Classic GLOCK At It's Best: GLOCK 19 Gen 3

The GLOCK 19 Gen 3 has been proven to be a trim, fast-handling high-capacity package that is ideal for use as a backup weapon or for concealed carry.

How Old Is the GLOCK 19 Gen 3?

GLOCK Gen 3 guns were introduced in 1998 and achieved what was then near perfection is a conceal carry, combat pistol. The Gen 3 pistols ushered in new features like the Glock accessory rail, which was a feature many handguns were adding since tactical lights were becoming more common. GLOCK Gen 3 pistols also incorporated finger grooves in the front grip strap, which helped with a better grip and added texture, but did not fit all hands that well. While GLOCK Gen 3 guns established GLOCK as a leader in modern handgun technology for the price point, it also established the GLOCK 19 as GLOCK’s crown jewel handgun for conceal carry.

Is the Gen 3 GLOCK 19 a good gun?

Today, the Gen 3 GLOCK 19 design is dated, but it is still an excellent pistol that is capable and serviceable. GLOCK's Gen 4 and Gen 5 19 pistols have better features that modern shooters demand. Many GLOCK shooters prefer the Gen 3 guns because they like the extra material in the frame and the grip allows for customization. But there still is that lingering question: Why still produce Gen 3 GLOCK 19 pistols.

Why are Glock Gen 3 still sold?

The Gen 3 GLOCK 19 is still in production for many reasons. One is the ease in customizing a Gen 3 19 over newer generations. A second reason and perhaps the more important reason is because the GLOCK 19 Gen 3 is on California's approved roster of "certified handguns" while the newer GLOCK Gen 4 and 5 guns are not. California is our most populated state and GLOCK does not want to lose sales by phasing out the Gen 3 19. 

Who uses the GLOCK 19 Gen 3?

GLOCK boasted back in the day about of the G19 Gen 3 by saying: “The compact version of the G17, this is the preferred pistol of NYPD’s 40,000 officers and the standard weapon of the United Nations Security personnel.”

The GLOCK 19 pistol has become the favorite and official sidearm of elite forces around the globe. Numerous special operations forces in the US like the Army Special Forces, Delta Force, Rangers, and even the CIA and FBI are equipped with the G19. The Navy SEALs refer to the G19 as the Mk27, the British call it the L131A1, the Marine Corps calls it the M007, but most everyone else calls it the GLOCK 19.

Why is the GLOCK 19 so popular?

The appeal of the G19 Gen3, in my view, was its simplicity and the directness in which the design takes on the smaller chores that make up the operation and maintenance of a handgun. The GLOCK 19 is simple with few controls making the pistol easier to use. Holding the GLOCK 19 in your strong hand immediately makes you aware of a rakish angle to the grip and the sense of palm swell jutting into your hand. From here the pad of the index finger compresses the firing pin safety located on the face of the trigger. The trigger was simple and repeatable, with a consistent 5.5 pounds of resistance for each shot. I think the most important conclusion I have found with the GLOCK 19 Gen 3 is that the G19 is versatile and does not necessarily favor one weight bullet over another.

The magazine release (bottom arrow), takedown levers (left arrow), and the slide release (right arrow) were the only manual controls aside from the trigger. Despite them being mounted tightly against the frame, we found all three levers were accessible

I find that the quality of my follow up shots is linked to how smoothly I reset the trigger. In terms of speed, almost anyone can move his trigger finger faster than he can pick up the sights. I am able to shoot faster and more accurately with the G19.

The GLOCK G19 is trim, fast handling, and may be the most versatile GLOCK of all. The 19 dares you to shoot faster and that's why most shooters pick the GLOCK 19.