A Grudging Review of the Glock 19
- Thread starter Spats McGee
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Ed Ames
Member
I once bought a glock. It didn't take years of build up or any late night religious conversions. They are fairly cheap and I wanted to form my own opinion about them based on first hand experience, so I bought one.
In my case I bought a gen 4 G22. I thought it was a nice little CC gun. Not the smallest but with a Simply Rugged Cuda holster (with loops for IWB) and a decent belt it pretty much disappears as long as you keep your pants on...I'm sure there are other great holster choices, that was just mine.
The passion damper for me was that I had pistols that cost half as much and functioned just as well (for my use case), and pistols that cost as much and gave more than twice the je ne sais quoi...joy of ownership or something equally nebulous. There is a serious brand premium for the name Glock.
I have a slight problem with a subset of glock owners. When non-gun-people go to buy a gun, they seem disproportionately likely to buy a glock. I suspect they have heard the name before, and buy the most familiar brand. They then learn all about that gun and quickly decide they are "experts" simply because they don't know how little they know. That isn't Glock's fault and can happen with any brand, but it makes conversation about Glocks a lot less productive.
E.g. a coworker that recently bought a G30 and is all excited about his new gun. As he was bragging it up he told me and a few other people how he wasn't going to carry it with a round in the chamber because that is safer. I tried. Another coworker tried. We could not convince him that his new gun was designed to be carried loaded.
In my case I bought a gen 4 G22. I thought it was a nice little CC gun. Not the smallest but with a Simply Rugged Cuda holster (with loops for IWB) and a decent belt it pretty much disappears as long as you keep your pants on...I'm sure there are other great holster choices, that was just mine.
The passion damper for me was that I had pistols that cost half as much and functioned just as well (for my use case), and pistols that cost as much and gave more than twice the je ne sais quoi...joy of ownership or something equally nebulous. There is a serious brand premium for the name Glock.
I have a slight problem with a subset of glock owners. When non-gun-people go to buy a gun, they seem disproportionately likely to buy a glock. I suspect they have heard the name before, and buy the most familiar brand. They then learn all about that gun and quickly decide they are "experts" simply because they don't know how little they know. That isn't Glock's fault and can happen with any brand, but it makes conversation about Glocks a lot less productive.
E.g. a coworker that recently bought a G30 and is all excited about his new gun. As he was bragging it up he told me and a few other people how he wasn't going to carry it with a round in the chamber because that is safer. I tried. Another coworker tried. We could not convince him that his new gun was designed to be carried loaded.
Ed Ames said:
Unfortunately it's not just a Glock thing I'm afraid. So many folks who want to carry don't get the proper education nor do they understand the huge responsibility that goes along with that new gun.
I carry a S&W 1911 Officers model and I have on several occasions around friends had them comment on how dangerous it is to carry a gun with the hammer back and one last week was a Glock owner. Even though I don't own one and can barely spell Glock I had a fun time explaining to him that his prized poly gun was fully cocked and ready to fire in his holster. The only difference was that he couldn't "see" the hammer on his.
My first pistol was a late 80's gen 1 Glock 23, I carried it for years, but slowly the gun porn got me and I became a 1911 guy. I've since owned several Kimbers, and despite what their detractors say they've proved to be reliable great HD and EDC guns. In 08 I picked up a 19 and a few mags before the election because I wanted to have one hi-cap gun around in case the fascists decided to ban them again.
Anyway, that 19 has slowly become my favorite shooter, and it's not just the 45-9 thing. I can empty a mag as fast as I can shoot and get 3" groups at 7 yards all day long. Today I shipped off my last Kimber, I picked up a 30SF with a custom slide for EDC a couple of weeks ago, and I present it quicker than my Kimber Pro CDP and shoot it just as well with less recoil. I'm ordering a 21 G4 for an HD rail gun next week. No 400 round break ins or half hour cleaning sessions, I don't worry about beating it up in the cold wet conditions I often carry in, and a piece of Kydex is a lot cheaper than fine leather for carry. 1911's are great guns IF you can afford them. But I have deteriorated into a Glock fanboy.
Anyway, that 19 has slowly become my favorite shooter, and it's not just the 45-9 thing. I can empty a mag as fast as I can shoot and get 3" groups at 7 yards all day long. Today I shipped off my last Kimber, I picked up a 30SF with a custom slide for EDC a couple of weeks ago, and I present it quicker than my Kimber Pro CDP and shoot it just as well with less recoil. I'm ordering a 21 G4 for an HD rail gun next week. No 400 round break ins or half hour cleaning sessions, I don't worry about beating it up in the cold wet conditions I often carry in, and a piece of Kydex is a lot cheaper than fine leather for carry. 1911's are great guns IF you can afford them. But I have deteriorated into a Glock fanboy.
Glocks do not sit not "fully cocked" nor do they have hammers
Strahley said:
Okay, educate me if you would. I apparently made the mistaken assumption that they were single action and that the firing pin was in the charged position at all times. Does a Glock act as a double action only by moving the firing pin rearward to the charged position each time you pull the trigger no matter if the slide has been racked either manually or by ejecting the previous round?
Although I'm a Chevy/Ford vs Honda kind of guys I couldn't agree more with this statement.Glocks are reliable tools.Not the greatest and prettiest.They just work;that's what you get with a Glock.I drink the kool-aid sometimes but not always.
A Glock is partially cocked when the slide is racked, and when you pull the trigger you're bringing the striker back and then releasing it. It sits with the striker at the firing pin safety. The firing pin safety isn't all the way up until the end of the trigger pull, which allows the striker to pass through as it flies forward. Here's a video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1VD1D1hLsQ&noredirect=1
On the other hand, there are some striker fired guns that work the way you said. The XD/XDM guns work that way. Watch this video and take notice of how the striker doesn't move back as the trigger is being pulled
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF5SVpW9a-Y&noredirect=1
@Strahley,
Well I guess that's what happens when you open your mouth when it should have remained closed, thanks for the education. So from what I'm getting from the video a Glock is sort of like a SAA at half cock although you don't need to thumb the hammer back to full cock to fire it.
So since a Glock is somewhat of a double action only gun isn't the trigger pull something that would take some getting used to, especially if you were a 1911 shooter?
Well I guess that's what happens when you open your mouth when it should have remained closed, thanks for the education. So from what I'm getting from the video a Glock is sort of like a SAA at half cock although you don't need to thumb the hammer back to full cock to fire it.
So since a Glock is somewhat of a double action only gun isn't the trigger pull something that would take some getting used to, especially if you were a 1911 shooter?
No worries, never hurts to learn something new. I don't think anybody can claim to know it all
It might, just depends on the person...but I don't see why it couldn't be done. Just don't go into it expecting a trigger that will mimic a 1911. But for what it is, the Glock has a good trigger
It might, just depends on the person...but I don't see why it couldn't be done. Just don't go into it expecting a trigger that will mimic a 1911. But for what it is, the Glock has a good trigger
OP
OP
Trouble in paradise
Well, I guess I shoulda known it was coming. I'd shot enough rounds through that G19 to feel comfortable having it in the EDC rotation, and finally had a full complement of holsters for it. I have a CBST, an OWB leather and a Fobus paddle holster. That means that there's almost no occasion on which I couldn't use the G19 for carry. I had even admitted to myself, and to the world (see above) that I like my G19. . .
Then it happened. My Glock broke. Yep! Broke. And I'm not talking about "I was doing force on force training on a skyscraper and it got kicked over the edge of the building to plummet 30 stories." No, this was something far more sedate. I'm talking "standing in my living room and a part fell off." Aren't Glocks supposed to be famous for their durability and reliability?
Well, Mrs. McGee works every other Saturday, so I often use those days to clean guns, if they need it. I decided that yesterday was just such a day, having not cleaned my guns since their last range trip. Now, bear in mind that I only put a magazine or two through the G19 at the last trip. That means that I've only got, maybe, 400 rounds through it. I've also been looking at new (to me) lubrication products and just got in a bottle of WeaponShield that I wanted to try out. I mentioned in my last big post that I was thinking about keeping it on the McGee Minimal Maintenance Program for about 500 rounds to see how she did. With the new bottle of WS in, this seemed like a perfect opportunity. So, while Mrs. McGee was a work, I got out the G19, field stripped, cleaned and lubed it, as directed.
Later in the day, I was just about to drive the Little McGee to something she had going, and pulled out the G19. I'd had it in the Fobus for most of the day, and noticed a drop of WS seeping out around the RSA plug in the slide. Naturally, I figured I'd pull the slide, do a quick wipe of any excess lube in there, and off I'd go.
Drop the mag, double-check the chamber, pull the trigger, pull down on the slide lock, and off comes the slide. Then I hear a small "thunk." I looked down and saw a small part that looked like this on the floor. I eventually figure out that it's Part #21 in this drawing. It's the slide lock. *Sigh* I put the now-disassembled G19 away, and Little McGee and I head off for her function. On the way, I call my buddy, the gunsmith. He and I discuss the matter, and he tells me that there should be a spring somewhere. An itty-bitty one. *double sigh* I send the picture of the slide lock to another buddy of mine. Buddy #2 has told me on many occasions how he's been shooting them for 20+ years and has never seen a malfunction that he didn't intentionally induce for training purposes. Naturally, his response is, "You broke a Glock?!?"
When I arrive home, I get out a flashlight and scan the floor, but my slide lock spring, to all appearances, has jumped off the pistol, into the next dimension, never to be seen again. Or so I thought. When I went to gather up the still disassembled G19, lo and behold, the slide lock spring is there, with one end stuck in between the RSA and a barrel lug.
Digging through my documents, I find out that I purchased the G19 on April 22, 2013. This event happened on April 19, 2014, a mere 3 days shy of the 1 year period for the warranty. I don't know if this is covered by the warranty, but I am at least not time-barred.
For the time being, the G19 has been removed from the EDC rotation, and we'll see how Glock's CS works out.
Well, I guess I shoulda known it was coming. I'd shot enough rounds through that G19 to feel comfortable having it in the EDC rotation, and finally had a full complement of holsters for it. I have a CBST, an OWB leather and a Fobus paddle holster. That means that there's almost no occasion on which I couldn't use the G19 for carry. I had even admitted to myself, and to the world (see above) that I like my G19. . .
Then it happened. My Glock broke. Yep! Broke. And I'm not talking about "I was doing force on force training on a skyscraper and it got kicked over the edge of the building to plummet 30 stories." No, this was something far more sedate. I'm talking "standing in my living room and a part fell off." Aren't Glocks supposed to be famous for their durability and reliability?
Well, Mrs. McGee works every other Saturday, so I often use those days to clean guns, if they need it. I decided that yesterday was just such a day, having not cleaned my guns since their last range trip. Now, bear in mind that I only put a magazine or two through the G19 at the last trip. That means that I've only got, maybe, 400 rounds through it. I've also been looking at new (to me) lubrication products and just got in a bottle of WeaponShield that I wanted to try out. I mentioned in my last big post that I was thinking about keeping it on the McGee Minimal Maintenance Program for about 500 rounds to see how she did. With the new bottle of WS in, this seemed like a perfect opportunity. So, while Mrs. McGee was a work, I got out the G19, field stripped, cleaned and lubed it, as directed.
Later in the day, I was just about to drive the Little McGee to something she had going, and pulled out the G19. I'd had it in the Fobus for most of the day, and noticed a drop of WS seeping out around the RSA plug in the slide. Naturally, I figured I'd pull the slide, do a quick wipe of any excess lube in there, and off I'd go.
Drop the mag, double-check the chamber, pull the trigger, pull down on the slide lock, and off comes the slide. Then I hear a small "thunk." I looked down and saw a small part that looked like this on the floor. I eventually figure out that it's Part #21 in this drawing. It's the slide lock. *Sigh* I put the now-disassembled G19 away, and Little McGee and I head off for her function. On the way, I call my buddy, the gunsmith. He and I discuss the matter, and he tells me that there should be a spring somewhere. An itty-bitty one. *double sigh* I send the picture of the slide lock to another buddy of mine. Buddy #2 has told me on many occasions how he's been shooting them for 20+ years and has never seen a malfunction that he didn't intentionally induce for training purposes. Naturally, his response is, "You broke a Glock?!?
"When I arrive home, I get out a flashlight and scan the floor, but my slide lock spring, to all appearances, has jumped off the pistol, into the next dimension, never to be seen again. Or so I thought. When I went to gather up the still disassembled G19, lo and behold, the slide lock spring is there, with one end stuck in between the RSA and a barrel lug.
Digging through my documents, I find out that I purchased the G19 on April 22, 2013. This event happened on April 19, 2014, a mere 3 days shy of the 1 year period for the warranty. I don't know if this is covered by the warranty, but I am at least not time-barred.
For the time being, the G19 has been removed from the EDC rotation, and we'll see how Glock's CS works out.
Question, did your spring break, or did it just fall out? If you put it back in, is it too weak? Is it too loose to fit in the slot in the frame, snugly?
This is a flat spring made out of aluminum! (edit: nope! made of steel!) This part can break after awhile, allowing the slide to fall off the frame if you dryfire the gun or have a bad primer. There are other threads explaining this problem. Something to do with Glock going with a third party manufacturer. There is a redesigned spring that is supposed to last longer, but someone here had an issue where it was a really loose fit in the frame.
I am sure it's only a matter of time before someone starts making a snug, oversize spring steel version, and LWD starts selling it for 5.00. Some of the newer Gen 3's and 4's have broken this part very prematurely, but even some of the older gen 3's are starting to see this failure, per what I have read on the forum.
This is a flat spring made out of aluminum! (edit: nope! made of steel!) This part can break after awhile, allowing the slide to fall off the frame if you dryfire the gun or have a bad primer. There are other threads explaining this problem. Something to do with Glock going with a third party manufacturer. There is a redesigned spring that is supposed to last longer, but someone here had an issue where it was a really loose fit in the frame.
I am sure it's only a matter of time before someone starts making a snug, oversize spring steel version, and LWD starts selling it for 5.00. Some of the newer Gen 3's and 4's have broken this part very prematurely, but even some of the older gen 3's are starting to see this failure, per what I have read on the forum.
Last edited:
ohbythebay
Member
speaking of fans...
Read my review of the dpm systems recoil kit on this forum. Went to the range and brought back data and pictures...
Read my review of the dpm systems recoil kit on this forum. Went to the range and brought back data and pictures...
ohbythebay
Member
trigger pull
The glick trigger is not like a d/a at all. First, it is striker fired so no hammer to cock like on a d/a. Second, many d/a and s/a have a trigger pull if approx 8lbs and then 5lbs respectively.
The Glock 19 is 5.5 every pull. A small inexpensive trigger connector from ghost takes it down to 4.5.
I have said before, I didn't want to like the glock. Now, wouldn't trade it for any other 9mm
The glick trigger is not like a d/a at all. First, it is striker fired so no hammer to cock like on a d/a. Second, many d/a and s/a have a trigger pull if approx 8lbs and then 5lbs respectively.
The Glock 19 is 5.5 every pull. A small inexpensive trigger connector from ghost takes it down to 4.5.
I have said before, I didn't want to like the glock. Now, wouldn't trade it for any other 9mm
OP
OP
Lawyer, yes. Fanboy? Not likely. Did you read the OP?Water-Man said:
Honestly, looking at my spring and pictures of others online, mine is now bent funny. I found the spring with one end caught between the RSA and a barrel lug. Given the spring's current shape, I think it got caught in that spot while the slide was still on. When I went to pull the slide off, it pulled the spring out with it. That's my theory, anyway.GLOOB said:
Panzerschwein
member
You know I'm getting so sick and tired of these plastic fantastic fanboys getting on here exposing the virtues of there junk tupperware daisy cup disposable Block pistol. They're junk as far as I'm concerned and nothing will ever change that fact. Reliable? Go get an M1911A-1 combat .45 automatic pistol if you want reliable.
The Block is a worthless, mass produced foreign made toy that serves nothing but to put a junk gun within everyones budget.
If you want to be a REAL MAN, get over yourself and just fork out the cash for a good 1911 and be done with it.
Now this is what I really think: my Glock 19 Gen 4 is the most reliable and accurate handgun I own. I would trust it to bring me through the gates of hell time and time again. You sire, have made a fine purchase!
The Block is a worthless, mass produced foreign made toy that serves nothing but to put a junk gun within everyones budget.
If you want to be a REAL MAN, get over yourself and just fork out the cash for a good 1911 and be done with it.
Now this is what I really think: my Glock 19 Gen 4 is the most reliable and accurate handgun I own. I would trust it to bring me through the gates of hell time and time again. You sire, have made a fine purchase!
ohbythebay
Member
My jaw was hanging open...
Till I read the rest of your post...LOL
Till I read the rest of your post...LOL
Well, the scare's over for me. I just checked my gen3. I don't see any way for the spring to fall out with the slide lock still in place, and still be in one piece. I 'm also not convinced it's made out of aluminum, because, well, it sticks to a magnet. And even when I press it down until it bottoms out, it still springs back the same as before.
I came across what looks like good info. He seems to have had well more than average experience with broken slide lock springs.
http://www.activeresponsetraining.net/are-glocks-truly-perfection
I came across what looks like good info. He seems to have had well more than average experience with broken slide lock springs.
http://www.activeresponsetraining.net/are-glocks-truly-perfection
Spats,
I wonder if it is possible that your slide stop spring could have been unseated.
I have seen failures like that before.
Next time you clean your G19 make sure the spring does not come unseated, I have seen a few do that.
It is a check I do on all the G199s I inspect.
I wonder if it is possible that your slide stop spring could have been unseated.
I have seen failures like that before.
Next time you clean your G19 make sure the spring does not come unseated, I have seen a few do that.
It is a check I do on all the G199s I inspect.
JWH321
Member
Every Glock 19 I have ever seen worked perfectly.
To my eyes, its the ugliest semi-automatic around. But it works. Pretty hard to argue against its effectiveness as a tool.
To my eyes, its the ugliest semi-automatic around. But it works. Pretty hard to argue against its effectiveness as a tool.
OP
OP
Glock CS
Well, I called Glock CS today. The short story: They said, "Darn, that's too bad. We don't know why it happened, because your pistol has all the new parts in it. Ah, well, have an armorer call us and we'll send out new parts."
Fortunately, about a half-dozen of my friends are Glock armorers. I arranged for one of them to make the call & will advise.
I will say this for Glock CS: The person who took the call didn't quibble with me over what happened or how, nor did he hesitate in offering to send me the parts.
Well, I called Glock CS today. The short story: They said, "Darn, that's too bad. We don't know why it happened, because your pistol has all the new parts in it. Ah, well, have an armorer call us and we'll send out new parts."
Fortunately, about a half-dozen of my friends are Glock armorers. I arranged for one of them to make the call & will advise.
I will say this for Glock CS: The person who took the call didn't quibble with me over what happened or how, nor did he hesitate in offering to send me the parts.
Glock doesn't claim an unlimited warranty, but from what I've seen short of acts of God or obvious abuse, they tend to fix it no matter how old. As far as the slide lock spring, my biggest quibbles with Glock are the Slide release levers are two small for fast reloads, and the plastic sights. I always replace the sights on every Glock I own and the replace the slide releases with extended levers.
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