Glock 19 Review: a Great Gun For Women
Glock 19 Specifications
Let’s take a look at the overall specifications of the Glock 19. I have the Gen 4 but there are multiple “generations” of the G19 with the most recent Glock 19 gen 5 (at the time of publication). I provide a link at the end of this review to learn the difference between the different generations.
- Caliber: 9mm
- Magazine capacity (standard): 15
- Barrel Length: 4.02 inches
- Total Length: 7.28 inches
- Height: 5.04 inches (including magazine)
- Width: 1.26 inches
- Weight (with loaded magazine): 30.16 ounces
How It Fit My Hand
So let’s start with the fit. I have small hands and as you know, hand size matters when trying to find a gun you can handle and manage successfully. I thought that with a gun this size, I would not be able to get a good grip. However, I can by using the small backstrap. (the G19 comes with 3 options) The grip finger grooves (not on all generations) fit my smaller hands perfectly. I can get a firm, comfortable and functional grip quickly and easily.
My thumb reaches the magazine release and slide release easily. The mag release is a fairly large button, which I appreciate and engages very easily. The slide lock operates pretty smoothly although it sits very flush with the slide. With smaller, weaker hands, I would prefer it to protrude a little more. This however, is an easy fix, as there are a lot of aftermarket options out there.
Glock 19 vs. The Glock 43
Glock 19 Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Magazine capacity (standard): 15
- Barrel Length: 4.02 inches
- Total Length: 7.28 inches
- Height: 5.04 inches (including magazine)
- Width: 1.26 inches
- Weight (with loaded magazine): 30.16 ounces
Glock 43 Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Magazine capacity (standard): 6
- Barrel Length: 3.41 inches
- Total Length: 6.26 inches
- Height: 4.25 inches (including magazine)
- Width: 1.06 inches
- Weight (with loaded magazine): 20.64 ounces
Although these two guns are very different from one another, I thought a comparison was in order as both are extremely popular with women. The popularity of the G43 with women doesn’t surprise me. With it’s smaller, sleeker size, it’s naturally appealing to women. But, the popularity of the Glock 19 has. The TWAW Annual Survey proves it. One would assume that because of this firearm’s larger size and heavier weight it would not rank high with women shooters. However, the incredible “shoot-ability” of the G19 and its very high ammunition capacity is what makes it a very popular gun with women year after year, in my opinion.
You can read my review of the Glock 43 here
Shooting The Glock 19
One of the great benefits of a larger, heavier gun is less felt recoil and the G19 does not disappoint.
Many women fear a larger handgun thinking that shooting it, would just be too much for them. The truth is, it’s the opposite. The larger length and heavier weight help to dissipate and absorb the energy as the gun if fired. I have to say, right off the bat that I LOVE shooting this gun. It’s just simple, smooth shooting, and accurate.
This is a heavier “beefier” gun, so having the upper body strength to shoot and hold it extended for any length of time is needed.
How many rounds does the Glock 19 hold? The standard Glock 19 magazine holds 15 rounds. There are also larger-capacity magazines available. I can load the first 8 or so rounds without a load assist device like the Lula Loader, but with my smaller hands, I would say having a loader is a must. This is true with most larger-capacity magazines.
The 19 has the classic Glock trigger pull. In a nutshell, you know when it is going to break and you know when it resets.
Racking the slide takes some “umph” but with the proper technique for racking the slide, it does not need to be an issue that deters you.
One of the best features of all of the Glock pistols is their reliability. This gun just shoots and shoots and shoots without an issue. I have shot thousands of rounds through my G19 using many different types of ammunition and it just keeps shooting!
Glock 19 Takedown and Cleaning
All Glocks are broken down the same way and it is quite simple. Because the trigger must be pressed before takedown, it is IMPERATIVE that you verify and re-verify the gun is unloaded before you begin. Below is a video from Guns.com that walks you through the takedown and cleaning process.
Glock 19 For Concealed Carry
This is where I think some challenges come in. Can you conceal carry a Glock 19? Being a larger, heavier gun, the Glock 19 can be tough to conceal and carry comfortably for many women. But I will tell you, here at The Well Armed Woman, we sell a shockingly high number of G19 concealed carry holsters!!! So many women are successfully carrying them. It really all comes down to clothing styles and perhaps body shape. With a strong waistband and belt, a long and loose shirt, a larger body frame, and a little help from the Grip Tuck Wing it can be done successfully.
Finding the right Glock 19 holster should not be a problem, We have many holsters that will fit at TWAW, and with this being such a hugely popular gun, holster manufacturers have many to offer.
Having a gun with such high ammunition capacity and reliability as the G19 is a serious motivation to carry this gun.
Some Additional Common Questions
How Much is a Glock 19?
You are looking at a price likely between $500 and $700.
Does the Glock 19 Have a Threaded Barrel?
The Glock 19 does not come with a threaded barrel, but there are numerous after-market threaded barrels available.
What is the Difference Between the Glock Generations?
Here is a link to a Shooting Illustrated article on the differences among the Glock generations.
What Caliber is a Glock 19?
The Glock 19 is a 9mm pistol.
Where is the safety on a Glock 19?
Glocks do not have “External” switch safeties like a lever found on other types of guns.
The SAFE ACTION® System is a fully automatic safety system consisting of three passive, independently operating mechanical safeties. A trigger safety, firing pin safety and a drop safety.
You can learn about all 3 in detail here on the Glock website.
Final Thoughts
I’m a huge Glock fan and so are American gun owners. Glock is the most popular gun in the US and is carried by many Law Enforcement officers. Glock is also a great company. They are committed to meeting the needs of female shooters and are dedicated to quality education.
Even if you don’t carry the Glock 19 concealed, I think it’s a great gun to own. Great for home defense, and fun on the range. I can sum up my final thoughts in just a few words: I have a lot of different handguns, the one by my bed? My Glock 19.
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