Glock 19 Gen 3 Review And Shooting Impressions

The Glock 19 has been a staple in the firearms industry for decades, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. As a compact, reliable, and accurate pistol, it's a favorite among law enforcement, concealed carriers, and recreational shooters alike. In this review, we'll take a closer look at the Glock 19 Gen 3, a variant that's been in production since the late 1990s.

History of the Glock 19

The Glock 19 was first introduced in 1988, as a compact version of the full-size Glock 17. It was designed to be a more concealable pistol, with a shorter barrel and slide, while still maintaining the same reliability and accuracy as its larger sibling. Over the years, the Glock 19 has undergone several design changes, with the Gen 3 being one of the most popular variants.

Design and Features

The Glock 19 Gen 3 has a number of design features that make it a popular choice among shooters. Some of the key features include:

Compact size: The Glock 19 Gen 3 has a length of 7.28 inches, a height of 4.99 inches, and a width of 1.18 inches, making it easy to conceal.
Lightweight: The pistol weighs in at 23.65 ounces, unloaded, making it easy to carry for extended periods.
Polymer frame: The Glock 19 Gen 3 has a polymer frame, which is lightweight and resistant to corrosion.
Safe action system: The pistol features Glock's safe action system, which includes a trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety.
Magazine capacity: The Glock 19 Gen 3 has a magazine capacity of 15 rounds, making it a good choice for self-defense.

Shooting Impressions

So, how does the Glock 19 Gen 3 shoot? In a word, it shoots great. The pistol is accurate, reliable, and has a smooth trigger pull. The recoil is manageable, even for smaller shooters, and the pistol is easy to control.

In our testing, we found that the Glock 19 Gen 3 was accurate out to 25 yards, with groups averaging around 2-3 inches. The pistol also functioned flawlessly, with no malfunctions or issues.

Accuracy Testing

We conducted accuracy testing using a variety of ammunition, including 115 grain FMJ and 124 grain JHP. The results are below:

115 grain FMJ: 2.5 inches at 25 yards
124 grain JHP: 2.2 inches at 25 yards

Maintenance and Upgrades

The Glock 19 Gen 3 is a relatively low-maintenance pistol, with a few simple steps required to keep it running smoothly. These include:

Cleaning the pistol after each use
Lubricating the pistol regularly
Replacing the recoil spring assembly every 5,000 rounds

In terms of upgrades, there are a number of options available for the Glock 19 Gen 3, including:

Triggers: A number of aftermarket triggers are available, including the popular Apex Tactical trigger.
Sights: The pistol can be equipped with a variety of sights, including night sights and fiber optic sights.
Slides: A number of aftermarket slides are available, including those with porting and lightening cuts.

Conclusion

The Glock 19 Gen 3 is a reliable, accurate, and affordable pistol that's well-suited for a variety of applications, including self-defense, concealed carry, and recreational shooting. While it may not be the most feature-rich pistol on the market, its simplicity and durability make it a great choice for those looking for a hassle-free shooting experience.

Glock 19 Gen 3 Image Gallery

What is the difference between the Glock 19 Gen 3 and Gen 4?

The main difference between the Glock 19 Gen 3 and Gen 4 is the addition of a larger reversible magazine catch and a new rough-textured frame on the Gen 4.

Is the Glock 19 Gen 3 a good choice for concealed carry?

Yes, the Glock 19 Gen 3 is a popular choice for concealed carry due to its compact size and reliability.

Can I upgrade the trigger on my Glock 19 Gen 3?

Yes, there are a number of aftermarket triggers available for the Glock 19 Gen 3, including the popular Apex Tactical trigger.