Although the “Glock” brand is now synonymous with firearms, it only launched its first pistol, the Glock 17, in 1982. The Austrian manufacturer has gained the trust of law enforcement agencies, militaries worldwide, and civilian users alike. Notably, the Glock 19 stands out as an exceptional model, serving as the standard choice for numerous elite units.
Origins of the Glock 19
The Glock 19, introduced in 1988, is a more compact version of the Glock 17. Glock GmbH, an Austrian manufacturer, reduced both the barrel and the handle by about half an inch, but the firearm remains quite similar to the Glock 17. Like its predecessor, the Glock 19 features a polymer frame, a material that is popular in the gun industry for its affordability, light weight, and resistance to rust.
Initially adopted by Austrian police forces and the Swedish Army, the Glock 19 quickly gained popularity among law enforcement. In the United States, for instance, when the New York City Police Department allows officers to choose between carrying a Glock 19, a Smith and Wesson Model 5946, or a Sig Sauer P226 DAO, most officers prefer the Austrian-made firearm.
The Glock 19X is popular among civilians
Glock also produces a civilian version of its 19 model: the 19X. It’s very similar to the one used by law enforcement and the military, but is produced in a tan color, rather than black, so the variants can be distinguished.
The gun has been a major success sales-wise. Within the first six months of the Glock 19X’s release, the company moved over 100,000 units. Vice President Josh Dorsey said at the time, “These shipping numbers not only validate the earned trust our customers put in GLOCK, but also, demonstrate GLOCK’s proven manufacturing and surface treatment capabilities ensuring the company can deliver pistols in the quality and quantity that our customers demand.”
The Glock 19X is also used in competitive shooting events where smaller guns are allowed.
The Glock 19 is equipped by US Navy SEALs
US Navy SEALs face special types of situations and, therefore, need a special sidearm. For many years, the elite unit carried SIG Sauer P226 pistols. In 2015, however, the decision was made to start carrying Glock 19s.
There were a number of reasons for this:
- Cost – A Glock 19 costs significantly less than a P226.
- Reliability – Built from polymer rather than metal, the Glock 19 can stand up better to salt water corrosion.
- Maintenance – Carriers can do almost any necessary maintenance while out in the field.
Not only have Navy SEALs chosen to use the 19, but FBI Hostage Rescue Teams and the US Marine Corps Special Operations Command have, as well.
The Glock 19’s future
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The Glock 19 has now been on the market for over 30 years. That doesn’t mean, however, that it’s going anywhere anytime soon, as the pistol’s low cost and high quality have continued to make it a favorite among consumers.
Glock has released a number of firearms over the last few decades, but none have been as popular as the 19. The firearm’s latest version, the Gen5, is a further improvement on the tried and true design, with 20 modifications made to the previous Gen4 model. These include the introduction of high-capacity magazines and a customizable frame size.
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