slide manipulation.

5 Accessory Mounting

Glocks have a propriety accessory mounting rail system to mount lights and lasers or other accessories.

6 Polymer Sights

Polymer sights are still standard on generation 5 Glocks.

Glock 19 vs Glock 45 – Our Grades

When to pick the Glock 19

If you want a pistol with decades of proven use behind it, you want the Glock 19. This is a gun that’s been carried by countless members of law enforcement and numerous concealed carriers. With five generations out in the wild, there are lots of options for used or new guns. Even better, the Glock 19 is one model that has endless aftermarket parts available for it. Anything you want to tweak to better suit your needs can likely be done to the Glock 19 without much difficulty.

This is another pistol that was created for defensive uses, although the focus was a bit broader when it was created in the 1980s. At that time, Glocks had features like finger grooves and standard barrels; it wasn’t until the Gen 5 guns came out that certain features became standard. That means that if you try to buy a used Glock 19, you might end up with a model that doesn’t have the new, modern components you wanted. Even so, the Glock 19 is a solid defensive handgun that has more than proven its worth.

Aside from use as a defensive handgun, the Glock 19 can be used for practice at the range, plinking, and whatever else you want to do with it. Due to the wide availability of components for it, this is a good gun to use for learning the ropes of basic gunsmithing. After all, you have to start somewhere, and learning gunsmith techniques on a Glock is less stressful or intense than doing so on a more complex—and expensive—platform.

Aside from the Glock 45’s use as a defensive handgun, it’s fun to shoot at the range. It’s a solid choice for new shooters, too. Its enhanced features create a more pleasant learning experience (it also means there’s less chance of bad habits being formed).

When to choose a Glock 45

The Glock 45 is a fantastic option for home defense use or concealed carry. Because it’s slightly larger and holds two extra rounds of ammo, some gun owners might prefer it. It’s a reliable, well-made pistol that’s proven itself well since its 2018 launch. This model’s design was based on tried-and-true features of other Glocks, and that’s a positive thing for serious shooters. 

They made this gun for defensive use. It was modeled after the 19X, which was Glock’s entry into the military handgun trials, and they included additional features based on the needs of members of law enforcement. And thanks to its being designed in recent years, it enjoys all the advances of technology. 

And the Winner Is?

Because both the Glock 45 and Glock 19 are optimized for defensive use, deciding which one is better involves various factors. The Glock 45 is the result of modern design and thinking, which is a big bonus. Of course, the Glock 19 has decades of progress marking its evolution, and that’s impressive in its own way. So, which gun is better?

Due to the availability of new and used guns and components, the Glock 19 wins this one. It’s simply more widely available and easier to customize, not to mention you’re more likely to find one affordably priced. The Glock 19 is the winner thanks to its longevity. It’s been on the market long enough for there to be all manner of options out there for it. That is why is made our list for best concealed carry gun.

Which Glock is your favorite? Tell us in the comments section.

Upgrades and Accessories for your Glock 19 vs Glock 45

For Glocks, we often upgrade their sights. The polymer sights work fine, but there are better options out there. For handguns you will also want several extra magazines and a good holster. In this case, both guns should fit most of the same holsters. You should also think about adding a weapon light.

Upgrades and Accessories for Glock

Magazine – Glock 19 Glock 19 Factory Magazine		15 round capacity 9mm Polymer covered steel	Check Price
Magazine – Glock 17 Glock Factory Magazine		17 round capacity 9mm Polymer covered steel	Check Price
Replacement sights Trijicon Night Sights for Glock		Fits Glock 17,19,22,23,24,25 and more Front site is orange outline with green tritium Rear is blacked out U notch with two green tritium dots	Buy on Amazon
Holster Safariland 6378 ALS Duty Holster		Fits Glock 19 and 45 with Surefire X300U light ALS retention system Cordura wrapped plastic	Buy on Amazon
Light SureFire X300		1,000 Lumens Waterproof	Buy on Amazon

Important Links and Videos

Here are some links to the Glock website for each model discussed today and the owners manuals.

• G19 by Glock
• G23 by Glock
• Glock Owners Manuals

Here is a video how to care for you Glock pistol.