The New GLOCK 19X - A True Crossover Pistol: Gun Review

G19X-Civilian-GlamourShot_preview (1) — G19X Civilian GLOCK has managed to create a fantastic pistol with the mixing of the G17 and G19.

Every year about this time the firearms world begins to stir as companies start to release new products. So it was with great anticipation I flew out to GLOCK for a special event to get a sneak peek at the new offerings from our Austrian friends. After the release of the Gen5 GLOCK 17 and 19 earlier this year, I was honestly not expecting anything earth-shattering. Shortly after arriving and having my hand slapped a few times as I tried to peek into the new gun case, the presentation began. What started out as a run of the mill media event quickly turned into a major product announcement. 2018 will see GLOCK produce their very first crossover pistol.

Say Hello To The GLOCK 19X.

The GLOCK 19X is a beautiful new gun with a story as interesting as the color. In a nutshell, the 19X is a slightly modified version of the pistol GLOCK submitted for the Military Handgun project. It combines the popular full-size GLOCK 17 frame and the compact GLOCK 19 slide. “The G19X was developed for the military and is a practical everyday pistol that will do what you need it to do, when you need it to — every time, in every condition,” said GLOCK VP Josh Dorsey. “The pistol was developed for the military using GLOCK’s combat proven experience with consideration to efficiency, dependability and durability. Through rigorous testing, the G19X stands out above the competition and has the ability to function in harsh climates and all conditions with increased accuracy and ultimate reliability. Our goal was to meet the demanding needs of the military while maintaining our standard of perfection.” said Dorsey. “With proven testing results and fewer parts than our competitors’ pistols, the G19X has maximum efficiency, reliability and is easy to maintain.”

”The GLOCK 19X is a variation of the gun that GLOCK developed for the military.”

GLOCK 19X Right Profile… The G19X is a slightly modified version of the pistol GLOCK submitted for the recent Military Service Pistol project.

Not A Black Glock

When you see the new GLOCK 19X one thing jumps out immediately. The 19X will see the first use of a factory produced “coyote” colored chromatic slide, which was part of the military specifications. It is also included on the frame and magazines. The finish on the slide is just slightly darker than the frame and has a slight sheen to it. It’s quite attractive and a major step for GLOCK. The finish comes from a treatment called PVD. This stands for nitrated base physical vapor disposition. Yeah…it’s science. The end result is a highly corrosion resistant finish with lower surface friction and resistance to heat and chemicals while also reducing the need for maintenance. Other first-look items are the addition of +2 baseplates on the magazines. With one in the chamber, this makes the GLOCK 19X a 20-round pistol. You will also see the inclusion of GLOCK night sights. They are well made and a solid addition to this fighting pistol.

“The GLOCK 19X will see the first use of a factory produced “coyote” colored chromatic slide.”

G19X Accuracy — Accuracy Preview The new GLOCK Marksman Barrel offer a noticeable performance improvement on their existing barrels. (photo courtesy of GLOCK)

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Under the hood, the GLOCK 19X is all Gen5. The design of the safety plunger has been transformed to a triangle allowing for a much smoother trigger pull. The striker has also changed, along with the firing pin hole. It’s now teardrop shaped compared to the Gen4 slot design. The purpose of this is to increase tolerance for foreign debris in the firing pin channel. This, in turn, reduces the potential for a light primer strike because of debris or grime. GLOCK has replaced the old leaf spring on the slide lock lever with a coil spring. In fact, a great deal of the gun’s internals is new. One area where GLOCK made a big change was in the barrel. The GLOCK Marksman Barrel (GMB) has tighter internal dimensions, enhanced polygonal rifling and a recessed target crown making it a very accurate addition. In fact, it has produced a 3″ group at 50 yards! A very interesting and impressive point was made at the event when they announced the GLOCK 19X has also set a new bar for reliability. During testing, the gun ran an average of 11,000 rounds between stoppages. That is an incredible feat, to say the least!

Glock G19X – “Hell Yeah!”

I had the luxury of running the GLOCK 19X both at the GLOCK facility and then here on my home range after they sent out test guns. I carry the GLOCK 17 Gen5 as my primary, so it was not a major step for me to grab and run with this gun. My first impression of the gun was possibly a little less than professional and sounded like, “Hell yeah!” I enjoyed the familiar 17 grip with the slightly shorter 19 slide. I found the combination of these two to be excellent. The Gen5 improvements on this crossover pistol made it a tack-driving workhorse! Shooting ragged holes was effortless and follow up shots during pedal to the metal drills was fast. I ran everything from ball 115-grain ammo to 150-grain hole makers and it all fed perfectly. I even cycled some less than stellar steel case ammo through the gun as a test and it ate it up without question. The +2 magazines made this gun a 20-round fighting pistol and I quickly fell in love. I am by no means a GLOCK fanboy, but I can certainly appreciate what they have accomplished with this gun. The accuracy, reliability and undeniable good looks of the GLOCK 19X are the makings of a perfect storm. I foresee these guns jumping off of the shelves.

G19X_Field-Strip-02_preview (1) — GLOCK 19X Field Strip… The 19X is a Gen 5 gun with all of the new and improved GLOCK internals.

GLOCK has long been known as a very conservative company producing reliable pistols. Basic black and little flair has been SOP for Austria since it hit the shelves. This new offering shakes that off a bit and has shown how innovative GLOCK really is. The GLOCK 19X with its’ new color and cutting-edge features is sure to be a hit and only deepens the strong reputation that they have built.

For more information check out www.Glock.com.