Understanding the Glock Legacy
Background
The Glock 19. It’s a name synonymous with reliability, versatility, and widespread adoption. This compact, striker-fired pistol has found a home in the holsters of law enforcement officers, military personnel, and civilian gun owners worldwide. The Glock 19’s popularity is undeniable, but the constant evolution of firearms technology means that even a legendary handgun like the Glock 19 has undergone significant refinements over the years. This brings us to a common question in the gun community: Which generation is best? Today, we delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Glock 19 Gen 4 versus the Glock 19 Gen 5, dissecting the features, performance, and considerations for choosing the right model for your needs.
Glock’s journey began with Gaston Glock, an Austrian engineer with a keen eye for innovation. While he had no prior experience in firearms, his engineering background led him to develop a pistol unlike any other at the time. The Glock 17, the company’s first offering, revolutionized the handgun market with its use of polymer in the frame, reducing weight and enhancing durability. This, coupled with a simplified design and the “safe action” trigger system, made Glocks exceptionally user-friendly and reliable.
The “Generation” system in Glock pistols signifies the incremental improvements and design updates that have been introduced over time. Each generation brings with it specific changes that aim to enhance the overall performance, ergonomics, and functionality of the firearm. These updates are often subtle but collectively contribute to an improved shooting experience. Understanding these generational changes is critical for evaluating the differences between models.
Key Features of the Glock 19 Gen 4
Overview
The Glock 19 Gen 4 represented a significant leap forward from its predecessors. Several key features distinguished it from the earlier generations, setting a new standard for the platform.
One of the first features you’ll notice is the rough textured polymer frame. This texturing provides a secure grip, crucial for maintaining control during rapid firing or in adverse conditions. The texture is a blend of durability and grip. It helps to keep the gun firmly planted in your hand, even when wet.
Another distinctive feature of the Gen 4 is the inclusion of finger grooves on the grip. These grooves are designed to provide a more secure grip by contouring to the shape of the hand. However, this feature has been a source of debate within the shooting community, with some finding the grooves fit their hands perfectly, while others find them uncomfortable or ill-fitting.
The Gen 4 also introduced a reversible magazine release. This feature allowed shooters, regardless of their dominant hand, to quickly and easily release the magazine, enhancing the pistol’s versatility and appeal to left-handed shooters.
Inside the frame, the Gen 4 utilizes a dual recoil spring assembly. This design change was intended to reduce felt recoil and improve the pistol’s overall reliability, especially when using different types of ammunition. The dual springs help manage the energy transfer from the slide during firing, resulting in smoother cycling.
The Gen 4 features standard Glock sights. These sights are functional and offer a clear sight picture, but many shooters choose to upgrade to aftermarket sights for improved target acquisition and accuracy.
Key Features of the Glock 19 Gen 5
Overview
The Glock 19 Gen 5 built upon the solid foundation of the Gen 4, incorporating a series of refined features that further improved the platform’s performance and user experience.
Perhaps the most immediately noticeable change is the absence of finger grooves. Glock, after listening to user feedback, removed these grooves, providing a more universal grip profile. The Gen 5 frame is designed to accommodate a wider range of hand sizes. The Gen 5’s frame texture, though similar, is often described as slightly more aggressive than its predecessor, further enhancing grip security.
Another significant upgrade is the addition of an ambidextrous slide release. This feature greatly improves the pistol’s accessibility and ease of use for both left and right-handed shooters. The ambidextrous design eliminates the need for modifications and allows shooters to manipulate the slide release quickly and efficiently.
The Gen 5 also boasts a flared magazine well. This design makes it easier to insert magazines, even under stress or in low-light conditions. The flared well helps guide the magazine into place, reducing the chance of fumbling or delays during reloads.
The Gen 5 also introduces a new trigger design. This trigger has a smoother pull and a crisper break compared to the Gen 4. The improved trigger contributes to greater accuracy and control, especially during rapid-fire scenarios.
The Gen 5 features the Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB). This barrel incorporates refinements to the rifling and chamber design, potentially improving accuracy and consistency compared to earlier Glock barrels. The GMB is designed to work well with a variety of ammunition types, providing consistent performance across the board.
The Gen 5 retains a similar recoil system to the Gen 4, but the spring design may have been slightly optimized for improved performance.
The Gen 5 also comes with front slide serrations. This provides extra grip on the slide when performing press checks.
Glock 19: A Direct Comparison
Frame and Ergonomics
Let’s compare the Glock 19 Gen 4 and Gen 5 side-by-side, examining the key areas where these two generations differ.
The frame is where the differences in feel become most apparent. The rough textured polymer frame on both models aims to offer a secure grip, but the exact pattern can vary slightly depending on the manufacturing year.
The presence or absence of finger grooves is a significant differentiator. The Gen 4 grooves, while providing a positive grip for some, can be uncomfortable for others, especially those with larger or smaller hands. The Gen 5 removes the finger grooves, offering a more streamlined profile that accommodates a wider range of hand sizes and grips.
Ambidextrous controls on the Gen 5 are a clear win for left-handed shooters, eliminating the need to adapt to a right-handed configuration.
Slide
The inclusion of front slide serrations on the Gen 5 is a practical upgrade, providing additional grip surfaces for performing press checks or manipulating the slide in various situations.
Trigger
The Gen 5 trigger often receives praise for its improved feel. The smoother pull and crisper break of the Gen 5’s trigger system contribute to increased accuracy and control, making it easier to achieve consistent shot placement.
Barrel
The Glock Marksman Barrel in the Gen 5 is designed to potentially enhance accuracy. While differences in accuracy are often subtle, the improved rifling and chamber design can contribute to tighter groupings and improved performance.
Magazine Release
The reversible magazine release on the Gen 4 caters to left-handed shooters, though the Gen 5’s ambidextrous slide release does offer similar functionality.
Recoil System
Both the Gen 4 and Gen 5 employ robust recoil systems. The dual recoil spring assembly of the Gen 4 has proven effective in managing recoil. The Gen 5 system is refined for improved performance, but both generations offer excellent recoil management.
Sights
Both pistols come equipped with standard Glock sights. However, many shooters will upgrade to aftermarket sights.
Performance and Handling
Overview
In terms of performance, both the Glock 19 Gen 4 and Gen 5 are known for their reliability. The Gen 5, with its improved trigger and potentially enhanced barrel, may offer a slight advantage in terms of accuracy and control.
The Gen 5’s improved trigger can lead to more consistent and accurate shooting. The overall design makes both generations very easy to use.
Pros and Cons
Gen 4 Pros and Cons
**Glock 19 Gen 4:**
- **Pros:**
- Widely available and readily supported.
- Generally more affordable than the Gen 5.
- Reversible magazine release.
- Proven reliability.
- **Cons:**
- Finger grooves may not fit all hand sizes.
- Trigger feel may not be as refined as the Gen 5.
- Front slide serrations not available.
Gen 5 Pros and Cons
**Glock 19 Gen 5:**
- **Pros:**
- Improved trigger.
- No finger grooves.
- Ambidextrous slide release.
- Glock Marksman Barrel.
- Front slide serrations.
- **Cons:**
- Typically more expensive.
- Availability may be a factor in some locations.
Price and Availability
Overview
The Glock 19 Gen 4 is often available at a slightly lower price point compared to the Gen 5, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the price difference can vary depending on the retailer and current market conditions. The Gen 4 is widely available on the used market. The Gen 5 is the current production model.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts
Both the Glock 19 Gen 4 and Gen 5 are excellent handguns that offer exceptional reliability, durability, and versatility. The Gen 5 incorporates a number of refinements that build upon the Gen 4’s solid foundation, including an improved trigger, the absence of finger grooves, an ambidextrous slide release, and the Glock Marksman Barrel.
The Gen 4 remains a viable and reliable option, especially for those who are budget-conscious or prefer the feel of the finger grooves. The Gen 5 caters to those looking for the latest advancements in the Glock platform. The choice between the two generations ultimately comes down to personal preference, grip size, and budget considerations.
The best advice is to try both generations, if possible, before making a decision. Consider what features are most important to you.
For those in the market for a new Glock 19, both the Gen 4 and Gen 5 offer a great experience, and both serve as a fantastic self-defense tool.
