Glock 19x Overview

Aaron Spuler is a firearms enthusiast and recreational shooter. Follow more or his work at The Weapon Blog

Glock 19x history

The G19x was made for submission into the US Army’s “Modular Handgun System” competition. Glock’s G19/17 first hybrid pistol met all the minimum spec requirements for the program. You might already know that Glock lost the $580 million contract to the Sig Sauer modular pistol, known as the P320. That pistol will replace the Army’s entire stock of Beretta M9 handguns.

Since losing the MHS competition, Glock released a public variant. The Glock’s first ever “Crossover” pistol, GLOCK 19X was first introduced at SHOT Show 2018. Unlike the Army submission model, the new civilian G19X is missing an external safety. That would be the only real difference between them.

Produced under designation G19X, new Glock represents the best of both worlds. It merges the full-size frame of the Gen5 G17 with the compact, Gen5 G19 slide assembly. It used an idea of the M1911 Commander-style pistol with the shorter barrel and full-sized grip frame. The combination of the compact slide, frame with a longer handle and 19-round loaded magazine gives it a strong balance. In addition, it provides a stable weight when shooting.

Disassembly

The gun is easy to take apart, even for beginners.

• Always make sure it is unloaded first!
• Take out the mag, pull and lock the slide back, then visually and physically inspect that the chamber is clear.
• Point the muzzle in a safe direction away from people, close slide and press trigger.
• Pull slide to around 1/8 of a inch, push down the takedown levers that are on both sides at the same time.
• Push slide forward and remove.

Specifically, with the G19x, it doesn’t require pulling the trigger to disassemble it. This easy disassembly makes 9mm cleaning a breeze!

Reliability

The glock series is well-known for reliability and simplicity and the G19 is no different. This mid-sized semi-auto pistol shares typical performance of Glock products with several improvements. The main frame is constructed of high-strength polymer. It is resistant to caustic liquids, shock and temperature extremes. The milled steel slide cycles on 4 hardened steel guide rails within the frame. Simply put, this gun will be reliable in rain or snow!

The Gen5 trigger group has been modified allowing for the cleaner trigger pull and a distinctive trigger reset. During shooting tests, Glock 19X pistols performed with no problems. The gun ran reliably through hundreds of rounds of various types.

Accuracy

Among the additional design features, the G19X sports Glock’s “Marksman Barrel”. This is the most advanced barrel Glock has made to date. Glock engineers created a better bullet to bore seal resulting in extreme accuracy. This was done by utilizing a new hybrid polygonal rifling process. This noteworthy upgrade is topped with a new crowning process that protects the muzzle. At the shooting range, 19X has been test-fired from a Ransom Rest and it holds amazing 3″ groups at a distance of 50 yards.

One note is that Glock advises not to shoot soft-lead bullets through these barrels.

Aesthetics

The G19x boasts an eye-catching coyote colored polymer frame, backstraps, magazine, and case. This is because of the past requirement for the US Army XM17 MHS entries. The sand-colored finish is the first factory-colored pistol they have ever made.

The G 19X has a weather-resistant slide in the proprietary nPVD coating to prevent corrosion and resists chemicals. The barrel, factory-standard polymer night sights, ambi slide-stop lever and magazine followers are black. The G19X distinguishes simple design features. It consists of only 33 parts and you can fieldstrip pistol easily without the use of tools.

Ergonomics

The Glock 19X is of a conventional design. It utilizes the defining features of all Glocks such as a squared-off slide with rear cocking serrations. The enhanced slide design with a beveled nose enables easy re-holstering. The Gen. 5 grip features an ergonomic hold like Glock’s original Gen1 models without finger grooves. This feels especially comfortable for people with bigger hands. On the other side, it features the same rough texturing typical for the sides and backstrap of the Gen4s. At military request, the backside of the frame features a lanyard loop.

The G19X Crossover package included standard 17-round magazine, two 17+2-round magazines. The total length of the G19X Crossover is 7.44″, with the barrel measuring 4 inches in length.

With an unloaded weight of 25 ounces, the gun is pretty light. Features ambidextrous slide stop levers for better versatility. The reversible magazine release allows for right or left-handed operation. The G19X offers pleasing ergonomics all around.

Conclusion

Mixing profiles of earlier Glock`s Generations, the Glock 19X is a new animal that melds both the G17/19 designs. As the company’s first “crossover” handgun, this gun faces heavy resistance from the concealed carry community. Just a side note, it wasn’t designed to be a concealed carry. This Glock caters to those that carry a sidearm on a daily basis as part of a job like law enforcement. Don’t let that discourage you from purchasing this fine piece of machinery. It adds a nice touch to any personal gun collection.

This guest article was written by Joshua Babicz. He is the founder of a firearm blog, Combated. This firearm enthusiast served 6 years Active duty Army and continues to serve as a reservist.