The Glock 19 Gen 5 is a popular and reliable pistol, appreciated for its ergonomics and performance. But even a great firearm can benefit from upgrades. This guide dives into popular Gen 5 Glock 19 upgrades, exploring their benefits and helping you decide which modifications best suit your needs and shooting style. We'll cover everything from simple enhancements to more substantial modifications, ensuring you get the most out of your G19 Gen 5.
Understanding Your Glock 19 Gen 5
Before diving into upgrades, let's briefly recap the Gen 5's features. The Glock 19 Gen 5 boasts improvements over previous generations, including:
- Marksman Barrel: Enhanced accuracy and precision.
- Ambidextrous Slide Stop Lever: Easier manipulation for both left and right-handed shooters.
- Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB): This barrel contributes significantly to the improved accuracy of the Gen 5. The GMB features tighter tolerances and improved rifling.
- Improved Trigger: A smoother, lighter trigger pull compared to earlier generations.
- No Finger Grooves: A cleaner, more versatile grip for a wider range of hand sizes.
- nDLC Finish: A durable, corrosion-resistant finish on the slide and barrel.
These features make the Gen 5 a solid foundation for upgrades, allowing you to customize the pistol to your exact preferences.
Popular Gen 5 Glock 19 Upgrades: A Comprehensive Guide
Now let's explore some of the most popular and effective upgrades for your Glock 19 Gen 5. We'll categorize them for clarity.
Trigger Upgrades
The trigger is often the first point of upgrade for many Glock owners. A smoother, lighter trigger can significantly improve accuracy and shooting comfort. Options include:
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Apex Trigger Kits: Apex offers various trigger kits, like the Apex Action Enhancement Kit, providing a lighter, crisper trigger pull with reduced overtravel and pre-travel. This is a popular choice amongst competitive shooters and those seeking a refined trigger feel. Installation requires some mechanical skill.
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Ghost Inc. Connectors: These connectors offer different trigger pull weights, allowing you to customize the feel to your liking. They're a more straightforward installation compared to full trigger kits.
Sights
Factory Glock sights can be improved upon, especially for low-light conditions. Upgrades include:
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Night Sights: Night sights with tritium vials offer superior visibility in low-light conditions, critical for self-defense scenarios. Many reputable brands, such as Trijicon, Ameriglo, and Dawson Precision, offer a wide selection of night sights designed specifically for the Glock 19 Gen 5.
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Fiber Optic Sights: Fiber optic sights provide excellent visibility in daylight conditions, but might lack the low-light performance of tritium sights.
Choosing the right sight depends on your priorities and shooting environment.
Grips
While the Gen 5's lack of finger grooves is a plus for many, some shooters prefer more texture or a different grip shape. Options include:
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Talon Grips: Talon Grips are rubberized overlays that provide enhanced grip texture, improving control and reducing slippage. They come in various textures and thicknesses to match your preferences.
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Aftermarket Grips: Several companies offer complete aftermarket grips, providing alternative materials and shapes for a personalized feel. Choose a reputable manufacturer to ensure proper fit and function.
Magwell
A magwell improves magazine insertion speed during rapid reloads. While not strictly necessary for everyday carry, it's a valuable upgrade for competition shooting or tactical scenarios.
- Taran Tactical Innovations (TTI): TTI produces high-quality magwells that offer a noticeable improvement in reload speed.
Slide Modifications
Upgrading the slide can improve aesthetics, reliability, or both. Options include:
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Slide Milling: This involves cutting away material from the slide, reducing weight and potentially improving handling. Many companies offer custom milling patterns.
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Cerakote: Cerakote is a durable finish that protects the slide from wear and tear and allows for custom color options.
Extended Slide Release
An extended slide release lever allows for easier manipulation, especially when shooting in gloves.
Case Study: Upgrading for Concealed Carry
Let's consider a concealed carry scenario. A shooter might choose the following upgrades for their Gen 5 Glock 19:
- Apex Trigger Kit: For a smoother, more consistent trigger pull.
- Trijicon Night Sights: For quick target acquisition in low-light situations.
- Talon Grips: For enhanced grip texture and control.
This combination enhances both shootability and safety for concealed carry, where speed and accuracy are critical.
Choosing Your Upgrades
The ideal Gen 5 Glock 19 upgrade path depends entirely on your needs and preferences. Consider these factors:
- Your shooting style: Are you a competitive shooter, a home defender, or someone who carries concealed?
- Your budget: Upgrades can range from inexpensive to costly.
- Your mechanical skills: Some upgrades require more technical expertise than others.
Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing upgrades. Improper installation can compromise the firearm's safety and reliability.
This in-depth guide provides a solid foundation for enhancing your Gen 5 Glock 19. Research thoroughly, choose upgrades that align with your needs, and enjoy the improved performance of your upgraded pistol. Remember to always practice safe firearm handling and storage.