Editor’s Note: Today’s Feature first appeared in our companion service, The Tactical Wire.
I was notified a few weeks back that GLOCK was introducing new pistols as we close on the end of the year. A couple of the new models arrived just last week.
The new models include MOS-versions – GLOCK’s “Modular Optics System,” thus far only released in a Gen5 form in the G34 format. Now they’ve increased the Gen5 MOS offerings with the G19 and G17. I have the Gen5 G19 MOS here. It’s unlike the previous Gen5 G19 in the ability to mount optics on the slide without having to get additional machining done, but it also has front cocking serrations. The MOS versions of the GLOCK 17 and GLOCK 19 are both configured this way.
Like other Gen5 guns, they issue with three improved magazines – improved with the orange follower and extended floorplate.
The Gen5 G19 MOS doesn’t have the ‘half-moon’ cut on the front of the magazine well like the early Gen5 does. Apparently GLOCK listened to the large-handed folks who reported discomfort with the mag-clearing front cut.
I’d requested the Gen5 G19 MOS – and the other new gun – with GLOCK BOLD sights by AmeriGlo. These feature the orange outline around a tritium insert up front, with a serrated square notch rear sight, also enabled with tritium vials. I’ve used these on other GLOCKS and find them quick to acquire up close yet sharp for precision at distance.
Had I been thinking, I’d have requested the gun with standard sights – it’s unfortunate, but the Ameriglo/GLOCK sights are not suppressor height. By the time I’d gotten the (necessary) GLOCK mounting kit from Trijicon to fit the RMR Type 2 to the new G19, the realization struck that I’d not be able to use ‘backup iron sights.’
The other new gun has a new model number attached – the GLOCK 45. Think a G19X “Crossover” in black – without the protruding frame over the front of the magazine floorplate, without the lanyard ring and with front cocking serrations on the slide. I got the gun with GLOCK BOLD sights by AmeriGlo, currently my favorite format of factory-available options.
Like the G19X, the G45 is a full-size Gen5 style frame with the GLOCK 19 slide and barrel. There is no ‘half-moon’ cut on the magazine well either. Like other Gen5 offerings, the slide and barrel has the nDLC ion-bonded finish. The Gen5 flared magazine well, GLOCK Marksman barrel, flat front-strap and bilateral slide stop is also present. The gun is provided with three Gen5 standard magazines with orange followers and floorplates that are extended at the front.
At the time of this report, I’ve fired both of the new guns over the Comparative Standards. The G19 Gen5 MOS was used in the new Ritchie Leather DNC – Dual Nighthawk Clip. Using the same clip he co-designed and patented with his partner, the late Lou Alessi (originally called the Talon), the new holster is made out of a thin 7oz leather. It incorporates a built in sweat shield and is a take-off of the Alessi/Sparks collaboration. The gun practically disappears in the waist – but it’s designed for real concealment and less for range training. Depending on the way you wear it, you can close the holster up if you wear a belt over it – and with a gun this size, it’s a good idea. I used my thumb to clear the holster mouth before reholstering – a technique I learned many years ago.
For the GLOCK 45, I used the Comp-Tac Warrior Holster. An outside the waistband holster featuring a ‘stealth footprint,’ it’s thin and fits close to the body. The cant is adjustable from cross draw to forward cant for a ‘just right’ draw angle. The rig is open ended and optics ready for threaded barrels and suppressor sights.
In both guns, I used Federal “Aluminum” range ammo.
In short, I suffered two penalty points with the new G19 model. I’m very used to the GLOCK 19 as I’ve carried one or another more than any other holster gun since 2001. I guess I shot a little faster. As I’m less accustomed to the G17-style frame, I shot just a little slower and was only one down with the larger gun. The fifteen yard “from ready” singles were less than one second with both guns. The seven-yard ‘failure drill’ was a full-quarter second quicker with the G45. I was considerably faster on the reload with the G19.
In summary, the times (with penalties) were nearly identical. Aside from the difference in holsters – one very fast OWB versus a very close, easily hidden IWB – and the penalties, .13 second separated the two exercises.
That’s remarkable. It tells me I could pick up the pace some with this kind of gun – and I will.
I’ve since installed the Trijicon RMR Type 2 on the G19 MOS and will re-run the Standards to see what difference we have. For now, I can say that the Gen5 line generally is very good indeed.
- - Rich Grassi