Although shooting far-away targets using a Glock 19 firearm is challenging, it's easy for an expert shooter who understands the calculations involved with a short barrel firearm.
Though Glock 19 is not a long-range weapon, you can optimize the bullet distance by shooting at an angle, like 45 degrees. In such a case, the bullet covers nearly 2,300 meters, unlike heavy artillery that covers over 30,000 meters.
Take precautions when testing this out, as the weather may impact the bullet distance covered.
Enjoy the read to explore more about a fired bullet distance.
What Is the Effective Range of a Glock 19?
The Glock 19 pistol is a 9mm caliber with a muzzle velocity of 375m/s. It has a short barrel length of 4-inches and is known to be effective in self and home defense.
The pistol is reliable in operating in harsh environmental conditions that no other pistol can, but it is not ideal for shooting longer distances.
Glock 19's short barrel length offers a shorter sighting radius for aligning the target correctly, thus increasing the error margin during aiming. This makes it challenging to shoot long-range targets accurately using the pistol.
Generally, the Glocks are not long-range weapons. Like many other pistols, the effective range of a Glock 19 is 50 yards. This applies to an average skilled shooter hitting 50% of the target. By reducing the range to around 25 yards and shooting 4-inch targets, you can improve the performance to over 90%.
If you are an average shooter and practice specifically for self-defense, you can try out targets at progressing ranges. Begin at 7 yards, and once comfortable, you can systematically advance to longer distances.
Conversely, an expert can use a Glock 19 to shoot a target up to 100 yards away. To be accurate in such a setting, the shooting expert considers three factors when aiming at the target.
- The handgun design (firearm's muzzle velocity and bullet weight).
- The weather environment (wind, humidity, and earth's gravitational pull).
- The shooting angle.
Can a Glock 19 Shoot Underwater?
Yes, you can fire a Glock 19 pistol underwater, and the firearm will release the rounds with the same muzzle velocity as it would in the air. Though underwater, the effective range is significantly reduced. Water density poses a higher resistance to the bullet's velocity and reduces its travel distance.
The rounds can only move a few feet from the shooting position. So, if you are shooting a target underwater using a Glock 19 pistol, ensure to be at close range from the target, around two feet; otherwise, the rounds will not reach their intended destination.
The Glock 19 firearm can perform better underwater by modifying specific parts and ammunition. The Glock Company has designed special firing pin-pushing spring cups that direct water away when you fire the gun underwater.
It does not make Glock 19 an efficient weapon to use underwater. The modified part solves the light spring strikes problem by enhancing the handgun's ability to fire repeatedly underwater and increasing its effective range.
However, shooting a Glock 19 pistol underwater is not recommended when your head is submerged, even with the modification. Underwater shooting causes abrupt overpressure that can damage your ear canal, eardrums, and eyes.
To shoot underwater, it is best to use firearms designed for this purpose, like the Soviet SPP-1 or the HKP11. These handguns do not use usual rounds; instead, they use spear-like bolts or steel darts and fire them like high-power harpoons. The effective range is higher than a Glock 19 or any other pistol not designed for underwater shooting.
Besides, the effective range increases to ten feet when using NATO specification ball ammo in a Glock 17 pistol. If you place a pine board underwater at this range, the ammo travels with a reduced velocity but still penetrates the target by one-half inch.
How Accurate Is a Glock 19?
Similar to other Glock models, the Glock 19 model is designed to be reliable with lesser emphasis on being accurate.
The Glock 19 has small variations in accuracy when firing targets at longer distances, from 25 to 100 yards. This is common for any identically sized handgun. It does not imply that the Glock 19 is an inaccurate weapon, even if it is not a perfect nail driver.
To optimize your Glock 19 shooting accuracy, you can upgrade the handgun by adding various aftermarket accessories.
Streamlight TLR-6
If your Glock 19 has a rail, you can add a Streamlight TLR-6 tactical light. It is an exceptionally low weight light with an ambidextrous switch for turning on and off. The device provides adequate light to identify targets easily in the dark. Additionally, it is fitted with a red laser.
ArmaLaser TR22
The ArmaLaser is a powerful way to boost your Glock 19's target identification mechanism. It is a user-friendly gadget that you can install and adjust easily. Remarkably, you can adjust the laser beam to be steady or pulse on the target.
This accessory has an enormous bright 635nm red Laser with grip activation. There is no button or switch to turn it on; it activates when pointed to a human. The gadget has a battery door and a master power switch for stopping its functionality during storage or when not in use.
Glock Sight Mounting Plate
The sight mounting plate is a durable and lightweight accessory that you can use on any Glock model. It is compatible with Ade Advanced Optics, Vortex Viper/Venom micro red dot sight, and Burris Fastfire micro red dot sight.
To install it, remove the rear sight slot and substitute it with a mini red dot base plate.
Which Generation of Glock 19 Is Best?
The Glock 19 Gen 1 was developed in 1988 to provide a slightly smaller-sized pistol for the military and law enforcement agencies, similar to the Glock 17 handgun. Since then, three more generations (Gen 3, Gen 4, and Gen 5) have been developed, each with unique features and improvements.
In addition to the generations, Glock has produced two other versions of the Glock 19 model. Glock 19C is a compact pistol ideal for daily concealed carry, whereas the X model combines the best features of the Glock 17 and 19 weapons.
When purchasing a handgun, the magazine capacity is an essential element. Typically, a Glock 19 comes with a standard magazine capacity of 15 bullets which is high among many firearms. You can still increase the magazine's capacity by replacing it with an extended magazine capacity that holds 17, 19, 24, 31, or 33 bullets.
Gen 3 Vs. Gen 4 Vs. Gen 5 – Which Is Best, And Why?
Nowadays, you can only find Gen 3 – 5s in the marketplace because they are superior to the previous Glock generations. After acquiring a Glock 19, you need to narrow it down to the specific generation you prefer.
Let's explore each separately to give you an idea of their strengths and differences.
Glock 19 Gen 3
The Gen 3 model was launched in 1998 and focused on enhancing how you hold the handgun. It has finger grooves, and the thumb rests on both sides, improving the grip area even for people with sweaty hands. This makes it easy to rest your hand on the handgun for long periods (the standard practice of law enforcers).
Also, the model has a universal accessory rail that allows you to add more optical fittings like flashlights and lasers. Many gun hobbyists find this feature attractive.
Moreover, with the extended extractor on this model, you easily know whether you have a loaded chamber.
Glock 19 Gen 4
The Gen 4 model was developed in 2010, addressing some caliber to frame durability issues and slight external changes.
Like the Gen 3 model, Gen 4 model continued improving the grip section. The model increased the grip texture with some designs forgoing the finger grooves for more texture. Your ideal design depends on your preference.
Also, the model incorporates ambidextrous features to ease use by left-handed persons. So, lefties would probably prefer Gen 4 and above.
Further, Gen 4s are calmer than the previous Gen 3s when pulling the trigger. This provides a better shooting experience and increases your accuracy in stressed settings.
Furthermore, Gen 4s guns include interchangeable backstraps that allow you to enhance the way you hold the gun.
Glock 19 Gen 5
Gen 5s is the latest model launched in 2017. Here, Glock manufacturers focused on boosting accuracy and minor external features. They eliminated the finger grooves and improved the group texture plus an ambidextrous slide stop.
Gen 5s guns have a reinforced trigger system, fire pin safety, and extractor. These models also include "Marksmanship" barrels to enhance performance and accuracy when shooting distance targets.
Most notably is the wide magwell that eases reloading. The upgrades entice law enforcement officers and shooting fans.
So which generation of Glock 19 would you prefer? Each generation has its advantages, and the choice primarily depends on the features you like most.
- Go for Gen 3 if you are a cost-conscious shooter who likes finger grooves.
- Choose Gen 4 if you prefer textured grips and low recoil.
- Select Gen 5 if you want fast reloading and ambidextrous use.
Summary
Though the Glock 19 model is not a long-range weapon, its bullet can reach over 2,000 meters if shot tactically at an angle in the open air. Your shooting accuracy decreases as the shooting range increases when firing this model. The most effective range for firing is 50 yards.
Interestingly, you can shoot the gun underwater, though not designed for such settings. Moreover, the gun's accuracy is not pinpointed, but you can modify the firearm by adding numerous accessories to improve it.
There are three generation models (Gen 3, 4, and 5) in the market for you to choose from. Each generation has its strengths and is designed with minor amendments from the previous models. Depending on your preference, either of the three generations is a good purchase.