Is the Glock 19 Gen 4 Perfect for Concealed Carry?: While the fourth generation of the Glock 19 has a few hiccups, I was satisfied with the results and definitely found a firearm that’s great for concealed defense. For starters, I’m used to Glocks feeling blocky, but this model was thinner and fit great in my concealed holster.
Because of its size and the plastic parts, it’s pretty lightweight and feels compact without the drawbacks. The Gen 4 used 2 recoil springs instead of just 1, which helped a lot with recoil and just felt more reliable.
Speaking of that, Glock is known for its functionality and the Glock 19 Gen 4 didn’t disappoint. I put a hundred rounds down at the range without a single misfire or jam, and I’ve read that some shooters fired well over 50,000 without an issue.
However, the plastic parts weren’t my favorite because they affected my accuracy. Aside from the steel barrel and slide, it just felt a little loose. Even with that, I kept my grouping inside of 4 or 5” at 25 yards consistently so I was pretty happy.
I’d still recommend replacing the plastic sights with something more solid or using a red dot sight. The gunsmith at my range also recommended filing down the trigger guard so it wouldn’t bang against my middle finger, because the guard’s big and blocky.
For the left-handed shooters, you can switch the magazine release to southpaw. I loved the improved grooves on the grip for better control. The Gen 4 also allows for grip customization to fit different hands, though the optional grips are still a little limited.
While the safety features of the Glock are mostly internal, you still have to depress a lever by the trigger for the Gen 4 to shoot. Having to make a conscious effort to push the safety, I don’t think you could accidentally fire this pistol.
When it comes to shooting, the trigger tension is 5.5 pounds but you can always change the connector for a smoother shot. Personally, I had no issue with the standard-issue trigger but some people tend to jerk the gun when they fire with more tension.
I bought the 9mm Gen 4 from the manufacturer for $630, because it came with 3 magazines and a speed loader. You can get it for less elsewhere, but the extras made the price worth it. The 15-round springs are a little tight, but leaving them fully loaded for a few days worked them in.
If you want a larger magazine, you can find a 17-round clip but I’d just say bring the extra magazines with you. It’s worth noting that magazines from other sources didn’t work as well in the Gen 4, so I’d stick with ones from the manufacturer for better reliability.
Overall, the Glock 19 Gen 4 is a solid, sturdy addition. Because of the size and recoil control, the accuracy isn’t a problem for home defense or concealed carry. If you want to try the Gen 4 in target or competition shooting, the customization options make it possible.
Richard Douglas writes on firearms, defense, and security issues. He is the founder and editor of Scopes Field, and a columnist at the National Interest, 1945, Daily Caller, and other publications.
