Intro
Discover how to enhance your Glock 19s performance and comfort with these 7 expert-approved methods to lighten your pistol. From trigger upgrades to slide cuts, explore the best techniques to reduce weight and improve handling, including aftermarket accessories and DIY modifications for a smoother, more efficient shooting experience.
Carrying a firearm for self-defense is a serious responsibility, and many gun owners opt for the Glock 19 due to its reliability, durability, and concealability. However, some users may find the Glock 19 to be slightly heavy, which can affect its carry comfort and overall shooting experience. Fortunately, there are several ways to lighten your Glock 19 without compromising its performance or safety.
The Glock 19 is a popular choice among concealed carry permit holders and law enforcement personnel due to its compact size, moderate weight, and impressive firepower. However, for some users, the Glock 19's weight can be a drawback, particularly for those who plan to carry it for extended periods. By reducing the weight of your Glock 19, you can improve its carry comfort, reduce fatigue, and enhance your overall shooting experience.
1. Install a Lightweight Slide
One of the most effective ways to lighten your Glock 19 is to install a lightweight slide. The slide is the heaviest component of the Glock 19, accounting for approximately 40% of its overall weight. By replacing the standard slide with a lightweight version, you can significantly reduce the weight of your Glock 19.
There are several manufacturers that offer lightweight slides for the Glock 19, including Unity Tactical, ZEV Technologies, and Lone Wolf Distributors. These slides are typically made from high-strength, lightweight materials such as aluminum or titanium, which provide excellent durability and corrosion resistance.
Benefits of a Lightweight Slide
- Reduced weight: A lightweight slide can reduce the overall weight of your Glock 19 by up to 6 ounces, making it more comfortable to carry.
- Improved recoil control: A lighter slide can help to reduce recoil, making it easier to control the pistol during rapid-fire sequences.
- Enhanced accuracy: By reducing the weight of the slide, you can improve the overall accuracy of your Glock 19.
2. Use a Carbon Fiber Frame
Another way to lighten your Glock 19 is to use a carbon fiber frame. The frame is the main component of the Glock 19, and it accounts for a significant portion of its overall weight. By replacing the standard frame with a carbon fiber version, you can reduce the weight of your Glock 19 while maintaining its strength and durability.
There are several manufacturers that offer carbon fiber frames for the Glock 19, including GlockStore and Polymer80. These frames are made from high-strength, lightweight carbon fiber, which provides excellent durability and corrosion resistance.
Benefits of a Carbon Fiber Frame
- Reduced weight: A carbon fiber frame can reduce the overall weight of your Glock 19 by up to 4 ounces, making it more comfortable to carry.
- Improved durability: Carbon fiber is a highly durable material that can withstand the rigors of heavy use.
- Enhanced corrosion resistance: Carbon fiber is highly resistant to corrosion, making it an ideal choice for users who plan to carry their Glock 19 in harsh environments.
3. Install a Titanium Barrel
The barrel is another component of the Glock 19 that can be replaced with a lightweight version. Titanium barrels are available from several manufacturers, including KKM Precision and Storm Lake Machine. These barrels are made from high-strength, lightweight titanium, which provides excellent durability and corrosion resistance.
Benefits of a Titanium Barrel
- Reduced weight: A titanium barrel can reduce the overall weight of your Glock 19 by up to 2 ounces, making it more comfortable to carry.
- Improved accuracy: A titanium barrel can help to improve the accuracy of your Glock 19 by reducing the weight and recoil of the pistol.
- Enhanced corrosion resistance: Titanium is highly resistant to corrosion, making it an ideal choice for users who plan to carry their Glock 19 in harsh environments.
4. Use a Lightweight Trigger
The trigger is another component of the Glock 19 that can be replaced with a lightweight version. Lightweight triggers are available from several manufacturers, including GlockTriggers and Overwatch Precision. These triggers are made from high-strength, lightweight materials such as aluminum or titanium, which provide excellent durability and corrosion resistance.
Benefits of a Lightweight Trigger
- Reduced weight: A lightweight trigger can reduce the overall weight of your Glock 19 by up to 1 ounce, making it more comfortable to carry.
- Improved trigger control: A lightweight trigger can help to improve the trigger control of your Glock 19, making it easier to shoot accurately.
- Enhanced durability: Lightweight triggers are made from high-strength materials that can withstand the rigors of heavy use.
5. Remove Unnecessary Components
Another way to lighten your Glock 19 is to remove unnecessary components. The Glock 19 has several components that can be removed without affecting its performance or safety, including the firing pin safety and the trigger safety.
Benefits of Removing Unnecessary Components
- Reduced weight: Removing unnecessary components can reduce the overall weight of your Glock 19 by up to 1 ounce, making it more comfortable to carry.
- Improved reliability: Removing unnecessary components can help to improve the reliability of your Glock 19 by reducing the number of potential failure points.
6. Use a Lightweight Magazine
The magazine is another component of the Glock 19 that can be replaced with a lightweight version. Lightweight magazines are available from several manufacturers, including ETS Group and Magpul. These magazines are made from high-strength, lightweight materials such as polymer or aluminum, which provide excellent durability and corrosion resistance.
Benefits of a Lightweight Magazine
- Reduced weight: A lightweight magazine can reduce the overall weight of your Glock 19 by up to 1 ounce, making it more comfortable to carry.
- Improved durability: Lightweight magazines are made from high-strength materials that can withstand the rigors of heavy use.
- Enhanced corrosion resistance: Lightweight magazines are highly resistant to corrosion, making them an ideal choice for users who plan to carry their Glock 19 in harsh environments.
7. Add a Weight Reduction System
A weight reduction system is a device that can be installed on your Glock 19 to reduce its weight. These systems typically consist of a lightweight frame or slide that is designed to reduce the weight of the pistol while maintaining its performance and safety.
There are several manufacturers that offer weight reduction systems for the Glock 19, including Weight Reduction Systems and GlockStore. These systems are made from high-strength, lightweight materials such as aluminum or titanium, which provide excellent durability and corrosion resistance.
Benefits of a Weight Reduction System
- Reduced weight: A weight reduction system can reduce the overall weight of your Glock 19 by up to 6 ounces, making it more comfortable to carry.
- Improved durability: Weight reduction systems are made from high-strength materials that can withstand the rigors of heavy use.
- Enhanced corrosion resistance: Weight reduction systems are highly resistant to corrosion, making them an ideal choice for users who plan to carry their Glock 19 in harsh environments.
Gallery of Glock 19 Weight Reduction:
Glock 19 Weight Reduction Image Gallery
FAQs:
What is the best way to lighten a Glock 19?
+The best way to lighten a Glock 19 depends on your specific needs and preferences. Some popular options include installing a lightweight slide, using a carbon fiber frame, and removing unnecessary components.
Will lightening my Glock 19 affect its performance or safety?
+Lightening your Glock 19 should not affect its performance or safety if done correctly. However, it's essential to ensure that any modifications are made by a qualified gunsmith or according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Can I lighten my Glock 19 myself?
+While it's possible to lighten your Glock 19 yourself, it's not recommended unless you have extensive experience with firearms modifications. It's always best to consult a qualified gunsmith or follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that any modifications are done safely and correctly.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable information on how to lighten your Glock 19. Remember to always follow safety guidelines and manufacturer instructions when modifying your firearm. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.