[marb4]

I'm looking at buying my 1st Glock here in the near future and am kind of stuck between the 19 and the 26. For now, this gun will be primarily for range use and HD. Concealed carry I'm hoping will be an option one day. (my state is currently the last in the country that allows you to keep arms but not bear them). I like the 26 because it is small (in case I ever get to carry) but will accept the longer mags and extensions to give a longer grip like the 19 for range/HD use. You can't make a 19 shorter though. I'd love to hear some 19 vs 26 pros and cons from you guys with experience.

For what its worth, I haven written off the Ruger SR9c yet or maybe a Walther P99. Opinions on these vs the G19 and 26?

[The Watchman]

Go with the G19 now. I believe you will find that it is practical for the range(where the G26 maybe not so much) and if you do ever carry the G19 it's not too big, I find it nice to have 15+1 capacity on my side. If you still must have the G26 you can always buy one Later down the road!!

[wh!plash]

I agree, easy choice with the G19. Not too big that you can't carry it (I have and do), but not so small that its not enjoyable to bring to the range.

[Jbabbler]

I can shoot the G26 as good or better than my G19. The G26 is a very versatile gun. Tucked away in a Glock Combat Holster ($9) it hides beautifully. To me, the perfect combination of the two would be a G19 slide with a G26 grip.

[The Lone Haranguer]

You want the G19, at least for now. For range and home defense there is no advantage to the smaller gun, and the G19 is still quite compact for carry.

[AJChenMPH]

Hold both and then decide. For me, the palmswell on the backstrap of the G19 pushes into my hand and forces the barrel up so that it shoots above POA. I don't have the same issue with the G26, even when I use a 15-round mag with the A&G grip extender, so it points much more naturally for me.

I have pics, but can't access them while I'm currently behind the firewall...

[legion3]

Both! But the G19 first!!

[easyg]

I prefer the Glock 26.

Smaller, lighter weight, easier to carry, and still just as accurate as the G19 in most folks hands.

But best of all, you can use the standard 26 magazine and have the most concealable Glock...

Or the +2 extended magazine and have a place for your pinky finger...

Or you can use the 15 round magazine (with a sleeve) and have the same sized grip (and same magazine capacity) as the Glock 19.

[Warp]

I have both. I had the same decision to make and went G26 (I lived next door in IN so I could of course carry). This was back in 2005. I didn't get a G19 until 2009. I now prefer the G19 and it is my primary carry gun. It really isn't hard to comfortably carry concealed. Since you live in the most corrupt, liberal, retarded POS state we have (D.C. is a territory or it would hold the honor) I would get a G19

[marb4]

I have both. I had the same decision to make and went G26 (I lived next door in IN so I could of course carry). This was back in 2005. I didn't get a G19 until 2009. I now prefer the G19 and it is my primary carry gun. It really isn't hard to comfortably carry concealed. Since you live in the most corrupt, liberal, retarded POS state we have (D.C. is a territory or it would hold the honor) I would get a G19
It drives me nuts that I only live about 30 miles from freedom (Indiana). Whenever my family and I sneak across the border we can feel the weight of oppression lift off our shoulders. I always buy at least one box of ammo because its so nice to be able to pay for your ammo like an adult without having to show a note from Big Brother that says you have government's permission to exercise your 2nd ammendment rights (FOID). We also stop by a fireworks store since we are frobidden to buy those here as well. (Of course we never bring those back across state lines - just in case BB is reading this)

[voyager4520]

Walther also makes a Compact P99: http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=13152&storeId=10002&productId=58942&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=43803&isFirearm=Y

If you can't concealed carry pick one that fits your hands the best.

[BluewaterTacDefense]

I EDC a G27 in a Galco King Tuk iwb. I have the G23 mag in it with a pro mag filler. I shoot the gun very accurate. Do like they have said go pick then both up and carry them around the store. Use a holster and walk around with them, see how you like either one.http://tapatalk.com/mu/aefc8564-a59e-c4c9.jpg
http://tapatalk.com/mu/aefc8564-a678-01c9.jpg

Bluewater Tactical Defense

[NMBrian]

If you ever plan on putting finger extensions on your glock 26, you are better off just getting the 19.

I conceal mine in shorts and a T-shirt out here in the heat of New Mexico with no problems.

[amd6547]

I much prefer the G26. It carries easily, and disappears under a Tshirt. At the range, I have a blast with the G26...I really enjoy shooting it.
I have a G26 mag with a flat floorplate, a mag with a finger extension, and a mag with a plus extension...that is versatility....add a G19 mag and you have a pistol that goes from deep undercover to HD.

[GRIZ22]

The 19 is the best all around Glock 9mm.

[Dr_2_B]

I agree the G19 is their best (and one of the 5 or 10 finest pistols ever made imho). I'd go with it. However, it should be mentioned that you can put a G19 barrel in a G26 whereas the G19 doesn't have that minor versatility advantage.

Good news is you'll probably be very happy with either choice.

[HoosierQ]

I went through the same exercise and I am glad I picked the 19. It carries very well IWB at 4:00...very well. AND I can get 3 fingers around the grip.

I can't get 2 whole fingers around the grip of a 26. The 26, which sure is a nice little gun, would not be much fun at the range I'd wager.

19 all the way unless very discreet concealed carry is your absolute number one concern. And again, for me anyway, the 19 conceals and carries very well and is much fun at the range. Mine is a Gen3.

[jollyroger]

If you ever plan on putting finger extensions on your glock 26, you are better off just getting the 19.

Beg to differ with you there. I have a model 26 I carry with the standard 10-shot mag with Pearce grip extender. It is nowhere near the size of a 19. I carry it every day on and off duty in a Desantis Apache ankle rig - can't do that with a 19. The grip is almost as good as a 19.

BTW, I own a 19 as well. Really can't go wrong with either, but the 26 really has the edge in terms of carry options.

[Warp]

Beg to differ with you there. I have a model 26 I carry with the standard 10-shot mag with Pearce grip extender. It is nowhere near the size of a 19. I carry it every day on and off duty in a Desantis Apache ankle rig - can't do that with a 19. The grip is almost as good as a 19.

BTW, I own a 19 as well. Really can't go wrong with either, but the 26 really has the edge in terms of carry options.

Correct you are. I get annoyed with the number of people who proclaim that a pinky extension on a sub compact Glock makes it just as big/hard to conceal as a compact. This is 100% false as almost anybody who has owned both and compared will know. Even if you put a +2 on the G26 the backstrap length, which is the biggest factor in IWB concealment, is still shorter than a G19...and with a +0 pinky extension there is no comparison.



A suggestion for the sub compacts:

http://www.concealablecontrol.com/products.html


http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g105/austin3161324/Glockcompactvssubwithextension.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g105/austin3161324/19vs27PGheightcomparison.jpg

[AJChenMPH]

However, it should be mentioned that you can put a G19 barrel in a G26 whereas the G19 doesn't have that minor versatility advantage.
I think you meant a G19 mag, not a G19 barrel -- right?

A suggestion for the sub compacts:

http://www.concealablecontrol.com/products.html
I carry my G26 with this, and I like it a whole heckuva lot better than the Pearce or Scherer +0 extender -- plus it doesn't extend the grip any further:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a96/ajchenmph/Personal/IMG_0502.jpg

Here are the other pics I was talking about earlier. The first two are of my old G19 (which I no longer have):

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a96/ajchenmph/Personal/G19Grip2.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a96/ajchenmph/Personal/G19Grip2Closeup.jpg

You can see how the backstrap pushes into the fleshy part of my palm. This is the G26, and you can see how I don't have the same issue:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a96/ajchenmph/Personal/IMG_0242.jpg

Again, as others have said, you can't really go wrong with either, but you really should hold both to see which one fits your hand better.

As far as concealed carry goes (when the time comes for you) -- I've carried both, and while concealment is maybe just a bit better with the G26 (not by much), the big difference is comfort while sitting in a car, etc. I can much more comfortably carry my G26 at 3:30 than I ever could with my G19.

[smitty704]

That is a hard choice, if it was up to me I would send you home with the 19. You can always buy the 26 later if your state ever allows you to conceal carry.....

[Rick Roll]

G19

[clang]

anoter vote for the G19. Really a great all around 9mm

[VP]

I vote 19. I have a 23 (same size but in 40 S&W). I used to carry a 19 as my side arm at work. It is a fantastic weapon and I never had a problem concealing it or my 23. All I know is I will be picking up a 19 as soon as I seea used one at a good price.

[whalerman]

I've had extensive experience with both. Great guns they are. You said "range and home defense". That means get the 19. Most people can shoot the 19 better, as it fits most hands better. But by all means go grab them both and see how they feel. But for the needs you stated the 19 is the best.

[jem375]

take a look at the Ruger SR9 also, this handgun is really under-rated...

[ForumSurfer]

I've owned both. Carry is something that is highly subjective and up to the end user and their dressing habits.

Every time I carried my 26, I could have just as easily carried my 19. I eventually sold the 26 and went with something smaller for the times that I don't want to carry my 19.

Both were very accurate and fun to shoot. I carried a stock 26 magazine in the 26 and just stuck glock 17 mags on my belt for a reload. I didn't need any extensions or whatever, I could shoot 300+ round sessions using 17 or 19 mags in my 26 without pinching my fingers. YMMV.

I vote for the 19. I never liked glocks until I spent some time with a 19/23. You'll have to pry my 19 from my cold, dead hands. It became one of my all time favorites. I like em stock, save for an extended slide stop lever, heinie plain black rear sight with a tritium dot up front and a smooth faced g17 trigger. Just pick up the 19 and run several hundred rounds through it before you start adding stuff other than sights to it.

[khegglie]

you can carry the 26 in a (big ) pocket

[ny32182]

I've been of the opinion for about the last 5 years that the G19 might be the most versatile pistol ever built. Given your multi-purpose role, I would take the 19 with no debate whatsoever. I've never owned a 26 due to the small grip; I have large hands, a finger hanging off doesn't work for me, and an extension on the mag isn't really the same thing. Your pinkie is still not really planted as the extension is not as solid as the frame, and you don't have as much backstrap in contact with your hand. The 26, IMO, is still big enough to where you need a holster to carry it, and I think the 19 carries fine with the same kind of setups. Big enough to shoot comfortably for a long time at the range, small enough to carry, 15rds on tap, reliable as can be, impervious to the elements, cheap... absolutely perfect carry/multipurpose pistol as far as I'm concerned.

[easyg]

...and an extension on the mag isn't really the same thing. Your pinkie is still not really planted as the extension is not as solid as the frame, and you don't have as much backstrap in contact with your hand.
Not true.
You can plant your pinky just as firmly as any of your fingers with the extended magazine.
And if you use a 15-round magazine and sleeve with the G26 it is essentially the same grip as the G19.

Basically, the G26 can transform in to a G19, but a G19 can't transform in to a G26.

[ckone]

Everyone should own a Glock 19, whether you have only one pistol or a safe full of 'em. Some are as good none are really better, and that goes for pretty much everything including CCW/EDC, competition, range, and/or HD... nothing does it all nearly as well.

A G26, while still a great gun, just isn't the "must have" a G19 is IMHO.

[Breakmyfootoff]

Basically, the G26 can transform in to a G19, but a G19 can't transform in to a G26.
This

If you have the 26 and sometimes need higher capacity and/or a longer grip, all you have to do is insert a longer magazine. It'll cost 40.00, 30.00 for the mag and 10.00 for the grip extension.

If you have a 19 and sometimes need a smaller gun to conceal in light clothing, all you have to do is get a 26. It'll cost 500.00

I carry my 26 with the factory 10 round magazine and a 17 round for back up. The 19 can be concealed, but the 26 can be concealed even easier. When in the car (in the outside pocket of my backpack on the passenger seat), or serving as a HD weapon it has the 17 round mag inserted. I have several magazines for it, two 17 round, one 15 round, one 12 round, and two 10 round magazines, so I can make it any size for any occasion.

[jmresistance]

take a look at the Ruger SR9 also, this handgun is really under-rated...
I would consider the Ruger as an alternative to the Glock/XD, if it were $150 cheaper. I have nothing against Ruger (I own 2 10/22s and would love to have a few of their other guns), but I feel that, with the exception of their .22s, their autoloading pistols just don't feel good. Then again, I actually prefer the Kel-Tec to the LCP, but that's just my opinion...

[amd6547]

I don't get the people who say the G26 is not a fun range gun...I just love shooting mine.
Just last week, I went to the range to sight in a rifle.
I had my G26 with me, and I was going to try a few rounds of some German made MEN brand 9mm ammo, and a used G26 mag I bought which came with a plus two extension.
After I did that, I start digging into my range bag for more 9mm ammo....the G26 is just fun to shoot.

[Johnny Lightning]

I currently have a Glock 17 for HD/range and a Glock 26 for carry and love them both! The most important part in choosing the Glock for yourself is making sure you like the grip and what position you would like your pinky finger to be in....Glock 17 nice big grip w/ plenty of space....Glock 19 nice grip but for me a little small and my pinky finger is kinda squished....Glock 26 pinky finger not on the grip at all unless you get an extended mag which I dont mind either. My friend has a Glock 19 and I think it is a fine gun and shoots well but I just dont like the condensed grip...all about the size of your hand. I feel the Glock 17 is the most accurate and the Glock 19 & 26 are almost even. So to sum it up the Glock 26 would fit all of your needs unless you are looking for the extra accuracy then I would go for the Glock 17. Just remember you can put any of the 9mm Glock mags in your Glock 26 and get the extra capacity you want for HD.....and that you can make a Glock 26 bigger w/ a larger mag but you cant make a Glock 19/17 smaller for carry.

[Dr_2_B]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr_2_B
However, it should be mentioned that you can put a G19 barrel in a G26 whereas the G19 doesn't have that minor versatility advantage.

I think you meant a G19 mag, not a G19 barrel -- right?


AJChenMPH, Thanks for checking me on that, but no I actually was referring to the barrel. Some people go for that - having the barrel extend a bit past the frame of the gun. The G26 will take a G19 barrel, though a g19 will not take the longer G17 barrel.

[Lucky 7]

Of the two, I'd say go with the G19. It's definitely a do-all weapon (aside from deep concealment), a great intro pistol in regards to learning the fundamentals, and favorite of my 3 Glocks (G19, 26, and 34).

That said, my G26 is my EDC because of the reasons stated by Breakmyfootoff. Seek out a range that does rentals and find out which one you index, shoot, and handle best.

Best of luck,
Lucky

[ForumSurfer]

and 10.00 for the grip extension.

I never bothered with those. I ran my drills drawing with the stock 10 rounder and my reloads were bare g17 or g19 mags (from my g17 and g19). I found it easier just to run the larger magazines and not worry with the spacer. The grip extension was just kind of awkward to fit mag carriers and I didn't see any benefit other than when I was simply holding the weapon and it kind of felt better. It didn't make a difference when I actually ran the gun hard. When running drills, the bare magazine was just as comfortable. I had two, and tossed them. I would have been better off buying another 50-75 rounds for that $12. :)

[jon86]

Another vote for the 19 here. The most important measurement for concealement for me is thickness. They are both pretty thick for IWB, but still concealable. Even if you shoot the 26 as well as the 19, remember that you get better retainability with the 19. I also think the 19 balances better on the belt IWB or OWB. The 26/27 is very grip heavy, causing it to feel very unbalanced on the belt. YMMV.

[Breakmyfootoff]

I never bothered with those. I ran my drills drawing with the stock 10 rounder and my reloads were bare g17 or g19 mags (from my g17 and g19). I found it easier just to run the larger magazines and not worry with the spacer. The grip extension was just kind of awkward to fit mag carriers and I didn't see any benefit other than when I was simply holding the weapon and it kind of felt better. It didn't make a difference when I actually ran the gun hard. When running drills, the bare magazine was just as comfortable. I had two, and tossed them. I would have been better off buying another 50-75 rounds for that $12.

I agree, I do the same thing for mine. I just listed the inserts for those that really want the feel of a full grip since it was being compared to the 19.

I also think the 19 balances better on the belt IWB or OWB. The 26/27 is very grip heavy, causing it to feel very unbalanced on the belt.

How on earth can it feel more grip heavy than the 19 when it has 5 less rounds stored in the grip?

[Jonah71]

I have the G 26 with Pearce extensions on the mags and I really like it. But for your purposes I think the 19 would be better for you. I prefer my G 23, but you should go with the 19 imo.

[thefamcnaj]

I say get both!!! Cant go wrong with glock.
But serisously, I own both. I'd get the g19. Its accurate and comfortable in the hand.
Should you be able to carry in the future you can carry the g19 quite comfortably iwb. I use a wild bill's consealment holster. also with the 19 you get 5 extra rounds of ammo.
I also read where the OP mentioned that the G26 will take extentions. They will take extentions but putting extentions on a 26 defeats the purpose of what it was designed for. So go with the 19 but either choice you'll be happy. They both will go bang every time you pull the trigger. good luck.

[Mr.357Sig]

19.

[reppans]

I have both and like both for different seasons. The 5 extra rounds for the increased length of the 19 is worth it when I have layers, but I like carrying the 26 better most of the time. I think the 26 with the 19 mag + extension is great for occasional use, but I don't see the same as a 19 since the bottom of the grip is less secure, solid, stable.

I actually like the short grip and curling my pinky under - only reason for an extension for me is mag capacity.

Concealed carry I'm hoping will be an option one day. (my state is currently the last in the country that allows you to keep arms but not bear them).

If you were carrying, or soon to be carrying, I'd vote for 26, but if you're waiting for the laws to change - I'd definitely go with the 19.

[WinThePennant]

Based on your stated needs, I'd say buy both. If you can't buy both at the same time, then buy the G19 first.

Also, don't look past the G17. Personally, I think I'd rather have the G17 for the range and HD. The G26 is great for concealed carry.

For deep concealed carry, you'll want something else altogether. Think DB9, PF9, etc...

[JROC]

I'm pretty sure my next Glock will be a G19.

Great gun, but I guess you could say that about most all Glocks.

[Warp]

I'm pretty sure my next Glock will be a G19.

Great gun, but I guess you could say that about most all Glocks.

Pretty much. The 30SF, 36 and 4th gen 9x19s are lagging behind though. I would not recommend any of them.

[pacerdude]

For range use, and home defense the G19 seems to beat out the 26. Plus if you are able to carry it later, the G19 is still a very manageable gun to conceal carry.

Good Luck.

[todd_g]

Since no one has mentioned it, I will throw it out there. Get a G23, it's same size as the G19, now order a Lone Wolf drop in barrel conversion to 9mm for $100 then get a few G19 mags, you can even skimp and buy the cheap KCI (Korean) mags and now you have two guns in one.

[Warp]

No, not know ;)

[Lazyshooter]

I've got the 19, and I carry it everyday. I recently got a 27 because I thought it would be easier to carry due to the shorter grip but still prefer the 19. I shoot better with the 19 so if I was going to get one primarily for "range and home defense" I'd get the 19.