Way back in the '90s, I guess about 15 years ago now, I purchased a 2nd generation Glock Model 19 9mm. Little did I know at the time it would become one of my favorite carry guns. As a result I've put more than a few rounds through it. As I was performing an inventory the other day and doing some paperwork (because I'm a record keeping freak) I realized I've passed the 15,000 round mark through that pistol. It's time to take a look at how well it's held up and what the next 15,000 rounds may show.
As you can see, we're talking about a second generation Glock Model 19. This was has been through a few modifications - some of which I kept and some of which I eventually decided didn't work for me. The one thing I did that has proven to be an excellent investment was the Duracoating on the slide. That was done by a deputy in St. Mary's County, Maryland for me and it's held up amazingly well. There are a few wear marks now at the front and rear corners of the slide (where it rubs the holster all the time) but other than that it still looks great.
Shown in the picture, the weapon is loaded with a standard Glock 15 round magazine as meant for the G19. In this case I added a +2 floorplate to the magazine so the weapon actually holds 18 rounds: 17+1. Why do that instead of just carrying a Glock Model 17? The answer is that I never really liked the way a G17 felt in my hand. It wasn't UNcomfortable but it wasn't just magic either. The G19 just fits my hand well. Additionally, I was always a fan of the Commander style 1911s with the slightly shorter barrel and slide, but the full length grip and complete magazine capacity. Carrying that concept over to the G19, I've got "full size" capacity in the slightly shorter weapon. (I still say Glock should make a crossover weapon with a full length grip but reduced barrel and slide length: the G19 Commander, G23 Commander, G32 Commander and G38 Commander.)
So, when I purchased this weapon it had the standard Glock night sights on it. I have since replaced them with XS Sights 24/7 Standard Dot sights. I have added and taken off adhesive grip panels. I like having them but since this weapon is primarily carried concealed, the constant sand-paper like surface of the grip panels tends to eat my shirts up pretty badly. So while I will keep them on a duty weapon, I prefer not to have them on this one. They were precut from Tac-Grip.
The weapon has always fired satisfactory groups; accuracy was never a problem. Don't get me wrong - it's not a hostage rescue precision firing handgun, but keeping a 2" group at the 15 yard line was never an issue. As I was firing it most recently, from a barricaded position at the 15 yard line, I put a 15 round magazine full into a little less than 3 inches slow fire. It still shoots well if I do my part.
To carry it I have a couple of preferences:
Years back a very gifted gentleman named George Wells made me a custom holster for this weapon out of Manta Ray leather. He also made me a matching off-side light and magazine pouch. He also did a set of matching holsters for me made out of elephant hide, and a set for my 1911 out of ostrich. The Manta Ray is so tough that if I wear it exposed and am not careful getting into my Jeep I can scratch the paint up!
My other usual carry holster is the BLACKHAWK! SERPA holster. It doesn't conceal as well as the pancake holsters, but they make a pancake holster MOUNT for it. I'm just too lazy to switch it back and forth and haven't gotten around to buying BOTH yet.
When field stripped the weapon shows few signs of wear. The feed ramp to the chamber is still pristine. The barrel shows no signs at all of wear - or build up of metal debris. So, 15 years later, give or take a few months, averaging 1,000 rounds per year - which really isn't that much when you think about it - this particular G19 is holding up well. It was a good investment that has proven itself repeatedly over time.
Stay Safe!
Lt. Frank Borelli (ret), Editorial Director | Editorial Director
Lt. Frank Borelli is the Editorial Director for the Officer Media Group. Frank brings 20+ years of writing and editing experience in addition to 40 years of law enforcement operations, administration and training experience to the team.
Frank has had numerous books published which are available on Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, and other major retail outlets.
If you have any comments or questions, you can contact him via email at [email protected].
