There’s a reason Glocks dominate law enforcement and the US commercial market. Its tame recoil and consistent trigger make it easy for shooters to manage long strings of fire. It’s also a very versatile pistol. The fact that it works with every double-stack Glock magazine on the planet is a godsend to those deep in the Glock ecosystem and new owners alike.
Features
Glock pistols are designed to be as durable and dependable as possible. Each gun undergoes rigorous testing and quality control measures to ensure it can withstand normal wear and tear. They also come with a technologically advanced ion-bonded finish that protects them from corrosion and extreme environments.
Glock’s Safe Action system consists of three internal safety features that prevent the gun from firing unless the user manually engages them. These include the trigger safety, firing pin safety and drop safety. All three safety features reset when the trigger is pulled. Because the pistol does not have an external manual safety, it relies on these passive measures and the shooter’s adherence to safe firearm handling practices to prevent accidental discharges.
The Glock 19 offers a smooth, consistent trigger pull and good accuracy at short distances. It can also be customized for unique aesthetics and functions. Popular Glock 19 customizations include grip stippling, frame modifications and custom slide finishes. However, it is important to note that these modifications may be subject to legal considerations and restrictions in some jurisdictions.
Safety
Glocks are among the most popular pistols in the world. They have a reputation for being extremely reliable, and there are countless stories of shooters firing thousands of rounds without any malfunctions. They are small enough to be used as a concealed carry weapon, but also large enough to serve as a duty gun in law enforcement or military units.
The design of a Glock pistol features three separate internal safeties to ensure the firearm will not fire unless intentional pressure is applied. The first safety is a trigger safety that prevents the trigger from moving backward. The second safety is a firing pin safety that locks the firing pin in place, and can only be disengaged by pulling the trigger. The third safety is a drop safety that prevents the trigger bar from moving forward, preventing accidental discharge if the gun is dropped or subjected to impact.
The Glock 19 also features a new extractor and metal ejector that makes it easier to clear the chamber and keep the weapon clean. It also includes a redesigned trigger that reduces the amount of force required to reset it, and allows the user to feel when it is ready for another shot.
Function
Unlike revolvers and some other handguns, Glock pistols don’t have safeties that switch off. That’s a good thing, because characters in novels and short stories who accidentally switch the safety off of their Glocks are wasting the reader’s time.
The Glock 19 is an eminently shootable pistol. The trigger is light and crisp, and the grip is neither too big nor too small for precision manipulations and for pointing the gun naturally.
The built-in safety features prevent the gun from firing when the slide is inserted into battery, or when the gun is dropped. Of course, it’s still the responsibility of the user to use good handling and holstering techniques, as well as proper training and education, to minimize the risk of negligent or accidental discharges. That’s why it’s important to follow all of the recommended safe handling and storing practices. Including the proper method of removing and replacing a magazine, as well as the removal and replacement of other parts.
Design
Glock pistols are known for their accuracy, which is especially useful in practical shooting disciplines such as IDPA and USPSA. The pistol handles recoil and muzzle flip well with its polymer frame, allowing shooters to keep rounds on target.
The pistols also feature a number of safety features, including a drop safety that engages the trigger bar at a safe ramp within the trigger mechanism and prevents the firing pin from moving forward. This prevents accidental discharges and ensures that the pistol cannot be fired until the trigger is manually pressed (see our 4 Rules of Firearm Safety).
Conclusion
Another important aspect of Glock’s design is that they do not have an external manual safety. This is a result of the company’s dedication to efficiency and the minimization of unnecessary controls. This is something that many professional designers admire about the Glock series, as it is a great example of deliberate, functional design. The pistols are also relatively simple, which makes them easy to use and allows them to take a lot of abuse.