Glock 19 upgrades?

[minutemen1776]

Yes, I know that Glocks are "perfection," but I'm seriously wondering if there are any "upgrades" that are worth having for my Glock 19. For instance, I was trolling Midway USA and saw that Glock itself makes an extended slide stop release, and Wolff offers steel guide rods and springs that replace the factory captive rod/spring assembly. For those who really know of these items' performance, are either of them any good, or just a good way to blow a few bucks?

 

[simonriece]

If glock is perfection, then why would you modify it?

Extended slide and mag release upgrades are worthwhile, for things like IDPA matches, and for those who are not able to effectively manipulate factory Glock controls. The two piece steel guide rod is not going to add anything in the way of accuracy or reliability, for a G19. I would make the arguement the other way should you have a G17L, but many of my peers could just as easily argue the opposite. Ayoob never saw any reason to have a guide rod in a 1911, and the original design didn't incorporate it. Replacing factory springs is a worthwhile endeavor, once the factory springs are worn, such as the recoil spring, ejector, striker spring and even the entire assembly. My oldest G17, early import, is unchanged and has been tested to its' limits, over 20k rounds, with the original barrel and springs. It is a safe queen now, as I don't feel confident it can fire any more proof loads.

You are asking whether you should change anything, does this mean you are unhappy with its' current configuration?

 

[Zak Smith]

All I add to Glocks are metal sights.

 

[minutemen1776]

I am mostly interested in the extended slide release lever, as I find the stock one a bit hard to manipulate. I'm mainly just curious about the guide rod. And Zak, I am already considering some metal sights, probably of the tritium variety.

 

[Zak Smith]

There's nothing wrong with the stock guiderod. The only time the slide "release" lever is used "on the clock" (ie non-administratively) by me is to lock the slide back during a double-feed malfunction.

 

[Jim Watson]

The Wolff steel guide rod's main function is to be of larger diameter so as to guide their conventional round wire springs. The factory plastic is fine for the factory flatwire spring. Which I consider superior anyhow.

 

[PO2Hammer]

My 19 only got Heinie straight eight night sights.

 

[BlayGlock]

The Wolff steel guide rod's main function is to be of larger diameter so as to guide their conventional round wire springs. The factory plastic is fine for the factory flatwire spring. Which I consider superior anyhow.

This.

The only thing a 19 really needs is a good set of metal sights, a .25 cent trigger job, and maybe a 3.5 connector if you trigger pull is on the heavier side. That is all it really needs. You could get the slide hardchromed and get a stipple job to be cool:

 

[REAPER4206969]

Sights are the only useful alteration. It's also the only one Gaston approves of.

 

[W.E.G.]

Buy ammo.

 

[TNplinker]

You know, I've been wondering the same thing. My factory recoil spring rides high in the barrel groove, almost looks like it could pop out of there. I push it down in the notch, cycle the action, and its popped back up on the edge of the lip of the notch in the barrel. The gun functions like a charm at the range, so I'm wondering if this is normal? This is the only reason I have looked at the steel rod/springs in the Brownell's catalog...

Of course, If I had the $$$ I'd just replace the whole thing with the Lasermax guide rod laser

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Night sights are a worthwhile upgrade, and an extended slide stop might be if you have difficulty with the standard one (I don't, myself). I've also always been satisfied with the standard trigger pull and never seen any need to change it. (I am told that the 3.5# trigger bar and "NY1" trigger spring keeps the pull weight at ~5.5 lbs. but with a crisper pull and reset, but will not likely get around to it.) Most of the other aftermarket parts - like the recoil spring and guide rod - are just gimmicks.

 

[REAPER4206969]

You know, I've been wondering the same thing. My factory recoil spring rides high in the barrel groove, almost looks like it could pop out of there. I push it down in the notch, cycle the action, and its popped back up on the edge of the lip of the notch in the barrel. The gun functions like a charm at the range, so I'm wondering if this is normal?

The guide rod does not stay in the assembly notch on the barrel when installed on the frame. When you install the slide on the frame, the guide rod drops down into the recoil spring tunnel in the frame. The recoil spring assembly does not touch the barrel at all when assembled.

It catches on the slide lock notch on the barrel when the slide is removed. Be sure to always push it back into the assembly notch before reinstalling the slide as failing to do so will cause the guide rod head to catch on the slide lock and break.

 

[Wester]

Night sights and lot's-o-practice. Besides quality steel night sights, knowing your weapon is worth more than anything you can stick on it, buy ammo, learn from each range trip.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Like Zak, the only time I use the slide stop on the Glock is to lock the slide back to show clear at the end of a string of fire. It has never occurred to me to add a stainless guide rod to my G19 and I'v enever had a problem hitting the stock mag release.

I have made some additions to my G19 to reflect how I used it when I first go it:
1. Hogue slip-on grips...because I like the palm swells
2. Plug for the hollow behind the magwell...mine has an angle on it to avoid the mad catching on the lip of the mag well
3. 3.5lb sear...it came with the NY-1 trigger module and this sear brought the trigger pull back to 5.5lbs

I'm undecided on replacement sights. I'm torn between the Heine and the Warren Tactical rear sight

 

[Hangingrock]

I have a set of Warren night sights on my G19. This sight system combination is going to be changed out. For me, myself, and nobody else I’ve concluded that the best sight combination is a front night sight and a plain black U-notch rear sight.

Since I shoot the G19 on a regular basis with reloads I opted for a KKM-Precision replacement barrel. That way the use of reloads with lead bullets is not questionable.

Other than the changes mentioned the G19 is OEM.

 

[Zerodefect]

-Warren Sevigny Comp plain black rear sight. Thinnest Dawson FO front you can find.
-3.5 connector, I use the Lonewolf. The Zevtech/Glockworx comp 3.0 is by far the best connector, but in my g23 it let the striker go too early and was unsafe. Will try that connector in annother Glock soon, that deosn't have my Fulcrum trigger.

-Glockworx spring kit (be careful with striker springs, replace comp trigger springs often)

-Glock Smooth trigger, and fit the trigger safety properly when depressed. The Glockworx fulcrum trigger is awesome, but it's inner edges are too sharp IMO and you can get similar results with the stock smooth trigger and a Lonewolf adjustable ejector housing thingy.

-lube the trigger/connector points where they meet well
-Glockworx ti fp safety
-Lonewolf tungsten guide rod
-G17 mags, make sure gen8+
-Glockworx Lite striker

 

[TNplinker]

Ok thanks, Reaper, I guess it makes sense that it doesn't actually sit like that while the slide is on and the gun is in operation, but only pops up like that when the slide is removed. It's like wondering if the light in the refrigerator goes out when you close the door thanks

 

[REAPER4206969]

You're welcome.

 

[Jed Carter]

I have a G34 and the extended mag release is in the way when I shoot weak/left handed. It has never dropped a mag accidently but it feels like it could. Just change the sights, you will not regret it, Dawson Precision fiber optic front and your choice of rear, or a tritium night sight set.

 

[breacher]

G19 gen.3
Ameriglo operator night sights
3.5 connector
butt plug
Speer GDHP +p and Corbons hot stuff

10-8 on duty with me for the last 3+ years--
about 2000 rds downrange and zero malfunctions

me likes -
I have a G33 pocket rocket for off duty (all stock), has me thinking hard about picking up a new G32 for on duty

 

[GunTech]

Depends on what you use you GLOCK for.

Good sights for sure.

For my carry I have the 8# NYSP trigger. It gives it a more revolver like feel, but that is personal preference. I actually wore out my plastic guide rod - it still worked but after several thousand rounds, I was finding plastic shavings in the interior of the gun. I replaced it with a steel captive recoil system.

I tried the extended slide release and didn't find it helpful.

As noted, spend the money on ammo and practice.

 

[hirundo82]

Replace the factory plastic sights with a good pair of metal sights, as others have said--I have Trijicons on my G19. Besides that, the only modification I've made is to replace the serrated trigger with a smooth (G17) trigger.

 

[ForumSurfer]

It all depends on what your desired result is.

Metal sights are the first additions, several great ones out there...tritium is a bonus, but not necessary.

I detest my glock's trigger pull. I added g17 smooth faced trigger (simply a preference, I like my triggers smooth YMMV), .25 cent trigger job, 3.5 lb connector and 3.5 lb spring. It's better and it works. I'm still not satisfied, but I'm not exactly dissatisfied, either. I could have learned to use it as-is...but it is my gun and if it doesn't interfere with operation, I see no wrong with modifying it.

I also added an extended mag release. It's not necessary, but it is a preference. One of my holsters doesn't cover the mag release. When I wear that holster, the mag release digs into my love handle area. Wearing an under garment helps, but not much. I switched back to factory. If it were shaped like the gen4's mag release, I'd be happier with it.

I added the glock extended slide stop. It is handy for locking the slide. Other than that, not really useful. When I slam in a new mag, I either rack the slide or engage the magazine sharply and the slide drops by itself. I like to have the extended slide stop there just in case I were ever operating it one handed and I needed to close the slide. If it's life or death, then the whole "slide lock vs racking the slide by hand" argument goes out the window. Just a preference. YMMV.

Overall my g19 is what it is. Metal sights, ammo and more ammo are about the only useful mods. If you want to alter the trigger to your liking, use glock stuff since it is reliable and proven IMO.

Edit:: If you reload, replacement barrels that allow you to shoot lead reloads are a useful mod. Especially for those that own 23's and can switch between 9mm, 40 cal and 357 with a few simple part changes. I should have bought a 23 instead.

 

[Paladin7]

Mine's set up for reliability and safety, so minimal tweaking...it's my EDC.

So, Trijicon Night Sights and a NY1 Trigger - I prefer the stronger NY1 part vs the stock spring and like the 8lb weight of pull and more positive reset I get with this set up, Also with the NY1 there is less likely a problem with a high stress ND than with the stock set up - I guess you can say training would mitigate this possibility as well, but I like my bases covered).

You could make a case for the Glock extended slide release lever...but don't have one in mine.

I prefer minimal tweaking on my EDC... If you have a different purpose for yours, there are lots of options...