Thinking of switching Glock 19 Gen 5 for smaller 9mm. Suggestions?

[Spacebar]

I’ve had a Glock 19 for a couple of years now and I pretty much only carry to the mall or movie theater. Anywhere I think a mass shooting might take place really.

I’m thinking of trading it out for something smaller so I’m less scared of printing. I carry AIWB and am about 5’ 10” and 140lbs. Any suggestions? I would like to make a straight trade when I do decide to get something else, so it’ll have to be close in price.

My biggest concerns are magazine capacity (I do always carry an spare) and reliability. I typically wear dress clothes, so maybe something that would fit into a pocket holster?

 

[hammerd13]

Fortunately, most of the modern compacts have plenty of capacity imo. Pick your favorite brand/model...Glock 43, Sig 365, S&W shield, etc. AIWB comfort is a subjective thing. Many find a really small gun, carried in that location, can be more uncomfortable than a slightly larger/longer gun.

Unfortunately, we don't get to pick or guess where a firearm might be needed. Some of my closest encounters with sketchy folks have been in my own driveway, while doing yard work/fiddling in garage. Second place is gas stations...but you just never know when/where.

Carry everywhere, please. As you carry more, you'll find that the majority of people won't notice any minor printing issues (plus you'll get better at concealing).

 

[Spacebar]

Fortunately, most of the modern compacts have plenty of capacity imo. Pick your favorite brand/model...Glock 43, Sig 365, S&W shield, etc.

Unfortunately, we don't get to pick or guess where a firearm might be needed. Some of my closest encounters with sketchy folks have been in my own driveway, while doing yard work/fiddling in garage. Second place is gas stations.

Carry everywhere, please. As you carry more, you'll find that the majority of people won't notice any minor printing issues (plus you'll get better at concealing).

I did have a Shield Plus for a little while, but it didn’t feel “chunky” enough in my hand. I will have to try a 43 out.

You’re right about not being able to pick where it might be needed, which is why I’ve pretty much decided to get something I’ll carry more. I just need to figure out a way to actually have it on me while wearing slacks and a tucked in button-up.

 

[SheepDog4Life]

If you're happy with the Glock 19 except it's size, have you considered the 43X?

Glock G19 Gen5 vs Glock G43X size comparison | Handgun Hero

Compare the dimensions and specs of Glock G19 Gen5 and Glock G43X

www.handgunhero.com

 

[Sigblitz]

I don't have one, but consider a 365 or a small Baretta 9.

 

[MrSmitty]

I recently acquired a Taurus GX4, very light, small 9mm, I have been carrying it a lot, and it is hardly noticeable, still hold 12 rounds. Taurus has really upped their quality game lately, and at their price point, you could buy it, and keep the G19...

 

[spencer rifle]

I am the same size as you, and after trying KelTec and Kahr and S&W 469, my current favorite is the P365XL macro (it fits my hands best). The P365 was just too small. I barely even remember I'm carrying it.

 

[bgcatty]

Take a look at the Canik TP9SF Elite. 15 round magazine capacity. Great hand purchase and the trigger is great. Extremely friendly price too.

 

[wcd]

I don't have one, but consider a 365 or a small Baretta 9.

Carry the P365 daily as bug. In an ankle holster. It takes some practice to be proficient with it. It has a lot to offer.

 

[Xterminator]

Give CZ P10S a try. Fits well in the hand. Reliable & mag capacity is 12. Sig 365 fits nice as well.

 

[Denny347]

I've been a Glock guy for the last 25 years. I loved carrying a G19 off-duty. However, I ditched that for a 43X with a Shield Arms 15rd mag. SOOOOOO much easier to carry. I sold the G19 as there was never a reason to go back.

 

[knutty]

Glock 26, will accept all G17/19 mags also.

Tried the G43x and it was too small for me, carried nice but I couldn't shoot it well.

 

[bwframe]

Glock 26, will accept all G17/19 mags also.

Tried the G43x and it was too small for me, carried nice but I couldn't shoot it well.

Lotta folks don't realize that their "whippier" smaller guns often have to be regripped after every shot. That's a problem if your target isn't paper at the range. If your target might be shooting back at you, better make sure you are not struggling to hold on to the pistol, throughout the whole magazine and the next.

 

[BoilerWes]

43x or Sig X Macro.

 

[Amishman44]

If you're happy with the Glock 19 except it's size, have you considered the 43X?

Glock G19 Gen5 vs Glock G43X size comparison | Handgun Hero

Compare the dimensions and specs of Glock G19 Gen5 and Glock G43X

www.handgunhero.com

I have a Glock 43 and a 43X...and for waistband carry (I prefer OWB, 4:00 position) I prefer the Glock 43X...plus you can get the Shield Arms magazines that hold 15 rounds, the same number of rounds as the Glock 19. The Glock 43 is just for pocket carry in the summer!

 

[CB1911]

A Glock 19 is a great all purpose 9mm that you might want to keep especially if you like going to malls and movie theaters, etc. It also works well for competition, home defense, travel, teaching new shooters, etc. You did mention capacity and reliability are important and the 19 has that covered. Should be easy enough to dress around the 19 for those carry days when you want more gun. I have both the Glock 19 and 43. The 43 certainly is a shootable little pistol and a joy to carry. That said my favorite always gun is a 5 shot S&W lightweight J frame revolver with 38+p in a pocket holster. It conceals better for me, easier to get out of the pocket for me, and certainly is reliable.

 

[KokomoDave]

I have a Sig P365 X Macro. Very slim yet still offers 17 +1 / same for spare magazine. An AIWB or IWB holster that offers a tuck in clip might be best for concealment. Have you taken any training? A good class will help you with proficiency while deploying whatever you pick. I had major shoulder surgery years ago and HAD to carry AIWB so I took a class that specialixed in that location. Smartest money I ever spent. My shoulder was totally replaced and now I carry about 4 or 5 o'clock depending on pants / shorts I am wearing.

 

[BehindBlueI's]

Lotta folks don't realize that their "wippier" smaller guns often have to be regripped after every shot. That's a problem if your target isn't paper at the range. If your target might be shooting back at you, better make sure you are not struggling to hold on to the pistol, throughout the whole magazine and the next.

Hand strength can be an issue for some, but if you're a non-arthritic healthy male who can wipe his own backside you shouldn't need to regrip a 43X between shots. If you do, your fundamentals need adjustment.

OP - Mass shootings are a concern, but a much much smaller one than normal o' routine criminal violence. The 43X with a SCD makes a lovely AIWB gun, IMO. I stick with OEM mags because they are slightly more reliable and I'm not worried about an incident I can't solve in 11 rounds but can solve in 16 more than I'm worried about a malfunction on rounds 1-3.

 

[Judamonster]

I carry a p365x with wilson combat grips in in a sticky holser my pocket.nobody knows it is there and I can get hands on it without anyone knowing. My advice is to go and hold several options. The minor differences seem to matter more in micro 9mm.

 

[bwframe]

... your fundamentals need adjustment....

This is exactly right. A fair amount of folks need just this. It's just not as apparent with a bigger pistol vs smaller.