Glock 19: History and Specs

If there is one pistol made today that seemingly all other pistols are compared to, it’s the Glock Model 19 in 9mm.

The compact, double stack, polymer framed and striker-fired 9mm pistol is without question the most popular genre of pistols out on the market now. From the Walther PPQ to the CZ P10C to the H&K VP9 to the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 and so on, it seems that all other gun manufacturers are attempting to capitalize on the massive success the Glock 19 has had over the last three decades.

The Glock 19 also holds the distinction of being the best-selling pistol in America, and it’s also one of the most successful handguns worldwide. As one of the most customizable pistols on the market, there are numerous IWB holsters and OWB holsters available for the Glock 19 in addition to countless spare parts and other accessories.

In this article, we’ll dive into the history and evolution of the Glock 19, and then we’ll discuss some specific features and specs of the pistol.

History and Evolution of the Glock 19

The Glock 19 history really begins with the history of its larger version, the Glock 17. The Glock 17 was originally released in 1983 as the standard-issue sidearm for the Austrian military. It didn’t take long for the pistol to completely revolutionize the firearms industry thanks to its striker-fired mechanism and its durable synthetic polymer frame that was actually more durable than most metals.

Furthermore, the nitrocarburizing finish used on the Glock’s metal parts further helped to improve durability.

The Glock 19 was first released in 1988 as the third pistol in Glock’s lineup, following the release of the fully automatic Glock 18. The Glock 19 was a major hit when released due to the fact that it was a compact and easy to conceal pistol with a large magazine capacity, making it equally at home as a CCW firearm as it was sitting in the hip holster of a soldier or law enforcement officer.

Design and Specs of the Glock 19

The Glock 19 is a striker-fired pistol and has a spring-loaded firing pin. The trigger pull is rated at 5.4 pounds standard from the factory, but when the slide is racked back the firing pin is placed into the half-cock position. The firing pin will only be cocked once the trigger has been pulled all the way to the rear.

The frame of the Glock 19 is built out of a very durable nylon polymer that was originally used on the Glock 17. This polymer is more durable than most steel alloys and is also fully resistant to temperature changes or rain and moisture as well.

One of the big reasons for the Glock 19’s massive success has been the fact that it’s so versatile. It’s compact enough to be concealed on one’s person easily, and yet large enough to fight with as a defensive arm or to be used as a general sidearm for hunting purposes. On top of that, it’s incredibly simple to operate.

Here are the specs of the Glock 19:

• Country of Origin: Austria
• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Capacity: 15+1 rounds (standard factory magazine, extended magazines also available)
• Overall Length: 7.36 inches
• Barrel Length: 4.02 inches
• Weight (loaded): 30.16 ounces
• Weight (empty): 23.63 ounces
• Width: 1.26 inches
• Height: 5.04 inches

Conclusion

The Glock 19 is essentially the gold standard when it comes to 9mm pistols. So many other gun manufacturers have released their own pistols that they push to the market as the Glock 19 killer’, but through it, all the Glock 19 has persevered as an enduring striker-fired pistol that all others will be compared to.