It might explain why I just acquired a pistol that was released way back in 1988: the Glock 19. Why in the world would I get a pistol that was released so long ago? Aren’t there newer designs that are more trendy and modern? Can the Glock 19 really hang with the younger kids? And how many Generations of the Glock 19 are there?

I’ll answer that last question right now; as this is written, Glock is on the fifth generation of their Model 19. Each generation offers features that add to the last generation. I won’t bore you by rehashing each generation, but we’re going to take a look at the differences between the Generation 3 (Gen 3) and the Gen 5 pistols.

A Big Splash

In 1986, the Glock 17 made possibly the biggest splash the handgun market has ever seen. If there was a bigger upset, I can’t recollect it.

Glock brought many revolutionary concepts to the table, which undoubtedly stemmed from the fact that he wasn’t a “gun guy.” He set out to design a pistol for the Austrian military with no preconceived notions, and I believe that’s what set the Glock apart from other pistols.

People either loved or hated the Glock 17, and that’s still pretty much true today. Even by 1980s standards, the Glock 17 was a pretty large handgun. In response to that criticism, Glock chopped a little off the barrel and shortened the grip to a more compact size, and voila, the Glock 19 was born. When this happened, I suspect that the heavens parted and angels sang, as it was an instant hit. Slightly smaller and lighter than the Glock 17, it’s just easier to carry.

Wide Professional and Civilian Use

In addition to millions of civilian users, many law enforcement agencies and military units still use the Glock 19. These include the US Army Special Forces, SFOD-D (Delta), Army Rangers, Navy SEALs, FBI, and CIA.

Evidently, despite being out since 1988, the Glock 19 is still monumentally relevant in today’s world, and that does not appear to be changing any time soon.

Those organizations have access to any firearms that they want, and they specifically went with the Glock 19, which says quite a bit about the platform. It’s a very simple handgun, and simple often equates to better.

Gen 3 vs Gen 5

Let’s examine some of the differences between the two generations. I’ll tell you now that there isn’t really anything earth-shatteringly different between them. However, there are some subtle differences that are immediately apparent.

That said, I do like the changes that the Gen 5 Glock 19 incorporates. There are things that the Gen 5 has that the Gen 3 does not.

Finger Grooves

Shooters will notice that the finger grooves on the Gen 3 pistols are not included on the Gen 5 pistols. This is generally seen as a positive thing, as many shooters expressed unbridled hatred toward the finger grooves. They never bothered me, and I found them to be functional and helpful on the Glocks that I’ve owned over the years. But then, I have very average, medium-sized hands, which is what the Glock grips are mostly geared for.

Personally, I like the straight front strap a little bit more because it feels closer to the classic Glock 17 and 19 that I owned so many years ago when they first came out. Further, Glock now uses their RTF (Rough Texture Finish), which is a decent gripping surface that helps to ensure a grip under slippery conditions.

Flared Mag Well

Gen 5 Glock 19s now have a flared magazine well, which facilitates faster reloads under stress. Granted, it’s subtle and not wildly flared like some competition pistols, but it’s enough to be beneficial when doing high-speed drills or engaging bad guys in a firefight, which is a big win for LEOs.

Aside from delivering faster reloads, that outward flare at the bottom of the grip helps to enhance the grip a little bit. It offers a sort of little ridge at the bottom of the grip that I find appealing. Again, the flare is subtle, but it’s there.

I find this feature to be slightly superior to the Gen 3 non-flared mag well.

Widened Rear Sight

The rear sight notch has been widened so that there’s more daylight on either side of the front sight base when it’s centered in the sight. It’s not drastic, and you might not have even noticed had I not mentioned it. But it’s designed to be a little more forgiving for speed/combat shooting. Of course, Glock still uses the “goal post” white outline, which I like. Many shooters hate them, but I see nothing wrong with them (other than the fact that they’re polymer).

New Mags

Beginning with the Gen 5 guns, Glock started using orange followers in their magazines. These function just like all the other mags, but the orange follower is nice. It serves as a clearer indication of an empty magazine, helping shooters discern an empty mag from a malfunction. Also, as the follower moves through the magazine, whether it’s loading or unloading, the orange follower shows up through the witness holes on the back of the magazine very well.

From my experience in training and shooting classes, Glock magazines have proven to be the very best in terms of durability and reliability. No other magazines can beat them, and I’ve seen them take some serious abuse and keep running strong.

Ambidextrous Slide Stop/Release

I find the Gen 5’s ambidextrous slide stop/release to be a slight advantage over not having one, but it’s far from a deal breaker. It’s nice to have, but since I’m right-handed, it’s not overly necessary. Still, it makes the pistol more versatile for lefties and the times when we’re shooting with our offhand. The magazine release can be switched to either side.

This is a major win for left-handed shooters and those of us who like to train with our weak hand. I’m not sure why it took Glock so long to make this upgrade, but I won’t complain too much.

Forward Serrations

Initially, the Gen 5 Glocks didn’t have forward serrations on the slide, which left some to be desired. While they are useful, I rather like the front of the slide to be “slick,” so from an aesthetic sense, I’d prefer they not be there. Of course, they make press checks easier, and they also offer more intuitive slide manipulations for weak-handed shooters, so they have a function. The Gen 3, of course, does not have them at all. It’s not a deal breaker for me either way.

Backstraps

While the Gen 3’s back strap is plain, the Gen 5 comes with four added back strap options. There are a couple to make the grip larger and two that not only make it larger but also add a beavertail. Many people have observed that adding the beavertail allows the shooter to get a higher grip on the pistol without running the risk of slide bite.

Personally, I just run it without any of the backstraps added, giving me the smallest grip size possible. Given that my hands are medium-sized at best, I like grips that are small. Even so, the 19’s grip is about as large as I care to go on a pistol.

Dual Recoil Spring

While Gen 3 Glocks utilize a single recoil spring, the Gen 5 series takes advantage of a dual recoil spring. Both seem to do a nice job of dampening the recoil of the 9mm cartridge. I do like the metal construction that the dual spring uses, and that one gets the nod from me. Plus, it would be no trouble to order one of the latest recoil springs and pop it into your Gen 3 (or any generation) Glock.

Trigger

Glock triggers notoriously vary from very good to mushy and gritty. The triggers of the Gen 5 guns that I’ve handled have been very good. Mine has the usual take-up, followed by the wall and a crisp break without much creep. I actually like it.

In my experience, the Gen 3 triggers aren’t terrible but don’t seem quite as consistent as the newer triggers. I think Glock stepped up its game as far as triggers are concerned. I’ve never really had too much of a gripe about Glock triggers, although I know that opinions vary greatly on the subject. My philosophy is that I need to adapt myself to whichever trigger I happen to be using. That means dry fire and live fire practice.

Finish

While the Gen 3 Model 19 has the Tenifer finish, the Gen 5 uses a more durable nDLC finish. Glock states that this is an improvement and that it will resist scratching and corrosion, as well as help the pistol function in adverse conditions. So far, the finish is living up to its reputation. I’ve been carrying the Gen 5 G19 in a Kydex holster, and normally, that would cause wear on the slide of a pistol, marring the finish. However, the Gen 5 model is shrugging it off and still looks like new.

The nDLC finish has a deeper black appearance while looking slightly glossy. It’s not shiny, mind you, but it’s just a little glossier than previous slide finishes.

At The Range

We retired to the range to compare both pistols with live fire. As expected, reliability was perfect. We ran Nosler 9mm ASP 115-grain JHP, Nosler Defense T-BND 124-grain, Federal 124-grain HST +P, and a few other types of ammo through both Glocks, and they worked perfectly.

Accuracy was virtually the same with both the Gen 3 and the Gen 5 models, and we couldn’t discern a noticeable difference in either. Honestly, despite the Marksman barrel in the Gen 5, both pistols can shoot more accurately than we can, so there’s no way we’re going to shoot them to their maximum accuracy anyway.

The two pistols’ recoil was also very similar, which is not surprising. I did prefer the Gen 5 without the finger grooves, but that’s just me.

In Summation

Is one generation drastically superior to the other? I would say no. However, the Gen 5 does have some attractive features that the Gen 3 does not. If I were restricted to using a Gen 3 Glock 19, would I feel disadvantaged? Not at all.

While there might be more accurate pistols out there, the Glock’s attributes, taken as a whole, make it a superior pistol.

Further, many people in the gun culture still use the Glock 19 as a yardstick with which to compare newly introduced pistols despite it being around since 1988. And yes, this pistol can hang with any of the newer pistols that are being introduced.

So, is the Glock Gen 5 Model 19 the best version yet? I think so. Each generation becomes a little more refined and well thought out, and I have to say the extra features that are found on the Gen 5 set it at the front of the pack. If I had an older generation of a Glock 19, would I run out and sell it to get the Gen 5? I wouldn’t call you crazy if you did. The accuracy didn’t seem drastically different between the generations, but the Gen 5 does have great features that I like. Overall, it’s a great pistol.

The post The Glock 19 Gen 3 vs. Gen 5 Comparison: Are They Really Any Different? appeared first on The Mag Life.

One handgun that stands out to me is the Sig P320 XTen, which has been a great handgun for me for years. For those who like to carry a sub-gun and handgun in the same caliber, the Grand Power Stribog SP10A3 is a perfect match.

I got my hands on one at SHOT 2024 last January and ordered one shortly after. It makes shooting a 10mm feel like a .22 plinker. So, whether you’re looking for a self-defense setup, a hunting companion, or a range-ready powerhouse, this is a pair worth considering.

Here’s a quick rundown of the Sig XTen, the Stribog, and a few of my favorite 10mm loads.

Sig P320 XTen

The Sig P320 XTen is built on the highly popular P320 platform, making accessories easy to find. It is designed to handle the high-pressure 10mm cartridge while still being comfortable to shoot.

The XTen has a 5-inch barrel, which helps with accuracy at longer distances. It’s built with a full-size X-Series frame, which is optimized for recoil control, making the heavy recoil of 10mm rounds more manageable. This pistol holds 15+1 rounds, which is great for a 10mm. It’s equipped with X-RAY3 Day/Night sights, which provide clear sighting in all lighting conditions.

I’ve been using mine for some time now and haven’t had any issues with it. The recoil is obviously much higher than a 9mm, but it’s balanced well enough that my kids can even shoot it. Further, you can use it for home defense, or some like to carry it for safety on hunting trips. I read a story recently where a guy was attacked by a bear and used his 10mm to dispatch it. If it stops a bear, it’s good enough for me.

Sig P320 XTen Specs:

• Caliber: 10mm Auto
• Capacity: 15+1 rounds
• Barrel Length: 5 inches
• Sights: X-RAY3 Day/Night Sights
• Trigger: Flat X-Series, 4.5 to 5.5 lbs
• Overall Length: 8.5 inches
• Weight: 33 ounces

Grand Power Stribog SP10A3

My first Grand Power firearm was the original SP9 A1. I was excited when Grand Power released a 10mm updated version of the Stribog. The SP10A3 is underrated and retails for a great price. I’ve had mine for a while now, and it’s a great shooting gun.

What’s surprising with this model is the low recoil. You can shoot as fast as you want without any trouble staying on target. Of course, shooting fast will cost you with the price of 10mm ammo these days. But it can do it if you need it too. This low recoil is probably attributed to the roller-delayed blowback Grand Power uses. You don’t really feel the bolt hitting the back of the gun as you would on some other models chambered in 10mm, which is a nice touch.

Another nice feature is the non-reciprocating charging handle and ambidextrous safety, which make it user-friendly for both left—and right-handed shooters. I’ve got an SB Tactical side-folding arm brace on mine right now, and it’s just about a perfect setup for this size of gun.

Grand Power Stribog SP10A3 Specs:

• Caliber: 10mm Auto
• Capacity: 30 rounds (standard magazine)
• Barrel Length: 10 inches
• Overall Length: 21 inches
• Weight: 5.5 pounds
• Action: Roller-delayed blowback
• Features: Non-reciprocating charging handle, ambidextrous safety, Picatinny and M-LOK mounting options

Best 10mm Ammo For Your Gun Combo

Now that we’ve covered my two favorite 10mm handguns, let’s talk about ammunition. I’ve tried many different types and have come up with two that work great for range and two for self-defense.

Sellier & Bellot 180-Grain FMJ

Sellier & Bellot’s 180-grain FMJ round is perfect for range practice with both the Sig and the Stribog. Known for their reliability and consistency, Sellier & Bellot produces high-quality ammunition at an affordable price—at least when you’re talking 10mm prices. Both guns cycle this ammo without any issue, and it’s one of the cheapest on the market.

• Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
• Bullet Weight: 180 grains
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,165 fps

Blazer 180-Grain FMJ

Another great brand for range practice is Blazer 180-grain FMJ by CCI. It runs about the same price as the Sellier & Bellot and shoots just as well. Like the Sellier & Bellot load, it’s designed to provide reliable performance without breaking the bank. The 180-grain bullet weight is optimal for getting used to the recoil of the 10mm round. I haven’t noticed any accuracy issues with it, either. It’s a dependable choice for FMJ ammo.

• Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
• Bullet Weight: 180 grains
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,200 fps

Sig Sauer Elite Defense

For defensive rounds, Sig Sauer’s Elite Defense ammo, featuring the V-Crown 180-grain JHP, is a great choice. Sig made this round just for self-defense, so it has a reliable expansion and penetration. It has a muzzle velocity of 1,250 fps and is a jacketed hollow point design to make sure it expands on impact.

I’ve fired this ammo through both the Sig and Stribog, and they feed without any issues.

• Bullet Type: Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)
• Bullet Weight: 180 grains
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,250 fps

HSM Bear Load 200-Grain Lead RNFP

For those who want a heavy-hitting round for hunting or dealing with large predators, the HSM Bear Load is a monster round. This 200-grain Lead RNFP (Round Nose Flat Point) bullet is designed to penetrate deeply and deliver maximum stopping power.

It’s ideal for use in the wilderness or when facing dangerous game, which is probably why they call it “Bear” ammo.

• Bullet Type: Lead Round Nose Flat Point (RNFP)
• Bullet Weight: 200 grains
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,200 fps

Are you a 10mm lover?

This isn’t a round for everyone, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Like I said before, everyone has their own likes and dislikes with guns and the ammo they carry in them. I carry a lot of 9mm handguns for work and self-defense, but I also like to carry my .45 1911 from time to time. A 10mm is a great option to have and the Grand Power Stribog makes it even that much more appealing. It’s a great combination for a cartridge I’m starting to grow fond of.

The post 10mm Power: Perfect Handgun and Sub-Gun Combo appeared first on The Mag Life.

This means the first thing that should be redacted from a list is lights that are not worth purchasing at any price. I have used a few over the years that quit on me while I was using them. Others stopped working because of LED, battery, or switch issues. So, we have compiled a list for your consideration that includes a variety of sizes and prices.

If a light has ever caused me any issues, it won’t be on this list. I started with 15, but after reflecting on my experience with each one, I reduced the list down to 10 weapon-mounted lights. Some were added to this list to provide a larger pool of companies and options, but it doesn’t mean they are not quality lights.

Also, keep in mind, that this list is not intended to insinuate these 10 lights are better than all others. These are simply lights I have personally used, some for years, and held up well. There are plenty of other high-quality lights out there, and maybe someday, I will have the chance to review those as well. But until then, here is a list of 10 handgun-mounted weapon lights that have held up exceptionally well for me.

1. Streamlight TLR-1 HL

This light is at the top of my list because of its overall quality compared to brightness and price. An upgrade from the original TLR-1, the HL version produces 1,000 lumens of light, which is pretty good for a handgun-mounted light. Just like the original, it uses two CR123 batteries and does not need any tools to mount to a handgun. Available in black or FDE, it’s a heck of a deal for $300 (On sale now at Gunmagwarehouse for about $150). It’s one of the most popular lights on the market, and holsters are easy to find that fit it. If I wanted the overall best quality for the price, this is the light I would go with.

2. Surefire X300

Another popular and durable light is the Surefire X300 series of lights. You can select from multiple versions of the X300, and they are all built like a tank. Often used by the military and law enforcement, the X300 is about as tough as it gets. I have the X300-T, which is the turbo model. Like the TLR-1, the X300 runs on two CRE-123 batteries with a 650-lumen output. This light is on the far side of large when it comes to handgun-mounted lights. It’s beefy, but people use it because they know they can trust it. You can pick up the X300 for about $370.

3. Steiner TOR Fusion

This light comes with a laser but doesn’t take up any more room, which is a cool benefit. A lot of light/laser combos are shaped funny and are on the bulky side. The TOR Fusion, however, is just a little more compact than the TLR-1 but is still large enough to use on full-size handguns. Instead of a toggle switch, it has two paddle switches that are easy to press. The peak output is 500 lumens, and it is made of military-grade aluminum. Unlike the first two, the TOR Fusion only uses one CR123 battery. It’s tough, but it will set you back about $450.

4. Streamlight TLR 1

I know this light has already been mentioned on the list. But I list the original as number four on the list because of its quality vs price. The biggest downside to this light is the peak output is only 300 lumens. Except for that, everything else is the same as the HL version, but it’s cheaper. After carrying this light for years on duty, I have seen it put to the test more than any other light. It’s durable, and there is no question you can trust it to work when needed.

5. Nightstick TCM-10

Like Streamlight and Surefire, Nightstick makes lights for law enforcement, so they have been tested in the field. It’s hard to find anyone harder on equipment than patrol guys, so if it holds up for them, it will do great as an EDC weapon light. The TCM-10 is a compact light that works best on guns with shorter barrels. I carry the TCM-10 on both my Glock 19 and Walther PDP compact.

6. Streamlight TLR-7 X

The TLR-X is the same size as the Nightstick TCM-10, and it’s also a great quality light, as are all Streamlight products. These two are always hard for me to compare because they are so much alike. The reason I place this one in the sixth position is because the activation switches (paddles) are just a little harder to push than the ones on the TCM-10. It’s also 500 lumens instead of 650.

7. Holosun P.ID

Holosun is not known for their lights, at least not yet. While they are known for their affordable, high-quality optics, the P.ID light is an affordable choice as well. At the cheapest price so far on the list, the P.ID (Positive Identification) is a 1,000-lumen light that runs on a 3.7-volt rechargeable battery. Wanting to stand out, Holosun made this light capable of recharging while it’s still on the gun. The magnetic charging cable is easy to use and comes in the box.

8. Crimson Trace CMR-208 Rail Master

Crimson Trace has been making lasers and lights for a long time. They were known most for making grips with lasers built into them, but they make a decent handgun-mounted light as well. The CMR-208 Rail Master is a little smaller than the TLR-1. With 420 lumens on high and 110 on low, the CMR-208 runs on one CR123A battery. It’s listed as waterproof up to 1 meter and impact-resistant.

9. Sig Foxtrot 1X

This light is another compact weapon light that’s about the same size as the TLR-7 and TCM-10 lights. I’ve used this light on several compact guns for CCW carry, and it’s held up great. My only complaint with this one is the activation paddles are hard to push when mounted on the gun. I had several times during training when the light did not come on. When I realized I needed to push harder on the switch, it worked fine, but it made accurate shots a little harder.

10. iProtec Elite HP 190

And last on our list is the iProtec Elite HP 190 light. This light was a gift from a friend, so I kept it to be nice. The first gun I mounted was a shotgun, and I was surprised by how well it held up. I took it hunting and then to the range several times for some training. Over the years, I’ve mounted it on a few different PCC weapons and a couple of handguns. Because it was free and a “cheaper” light, I wasn’t careful with it at all. To my surprise, it’s still running like new.

The post Top 10 Handgun-Mounted Weapon-Lights appeared first on The Mag Life.