Glock 19 vs 26 in California?

[CalAlumnus]

I'm just getting into shooting, and it looks like I have time for one, maybe two SSE purchases. I'm basically in Rancho Cucamonga, so I'll probably be going through 2A Zone.

I think I want to go with a Gen 4 Glock. Since both are limited to a 10rd magazine in California, is there really a big reason to go with a 19? I figure the G26 would give me the concealability advantage, plus the ability to use a 10rd G19 magazine with with an X-Grip adapter (or similar) to extend the grip a bit.

Am I missing some other significant advantage of the G19?

[Degrelle]

I'm just getting into shooting, and it looks like I have time for one, maybe two SSE purchases. I'm basically in Rancho Cucamonga, so I'll probably be going through 2A Zone.

I think I want to go with a Gen 4 Glock. Since both are limited to a 10rd magazine in California, is there really a big reason to go with a 19? I figure the G26 would give me the concealability advantage, plus the ability to use a 10rd G19 magazine with with an X-Grip adapter (or similar) to extend the grip a bit.

Am I missing some other significant advantage of the G19?

Same reason I buy all my 22 rifles with threaded barrels: In case we move to Arizona.

[1911man]

Glock

Get the G19, I lost matches with the G26 because the short barrel. If your going to put it on your CCW, I prefer something a little bit more slimmer. I MHO.

[Knomad]

A lot depends on your individual goals and preferences.

For me, having owned both, I much prefer the G19 over the G26 for the following reasons:

There's no real difference in my ability to conceal between the two. This may vary with body type, but it works for me.

I have a big preference for the full grip of the G19. I can do OK with a G26 on a dry day, but in the rain or with sweaty hands it starts to shift around in my hand after a few fast rounds. The G19 remains pretty stable in the same situation.

End result, I sold the G26 and kept the G19.

[GabeCA]

I have both. The Glock 19 feels better in my hand. I am able to follow up shots very quickly. Colion Noir named it the best SHTF gun for a reason.

With the 26, your pinky will be left dangling. So, you are compromising the grip for the smaller size. If you buy it for concealed carry, the Glock 26 is the better choice. Try the 3rd gen Glocks somewhere if you can. The 4s are very similar. Also, I feel the HK VP9 is a strong competitor to the Glock 19.

[Oceanbob]

Good choice with 2A Zone.

I would get both a Gen 4 Glock 17 as a duty gun and a Gen 4 Glock 26.



Do the timing early for 2.

[5ZS]

+Sight radius on the 19 is longer, much better range experience.
I think the difference in the 26 to 19 is more significant than the 19 to 17. Unless you are a freak of nature like Hicock45, no big deal in either way. Check out his videos.

Just buy a 26, 19, and then a 34.

- 26 has a hump I do not really like.

Perceived recoil fell higher because it's lighter and FN hump for me.

Check and confirm with 2A if they can accommodate your SSE, don't want another thread .

[jkody]

Get both. You can use 15 round mags for the 19 in both guns if you ever move to a free state.

[Forever-A-Soldier]

Glock 19. Better resale value (if you decide later), I think it is generally as concealable as the G26, better handling (in my opinion). The Glock 19 is a "must have" in my book. Been shooting one since they came out and Glocks in general since 1987.

F.A.S. Out

[midvalleyshooter]

Just buy the Gen 3. Better gun anyhow.

[NATEWA]

A lot depends on your individual goals and preferences.

For me, having owned both, I much prefer the G19 over the G26 for the following reasons:

There's no real difference in my ability to conceal between the two. This may vary with body type, but it works for me.

I have a big preference for the full grip of the G19. I can do OK with a G26 on a dry day, but in the rain or with sweaty hands it starts to shift around in my hand after a few fast rounds. The G19 remains pretty stable in the same situation.

End result, I sold the G26 and kept the G19.

Ditto

[Paul053]

I'm assuming that you will be going to get a ccw...with that said I'd look into your local requirements for ccw. A friend went all in with a number of sse guns, Gen 4 glocks and Mp Shield non CA version, only to find out that he can't put any of them on his ccw because he lives in Ventura.

[scootle]

There is a reason the Gen 3 Glock 19 is pretty much everywhere... can't go wrong with that. Not much will stop a Gen3 from running anything and everything you put through it.

Gen4 if you really want it... a year ago, people might have been more hesitant about it, but I am pretty sure Glock has fixed the issues people had with the early-adopters of the Gen4 pistols.

Without getting into brand wars, be sure to test drive a M&P Compact (or even a full-size) if you can before you settle on a G26 though. Ergos might be better, but YMMV.

edit: I should add, if you are new(er) to shooting, you will probably have a more enjoyable time with the G19 or G17 if only due to the difference in recoil profile (more mass, longer sight radius)... smaller guns will feel snappier, esp if you are using them as a training tool on the range (unless you are Hickok45, anyhow... )

[HKRick]

I shot both side by side last week and have to say both are great, but I prefer the Glock 19. I don't understand why people think they need the slimmest/smallest frame for CCW. In my opinion it's more important to have a gun that you are accurate with and can comfortably and more importantly confidently shoot under stress. When your adrenalin is pumping and your fine motor skills diminish operating that sub compact may be tougher than you think.

[CalAlumnus]

I'm assuming that you will be going to get a ccw...with that said I'd look into your local requirements for ccw. A friend went all in with a number of sse guns, Gen 4 glocks and Mp Shield non CA version, only to find out that he can't put any of them on his ccw because he lives in Ventura.

I'm in San Bernardino County now, but will be applying for CCW in Sacramento County (moving there next month). As I understand, they're pretty permissive.

Without getting into brand wars, be sure to test drive a M&P Compact (or even a full-size) if you can before you settle on a G26 though. Ergos might be better, but YMMV.

Yeah, M&P9c is definitely one I'm considering. Here's my current list:

Compact
H&K P2000
Glock 19
S&W M&P9 Compact

Subcompact
H&K P2000sk
Glock 26 Gen 4
S&W M&P Shield 9mm
Walther PPS

I think I'll end up with two or three of those. I'm leaning toward the single-stack subcompacts after the discussion here, and I definitely want something from H&K (luckily, everything I'd consider from them is on-roster, so it's not urgent).