Why Is The Glock 19 So Popular For Concealed Carry?

Glock 19 For Concealed Carry

The Glock 19 is not the best handgun on the face of the earth. But many concealed carry enthusiasts don't leave the house without it or it's trusty . Why?

Essentially, the Glock 19 is one of the popular form factors for the concealed carry markets because it is affordable, reliable, and has all the right characteristics for an inside the waistband concealed carry holster. Let's go over the characteristics that make the .

Compact Striker Fire, Single Trigger Pull

That's pretty much the reason why the Glock 19 is a favored firearm for concealed carry. Not only does it have a comfortable form factor perfect for an inside the waistband holster but the Glock 19 has more than ten rounds of capacity. For many critics, they see it as simply a reduced . However, in all practicality, this is a completely different weapon as the Glock 17 is truly geared for a tactical environment whereas the and is a compact pistol that suffices where a Glock 17 would be cumbersome and unwieldy.

Chambered in a 9x19mm parabellum round, it is the perfect middle ground between full size capability with a shorter form. Whereas the Glock 88 - chambered in .357 SIG - is considered in a super compact class that isn't ideal for those with medium to larger hands, the Glock 17 fits fully in the hand while still having a smooth, sleek draw.

Dangers of Drinking CCW Community Kool-Aid?

Now that the merits of the pistol have been discussed, it's time for the inherent detractors. The main reason why the Glock 19 is a first choice for many inside the waistband concealed carry enthusiasts is because it's already gained its notoriety from law enforcement and military use.

Just as a point of comparison, let's take a few of the other major competitors and compare them against the Glock 19.

CZ-75 Compact 9mm
• MSRP: $545
• Availability: Rare

The is probably the most common handgun in existence. Issued standard to many NATO and UN allies, it's had the longest time in service of any compact 9mm. Current models are still produced through the Czech Republic and made with an aluminum alloy frame.

PROS: Aluminum alloy frame is more durable in cold weather environments. Many people who try the CZ-75 find its grip is more ergonomical than the Glock 19. It's also $50 cheaper.

CONS: Glock 19 comes standard with a 15 round magazine with the CZ-75 has a 14 round magazine. May your day never be so dark that it comes down to a single round.

Sig Sauer P250 Compact
• MSRP: $466
• Availability: Common

Sig Sauer is a brand that often gets overlooked in the compact concealed carry market even though they get issued often to members of law enforcement and the federal government. The isn't the immediate head-turner in terms of - that's usually the domain of the , , and the . However, the P250 is actually a fantastic value in terms of compact and concealment for an inside the waistband concealed carry holster. Here's why:

PROS: Interchangeable grip sizes and calibers. The Sig Sauer P250 retails at more than a hundred dollars less than the Glock 19. It also has the same trigger pull (5.5 lbs) and ammo capacity as the Glock 19.

CONS: Standard grip can be a bit bulky. Polymer lower receiver has the same drawbacks as the Glock 19 polymer lower receiver - which can be a bit off putting for concealed carriers who don't appreciate plastic. The P250 Compact is WIDER than the Glock 19 (1.3" vs. 1.18").

Do you prefer the Glock 19 for your daily CCW? Why or why not?
Tell us your experiences with it in the comments below.

About The Author James England (@sir_jim_england) is the contributing editor for Alien Gear Holsters. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and private defense contracting in Afghanistan.