Introduction: The Glock Legacy and the Choices Before Us
The world of handguns offers a vast landscape of choices, but few brands have achieved the iconic status and widespread popularity of Glock. Renowned for their reliability, simplicity, and user-friendly design, Glocks have become a staple for law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian shooters alike. Among the many models, two stand out in their own right, frequently sparking debate: the Glock 19, a compact powerhouse, and the newer Glock 47, a blend of full-size and compact design. Deciding between these two can be challenging, but understanding their specific strengths and weaknesses is key to making the right choice for your individual requirements. This article dives deep into a comprehensive comparison, helping you navigate the options and determine which Glock best fits your lifestyle, your shooting style, and your specific needs.
Understanding the Core of the Glock 19
The Glock 19, often lauded as the “Goldilocks” of handguns, has cemented its position as a favorite for a reason. Introduced in the early 1980s, this pistol quickly garnered attention for its innovative design and consistent performance. It represented a significant step forward in firearm technology at the time, paving the way for the modern polymer-framed handgun. The Glock 19 has become a standard for its versatility and its place in history is undeniable.
This firearm operates on the highly efficient short recoil principle. The action is robust and reliable, able to consistently cycle various ammunition types. The use of a polymer frame significantly reduces the weight of the pistol, which makes it lighter and more comfortable to carry compared to many all-metal handguns. Moreover, the Glock 19 is known for its comfortable ergonomics. It features a grip with a relatively good angle, which assists in natural pointing, and the dimensions are well-suited for a wide range of hand sizes.
The Glock 19’s dimensions are generally considered to be compact, making it easy to conceal while still providing a solid grip and a significant cartridge capacity. The grip length is sufficient for most shooters to get a full purchase on the pistol, which contributes to improved control and recoil management.
The internal workings are characterized by the Safe Action System, a series of passive safeties that disengage automatically when the trigger is pulled. This system provides peace of mind while also maintaining a user-friendly design. The combination of reliability, ease of use, and concealability has made the Glock 19 a top choice for both concealed carry and home defense.
Delving into the Details of the Glock 47
The Glock 47, a more recent addition to the Glock lineup, seeks to blend the attributes of larger and smaller platforms. The pistol is essentially a full-size frame with a compact slide, resulting in a unique configuration. This design offers a different approach to balancing the trade-offs inherent in firearm design.
The Glock 47 builds upon the reliable foundations of the Glock design. It shares the same operating principles and employs Glock’s renowned Safe Action System, ensuring familiar operation and safety features. The frame, like all Glocks, is constructed from durable polymer, keeping the weight down without compromising structural integrity.
While the grip frame is larger, providing more room for the shooter’s hand, the slide and barrel dimensions are closer to those found on compact models. This design strategy results in an interesting interplay of characteristics. It can potentially improve recoil management while maintaining a reasonable overall length.
The Glock 47 may come with an MOS (Modular Optic System) cut, allowing for easy mounting of various red dot sights. This feature offers an advantage for shooters who prefer to use optics for improved target acquisition. The availability of an MOS cut is one significant distinction between the Glock 47 and some variants of the Glock 19.
The Glock 47 is relatively new to the market, but it has already garnered interest from shooters who appreciate the balance it provides.
A Side-by-Side Examination: Comparing Features
The differences between these two Glocks extend beyond superficial appearances; they are rooted in design and intended purpose. Examining them side-by-side reveals critical characteristics.
Size and Concealment: The Carry Angle
The Glock 19 has long been a favorite for concealed carry due to its compact frame and slide dimensions. It offers a good balance between concealability and shootability. Its dimensions allow it to be easily concealed in a variety of carrying positions, from inside the waistband (IWB) to outside the waistband (OWB). The grip length on the Glock 19 is manageable, allowing for good control while minimizing the potential for printing (where the handgun’s outline shows through clothing).
The Glock 47, with its full-size frame, is generally going to be slightly harder to conceal, especially for those with a smaller frame or those who prefer to carry concealed in tighter spaces. The longer grip of the Glock 47, while offering better purchase for a more secure grip, can be more challenging to conceal, particularly for those individuals with certain body types.
The choice depends on a person’s preferences, clothing choices, and body type. The Glock 19’s compact design often leans toward the convenience of carry, while the Glock 47 might suit shooters who prioritize control but can accommodate the slightly larger dimensions.
Handling and Ergonomics: Feel and Control
Both the Glock 19 and Glock 47 share familiar ergonomics that many shooters appreciate. The Glock grip angle is generally comfortable for shooters of various hand sizes. However, the differences in frame size and grip shape contribute to differing experiences with each model.
The larger grip on the Glock 47 can provide a more secure hold for shooters with larger hands, providing more control and allowing for faster follow-up shots. Some shooters may find that the Glock 47 fits their hands better and promotes improved overall control.
The Glock 19, being a compact design, might be more comfortable for shooters with smaller hands. Those with larger hands can generally still comfortably operate the Glock 19, although the grip may be a bit more compact. The shape of the grip, even on the Glock 19, allows for easy manipulation of the controls.
Accuracy and Recoil Management: Hitting the Target
The longer sight radius, inherent in the Glock 47’s design, may offer a slight advantage when it comes to accuracy, especially at longer distances. A longer sight radius can increase the precision of aiming. The difference is likely to be small, but for some shooters, it can provide a noticeable edge.
The Glock 47’s full-size frame potentially contributes to better recoil management. The increased weight and larger grip can help absorb recoil, allowing for faster and more accurate follow-up shots.
The Glock 19, being lighter and more compact, can experience slightly more felt recoil. However, it remains easy to control due to its balanced design.
Magazine Integration: Shared Family Resources
Both the Glock 19 and the Glock 47 utilize the ubiquitous 9mm Luger cartridge. The Glock 19 comes standard with magazines of a certain capacity, but its compatibility with many extended magazines offers versatile choices.
The Glock 47 offers similar capacity, although there might be variations depending on the exact configuration and any included accessories. The Glock 47 is generally compatible with Glock 19 magazines, adding to its versatility. This compatibility allows shooters to easily share magazines between their firearms and helps increase the potential supply of ammunition in the event of an emergency.
Cost and Availability: The Price of Choice
The Glock 19 has been around much longer, so it is almost universally available and there are a great many options available. The prices for the Glock 19 are competitive due to the high production volume and widespread availability, which is great for consumers.
The Glock 47’s price point is generally in line with other Glock models.
When considering which Glock is right for you, it is important to research your local market’s specific availability and costs.
Customization Options: Personalizing Your Firearm
Both the Glock 19 and Glock 47 benefit from the enormous aftermarket support that defines the Glock brand. Virtually any part of these handguns can be customized.
The Glock 19 has by far the largest aftermarket selection due to its widespread popularity. The choices include everything from custom slides and barrels to sights, triggers, and grips. This allows shooters to tailor their Glock 19 to their precise preferences.
The Glock 47 has slightly fewer available aftermarket options due to its newer introduction, however, the gap is closing.
Summarizing the Aspects of the Firearms
Glock 19: The Glock 19 is a compact and versatile pistol with a proven track record. Its compact size makes it suitable for concealed carry, while its reliability and performance are well-known. However, those with larger hands might find the grip less comfortable.
Glock 47: The Glock 47 offers a full-size grip with a compact slide. This combination seeks to merge the concealability of a compact pistol with the control of a larger frame. The modular optic system allows for the attachment of red dot sights for quicker target acquisition. This pistol may be a bit harder to conceal, but offers better grip and recoil management.
Which One is Appropriate? – Recommendations and Considerations
The best Glock, the Glock 19 versus the Glock 47, is the one that aligns with your specific needs and how you intend to use it. There is no single “best” option, but several considerations will guide the final choice.
If your top priority is concealed carry, the Glock 19 is often considered the better option. Its smaller dimensions make it easier to conceal. However, those who can carry the Glock 47 without a problem, might find that they can manage recoil a bit better.
For range use, home defense, or law enforcement applications, either firearm can function well. Some shooters may prefer the slightly improved recoil management offered by the Glock 47, and its potential for increased accuracy.
For shooters who prioritize modularity, the MOS versions of both firearms can be upgraded with a red dot sight, further enhancing target acquisition capabilities.
For new shooters, the Glock 19 offers a slightly more compact package, which is sometimes an easier place to begin.
Conclusion: Making Your Decision
In the contest of the Glock 47 versus the Glock 19, the answer is not definitively one over the other. Both are excellent firearms and represent different design strategies. The Glock 19 offers a legacy of excellence in a compact package, making it a reliable choice for many. The Glock 47 adds a modern twist with its combination of a full-size grip and a compact slide, possibly improving control and recoil management.
To determine which handgun suits your needs, carefully consider your priorities. Think about concealment, ease of use, and how you intend to deploy the firearm. Whenever possible, handle both firearms. This is vital to feel the grip, test the trigger, and assess the overall ergonomics. Visiting a gun range can be beneficial in finding out which one you are better suited to use.
Call to Action
Share your opinions and personal experiences with both the Glock 19 and the Glock 47 in the comments section below. What are your preferred choices and what do you feel are the advantages and disadvantages of each? If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
You can also find further information on the Glock website and various online gun retailers. You can also watch video reviews on the topic. As with any firearm purchase, ensure that you are fully compliant with all local and federal laws. Be sure to prioritize responsible gun ownership and always adhere to safe firearm handling practices.
