Glock 19 Gen6 Review: 600 Round Report

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When manufacturers release an updated model, the reactions are often the same. Most people expect major innovation and complain when there isn’t, while a few assume it will be nothing more than a small tweak and a new model name.

The reality usually falls somewhere in between. Glock specifically is known for gradually refining what already works…if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Right?

So while the Glock 19 Gen6 is not a complete redesign, there are a surprising number of worthwhile improvements that make it easier to shoot, more comfortable to hold, and better suited for a wider variety of your favorite optics.

None of the updates alone are groundbreaking, but when combined, they create what I’d consider to be the most polished Glock 19 yet.

As always, for full transparency, we’d like to mention that Glock did send this pistol out for the review. No stipulations were provided. The only ask was our honest review!

The Glock 19 Gen6 came neatly packaged in the standard Glock hard case. Inside the case were three 15-round magazines, a magazine loader, two interchangeable backstraps, and three optic plates.

Caption: You shouldn’t need anything else to hit the range, except ammo.

Despite the inclusion of “optic plates”, your optic still mounts directly to the slide. The plates really act more like crush washers than anything, so the optics remain as secure as ever.

We’ll jump into that feature first since it’s such a solid improvement.

With Glock moving away from the MOS cut, you not only get more direct mounting options, but the optic sits a bit lower, which opens up the opportunities for easier co-witnessing with your backup sights.

I opted for the tall sights from Glock and love the fact that I can use either my optic or sights with no issue.

The optic I landed on was the new Vortex Defender ST Enclosed. Using the #4 mounting plate, it secured with ease, but there are little gaps that drive me crazy in front of and behind the optic.

That’s no fault of the optic, just the size of its base vs. the optic cut. That aside, it’s been functioning great through several hundred rounds and will likely be the optic that remains mounted for the foreseeable future.

Of course, the other major bonus of no traditional optic plates is the improved durability. With one less failure point between the optic and slide, you can rest assured knowing it will stand up to more recoil and stress.

For anyone planning to run an optic, this is arguably the most meaningful upgrade in the Gen6.

The new RTF6 grip texture stands out immediately. It’s noticeably more aggressive than previous generations, where you get solid traction without the grip feeling uncomfortable during longer range sessions.

I believe it’s a combination of the previous RTF2 and RTF4 textures, and it covers a very good amount of the frame.

Beyond texture, the frame itself has been slightly reshaped. There’s a subtle palm swell that fills the hand better, and a slightly enlarged beavertail. These changes aren’t dramatic, but they make the pistol feel more secure in the hand.

Another new addition is the integrated thumb ledge. This is molded directly into the frame and gives your support-hand thumb a natural place to rest. It’s a small but appreciated detail that shows Glock is striving to really think of everything.

Since it’s built into the frame, it doesn’t add bulk or interfere with holster compatibility. The few Glock 19 Gen5 holsters I have all fit just fine.

The Gen6 introduces a factory flat-faced trigger, which is a long-awaited upgrade. The pull weight remains similar to previous generations, but the feel is more consistent thanks to the flat face allowing for better finger placement.

The trigger had a short “break-in” period of about a hundred rounds, and after that point, it was smooth and easily distinguishable from the Gen5 trigger I’m used to.

It’s not a competition trigger, but it’s a solid improvement over older Glock triggers. For most shooters, it’s more than adequate for both defensive use and range work.

Reliability has been flawless across a mix of ammunition types, including standard range ammo like 124-grain Blazer Brass and defensive loads like Hornady Critical Duty and Critical Defense.

No malfunctions were had through the 600 or so rounds during testing. No surprise there.

Accuracy was consistent with what you’d expect from a compact Glock and an average shooter (me).

At defensive distances, my groups stayed tight and predictable, and I had no issues ringing steel outside at 25 to 40 yards, which is where my range stopped.

The biggest improvement wasn’t accuracy, but how easy the gun was to shoot quickly and keep on target.

When running speed drills and target transitions, the Gen6 feels more stable than previous generations. It’s still a Glock 19, but it’s a better overall shooting experience.

Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1
Barrel Length: 4.02 inches
Overall Length: 7.28 inches
Width: 1.35 inches
Height: 5.04 inches including magazine
Weight: 22.5 ounces unloaded

Simple answer? It’s totally up to you. Would you be disappointed in upgrading? I highly doubt it!

The Gen6 doesn’t try to reinvent the platform; it simply introduces better ergonomics, improved optics mounting, and a more consistent trigger that all add up to a more shootable pistol.

If you’re buying your first Glock 19 or want the most well-rounded generation available, the Gen6 makes a strong case. Everything about it feels slightly more polished without losing the simplicity and reliability that Glock is known for.

It’s still unmistakably a Glock, just a better one.