Glock 19 Gen 4

Over the years, the Glock Company (founded by Gaston Glock) has done pretty much everything in its power to achieve perfection. It may have achieved it, with the Glock 19 Gen 4.

In 1982, the company was formed. Immediately it went to work, making some of the safest, most innovative, and most reliable firearms the world has ever seen.

The Glock 19 was released in 1988, as a compact version of the full-sized Glock 17. In 1993, a second model of Glock 19’s was produced, and it was dubbed the second generation (or Gen 2) by fans. In 1998, a third version of the Glock 19 appeared, and it was welcomed with much enthusiasm. Finally, in 2010, the Glock Company revealed its latest – the Glock 19 Gen 4.

Glock 19 generation 4

Glock 19 generation 4

Glock 19 Gen 4 Specifications

  • Length: 7.28 inches
  • Height: 4.99 inches
  • Width: 1.18 inches
  • Barrel Length: 4.01 inches
  • Barrel Height: 1.26 inches
  • Loaded Weight: 30.18 oz.
  • Unloaded Weight: 23.65 oz.
  • Trigger Pull: 5.5 lbs.
  • Trigger Travel: 0.49 inches
  • Barrel Rifling: Right Handed, Hexagon
  • Length of Twist: 9.84 inches
  • Caliber: 9×19 (9mm)
  • Magazine: Two 15’s (standard), with 10/17/33-round magazines also available.

Each new generation of Glock handguns offered some different features. The Glock 19 itself is comprised of 34 parts, and that is true to all generations. They are all made of steel and polymer-2, the latter being an invention of Gaston Glock himself.

Polymer-2 is a high-strength, nylon-based substance, so it was a very unconventional material to build a firearm from. It was a revolutionary substance, and – like many revolutionaries – Gaston Glock received his share of mockery and laughter regarding what was known as the “plastic gun” at the time. Glock, however, are definitely having the last laugh. And rightly so.

The Glock Safe Action Trigger System

Glock handguns have no safety switch on their frames, but thanks to Glock’s registered Safe Action system, their guns are celebrated as some of the safest weapons on the market. The Safe Action system incorporates three independent mechanisms, which ensure maximum readiness without compromising safety:

First, the trigger. The Glock has a small lock, which keeps the gun from being fired inadvertently. When pressed, the trigger is moveable.

Second, the Glock has an internal firing pin safety. This pin will keep the striker from launching itself forward.

Third, there is a drop safety. The gun may be dropped from a significant height, with a round in the chamber. This safety will make sure that the gun does not fire.

Glock trigger system

Glock trigger system

Gun safety is an important component of being a firearm owner. The gun control movement tries to draw links between gun ownership and gun violence, and sometimes even goes so far as to claim that there is a link between violent video games and violent behavior. However, blaming guns and video games is not the answer, as neither of those have been demonstrated to lead to crime.

Video games actually have many positive uses, and much research supports the use of video games in the classroom as a means of keeping learning relevant and interesting for today’s students. Obviously a safe classroom environment is of the utmost importance, and using video games can help students understand from a younger age that guns are not, in fact, toys – and should not be treated as such.

Accessories for Glock Handguns

There are many accessories made specifically for the Gen 4 Glock 19. Sights, grips, styling options, holsters, and others. You can modify the trigger, for lighter pull weight, and the barrel, for various calibers or types of ammunition. You can plug up the magazine well, or add a different suppressor. There are many aftermarket modifications and accessories made for the Glock 19, and they are all – without exception – a matter of personal taste and opinion. The only thing that matters are these questions: do I need this accessory? Will it make me a better shooter?

Those two questions can only be answered once you know why you are buying your Glock 19 Gen 4. Is it for home defense? Is it for work? Is it for every day carry (EDC)? Is it meant for carrying openly or in concealment?

Generations of Glock 19 Pistols

All Glock 19 generations share similarities, but there are some differences:

  1. Gen 1 (1988) – These are considered a collector’s item. They have angled grips (closer to those in the full size Glock, the 17). The Gen 1 models have only one pin above the trigger, and a smooth grip.
  2. Gen 2 (1993) – A textured grip, and a different finish than on the Gen 1.
  3. Gen 3 (1998) – These featured a different grip texture, finger grooves, accessories rails, Tenifer finish, double pins, and a thumb rest.
  4. Gen 4 – A stippled grip, replaceable back straps, larger magazine release button (which is also reversible), and a bigger internal spring.

When the Gen 4 came out in 2010, the words “Gen4” were featured on the slide. This is just one example of how Glock really does have a special relationship with its customers. Some shooters found the Gen 4 to be a revelation, while others swear by the Gen 3. This, too, comes down to personal taste and opinion.

Since the 1990’s, the Glock Company has issued several upgrades (read: recalls). One of those, done in 2011, was due to a growing demand by Gen 4 carriers. In that most recent upgrade, the Gen 4 recoil springs were replaced. It may have been a recall, but these upgrades are part of what keeps Glock continuously relevant and popular, even after 30 years.

Cleaning and maintaining the Glock 19 pistol is a breeze. Because there are so few parts, the field stripping is lightning fast. Fewer parts also mean less malfunctions, and less hassle. The places which come into most contact (slide, barrel, and frame) should also be lubed after cleaning.

NYPD uses Glock handguns

NYPD uses Glock handguns

Many security forces use the Glock 19 handgun, including the U.S. (Marine Corps, Army Deltas, Army Rangers, NYPD), France, Finland, Israel, Malaysia, Poland, Norway, Sweden, and others.

The Glock 19 has earned the respect of pretty much anyone who has ever had the privilege to fire it. The hottest debate on the various forums and blogs in Gen 3 VS Gen 4. Once again, it is simply a matter of preference, so there is no real winner. Well, no – I suppose the real winner is the Glock Company, who comes out on top either way.

For over 30 years, Glock has been making excellent firearms. Whether it is for law enforcement or military use, home defense, competition, or every day carrying – the Glock 19 Gen 4, and any future generations which may follow, are guaranteed to be safe, durable, reliable, and accurate. This is Glock’s solemn promise, its ongoing commitment to its customers, and it is a promise which the company has stood behind with pride. This is precisely what has kept the Glock 19 so popular, and this is what I mean when I say that Glock wants to achieve perfection. It may have actually done it this time, with the Glock 19 Gen 4.

Not bad for a plastic gun, huh?

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