The Glock 19 Gen 2, while no longer in current production, remains a significant firearm in the history of Glock pistols and the broader handgun market. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Gen 2 Glock 19, covering its features, specifications, history, and its place in the world of firearms. Understanding its strengths and weaknesses helps contextualize the evolution of the Glock 19 and the entire Glock series.
Glock 19 Gen 2: Design and Features
The Glock 19 Gen 2, released in the late 1980s, represents a pivotal moment in Glock's history. It took the compact design philosophy of the Glock 17 and shrunk it down, creating a highly versatile pistol suitable for concealed carry and duty use. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
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Polymer Frame: The hallmark of Glock pistols, the polymer frame reduced weight, increasing maneuverability and reducing fatigue during prolonged use. This material choice also contributed to the pistol's affordability.
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Safe Action System: The Gen 2 Glock 19, like other Glock models, employs the Safe Action trigger system. This system incorporates three separate safeties: a trigger safety, a firing pin safety, and a drop safety. These safety features are integral to the gun's design, functioning automatically. This differs from traditional manual safeties, which require a separate step to engage.
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9mm Parabellum: Chambered in the ubiquitous 9mm Parabellum cartridge, the Gen 2 19 offered a balance of stopping power and manageable recoil, making it popular for both law enforcement and civilian shooters.
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Double-Stack Magazine: The double-stack magazine provided a higher capacity compared to single-stack designs. The Gen 2 Glock 19 typically shipped with two 15-round magazines, offering a considerable advantage in extended engagements.
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Smooth Slide: The smooth slide, while lacking the textured surfaces of later generations, provided a smooth draw and a consistent cycling action.
Differences from Later Generations
The Glock 19 Gen 2 differs from subsequent generations (Gen 3, 4, and 5) in several key areas:
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Finger Grooves: The Gen 2 featured prominent finger grooves on the grip. Later generations moved away from these, offering a more customizable grip.
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Rail System: The Gen 2 lacks the accessory rail found on later models. This means it cannot accommodate tactical lights, lasers, or other accessories directly attached to the frame.
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Magazine Release: The magazine release was slightly smaller and less easily manipulated than on later models.
Glock 19 Gen 2: Performance and Reliability
The Gen 2 Glock 19 built a reputation for its exceptional reliability. Its simple design and robust construction resulted in few malfunctions, even under harsh conditions. However, some shooters found the larger trigger pull weight and the lack of a rail limiting. Here's a summary of its performance characteristics:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9x19mm Parabellum |
| Capacity | 15 rounds (standard magazines) |
| Barrel Length | Approximately 4.02 inches |
| Overall Length | Approximately 7.28 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | Approximately 21.16 ounces (without magazine) |
| Action | Safe Action Semi-Automatic |
Glock 19 Gen 2: History and Legacy
The Glock 19 Gen 2 played a crucial role in solidifying Glock's position as a major firearms manufacturer. Its compact size and reliable performance made it attractive to law enforcement agencies and civilians alike. It paved the way for the incredibly popular Glock 19 Gen 3 and subsequent models. Its legacy lies in proving that a polymer-framed, striker-fired handgun could be both reliable and effective.
Case Study: Law Enforcement Adoption
Numerous law enforcement agencies adopted the Glock 19 Gen 2, appreciating its compact size for concealed carry and its reliable performance in demanding situations. This widespread adoption significantly contributed to the firearm's popularity and shaped the handgun market.
Glock 19 Gen 2: Conclusion
While the Glock 19 Gen 2 is no longer in production, it holds a significant place in firearms history. Understanding its design features, performance characteristics, and its historical impact provides valuable insight into the evolution of the Glock 19 and the broader handgun market. Its simplicity, reliability, and compact size cemented its place as a classic, though later generations improved upon its original design. Its legacy continues to be seen in the models that followed.