Last August, I attended a limited release of the new Gen5 Glock models G17 and G19 at Liberty Firearms Institute in Johnstown, Colorado. I wrote about the event here, but little did I know the next release I would attend would be at Glock’s HQ.
In December I flew to Glock’s American headquarters in Smyrna, Georgia, for the exciting announcement of three new Glock models: the Gen5 G34 MOS, Gen5 G26 and G19x. This time, Police1 was there.
Gen5 G34 MOS
The G34 is a long-slide 9mm with MOS (modular optics system) capability.
The G34 is only marginally longer than the G17, but this extra barrel makes it seem like a missile silo.
Designed for competition and extreme accuracy, the Gen5 version of the G34 benefits from the upgrades present in other Gen5s:
- Ambidextrous slide release;
- Enhanced trigger;
- Flared magwell;
- nDLC finish;
- No finger grooves;
- Glock marksman barrel.
Media representatives were invited to Glock’s in-house range after the introduction where we collectively sent thousands of rounds downrange.
While there, we didn’t have the benefit of a micro red dot, but the installed sights on the pistol were outstanding. The G34 was equipped with a set of AmeriGlo H3 17 with a large, orange dot on the front post. The rear sights faded from view and I was able to continually pick up the orange dot when targeting. The gun functioned flawlessly and was extremely accurate at the short distances we were shooting from.
As the G34 is a MOS-capable, I tested the weapon with a red dot once Glock sent the guns out for me for review. Vortex shipped out a Viper red dot and I mounted it. After zeroing, I enjoyed using the G34 to its fullest potential with quicker target acquisition and follow up shots.
The Viper has a 6 MOA dot size and has 1 MOA adjustments for windage and elevation. The unit is tough, easy to use and has a 14-hour auto-shutdown. Running on a single CR 2032 battery, the Viper provides up to 150 hours at the highest brightness, while more common settings provide up to 30,000 hours of service. There are 10 total brightness settings.
Gen 5 G26
The G26, also called the “Baby Glock,” has a long following in law enforcement as either a backup gun or an off-duty carry. Also chambered in 9mm, the double-stack magazine still allows the sub-compact to carry 10 rounds. This weapon also received the advances of the Gen5 upgrades, improving an already venerable platform that has been proven since 1994.
I shot this gun mercilessly. I dare say the size is less intimidating, but the quality is solid Glock. While my large hands left no place for the pinky to grip, I was still able to wrap around the pistol and deliver some solid groups. In scenario planning, I imagined loading a G17 mag into the G26 and wringing the thing out. It would no doubt handle the extended round count as again, the weapon ran without error.
G19x
The star of the release was the G19x. Billed as a crossover – a G17 frame modified to fit a G19 slide – this gun is the descendant of Glock’s entry to the U.S. Army’s Modular Handgun System (MHS) competition. I say descendant because the G19x does not have an external safety, while the MHS entry did. The combination includes the portability of the G19 with the grip and magazine capacity of the G17. In this case, that capacity is increased as two of the three 17-round magazines have +2 mag extenders.
If I shot the G26 mercilessly, I flogged the G19x. Anything made tough enough for the U.S. Army deserves to be tested thoroughly and despite the guns getting hot from repeated shooting, they still performed.
A ragged hole began to grow in the middle of my target and I noted there seemed to be less recoil with the G19x than with the G34.
The G17 is my duty carry so the grip felt perfect in my hands, and though the sight radius was a little shorter (0.5 inches), the 9mm weapon was still accurate.
There is no flared magwell in the G19x, though the extended mags help keep the fun going.
The tan color had me questioning how police agencies would react to it, but there is no doubt the gun is tough, accurate and utilitarian.
The ambidextrous treatment has been applied to the model and a tan version of the updated coating called nPVD makes the exterior super tough. While it’s worth noting the U.S. Army passed on Glock, the U.S. Marines have reportedly been issuing Glock 19M versions to special units, and may still be considering the G19x as a replacement for the M9 Beretta.
Lastly, addressing the hole just south of the backstrap that has caused some wonderment over the years, the G19x filled this with a lanyard hole for the military, making me wonder if the crafty Austrians had planned this all along.
Availability
The Glock G19x and Gen5 G26 and G34 will hit gun store shelves on January 22. MSRP for each model differs based upon sight selection. The G26 starts at $699.00 and the G34 starts at $899.00. The G19x will be $749.00. I confirmed there will be Blue Label models of these guns available for law enforcement. Check with your Blue Label supplier for pricing.
