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Glock 19 Gen6 Review: The Best Glock To Date?
It was only a couple of months ago that I was at Glock’s U.S. headquarters for the Gen6 release and was able to test all three models. As expected, I appreciated all of the new features and upgrades so much in fact, that I knew it was only a matter of time before I’d have to pick one up for myself.
The Glock 19 deserves a heavy-duty optic like the Vortex Defender-ST Enclosed!
Fast forward to earlier this month, and Glock graciously sent out this Glock 19 to put through its paces and review. It only further solidified my need for one. When I first handled it, the changes felt incremental, but after my experience putting more rounds through it, those small refinements started to add up in a way that actually matters. It still feels like a Glock, but it feels more dialed in.
In The Box
I’ll keep this section brief, but it’s worth noting what you can expect to find when you unbox your new Glock Gen6 pistol.
I couldn’t wait to mount the optic, but it was not included.
Pistol and boring stuff aside (manual, lock, and cleaning set), there will be three magazines, a speed loader, two backstraps, and three optic plates. Don’t be surprised when you uncover that the optic plates are actually polymer. Don’t worry, though, they serve more as crush washers than traditional optic plates.
New Features
Even from a quick glance at the pistol, it’s obvious that this new generation is not a simple upgrade or two for marketing purposes. However, let’s start with one of my favorite features, which is the new optic system.
Moving away from the Gen5’s MOS cut, you now have a much wider variety of direct-mount capable optics. Not only do they mount directly, but they sit lower on the slide for an easier co-witness. Each pistol comes with those three polymer mounting “plates” I just mentioned, but the optic still mounts directly to the slide. I decided to go with the Vortex Defender ST Enclosed, and the #4 mounting plate created a perfectly snug fit.
A significant improvement over the MOS cut.
My other favorite result of the redesign is the improved ergonomics and how it locks in perfectly to my hand. Between the new RTF6 grip texture that combines two textures into one, the enlarged beavertail, and the slight palm swell, the level of control you have with the pistol is significantly improved. Of course, it also comes with a couple of backstraps so you can fine-tune the fit even further.
The texturing is fantastic.
The thumb ledge or “gas pedal” is not something that I’d go out of my way to add, but after running the gun more and seeing how my thumb naturally rested there, I’ve come to appreciate it. And pairing it with the trigger guard undercut and flat faced trigger, you’re really able to achieve a very repeatable grip and controlled trigger pull.
Since the gas pedal is cut “into” the frame, you should be able to use most of your existing Gen5 holsters.
When I shot the Gen6 pistols at the release, I’m assuming they all had hundreds, if not thousands, of rounds through them already, and the triggers were very smooth. With this brand-new pistol, it took a hundred or so rounds to really smooth out, but once it did, I could quickly tell that I liked it over the Gen5 trigger I’m used to. That is mostly due to the flat face, but while the overall pull and performance are similar to the Gen5 trigger, this one does seem a step above.
Range Performance and Shootability
I’ve now put just shy of 450 rounds through this Glock 19 and have yet to have a single malfunction. I’ve shot everything from cheaper Blazer Brass to a wide variety of defensive ammo such as Hornady Critical Defense, Hornady Critical Duty, Sig Sauer V-Crown, and Federal HST. As expected with any Glock, regardless of generation, it was not picky with ammo. Period.
100% reliable with various magazines and ammo.
I’m no competition shooter by any means, so you won’t be seeing me print dime-sized groupings at any distance, but I will say that I was impressed with how well this new Glock 19 stays on target. It shoots a bit flatter than previous generations, and while the difference isn’t huge, I could feel it when I started pushing my pace. I didn’t have to work as hard to keep everything on target, especially during faster strings; I spent less time adjusting my grip, less time thinking about the trigger.
Some rapid fire with a new optic at 10 yards.
Accuracy was exactly what I expected. I was able to hold consistent groups at defensive distances, and the gun didn’t introduce any surprises when I started shooting faster. It performed the way a Glock 19 should, which is really the point.
Specifications
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Capacicty | 15+1 |
| Barrel Length | 4.02 Inches |
| Overall Length | 7.28 Inches |
| Width | 1.35 Inches |
| Height (including mag) | 5.04 Inches |
| Weight (with empty mag) | 22.58 Ounces |
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Improved optics system allows for more direct mount options
- RTF6 grip texture balances comfort and control
- Enlarged beavertail and undercut triggerguard provide superior grip placement
- Reliable and accurate
- Flat-faced trigger is consistent and repeatable
- Most Gen5 holsters should fit (mine did, although I heard some have not)
Cons:
- Increased MSRP from the Gen5
- Limited aftermarket compatibility (for now)
Final Thoughts
From my perspective, the Glock 19 Gen6 is less about introducing something new and more about refining what already works. The bones are still there, and it’s familiar, but it improves upon many of the core features.
If you’re already running a previous generation, I wouldn’t call it a must-have upgrade, but I do think it’s a noticeable one once you spend time with it. It’s the most refined version to date, so if you’re new to the platform, it’s definitely the one I would personally recommend.
Excuse me while I head back to the range.
Whether you’re a Glock 17, 19, or 45 fan, do yourself a favor and check out the Gen6 model.
As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.
