I've had my G19 (gen 3) for a while now and love the pistol. Its been 100% reliable and I shoot it very well. When I carry (iwb) the grip prints more than I'd like and feels very "large". An obvious solution is to get a G26 but finances right now take that option off the table. I do also like the longer barrel and sight radius of the 19. So here it goes. I've seen a few posts online that show G19s with their grip reduced to the size of a G26. This way they can accept the 10 round mag but still be able to use the 15 (or even 17) round mags with a slip on grip extension. The pics I've seen actually look pretty good. I think performing the work would be well within my skills but I just haven't been able to put a bandsaw to my gun just yet. Is shortening the grip on my 19 a viable option or just a disaster waiting to happen? I would personally be more comfortable carrying something less noticable (even though no one including family and ever said they've noticed). So I guess I'm asking you guys to talk me out of this (or maybe into it).
My G19 and a bandsaw. Good idea?
- Thread starter marb4
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Prince Yamato
Member
Save up for the G26.
JustinJ
Member
First find out what a new grip will cost you if you mess up.
chicharrones
needs more ammo
Considering the grip is part of the frame on a Glock, it may cost the price of a whole new gun and will need an FFL transfer.
http://www.lonewolfdist.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=80127
http://www.lonewolfdist.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=80127
If done right, it's actually pretty cool and it seems to work out well for the guys who've done it. Glocks version of a Colt CCO. If done wrong? Hope you're willing to buy a new gun! I've seen it done wrong, it ain't pretty.
If you take the dive, do your research and take it niiiice and easy!
If you take the dive, do your research and take it niiiice and easy!
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There are two things right now preventing me from chopping away.
1) As some of you have noted, if I screw it up I go from having a great dependable pistol to an interesting paperweight/conversation piece.
2) I have some concern altering any weapon that may be used in self defense. Were the gun used in an SD situation, could I be in greater legal jeapordy having used an "altered" weapon?
1) As some of you have noted, if I screw it up I go from having a great dependable pistol to an interesting paperweight/conversation piece.
2) I have some concern altering any weapon that may be used in self defense. Were the gun used in an SD situation, could I be in greater legal jeapordy having used an "altered" weapon?
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
Legal jeopardy? As in violating some law? No, not at all. Now there's nothing that stops a prosecutor from dragging up anything s/he wants to at a trial, but a frame chop to make your gun more like other common defensive pistols is quite unlikely to hurt you.
I'd say go for it. Carefully, but confidently.
Eh, seriously doubt it. While this is a permanent mod, many people modify their carry guns in one way or another.
Legal jeopardy as in giving a prosecutor or an attorney suing for wrongful death more "ammo" to build their case on.
Me too essentially. It's not a masterpiece or any sort of collector's item so if you want to chop it go for it. Worst case scenario you'll have to buy a new frame; Glock will be most happy to make that happen for you for a price.
A couple of years ago or so I was considering upgrading my Gen2 20 with a Gen3 frame. Glock quoted me a turnkey job at $155. I understand it's higher now but thaw as the quote than. I'd have had to relinquish the Gen2 frame so I just decided to keep what I have. I like the finger grooves, but not that much.
fatcat4620
Member
Have you thought of trading it for a 26?
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
A pretty far stretch. All it could possibly do is play to a question of character, and really, show a jury a G17, a G19, a G26, and your modifed G-19 and have them pick out the one that says "dangerous man."
You're basically making one gun a little more like another gun in the factory's lineup. I remain unconvinced that this is compelling to a jury.
JustinJ
Member
I always thought the slide was the "gun" part legally speaking. Does it differ amongst hand guns?
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
Almost all common handguns feature the frame or receiver as the "firearm" -- a slide is just a part.
Sort of exceptions, kind of, include things like the Ruger Mk.I/II/III in which the barrel/upper is the regulated part.
Sam Cade
Member
Cut the grip.
It is a tool not a holy artifact.
Th real value of a tool is determined by its utility.
It is a tool not a holy artifact.
Th real value of a tool is determined by its utility.
Zundfolge
Member
Robar charges $300 to do it and Bowie Tactical charges $70 if you would rather have a pro take a hack at it (just to give you an idea of the price range out there).
If you do it yourself, remember; Measure Twice, Cut Once. (if possible get your hands on a G26 for measuring)
If you do it yourself, remember; Measure Twice, Cut Once. (if possible get your hands on a G26 for measuring)
ColdDayInHell
Member
This.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
Seeing as the OP has stated clear reasons for wanting to do this modification, telling him to buy a different gun that isn't like the one he wants is pointless.
Let's drop the "Buy a 26!" suggestions.
fatcat4620
Member
Then buy a 26 frame for your 19 upper
I would just advise against ruining your 19 frame and destroying the value of your gun.
I would just advise against ruining your 19 frame and destroying the value of your gun.
This bears repeating.
Also be sure that your cut is parallel to the original. Better to take not enough off and have to file/sand it to fit, than take off too much and have an ugly gap (and possible feeding problems) between the frame and the magazine base
hAkron
Member
I would say buy a 26 and put your 19 upper on it. A 26 is going to come with 2 correct sized mags also.
Inebriated
Member
I've seen some very, VERY nice hack jobs. I would agree that if you can get a 26 to give you a reference, you should. And like 9mm said, file to fit.
Good luck, and POST PICS!
Good luck, and POST PICS!
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