Glock 19 - 2600 Round Report

 Glock 19 - 2600 Round Report

 

 The Glock 19 doesn't need an introduction, as it is one of the most popular handguns on the market.  Across the board, Glock has been known for their reliability, and simplistic design, reasons many recommend them, amongst others, as a first handgun.

In this report, we will be discussing two separate Glock 19's, a Generation 4 MOS, and a Generation 5.

MOS: "Modular Optic System" - Glocks capable of mounting optics such as a red dot sight.

 

Round Counts: 

Glock G19 G4 MOS: 2070

Glock G19 G5: 609 

 Glock 19 Gen 4:                                  

Discussing the Gen 4 19, the model in question is a Generation 4 MOS, which aren't readily found much anymore new as the Generation 5 MOS has taken over. The Gen 4 MOS is available through Law Enforcement request. Over the course of 2 years, this G19 has had 2070 rounds through it. During that time there have been a few documented malfunctions:

Note: Numbers are not exact to the malfunction, malfunctions were documented after an empty magazine.

390 rounds - Stovepipe malfunction; spent casing did not eject

                     Cause: Improper grip

1710 rounds - Failure to Fire

                       Cause: Ammo; dud round 

 

Off the bat, the gun was fitted with a Holosun 407c red dot on a C&H precision plate, no issues were had with the optic or plate thus far, around 1250 rounds, the optic was changed out for a Holosun 509T, with a C&H precision plate.

The iron sights were swapped for Ameriglo suppressor height sights to co-witness the red dot sight.

A DIY stipple job was also done to the frame for a more aggressive grip texture for sweaty hands, along with the removal of the finger grooves.

Internal parts have stayed stock aside from the addition of an Apex trigger kit at around 800 rounds, which smooths the trigger pull out greatly, they use their own safety plunger, connector, and trigger bar/shoe. However the stock Glock triggers are subjectively good, smooth take up, wall, break, with a short reset. The apex trigger removes the hard wall, and the trigger pull is smooth all the way through with the weight increasing slightly throughout the trigger pull, with pressure at the wall, smooth break, and an audible short reset as well. The stock threaded barrel was traded for a Griffin Armament threaded barrel, with a Micro Carry Compensator.

How does it shoot?:

Recoil impulse is soft on the double stack Glocks. It's very easy to manipulate recoil due to the grip angle and low bore axis. Low bore axis meaning the barrel is close in line with the shooter's trigger finger and wrist. This means it's easy to get back on target after each shot with proper grip, even when firing rapidly.

The added weight of a flashlight will also aid in controlling muzzle rise. The Micro Carry Compensator is more or less a thread protector with gas ports built in, it adds a slight difference in recoil control, but not anything to write home about.

Soft recoil and comfort are a good recipe for a good shooting pistol. Accuracy has been good as well, with both the stock Glock barrel and Griffin barrel.

Most of the report has been consistent so far with what has already been said about Glocks, they have received a reputation of being boringly reliable, along with accurate. They're not the most ergonomic, gathering varied opinions on the ergonomics, most say they're just fine, but this one has been modified for ergonomic reasons. 

The introduction of aftermarket parts has been done on personal preference, as well to test to see how well aftermarket parts hold up after time, the aftermarket parts have been installed somewhat early in this pistol's life, this report will be updated accordingly as more rounds are fired through it. The aftermarket for Glocks is huge, so it is important to also test the reliability of some popular options.

Glocks have a tendency to run well without being cleaned after a period of time, but it is still good practice to maintain the tool, as it is more desired to have good conditions for operation no matter what, however negligence to clean between range sessions has proven to be non-problematic for both Glocks in this write-up, the Generation 5 having not been cleaned until the 500 round mark.

 Concluding the current report so far on the Generation 4 MOS, 2 documented malfunctions with one being user error and ammo related, so far so good. Aesthetically, some scratches from holster wear are making their mark, but that is a subjective con, as tools get beat up with use. Again, this report will be updated as rounds are put through both pistols, one being modified, one in stock configuration, to compare how both hold up. Expect to see a report after every 1000 rounds.

Which brings us to the Generation 5 Glock 19:

 

This pistol was bought new in 2021, with the round count hitting 609 rounds as of August, 2022. This Glock 19 has stayed in stock configuration, only mounting a light on it. The Gen 5 Glocks are noticeably different, but fundamentally the same as the previous generations in terms of operations. 

The changes they made involve removing the finger grooves but keeping the texture the same as the Generation 4, keeping the same mag release as the Generation 4, adding a lightly flared magazine well, different slide coating that so far does not seem to scratch as easily as the Generation 4 finish, the trigger housing has changed to accommodate the design changes to the trigger bar and springs, as well as the safety plunger to mate with the trigger changes. Basic operations remain the same, along with magazine interchangeability. Generation 5 Glock mags have a bright orange follower rather than black.

This pistol is not fitted with an optic, so it is a non MOS model. 

The sights have been swapped out for Trijicon steel night sights, as the stock plastic sights are the only con that was found between both models.

 

Range Report:

Recoil impulse is the same as the Generation 4. Ergonomically it is good, feels like the Generation 4 without finger grooves. Leading up to 500 rounds, which was done in 5 range sessions, 100 rounds each, the pistol was not cleaned. There have been no documented malfunctions during that period, or now, as it is only just above the 600 round mark. A cleaning was done at 500 rounds, and 540 rounds. 

This handgun was used as part of a training exercise, which required the pistol to be cleaned before hand for inspection purposes. During the exercise, 69 rounds were fired, some single shot malfunction drills were introduced, so the only malfunctions this handgun has experienced were done on purpose to simulate a malfunction using dummy rounds. Failure to fire and double feed were the forced malfunctions.

Through multiple drills, the gun functioned as intended. 

One noticeable difference is the stock trigger on a Gen 5 is a bit smoother and has a softer break than previously, consistent throughout the amount of rounds put down range. 

How does it shoot?:

The verdict so far; like the other Glock 19. They are very similar with some updates and design choice changes with the Generation 5. Like the other gun in this article, updates will be added as time and more rounds are put through both.