Glock 19 is a mid-size polymer framed striker-fired pistol. It is one of the most popular sidearms for law enforcement agencies (including the FBI) and has a lot of accessories, including optics-ready versions. Its simplicity leads to a high level of reliability and Glocks are known to withstand some pretty extreme abuse. They are easy to maintain and repair, as well.
Features
Glock’s are designed to be minimalistic, and the 19 is no exception. All external controls are molded into the grip frame and include only a trigger, magazine release, and slide lock. Glock’s signature numbered witness holes are used to indicate how many rounds are left in the magazine.
Despite being a basic fighting pistol, the Glock 19 has been adapted to fit a wide variety of needs. It can be fitted with a suppressor, optic, threaded barrel for an attachment, and more. This modularity is what drives much of the company’s success.
With the Gen 5, Glock made several changes, including a new ion-bonded finish that resists scratching and corrosion from drops, scrapes, and contact with other metal objects. They also added a modular back-strap system and enlarged reversible magazine catch to better accommodate shooters of all sizes. Glock also increased accuracy with a match-grade barrel with polygonal rifling and a more refined crown. The G19 Gen 5 also removed the finger grooves molded into the grip.
Design
When Austrian engineer Gaston Glock set out to design a new kind of pistol at the dawn of the 1980s, he wasn’t a John Browning type churning out one design after another. Instead, he drew upon his background in advanced synthetic polymers to create an innovative, polymer-framed striker-fired 9mm handgun that would change the world of duty pistols.
The result is a firearm that is durable, functional and reliable. The Glock is a very simple weapon with few external controls – only two buttons, the slide lock and magazine release. This keeps the cost of maintenance and parts low.
Its double-stack magazines ensure high capacity and reliability, while the patented polygonal riflings enhance accuracy. Even the FBI was a bit skeptical of Glock’s innovative rifling, however, and required traditional grooved-type barrels on their new duty pistol contract. So for the gen 5 line, Glock created a hybrid-type barrel known as the Glock Marksman Barrel. Independent tests have shown this more aggressive rifling delivers increased accuracy and better penetration on barriers like steel-lined drywall and automobile glass.
Safety
Glock pistols have several safeties built into the fire control system. There’s the trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety.
The trigger safety has a tab that sticks out of the trigger and keeps it from moving forward when pressure is applied to it. This style of safety is becoming almost universally featured on striker-fired pistols and even some hammer-fired guns.
There are also aftermarket triggers for the Glock that significantly improve its feel, though some can create a trade-off between improving the dynamics of the trigger and keeping the gun’s safety features functional. One such example is the Apex trigger kit, which is widely considered to be among the best Glock replacement triggers on the market.
Regardless of what kind of Glock you have, it’s important to always use it responsibly and store it properly when not in use. This means in a locked safe away from children and unauthorized users. It also means following all applicable laws and regulations regarding ammunition storage, transportation, and handling.
Conclusion
The popularity of the Glock 19 can be attributed to its durability, reliability, and versatility. This has led to its adoption by many law enforcement agencies across the world. Glocks are easy to handle and are known for their accuracy. They also have low recoil, making them ideal for self-defense and law enforcement use.
A rifling system is used in Glocks, which makes them more accurate than traditional pistols. The rifling improves accuracy by increasing the surface area of the barrel. This allows for more consistent shot placement and better bullet flight.
Another way to increase the performance of your Glock is to install a magwell extension. This is a simple modification that can make reloading faster and more accurate. You can find these online from companies such as Tyrant CNC. However, it is important to note that modifying your gun should be done by a trained professional. Altering the components of a pistol can be dangerous if not done correctly.
