Glock 19 vs 26: Which is Best for Me?
Glock has a long history and reputation for crafting high-quality, reliable, and functional pistols for a wide range of uses. So if you’ve been considering a new handgun for personal protection, it’s not surprising that you would settle on this brand – and the Glock 19 and 26 are some of their most popular offerings for a reason.
But which is the best choice for your specific purposes?
When comparing the Glock 19 vs 26, it’s hard to choose a clear winner. Both are highly maneuverable 9mm pistols with similar features that work well for concealed carry or home defense. The 26 is the smaller of the two, making it a bit easier to conceal for some, while the 19 may be more comfortable to hold for others.
In this article, we’ll cover all the ins and outs of both the G19 and 26 to help give you a better idea of which will best suit your needs. Let’s jump into it.
Glock 19
A versatile and reliable sidearm, the Glock 19 is a popular choice for both concealed carry and law enforcement use. Its compact size and striker-fired design make it a trustworthy companion for everyday carry.
Renowned for its accuracy, durability, and signature Safe-Action trigger system, the G19 features a robust matte polymer-finished frame with a textured grip for a secure hold. Its locked breech and short recoil operation ensures smooth and consistent performance.
Chambered in 9mm, the Glock 19 effectively balances power and manageability for self-defense scenarios. It features modular backstraps to accommodate a range of hand sizes, making it an excellent option for a variety of shooters. Sporting a 4.02-inch barrel, the Glock 19 measures 5.04 inches in overall height, weighs 23.63 ounces, and has a standard capacity of 15.
If you’re looking for a holster for this gun model, check out our selection of IWB and OWB Glock 19 holsters here. Or, visit our Holsters By Gun Model page to customize a holster for your G19 with added accessories.
Glock 26
The Glock 26 is a discreet, compact sidearm specifically designed with concealed carry in mind. Chambered in 9mm, it comes equipped with a standard 10-round magazine capacity and also features Glock’s Safe-Action trigger system and interchangeable backstraps.
Thanks to its subcompact dimensions, the G26 serves as an ideal backup or secondary carry option for those who prefer a larger primary pistol. Even though it’s small, it can accommodate the same higher-capacity magazines as the Glock 17 and 19, providing added flexibility.
Despite its compact size, weighing only 21.52 ounces unloaded and measuring 6.5 inches in length and 1.26 inches in width, the Glock 26 packs a formidable punch, making it a capable choice for personal defense and concealed carry.
If you’re looking for a holster for this gun model, check out our selection of IWB and OWB Glock 26 holsters here. Or, visit our Holsters By Gun Model page to customize a holster for your G26 with added accessories.
Glock 19 vs 26: Specs
Glock 26 vs 19: Size & Capacity
The size difference between the Glock 19 vs 26 is the main factor that sets the two pistols apart from each other. While the G19 weighs 23.63 ounces and measures 5.04 inches tall, 1.26 inches wide, and 7.36 inches long with a barrel length of 4.02 inches, the G26 weighs a bit less at 21.52 ounces and stands 4.17 inches tall, 1.26 inches wide, and 6.5 inches long with a shorter barrel length of 3.43 inches.
The Glock 26’s standard capacity is also smaller, however, and can hold 10 rounds while the Glock 19 comes with a standard capacity of 15. That being said, both models are compatible with larger magazines that can hold up to 33 rounds.
Glock 19 vs Glock 26: Frame
Although the Glock 26’s frame is subcompact while the Glock 19’s is compact, both are made from black polymer and are modular, meaning they come with interchangeable backstraps allowing users to customize the gun to better fit their hand size.
Both pistols feature a textured grip for a better purchase and have an ultra-durable, Tenifer-coated ordinance-grade steel slide that’s corrosion-resistant. While both handguns do have slide serrations for a nice secure grip, the Glock 26 only has rear serrations while the Glock 19 has both front and rear serrations.
Glock 26 vs Glock 19: Sights & Optics
Both the G26 and 19 come with Glock’s standard plastic, white-painted sights. Although these sights are pretty effective as-is, both models have a wide variety of aftermarket sight upgrade options available online. Neither comes out of the box optics-ready, though both come in an MOS variation that offers modular optic compatibility if that’s a dealbreaker for you.
Glock 19 vs 26: Controls
In terms of their triggers and safety features, the Glock 19 and 26 are again very similar. Instead of a manual safety, both come with Glock’s Safe Action trigger system, which is designed with three independent mechanical safeties that disengage as the gun’s trigger is pulled and re-engage when released. The Safe Action System does offer protection in the event the firearm is dropped.
The trigger on both firearms has a pull weight of 6.3 pounds, though there is a very slight difference in their trigger distance, with the 19 measuring 2.80 inches and the 26 measuring ever so slightly longer at 2.83 inches.
FAQ: G26 vs G19
Are Glock 19 and 26 Triggers Interchangeable?
Glock is known for making many of its parts interchangeable among models, and the trigger for the G19 and G26 is no exception. According to the manufacturer, the Glock Performance Trigger is compatible with both the Glock 19 and 26, as well as several other models.
Is Glock 26 the Smallest Glock?
Although the Glock 26 is a pretty small subcompact pistol, it is not the smallest that Glock offers. In fact, the smallest Glock firearm is the G42, which is chambered in .380 auto and measures a mere 0.98 inches wide, 4.13 inches tall, and 5.94 inches long with a barrel length of 3.25 inches. It’s impressively lightweight, too, weighing only 13.76 ounces with an empty magazine.
Is Glock 26 Easier to Conceal Than Glock 19?
How easy or difficult any given pistol will be to conceal depends on your body type, clothing choices, and carry position. However, being that the Glock 26 is so much smaller than the Glock 19, it’s safe to say that it is easier to conceal for most people.
Which is Right For Me?
When trying to choose between the Glock 26 vs 19, it can be hard to determine which is the right choice for you. Both models are so similar in terms of frame and features, and the main difference comes down to size. You’ll want to consider your lifestyle and what you intend to use your Glock for. For home defense, the larger Glock 19 might be a better option, while many people will find the smaller Glock 26 easier to conceal. At the end of the day, the choice comes down to your personal preference.
No matter which Glock model you choose, you’ll need a quality concealed carry holster to secure it in. If you’re looking for a new IWB, OWB, or pocket carry holster, visit our Holsters by Gun Model page for Kydex holsters that are custom-made for your Glock of choice.
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