So You Just Bought a Glock 19... What upgrades do you need?

The Glock 19 is arguably one of the best and most popular guns for new shooters on the market. It's like the Ford F-150 of guns. Sure, there are nicer trucks out there (shout out to my Tundra brothers) but the Fords have a way of doing well in every market. Similarly the Glock 19 is one of the most popular platforms for new shooters or advanced operators. This firearm has earned its reputation through consistent performance, ease of use, and versatility.

If you are on the fense about getting one, let me put your mind at ease. the Glock 19 offers a great balance of size and firepower, making it a top choice for concealed carry and home defense. In the purposes of this article I want to spend a bit of time comparing the Glock 19 (G19) to its bigger brother the Glock 17 (G17).

Basic Information

Here are some of the key specifications and comparisons to the Glock 17:

• Weight: Approximately 23.65 oz (670 g) unloaded

• Capacity: 15 rounds (standard G19 magazine)

• Caliber: 9mm

• Barrel Length: 4.02 inches compared to the 4.49 inches of the G17

• Overall Length: 7.36 inches compared to the 8.03 inches of the G17

Pros to the G19:

• Compact size more suitable for concealed carry

• Lighter weight compared to the Glock 17 by .89 ounces

• The Glock 19 can use the standard G19 magazines or the G17 (17 round magazines), whereas the Glock 17 CANNOT use the G19 (15 round magazines)

• Reliable and easy to maintain

Cons of the G19:

• More concealable than the G17 but still "chunky"

• Reduced sight radius compared to larger G17

Personal Experience

I recently took a buddy to the range to demonstrate the merits of the Glock 17. After three hours in the Texas heat, he chose the Glock 19 due to its size, weight, and the convenience of being able to conceal it if necessary. For new shooters, this is a significant draw—it could be the only weapon they ever purchase, and it certainly doesn't disappoint if it is.

Honestly, after considering all the factors, I decided years ago that the best solution was to purchase both. I found that while hunting and shooting, I generally preferred the Glock 17. However, for concealed carry, the Glock 19 was always my go-to choice.

Admittedly, I have acquired more than a few handguns since those early years. While I still regularly use the Glock 17, the Glock 19 has become my dedicated "truck gun," staying concealed in my vehicle while I carry much smaller handguns on a daily basis, like the Sig P365.

So, if you're having a hard time deciding, I would encourage you that you can't go wrong with either the G19 or G17. If you were to have just one handgun, the G19 earns extra points for its concealability. You really just have to ask yourself the simple question, "What do I really want to use this gun for?"

Weapon Upgrades

Now that you have landed on the "last" pistol you will ever need, you may be asking, "How do I make it better?" To get the most out of your Glock 19, consider these quality upgrades, listed in order of importance. Feel free to use affiliated links to quickly trick out your Glock.

1. Quality Holster
   A good holster is essential for carrying your Glock 19 safely and comfortably. I would recommend two different kinds.

   • For Outside the Waste band (Hunting, Open Carry, at the Range) my go-to is the Safariland 7378- https://amzn.to/3LcIztc

   • For Inside the Wasteband I would recommend something like the Pole.Craft IWB -https://amzn.to/3zA2gIK

2. Weapon Light
   Adding a weapon light is a no-brainer. It obviously affects your holsters however, so make sure to keep that in mind as you think about lighting up the night.

   • I would recommend the Streamlight 69424 TLR-7 -https://amzn.to/4cK5MPi

   • If you do purchase a light I would encourage you to purchase a holster to fit both light and pistol. Good thing about the TLR-7, there are plenty of holsters that fit that on the G19 like the R&R- https://amzn.to/4bzQz20

3. Night Sights
   Night sights improve your ability to aim in low-light conditions. You need to be careful that your night sights fit your G19 model. (Gen 1-4, may fit different than Gen 5)

   • My go-to are the AmeriGlo Night Sights. For the Glock 19 Gen 5 - https://amzn.to/3xMQ07i

   • For Glock 19 Gen 1-4 - https://amzn.to/3xMQ07i

4. Grip Tape or Extended Grip Plates
   This is a fun option, certainly not something that everyone needs. I like a grippy texture on my handguns and the occasional grip extension.

   • For the G19 the Talon Grip Tape has worked well -.https://amzn.to/4cNrbqs

   • If you have bigger hands, grip extensions also make a difference - https://amzn.to/3VUA9vm

5. Red Dot Sight
   If you have a "MOS" cut on your G19 (which comes standard in Gen 5 G19s) you can support a Red Dot sight. Keep in mind some holsters will have to be modified to fit your red dot sight

   • One of the go-to's in pistol Red Dot sights is the Holoson he507 c - https://amzn.to/4cVwgNN

   • For a more expensive but rugged option, the Trijicon RMR has a stellar reputation- https://amzn.to/4cv5KLm

6. Threaded Barrel
   A threaded barrel allows for the attachment of suppressors and other muzzle devices. Silencer Co advertises the same barrel for the G19 Gen 1-5

   • Silencer Co G-19 Threaded Barrel - https://silencerco.com/shop/threaded-barrel/

Conclusion

The Glock 19 remains one of the most versatile and dependable handguns available today. Its blend of size, capacity, and reliability makes it a preferred choice for a wide range of shooters, from beginners to experienced professionals. Whether for concealed carry, home defense, or just a reliable range gun, the Glock 19 is a purchase that won’t disappoint. With the right upgrades, it can be tailored to fit any shooter’s needs, ensuring that it remains a valuable part of your collection for years to come.

The Ghost Gunners

- Austin L