Glock G19 Gen5 9mm
Model: PA195S203
Glock G19 Gen5 9mm
Model: PA195S203
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
Every compact 9mm gets compared to the G19, and the G19 usually comes out looking average on any single spec. The CZ P-10 C has a crisper 4.5 lb trigger versus the Glock's 5.5 lbs. The FN 509 Compact has a cold hammer-forged stainless barrel. The G19 Gen5 does not beat either gun on its best feature. It wins on everything else combined: holster options, magazine sources, sight choices, armorer knowledge, and parts supply. That ecosystem is the product.
The Gen5 changes from the Gen4 were small but smart. Dropping the finger grooves opened the grip to more hand sizes from the box. The Marksman barrel with improved rifling tightened groups. The flared magwell speeds reloads slightly. At 23.63 oz with a 4.02" barrel in a 7.28" frame, the dimensions sit in the middle of the compact 9mm class. The CZ P-10 C weighs 26 oz. The FN 509 Compact weighs 25.5 oz. That 2-3 oz gap adds up over a full day of concealed carry.
Buy the G19 Gen5 if aftermarket depth and universal compatibility matter more than any single performance spec. Skip it if you want a factory optic cut (the MOS version exists for that) or a lighter trigger without modifications.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- The deepest aftermarket of any handgun. More holsters, sights, triggers, and magazines exist for the G19 than for any competitor. If a specific holster-light combo or sight setup exists, it was almost certainly designed for the G19 first.
- At 23.63 oz, it is 2-3 oz lighter than most competing compact 9mms with steel slides and polymer frames. The CZ P-10 C weighs 26 oz. The FN 509 Compact weighs 25.5 oz. That weight gap is noticeable after a full day of carrying.
- Gen5 removed the finger grooves, so the grip fits a wider range of hand sizes as shipped. The groove deletion was the Gen4-to-Gen5 change that mattered most to the broadest number of shooters.
- No optic cut on the standard model. The MOS version adds factory mounting, but the base G19 Gen5 requires aftermarket slide work to run a red dot.
- Fixed plastic sights are throwaway quality. Ameriglo or Trijicon night sights should be installed before the first range trip. Every competitor at this level ships with better stock sights.
Category Rankings
How the Glock G19 Gen5 9mm ranks among compact 9mm Luger handguns.
Compatible Ammunition
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9mm Luger Ballistics →Where to Buy
| DEALER | IN STOCK | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| Buds Gun Shop | In Stock |
Alternatives to Consider
Similar compact 9mm Luger handguns ranked by similarity.
| NAME | BEST PRICE |
|---|---|
|
Glock G19 Gen5 MOS 9mm
Glock
|
— |
|
Smith & Wesson M&P 9 M2.0 Compact 9mm
Smith & Wesson
|
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|
Smith & Wesson Equalizer 9mm
Smith & Wesson
|
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|
Walther PDP Compact 9mm
Walther
|
— |
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Kimber KDS9c 9mm
Kimber
|
— |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the G19 Gen5 and the G45 Gen5?
The G45 uses the G19's compact 4.02" slide on the G17's full-size grip frame. The G45 holds 17 rounds versus the G19's 15. The G45's grip is 5.47" tall versus the G19's 5.04", which makes it easier to shoot but harder to conceal. At 22.93 oz, the G45 is actually lighter than the G19's 23.63 oz. Choose the G19 for concealment, the G45 for duty or range work where grip length matters more than printing.
How long does the G19 Gen5 need to break in?
Most G19 Gen5s run reliably from round one. Glock does not specify a break-in period. Some owners report the slide feels stiff for the first 100-200 rounds as contact surfaces wear in, and the trigger smooths slightly after 500 rounds. If the gun has malfunctions in the first 200 rounds with quality ammunition, that is likely a defect, not a break-in issue.