Glock 19 Gen5 Review

The Glock 19 Gen5 has a reputation for being the “do-it-all” handgun, but is it really worth all the chatter? Since its debut in 1988, the Glock 19 has built a legacy as a go-to choice for everyone from law enforcement to weekend range shooters. The Gen5 promises some fresh updates—like an ambidextrous slide stop and redesigned trigger. But how much of a game-changer are they, really? This review cuts through the hype, giving you the good, the bad, and everything in between. Whether you’re eyeing it for self-defense, the range, or just adding to your collection, this article will help you decide if the Gen5 is the upgrade it claims to be, or just another Glock.

Bottomline

The Glock 17 Gen5 is perfect for personal defense or law enforcement, it sticks to what Glock does best – simplicity and reliability.

What Customers Say

Very reliable, first week I put 9,000 round through it with not one issue. I would recommend at least changing front site. Not as ergonomic as my Beretta m9 or sig mk25. But much lighter.

Michael H.

Glock 19 Gen5 Specs

Caliber	Capacity	OAL	BBL	Width	Height	Weight
9mm	15+1, 17+1, 33+1	6.85″	4.02″	1.34″	5.04″	23.99 oz. w/empty mag

Glock 19 Gen5 First Impression

When it comes to the design and feel of the Glock 19 Gen5, we have to say the changes really stand out. The absence of finger grooves is a huge win, especially if you’ve got smaller hands, it makes the grip so much more comfortable and natural. Plus, the interchangeable backstraps are a nice touch, letting you tweak the fit to suit your grip perfectly. That said, it still has that unmistakable blocky Glock look, which, let’s be real, isn’t for everyone. Some people love it, others think the polymer frame feels a bit “toy-like” compared to heftier all-metal guns. Personally, we appreciate the practicality over aesthetics.

Glock 19 Gen5 Features

Flared Magwell

The Glock 19 Gen5 comes with a flared mag well designed to make magazine changes quicker and easier, especially in high-pressure situations. The slight flare at the bottom helps guide the mag into place smoothly, which is a handy feature. However, it’s not all perfect. Some users feel the factory flare isn’t as pronounced as aftermarket options, so it might not offer a huge advantage during rapid reloads. If you’re into competitive shooting or tactical applications, you might find it a bit lacking and prefer an aftermarket upgrade for a more noticeable edge.

Ambidextrous Slide/Stop Lever

The Glock 19 Gen5 features an ambidextrous slide-stop lever, making it easier for both left- and right-handed shooters to operate the slide release comfortably. It’s a great addition for accessibility and usability. However, not everyone’s a fan. Some shooters have reported accidentally engaging the slide stop during use, especially if their grip naturally places a thumb on the lever. And for those who prefer a more traditional design, a single-sided slide stop might feel simpler and more reliable, with fewer potential issues to worry about.

Rear-only Slide Serrations

The Glock 19 Gen5 sticks with rear-only slide serrations, giving you a textured surface for racking the slide while keeping the gun’s profile sleek and simple. It works fine for most situations, but it’s not without its drawbacks. Some users feel that rear-only serrations limit their grip options, especially in tough conditions or when using specific slide manipulation techniques. If you’re used to full-length serrations, you might find it a bit less versatile and not as confidence-inspiring for quick, secure handling.

Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB)

The Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) in the Gen5 is designed with traditional rifling to boost accuracy, so it’s perfect for target shooting and overall performance. Some shooters swear by the improved precision, but not everyone notices a huge difference compared to earlier models—it might feel more like a subtle upgrade than a game-changer. One thing to keep in mind is that the traditional rifling can cause more lead fouling when using lead bullets, meaning you’ll need to clean it a bit more often than you would with Glock’s older polygonal barrels.

Multiple Interchangeable Backstraps

The Glock 19 Gen5 includes multiple interchangeable backstraps, letting you customize the grip size to suit your hand perfectly. It’s a great feature for improving comfort and ergonomics, especially for shooters with unique hand sizes or preferences. That said, it’s not entirely hassle-free. Some users find it a bit overwhelming to choose the right backstrap, and honestly, the differences between them might feel minor. Plus, if a backstrap isn’t installed correctly, it can shift or loosen during use, which could mess with your grip and overall handling.

Final Thoughts

The Glock 19 Gen5 gets the job done and then some. Perfect for personal defense or law enforcement, it sticks to what Glock does best, simplicity and reliability. The Gen5 upgrades, like the ambidextrous slide stop, are cool, but they’re not game-changing. Honestly, the stock sights are just okay. They’ll work, but swapping them out might make you love this gun even more. The trigger is decent but might not blow your mind, so definitely give it a test run to see how it feels in your hand. At the end of the day, the Gen5 is a dependable pick, but with a little tweaking, it could be the perfect fit.

Further reading:

• Ultimate Gun Reviews
• Glock 17 Gen4
• Glock 22 Gen4
• Glock  37/38/39 Gen3s

More Photos, & Video

On camera: Check out Hickok45’s video review of the Glock 19 Gen5.