Glock 19 vs. 19X: Ultimate Showdown

Glock is a household name among gun enthusiasts. The gun manufacturer produces a wide range of handguns in multiple sizes and calibers, and many are suitable for concealed carry applications. Among them, one of the oldest and most trusted is the Glock 19, a compact pistol hailed for being the ideal balance of capacity, comfort, and concealability.

However, in 2017, Glock introduced a new model and option for shooters: the Glock 19X, part of Glock’s new line of Crossover pistols. Read our detailed Glock 19 vs. 19X comparison and discover whether the new Crossover model is better than the old concealed-carry favorite.

Glock 19X History

The Glock 19X is a distinctive model in Glock’s catalog, visually and mechanically. It features a standard Coyote tan frame and slide, making it stand out from all other models, which are produced in black.

The reason for this different color comes from the G19X’s development history; it is the civilian version of the Glock 17 MHS, Glock’s entry in the XM17 Modular Handgun System competition. The MHS competition was launched in 2015 to replace the U.S. Army and Air Force’s current service pistol, the Beretta M9.

Designed for military use, the Army mandated the tan color to reduce heat absorption compared to flat black and enhance its camouflage effectiveness in desert environments.

While the G17MHS did not win the competition, Glock still opted to produce a civilian version of the military pistol, which became the G19X. The differences between the G17MHS and the G19X are minimal; the only missing feature is the G17MHS’s manual safety, another military requirement.

G19X Features

The Glock 19X was the first model in Glock’s Crossover sub-family of pistols. The basic concept of all crossover pistols is simple; they incorporate one feature from two classic product families, such as full-size, compact, and subcompact models.

In the G19X’s case, this model combines the frame of the full-sized Glock 17 with the slide and barrel length of the compact Glock 19. The resulting pistol offers the grip size, ergonomics, and capacity of a full-size pistol while also featuring a shorter and more maneuverable top end.

While civilian shooters have produced their own crossover pistols by combining G17 and G19 parts for years before, the Glock 19X is the first factory official rendition of this concept.

G19X Specifications

• Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
• Overall length: 7.44”
• Barrel length: 4.01”
• Height: 5.47” with magazine inserted
• Width: 1.3”
• Standard capacity: 17+1 or 19+1 with +2 magazines. Also accepts all Glock 17-compatible magazines
• Weight: 24.83 oz. with empty magazine, 31.39 oz. with loaded 17-round magazine
• Trigger pull: 5.5 lbs.

Glock 19 Gen 5 History

The Glock 19 is the original compact Glock pistol, first introduced in 1988. Initially, the G19 was conceived as a backup or off-duty gun for military and law enforcement personnel. It eventually became the template for Glock’s line of compact pistols, achieving widespread success with civilian shooters and becoming a favorite among concealed-carrying enthusiasts.

The latest version of the Glock 19 is referred to as the Glock 19 Gen 5. It has been updated to receive Glock’s latest features and technological advancements, bringing it in line with other Gen 5 pistols such as the G17, G26, G22, and G23.

G19 Gen 5 Features

While most features unique to the latest Glock 19 are shared across all other Gen 5 pistols, they are a significant departure from the previous-generation Glock 19 Gen 4.

The grip of the Glock 19 was redesigned, eliminating the finger grooves that characterized the third- and fourth-generation pistols. While the grip texture remains identical between the Gen 4 and Gen 5 pistols, the newer handgun also features a mildly flared magazine. It helps shooters perform reloads more quickly and efficiently.

Another important Gen 5 feature is the Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB). These new barrels feature redesigned polygonal rifling, a target crown, and tighter chamber specifications. All Glocks equipped with a GMB are match-grade accurate and capable of 2-inch groups at 25 yards with quality ammunition.

Current-production G19 Gen 5 pistols have the G19 Gen 5 FS designation. They feature front and rear slide serrations, giving shooters additional space to manipulate the slide.

G19 Gen 5 Specifications

• Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
• Overall length: 7.28”
• Barrel length: 4.02”
• Height: 5.04” with magazine inserted
• Width: 1.34”
• Standard capacity: 15+1. Also accepts Glock 17-compatible magazines.
• Weight: 23.63 oz. with empty magazine, 30.16 oz. with loaded 15-round magazine
• Trigger pull: 5.5 lbs.

Glock 19 vs. 19X Compared

Here is a breakdown of how the Glock 19 and the Glock 19X compare in terms of performance, comfort, accessory compatibility, and concealment.

Accuracy

While the Glock 19X isn’t officially part of the Generation 5 family pistols, it does possess some Gen 5 features the G19 has, including the Glock Marksman Barrel.

Both handguns feature virtually identical barrel lengths (4.01” vs 4.02”). This makes the Glock 19 Gen 5 and 19X theoretically capable of achieving the same accuracy. There should be no appreciable differences between either handgun for most shooters; both are excellent and accurate in most circumstances.

Reliability

Glock handguns are traditionally known for their reliability and long-term performance; neither the G19 Gen 5 nor the G19X are exceptions to the rule. Both handguns are known to function reliably and without malfunctions for several thousand rounds when fed with quality factory ammunition.

Some tests have noted that the Glock 19 Gen 5 and the Glock 19X will survive multiple thousands of shots without cleaning, confirming they are as reliable as their older peers.

Accessory Compatibility

When comparing the Glock 19X to the standard G19 Gen 5, both handguns are designed to accept similar accessories out of the box. Both feature a short accessory rail on the frame, ideal for installing a tactical light or laser sight.

However, the G19 Gen 5 offers additional variants not available with the Glock 19X. For instance, the Glock 19 Gen 5 MOS features the Modular Optic System (MOS) slide, which allows shooters to install adapter plates and red dot sights.

While the G19X frame can theoretically accept a G19 MOS slide, it is not available from the factory in this configuration, meaning the user must assemble the MOS slide on the 19X frame themselves. The Glock 19 has a slight advantage over the G19X, provided you purchase the right variant.

Magazine Compatibility

The G19 and G19X accept Glock 9mm double-stack magazines of similar design. The Glock 19 Gen 5’s standard magazine accepts 15 rounds, whereas the Glock 19X is designed to accept Glock 17 17-round magazines. Both pistols will accept the G19X’s 17+2 extended baseplate magazines as well.

Because of this, both handguns are compatible with a wide variety of OEM and third-party extended magazines, including Glock OEM 33-round models. The only type of magazines the G19X can’t accept that the G19 can is the G19’s standard 15-rounder. The standard Glock 19 magazine is too short to fit and lock into the G19X/G17 frame.

Comfort and Ergonomics

One of the primary differences between the two pistols is grip size, which affects shooting comfort and ergonomics.

The Glock 19X features the same grip height and surface as the standard full-sized Glock 17. It allows a greater variety of shooters to get a full, comfortable grip on the G19X, identical to the G17. The choice to use a full-size grip likely comes from the requirements of the MHS program and the need to accommodate servicemembers of different hand sizes and statures.

While the G19 isn’t uncomfortable to hold and grip, the reduced frame height provides a shorter surface for the shooter’s hands. If you have large hands, your pinky finger may reach past the frame and rest on the baseplate or beyond it. In that case, you may find the Glock 19 slightly less comfortable than the G19X.

Aside from grip height, the two pistols are similar in every other way. They both feature the same type of grip texture, and their controls are in identical locations. Additionally, both pistols possess Gen 5-type improved trigger springs, giving the trigger a crisper feel compared to older-generation pistols.

Concealability

The Glock 19 has long been hailed as the “Goldilocks gun” because it offers what many shooters consider the perfect balance of capacity, comfort, and concealability. Whether you prefer to carry IWB or OWB, you can adapt the Glock 19 to virtually any carry position and holster type.

While it is possible to conceal crossover pistols like the Glock 19X, it is more challenging. This handgun descends from a military program pistol and features a full-sized grip primarily intended to accommodate high-capacity magazines. It is not designed with concealment in mind.

If you conceal-carry a G19X, you may need to treat it like a Glock 17 and adapt your holster choices around its size. For example, you may need a concealable OWB holster or an appendix IWB rig to achieve the best results.

Carry Your Glock Confidently with Incognito Concealment

While the differences between the Glock 19 vs. 19X can be subtle, each handgun is suited for different shooters and applications. Whether you prefer the classic compact or the new crossover pistol, Incognito Concealment offers a selection of durable, low-profile concealment holsters. Find the ideal IWB, AIWB, or OWB holster for your favorite Glock pistol today.