Perhaps the concept is not new to 1911s or other manufacturer’s offerings that come to mind, but the Glock 19X is more than a simple combination of two models. The Glock 19X signals a new direction, and perhaps, a new line of handguns for Glock. In case you are unfamiliar with the 19X, essentially it marries a Glock 19 length barrel with a full size Glock 17 frame.
The combination derived to create the 19X allows for a higher capacity than the compact size of the Glock 19 and more concealability than the Glock 17. In my testing, the concept proved capable on the range, demonstrating excellent control and a rapid draw stroke. For pure target accuracy potential, the 19X suffers slightly compared to a longer slide. Then again, the 19X is for concealed carry or home defense more than pure target shooting for maximum accuracy. Another advantage of the shorter slide is the gun clears the holster faster, when it matters most.
The impetus for the Glock 19X was the competition to be the next U.S. Army service pistol. Glocks have more than earned a reputation for reliability, and with the Glock Gen 5 features—including the new Marksman barrel, nPVD slide finish, ambidextrous slide stop levers, and reversible magazine release—the 19X has the right stuff. In the end, SIG Sauer won the Army contract, but the civilian market benefits either way.
For the 19X, the Generation 4 finger grooves have been eliminated. You’ll note the introduction of the military lanyard loop, and a desert-inspired coyote brown finish. The sights are self-luminous irons. The 19X comes standard with two 19-round magazines—17-round magazines with the Glock +2 spacer—and a single, flush fit, 17-round magazine. That set up alone would allow you to carry 56 rounds of ammunition, including the one in the chamber.
I prefer to always carry at least one spare magazine. Not so much for the extra ammunition, but as a backup in case a magazine went bad at the worst possible moment. However, in a Walking Dead apocalypse scenario, the 19X with a spare magazine would still offer over 35 rounds at the ready. The average self-defense scenario records four shots, so you will still have plenty of ammo.
Glock 19X |
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|---|---|
| Capacity | 17/19 |
| Length | 7.44 inches |
| Height | 5.47 inches |
| Barrel Length | 4.02 inches |
| Weight | 24.83 ounces unloaded |
| Caliber | 9mm |
Glock has often touted its 5.5-pound factory triggers. More often than not lately, it seems the triggers are closer to, or a touch over, six pounds though. A buddy who recently purchased a 19X had such a problem and quickly decided his first upgrade would be an Apex trigger kit that included a new performance bar.
The advantage to owning a Glock is the similarities across different models. It is easy to go from one model to the next. The balance may change slightly, but the manual of arms is exactly the same. Likewise, the recoil may be specific to the caliber and barrel length, but the gun will ride in your hand in a similar fashion between models. This makes poking holes in the X-ring or banging steel with different models a breeze.
Range Test
I failed to remember a chronograph, but I had plenty of different types of 9mm ammunition on hand for the range test. Glock magazines, in my experience, always fight that last round being loaded, so I ran 5-, 10-, and 15-round strings for the most part. As was expected, the Glock 19X was easy to settle on target, familiar in the hand, and quick to require center mass for a follow-up shot. The grip texture was firm and offered substantial purchase, but not too rough for soft writer’s hands.
The Glock 19X leaves little to complain about, and I really could not recommend a change. I would like to see Glock extend the line by increasing its model offerings. For example, 19-round magazines are great, I also feel it is somewhat unnecessary for a handgun with a shorter barrel. Competition shooters need that kind of capacity, but I hope to never need that many should I ever be forced to defend myself, and weight is a consideration. If the gun is too heavy, people tend to leave it behind.
I tend to lean more toward wanting a fraction more accuracy at the expense of a round or two, so I would like to see a combination that featured the smaller frame of the Glock 19 topped with the longer slide of Glock 17. However, I have hands not paws, so I realize that configuration would not work for everyone.
What is your impression of the Glock 19X? What configuration would you like to see Glock introduce next? Share your answers in the comment section.
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17X G17 slide barrel on 19 gen 5 G19 frame. That would accept all G19 mags G17 mags, and of course extenensions & 33rd stick mags.
I too would like a 17 top with a 19 bottom. I would buy.
why must every reviewer keeps whining about this gun being made reverse. this gun is superior and finally made for us men with normal,non-woman sized hands. hell my wife has small hands and loves this gun. she is small and still is able to carry concealed and open. those who whine about this gun being made wrong or how they should have made a 17 slide and 19 frame sound like babies. i have no issue carrying this weapon. and a small handle with long slide seems pretty dumb and means longer draw from holster and less of a grip on the weapon and even thinking of saying “you could use a grip extension” really makes you look dumb, why not just buy this gun (19x) OR buy a standard G17 at that point. if you think this weapon is not made right then its not for you, leave out the “Glock made it wrong” and “should have been a 17 slide and 19 frame” comments make your reviews seem whiny and poor. and im a sig fan not a glock fan until the 19x
Didn’t say it was wrong or backwards,just would like the other option. Not sure why you feel the need to belittle the view of others. I thought all views were valid.
I purchased the 19x , like it a lot , hoping it would be good and is for concealed carry, change the cant of your holster slightly to cover up that 4.7 of an inch , grip is great , sights are excellent , it’s a combat handgun , doesn’t have the concealability of a Glock 19 , you can work it , well made Glock, great finish , a longer Glock 17 barrel on the 19 x a shorter grip might throw the balance somewhat , not sure , sig makes one with longer slide , shorter grip , and is top heavy , hk makes the long slide on their p 30 , like the man says , get it out of the holster quicker