Choosing between the Glock 19 Gen 5 and Gen 4 can feel overwhelming. Both are incredibly popular handguns, renowned for reliability and performance. However, subtle yet significant differences exist, impacting handling, ergonomics, and overall shooting experience. This in-depth comparison will help you decide which generation best suits your needs and shooting style.
Key Differences: A Head-to-Head Breakdown
The Glock 19 Gen 5 boasts several refinements over its predecessor. While the Gen 4 offered improvements over earlier generations, the Gen 5 represents a further evolution. Let's examine the crucial distinctions:
1. Trigger: Enhanced Performance and Feel
-
Gen 5: Features an improved, smoother trigger with a reduced trigger pull weight. This enhanced trigger contributes to a crisper, more controlled shot. The trigger's reset is also more pronounced, offering improved feedback.
-
Gen 4: Possesses a slightly heavier and less refined trigger compared to the Gen 5. While reliable, it lacks the crispness and improved reset found in the Gen 5 model.
2. Slide: Ambidextrous Features and Reduced Friction
-
Gen 5: Incorporates an ambidextrous slide stop lever, catering to both right-handed and left-handed shooters. The slide also features a nDLC (nitride) finish, reducing friction and enhancing its overall durability.
-
Gen 4: Features a reversible magazine release, but the slide stop lever is only on the left side. The slide finish is a tenifer coating, less friction-reducing than the nDLC finish on the Gen 5.
3. Frame: Texturing and Ergonomics
-
Gen 5: Employs a more aggressive, textured grip, enhancing control and reducing slippage, even in wet or sweaty conditions. The Gen 5 also omits the finger grooves, offering a more customizable grip for a wider range of hand sizes.
-
Gen 4: Includes finger grooves molded into the frame. While these grooves provide some shooters with enhanced grip, they can be uncomfortable or restrictive for others. The texturing is less aggressive than the Gen 5.
4. Magazines: Enhanced Reliability and Capacity
-
Gen 5: Uses improved magazines with a slightly modified follower design which many users report leads to increased reliability and smoother feeding.
-
Gen 4: Uses magazines that function reliably, although the Gen 5 magazines often represent a slight improvement in feed consistency.
5. Overall Feel and Handling: A Subjective Matter
Ultimately, the "better" handgun comes down to personal preference. The Gen 5's smoother trigger, ambidextrous controls, and more aggressive texturing might appeal to some shooters. Others might find the Gen 4's finger grooves and slightly heavier trigger more comfortable. Holding and shooting both models is essential before making a decision.
Which Glock 19 Should You Choose?
The choice between the Glock 19 Gen 5 and Gen 4 is not a question of one being inherently "better" than the other. It's about identifying which features align better with your individual needs and shooting style.
-
Choose the Gen 5 if: You prioritize a smoother trigger, ambidextrous controls, more aggressive texturing, and the enhanced nDLC finish.
-
Choose the Gen 4 if: You prefer the finger grooves, find the Gen 5's texturing too aggressive, and are comfortable with the slightly heavier trigger pull. The Gen 4 is also often more budget-friendly.
This comparison highlights the key differences, enabling you to make an informed decision. Consider renting or handling both models at a local range before committing to a purchase. This hands-on experience will solidify your preference and ensure you select the Glock 19 that perfectly complements your shooting style and preferences.
