Carry Gun- G19 vs G26 Glock

[FirstNissan]

Hey guys, I am looking to buy my first carry gun. Im looking at the Glock 19 vs. Glock 26. I like the size of the g26, anybody have problems with reliablity. I know that the G19 is like a honda, wanted to know if the G26 is the same.
Thanks!

 

[whip]

Reliability will be the same with any Glock. Buy the one that fits your needs the most and don't loss sleep over it.

 

[chubbs1]

You need to go to the gun store and "feel" the gun. All Glocks are reliable good pistols, my problem w/ the G26 is that my hands are too big...but, if your hands are smaller it is probably going to be a better carry gun due to compactness. Then again I know guys that close-carry 1911's. So it is up to your preference.

 

[UNC151]

I had one (Glock 26) and sold it. It was too small for my hands (little finger and part of ring finger would not fit on grip). But the other issue was the recoil and the pain it caused in my hand between my thumb and first finger during shooting. This gun "twangs" when it shoots and transfers the energy into your hand (yes, all pistols do that, but not like this). I have many SIGs and FNs in various calibers and they do not inflict the pain into my hand like the Glock did.

Anyway....FWIW....go for the 19 unless you have really small hands - but prepare for the recoil.

 

[G-MAN]

I carried a 26 for a few months. Even though it's the "Baby Glock" I found it still too heavy. I moved to a S&W scandium J-Frame 38 Special and had the S&W Performance Center replace the steel cylinder with a NOS titanium cylinder from a 342Ti. With a set of Hogue Bantam grips and the titanium cylinder, I got the weight of this little firecracker down to 11.5 oz. In a Fobus paddle holster I don't even know I'm packin'.

 

[NMP]

I'll give you a different experience. The third generation Glocks have finger swells moulded into the grip. The swells are too close together for me to grip the 19 comfortably.

As a result, I carry a 26 with Glock 12 round mags. The base of the mag gives me the same feel when I draw the 26 as my 17 has, which is my duty gun.

Bottom line: don't buy either until you hold both.

 

[FirstNissan]

Carrying a small lightweight S&W would be great, only thing that gets me is the 5 round chamber. I dont want to carry extra rounds on the fly since I will most likely stop carrying them after a few months.

So that leads me on to my next question, is a 5 round chamber enough to be carrying? Its subjective as heck!

 

[Solo2driver]

Former G23 owner here.

I carry a G26 daily, with the +1 mag pinky extension. I use the CheaperThanDirt IWB "tuckable" holster, and it works fine, even with shorts and a t-shirt. I don't think the pistol is too snappy, and have never had an issue with my hands hurting after firing even a couple hundred rounds. I bought it used, but don't think there is an aftermarket spring/rod in it, which can help reduce muzzle flip and fatigue if you feel the need for it.

Nice thing is that all Glock 9mm and most .40 magazines fit right in there to the 26. If you wanted a larger/range gun in the future, the 19 or 17 would be fine for that, and it could share parts with the 26 to be carried daily. That being said though, I have tons of fun at range days wit the 26, and everyone that shoots it usually say it's by far the easiest small pistol that they've ever shot.

YMMV, go borrow/rent one and shoot it!

 

[G-MAN]

Originally Posted By: FirstNissan
Carrying a small lightweight S&W would be great, only thing that gets me is the 5 round chamber. I dont want to carry extra rounds on the fly since I will most likely stop carrying them after a few months.

So that leads me on to my next question, is a 5 round chamber enough to be carrying? Its subjective as heck!


Get proficient with a S&W J-Frame or Ruger LCR (I alternate between the two) and 5 rounds is more than enough for the typical self-defense scenario, which is up close and personal. We are, after all, talking concealed carry for personal defense, not undercover police work, right?

 

[sw99]

Love my 26! Take some time and get used to shooting it. Glock reliability can't be beat.

 

[Camu Mahubah]

Originally Posted By: 2010_FX4
I had one (Glock 26) and sold it. It was too small for my hands (little finger and part of ring finger would not fit on grip). But the other issue was the recoil and the pain it caused in my hand between my thumb and first finger during shooting. This gun "twangs" when it shoots and transfers the energy into your hand (yes, all pistols do that, but not like this). I have many SIGs and FNs in various calibers and they do not inflict the pain into my hand like the Glock did.

Anyway....FWIW....go for the 19 unless you have really small hands - but prepare for the recoil.


LOL! The "twang"! Well I've got the G23 and the first time I fired it I thought I had made a $500 mistake. The thing tried to break my wrist and jump out of my hands and I had a 100% two hand grip on it.

After 500 rounds I can shoot it comfortably but it does have way more recoil than I expected! I've shot .357 Magnum revolvers and I was expecting the recoil of the Glock to be less. To be fair the revolvers were big and heavy but I was in no way prepared for the .40 snap.

Off topic a bit as I know the OP is asking about the Glock 19. I wish I had bought the G19. Get one! I wouldn't start with the G26. IMO harder to sell than the G19 if you don't like it but my opinion is total conjecture as I have never owned/sold one.

I'm keeping my G23 now that I feel comfortable with it, but if I could do it over again I'd get the G19. I'd pass on the G26...but I don't have a CCW or whatever it's called.

I just think the G19 is a better all around gun than the G26 and it's total speculation having never held or fired the G26 so just think of my opinion as nothing much of anything...but if you like going to the range and shooting as much as you can grap the G19, if you are only in the market for a small pistol that is easy to conceal...Check out the Kel-Tec line.

 

[Camu Mahubah]

 

[1WildPig]

As to the question of reliability between the G19 and the G26, I'd rate them about the same with an edge to the G26.

I prefer the G26 because it fits my hand better than the G19 due to the location of the hump in the backstrap and it is easier to conceal. Some people can't get use to curling their little finger under the butt of the grip/magazine and if this is the case, I'd recommend a Glock +2 magazine extension be added to give the little finger somewhere to rest.

I've tried the Glock +2 Magazine extension and I prefer to NOT use it for carrying .. although, using one on a back up magazine does aid in a more positive seating of the G26 magazine during a reload.

If the G26 fits your hand, you can't go wrong with it. They are durable, reliable, and accurate.

 

[Steve S]

Originally Posted By: FirstNissan
Carrying a small lightweight S&W would be great, only thing that gets me is the 5 round chamber. I dont want to carry extra rounds on the fly since I will most likely stop carrying them after a few months.

So that leads me on to my next question, is a 5 round chamber enough to be carrying? Its subjective as heck!
More is always better and that being said What makes you think more capacity is needed. How many battles you been in lately? If there are several armed bad guys what makes you think a high capacity would make any difference?? I really like a subcompact plastic 9 or 40 but the J frame types with a speed strip almost vanish when you carry them. Get both the semi when there is a need for more and the J frame for everyday.

 

[j_mac]

Glocks are dangerous.
If you're gonna concealed carry the ONLY choice is a J-frame S&W Airweight, or better yet Air-Lite. Be sure and get the hammerless design. Don't want that fish hook of a hammer snagging on anything during an emergency. And the Double action trigger pull will prevent any "accidents" that may pop up in a CC gun.

 

[G-MAN]

Originally Posted By: j_mac
Glocks are dangerous.


Baloney.

 

[Camu Mahubah]

Originally Posted By: j_mac
Glocks are dangerous to bad guys!


I fixed that for you...

 

[j_mac]

...a Glock with a round in the chamber is the same as a 1911 .45 with the hammer back and the safety off. Dangerous.

 

[G-MAN]

Originally Posted By: j_mac
...a Glock with a round in the chamber is the same as a 1911 .45 with the hammer back and the safety off. Dangerous.


You shouldn't post about things you clearly know nothing about.

 

[Camu Mahubah]

Originally Posted By: j_mac
...a Glock with a round in the chamber is the same as a 1911 .45 with the hammer back and the safety off. Dangerous.


Say what? Didn't you recommend a revolver?

Ummm a Glock with a round in the chamber is as safe or safer than a loaded revolver.