Focus on Glock 19X

The Glock 19X, first released in 2018, was Glock’s first-ever Crossover pistol. The Glock 19X combines the best features of two of its most popular and trusted platforms - the full-size Glock 17 frame and the compact Glock 19 slide. This gives users the full advantage of the Glock 17 full-size grip and 17 rounds carry capacity in a more compact package. The shorter barrel makes it easier to conceal when carrying outside the waistband, and more comfortable for some people who carry ‘appendix’ (front of the body).

The Glock 19X is the civilian version of Glock’s entry pistol for the US Military, and carries over the same coyote colour. Some other standard features for this model pistol are the lanyard loop and tritium sights. This was also the first model that saw the finger groves removed and included ambidextrous slide stop levers.New upgrades were added in the form of the new Gen 5 trigger design and the first appearance of the Glock Marksman barrel which reportedly cuts the 25-yard accuracy in half.

The Glock 19X has proven to be a great seller, with over 100 000 units sold within six months of its release, and paved the way for more Glock crossover models. Stay tuned for the rest of the week as we highlight some more features and products available for this unique model.

A host of new products have recently been designed specifically with the Glock 19X in mind.

The marksman barrel locks up differently than the traditional barrels, influencing your point of impact. With this in mind, Dawson Precision specifies specific sight heights for the Glock 19X. For other sight manufacturers, I would not have an issue with fitting the standard height sights, but I will definitely lean towards getting correct heights when I have the option.

Like the Gen5 models, the Glock 19X grip doesn’t have finger grooves, but, unlike the Gen5, it doesn’t have the magwell shape at the bottom. This necessitates a new template if you want to fit some grip tape. Toni Systems' Textured Grip Tape was specially designed for easy fitting and can be upgraded or removed at any time. This is a good alternative to stippling, as it does not result in permanent changes to your firearm.

When it comes to fitting a magazine well, the 19X is also unique, due to the lip at the front of the magazine opening, requiring either modification of the frame to fit a Gen4 magwell, or a 19X-specific design. First prize here is Toni System's 19X magwell which fits it like a glove.

Glock added a lanyard loop as standard, so Toni System’s Tactical +1 mag base has a cutaway at the back to accommodate the lanyard loop.

Lastly, my personal favourite is the unique colour of the Glock 19X. Any FDE-coloured accessories matches fairly well with the colour, but if you have a threaded barrel model, Toni System's compensator needs a special mention. I have seen their sand-coloured comp fitted to a 19X and it looks spectacular. Of course, Glock matched the magazines as well, rounding off the package nicely.

All the Glock 9mm OEM parts and the performance parts for the Gen5 are compatible with the Glock 19X.

Apex and Zev trigger components can help to reduce the overall travel and make the trigger lighter and smoother by replacing the trigger bar or internal springs.

Glock has its own extended slide stop for the Gen 5, as found standard on Glock 34 and 35 models.The magazine release on the Glock 19X is also the same as the Gen4 and Gen5 versions, leaving you with a couple of options, like Glock, Toni System and Zev.

Unlike the Glock 17 Gen5, which uses a longer recoil spring assembly than the Gen4, the Glock 19 Gen5 and 19X use the same length guide rod as the Gen 4. The Toni Steel Guide Rod and ZEV Technologies Stainless Steel replacement guide rod allows you to change spring weights to fine-tune your pistol to a particular load. The DPM Recoil Reduction System uses multiple springs to achieve the same without having to experiment with different springs.

All the Glock sight cuts are the same, so you can use either a Toni Systems or Evolution base to mount an optic on your Glock 19X. And, of course, a 19X will fit into any Glock 19 holster.

The unique features of the Glock 19X do not only set it apart from the run-of-the-mill Glocks, but it also creates the opportunity for a really spectacular custom gun.