Glock 19 VS Glock 26 Which is the better CCW

[gfl216 226]

The 19 or the 26 which is the better choice for a CCW and why? Is it better to have a smaller gun with 5 less rounds or is that extra 5 worth the slightly larger gun? According to Glocks web page the 26 is .87" shorter in length and .82" smaller in height. The 19 weighs 4.06 oz more loaded. I know some of you prefer other options for a CCW but for this topic lets try to stick the 19 vs 26.

[MidwestPX 172]

Having carried a 19 and a 26, I prefer the 26.  The shorter grip makes printing less of a problem.  However, I've moved away from even the 26 in favor of a M&P Shield.  The single stack 9mm design, while limited to 7+1 (or 8+1 with the extended mag) disappears on me.  It's almost more comfortable at my 4-o'clock in an MTAC when seated.  

[iRescue 0]

I have both. The 26 is overall much easier to conceal in a variety of clothing/weather conditions.

 

I'd carry the 26 with a 19 mag as backup.

[Tack Tickle 0]

This is an endless debate. However, in my opinion the 19 is the way to go...

 

More accurate, easier to control and more ammo. If you are printing more because of the handle, you DO NOT have the right holster.

[jrfly3006 42]

26 all the way..Why carry the bigger version of essentially the same gun.. Youre only losing 5 rds capacity with the 26 .. And just add a grip extension if the handle is too short..

[mcbethr 42]

A 26 can be a 19 with a 5 round magazine sleeve and a 15 round magazine, but a 19 can never be a 26.  So go with the 26.

[vladtepes 1,060]

I have carried  a 27, 23, and a 22

 

It is all a matter of what you want... assuming you can adequately shoot and operate both..

 

if you need a very concealable gun... the subcompact is obviously the best choice....and as pointed out you can use mag extensions... if how concealed the gun is doesnt matter to you.. get the larger gun...

what kind of clothing do you wear? what kind of holster are you looking at.. are you a big guy or a little guy?

 

there are a ton of variables.. I normally carry my 27 IWB.. because concealment is important to me... but I prefer to shoot the full size gun.. 

 

I also chose 40 over 9mm because you can get conversion barrels for 40 to be able to shoot 9mm.. 

[acaixguard 37]

With the right holster, you can conceal a G19 under almost any circumstance. So my vote is 95% of the time, I'd rather have the G19. Shoots better and it's small enough to conceal easily.

[iRescue 0]

See I think the "shoots better" argument is subjective. Arguments can be made on barrel length and sight radius, but in the end - most people, with training, can learn to become proficient with a particular platform.

 

The best piece of advice I was given on this matter - put out a call on here for anyone who'd be willing to meet you at a range that has both guns and try them out. *I would be more than happy to help*

 

I did this and ended up liking both so much I ended up getting them about a year apart.

[Underdog 1,593]

It depends on your body type.  A taller, well-proportioned individual would have an easier time conealing the G19.   A small and/or overweight person would be better off trying to carry the G26. It would also depend on the concealment method and time of year, etc.  A G19 is a more well-rounded gun, where a G26 is more of a specialist. But, throw a G19 magazine in there and you would be doing OK.  Personally, if I was considering concealment as a premium, I would look into an Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield.  But, the best answer would be to get both.

 

I would actually like to get a G19 and grip chop and grip reduce it to a G26 and then get an assortment of magazines... but then I don't mind altering an Austrian piece of plastic. 

[GRIZ 3,369]

I have carried and trained several hundred people on the 17, 19, and 26 on a regular basis since 1998.

 

There is very little difference in carrying the 17 vs 19 and the 19 vs 26 so lets get that out of the way.

 

The advantages of a 26 over a 19 as far as carrying are:

 

1.  The shorter barrel and grip of the 26 make it easier to carry and deploy from an ankle holster.

 

2.  The 26 will fit in a smaller box.

 

3.  The few ounces of weight saved by the 26 over the 19 might make a difference if you were carrying it in the Lunar escape Module and trying to take off from the surface of the moon.

 

iRescue said:

 

See I think the "shoots better" argument is subjective. Arguments can be made on barrel length and sight radius, but in the end - most people, with training, can learn to become proficient with a particular platform

 

I generally agree with that statement.  When my agency first got Glocks we had 17s and 19s.  Later on, we got 26s and I found that extra finger on the grip makes a big difference to many.  A lot of people who shot the 19 well couldn't hit anything with the 26 and stayed with the 19.  Good shooters and those determined to adapt and overcome shot the 26 as well as the 19.

 

I'll go on to address some of the other comments.

 

Some say the shorter grip enhances concealability and printing.  I disagree.  The .8" difference really makes no difference.  Anything that conceals the 26 will do the same with the 19.  Many give too much thought to printing and its really not that much of an issue based on nearly 40 years of carrying on a daily basis.  Unless you insist on wearing spandex all the time a 19 coceals as easy as a 26.  I've mentioned it before but I worked with a 4-10 85 pound woman who used to carry a 17 concealed without issues.  She eventually changed to a 19 and 26 but she was also one of the best shooters in my office.  Most agents carried the 19 even if they also had a 26.

 

Many can use a 19 mag in a 26 without a sleeve and no issues.  However, I've found that it won't work for some and I can only attribute it to the pressure put on the magazine sticking out of the bottom.  The only way you'll know if it works is to try it.  It works for me.  This can be alleviated by using a sleeve.  The problem with a sleeve is if you use a mag with one to reload I guarantee you will pinch the lower edge of your hand reloading eventually.  No problem with a 19 mag without a sleeve.

 

Now if you think you'll just add the finger extension or +2 to the mag you've just made the grip about the same as a 19 with 5 or 3 rounds less.

 

If you're going out to buy your first Glock 9mm I say get a 19.  You have the best all around 9mm made IMO.  If you want smaller or larger get them later.

 

Someone mentioned chopping the grip on a 19 and if that's what floats your boat go ahead. You better like it a lot because you'll have a hard time selling it unless you find someone with the same taste.   

[MidwestPX 172]

You can get a replacement frame from Glock for $100 if it turns out a chopped frame isn't your cup of tea.

[Jon 264]

USP 9 compact.

[GRIZ 3,369]

You can get a replacement frame from Glock for $100 if it turns out a chopped frame isn't your cup of tea.

 

You can add that to the cost of chopping and you've just made that Glock 19 cost you what?  $300 more?  Add a couple of hundred and buy yourself a 19 and a 26.

[Njsarge 11]

I have both, anytime you want to try them give me a call. I prefer he 26 for cc.

[HardCorr 0]

I have both, anytime you want to try them give me a call. I prefer he 26 for cc.

Same here. I prefer the 26 for CC, much easier to conceal.

[bruceleeon 0]

I thought it was impossible to get a CCW permit in NJ...

[iRescue 0]

I thought it was impossible to get a CCW permit in NJ...

It is virtually impossible to get a CCW in NJ. Most guys here have Utah or Florida ccws that allow them to carry in many other states. Just not in NJ.

 

 

[bruceleeon 0]

Ah, that's what I though.  I am thinking about taking the class for the UTAH at the range I frequent.  Also, I was hoping that the CCW sitution would loosen as police coverage in my area is dwindling with the shared resources initiative.  I had an officer tell me ... and I am quoting here... "We are in reactionary mode in your area... no patrols"

[iRescue 0]

Sheesh - where at?

[GRIZ 3,369]

I thought it was impossible to get a CCW permit in NJ...

I was a LEO from 1974 to 2005. I've been able to carry because of LEOSA and have a NJ Retired Police Officer permit. I've been able to carry for almost 40 years now.

[Dro8 1]

I've had my 26 for a few years.  Thought it was greatest until I got my 19 a few months ago.  I've never actually carried either, being a NJ resident, but I do keep it on my person at home with an IWB holster.  I'm a skinny guy so the 26 conceals much better - assuming I've inserted a magazine without a finger grip extension.  Once you add that grip extension, you might as well just go with the 19.  The only difference I really see between them is the grip length when trying to conceal.  The extra weight isn't really noticeable.  I can say that the feel of the 19 is MUCH better for me and I shoot it better, not that the 26 is bad.  In my book I say go with the 19 if you think you can get away with concealing it.  I like my 19 so much more than my beloved 26, I may end up getting rid of the 26, thought the thought of that doesn't sit very well with me.  I feel a little sick to my stomach for even having mentioned it.  Whichever you choose, I'm sure you'll be more than pleased.

[bruceleeon 0]

Sheesh - where at?

I don't want to ruffle any feathers by getting an officer upset or in trouble for the statement should he visit this board... but I am in warren county.

[diamondd817 827]

The 19 or the 26 which is the better choice for a CCW and why? Is it better to have a smaller gun with 5 less rounds or is that extra 5 worth the slightly larger gun? According to Glocks web page the 26 is .87" shorter in length and .82" smaller in height. The 19 weighs 4.06 oz more loaded. I know some of you prefer other options for a CCW but for this topic lets try to stick the 19 vs 26.

 

In almost any situation the 26 will conceal better than the 19. I have both and can confirm this. Yes the 26 has 5 less rounds. But it carries 10+1, more than you will most likely ever need in a SD situation (statistics put shots fired in an average sd at 4). As far as shootability, accuracy, and speed, I put the 26 ahead of the 19 for me. The 26 thinks its a full size gun. And I never use pinky extensions as I believe it defeats the purpose.

[Underdog 1,593]

Split the difference between a G26 and G19 and get a S&W M&P 9C... 

 

I wish they would come out with a S&W M&P 9 Shield w/ a long slide, with a single-stack 9mm and a barrel/slide length of G19 length, about 4".

 

Nice post, Griz.

[diamondd817 827]

Split the difference between a G26 and G19 and get a S&W M&P 9C... 

 

.

 

 

I had the M&P 40C. it was right in between the 26 and 19. The problem I had is that it was right in between the size of the 26 and 19 but weighed more than the 19. I could not justify keeping it.

[EX Carnival man 223]

I own both. G26 is the one for CCW.

[Njsarge 11]

I enjoy shooting both but if I had to choose one, it would be the 26.  I carry it daily when off duty and it has just grown on me a great ccw. 

[High Exposure 5,664]

I have carried and trained several hundred people on the 17, 19, and 26 on a regular basis since 1998.

 

There is very little difference in carrying the 17 vs 19 and the 19 vs 26 so lets get that out of the way.

 

The advantages of a 26 over a 19 as far as carrying are:

 

1. The shorter barrel and grip of the 26 make it easier to carry and deploy from an ankle holster.

 

2. The 26 will fit in a smaller box.

 

3. The few ounces of weight saved by the 26 over the 19 might make a difference if you were carrying it in the Lunar escape Module and trying to take off from the surface of the moon.

 

iRescue said:

 

See I think the "shoots better" argument is subjective. Arguments can be made on barrel length and sight radius, but in the end - most people, with training, can learn to become proficient with a particular platform

 

I generally agree with that statement. When my agency first got Glocks we had 17s and 19s. Later on, we got 26s and I found that extra finger on the grip makes a big difference to many. A lot of people who shot the 19 well couldn't hit anything with the 26 and stayed with the 19. Good shooters and those determined to adapt and overcome shot the 26 as well as the 19.

 

I'll go on to address some of the other comments.

 

Some say the shorter grip enhances concealability and printing. I disagree. The .8" difference really makes no difference. Anything that conceals the 26 will do the same with the 19. Many give too much thought to printing and its really not that much of an issue based on nearly 40 years of carrying on a daily basis. Unless you insist on wearing spandex all the time a 19 coceals as easy as a 26. I've mentioned it before but I worked with a 4-10 85 pound woman who used to carry a 17 concealed without issues. She eventually changed to a 19 and 26 but she was also one of the best shooters in my office. Most agents carried the 19 even if they also had a 26.

 

Many can use a 19 mag in a 26 without a sleeve and no issues. However, I've found that it won't work for some and I can only attribute it to the pressure put on the magazine sticking out of the bottom. The only way you'll know if it works is to try it. It works for me. This can be alleviated by using a sleeve. The problem with a sleeve is if you use a mag with one to reload I guarantee you will pinch the lower edge of your hand reloading eventually. No problem with a 19 mag without a sleeve.

 

Now if you think you'll just add the finger extension or +2 to the mag you've just made the grip about the same as a 19 with 5 or 3 rounds less.

 

If you're going out to buy your first Glock 9mm I say get a 19. You have the best all around 9mm made IMO. If you want smaller or larger get them later.

 

Someone mentioned chopping the grip on a 19 and if that's what floats your boat go ahead. You better like it a lot because you'll have a hard time selling it unless you find someone with the same taste.

^^^ This.

 

Do you carry a gun to conceal it well or to fight with it well? I personally made the decision that I carry a gun in case I need to fight with it.

 

I have both models in the .40 S&W flavor (G23 and 27). Between the two I would choose the 19/23. My G27 rides on my ankle or vest at work, it is never a primary carry gun. I have carried a gun every day for the last 10 years. I currently CCW a G35, a G23, or a G22 daily.

 

With the right holster and belt you can make a G35 disappear under a T Shirt, you should have no difficulty concealing a G19.

[zoid 24]

You can get a replacement frame from Glock for $100 if it turns out a chopped frame isn't your cup of tea.

 

That would take a permit correct?