Beretta APX vs Glock 19: How to Choose
Beretta and Glock are two of the most popular handgun manufacturers on the market today, so it’s only fitting that we should compare the Beretta APX vs Glock 19.
While the Beretta APX is a full-size pistol and the Glock 19 is a compact, these two models are not far off in size. Both guns are great for concealed carry, though a few key differences may be deciding factors in which is right for you.
We know you’re eager to get into what these fundamental differences are, so we won’t keep you waiting. Read on to learn more about these two popular firearms.
Products Mentioned In This Article
Beretta APX
Designed with ease of use in mind, the Beretta APX semi-automatic pistol is one of the newer guns on the market. Don’t let that fool you because it still has the same reliability and durability Beretta owners have come to know and love.
This striker-fired pistol is chambered in 9mm Luger or .40 S&W and is built with a technopolymer frame. This newly popular firearm features a Picatinny rail, ergonomic grip, and modular backstrap. The Beretta APX comes standard with a 17- or 15-round magazine, depending on caliber, and is also available in a 10-round state-compliant model.
The low-profile, snag-free design and reversible magazine release make it an excellent option for right- or left-handed concealed carry.
If you’re looking for a standard Beretta APX holster, check out our selection here. Or, visit our Holsters By Gun Model page to customize a holster for your APX with upgrades or added accessories.
Glock 19
Compact and versatile, the Glock 19 is known for its common use as a service pistol. The same qualities that make it an ideal backup weapon for law enforcement also make it a great option for concealed carry.
Like most Glock guns, this Safe ActionⓇ pistol is built with a high-strength nylon-based polymer. The 19 is chambered in 9mm Luger and comes standard with a 15-round magazine but is also available with an extended 33-round magazine.
The G19 earned popularity as a concealed carry firearm and backup gun due to its small size, accuracy, and impressive capacity options.
To check out our Kydex and hybrid holster options for the Glock 19, click here.
Specifications: Beretta APX vs Glock 19
Size and Capacity
When looking at the specs of the Glock 19 vs Beretta APX, you can see the Beretta is slightly larger, which is expected from its “full-size” classification.
The Glock is clearly the smaller of the two, standing 5.04” tall, 7.36” long, and 1.26” wide. Weighing in at only 23.63 ounces with a barrel length of 4.02”, the G19 is easily concealable. The Beretta APX 9mm is 5.6” tall, 7.55” long, and 1.3” wide. Weighing 28.24 ounces, almost 5 ounces more than the Glock 19, the Beretta APX has a barrel length of 4.25”.
When comparing the capacity of these two gun models, you’ll see the Beretta APX 9mm comes standard with a 17-round magazine, though a 21-round extended magazine is also available. If you are in a state with capacity restrictions, the Beretta APX is also available with a smaller 10-round magazine.
The Glock, on the other hand, comes standard with a 15-round magazine. If you are looking for higher capacity, the G19’s can be increased with an impressive 33-round extended magazine.
If you are looking for a gun that will meet state compliance, the Beretta APX is the clear winner. If you want a more lightweight, easy-to-conceal pistol with higher capacity options, the Glock 19 might be perfect for you.
Ergonomics
Frame
The Beretta APX is complete with a technopolymer frame and polymer grip, while the Glock 19 is built with the manufacturer’s usual high-strength, nylon-based polymer frame.
Both gun models come standard with modular backstraps, allowing you to change the grip to accommodate your hand size.
Slide & Barrel
When comparing the barrel of the Beretta APX vs Glock, you will see a few key differences.
The Beretta APX has a stainless steel barrel most commonly coated in a black nitride finish to protect against corrosion and scratches. The Beretta APX’s barrel has a browning tilting-barrel short recoil design and features a Picatinny rail allowing you to add accessories easily.
Many of the newer Gen 5 Glocks, including the 19, have slides built with a durable nDLC finish designed to protect the pistol from scratches and corrosion. They also come equipped with the Glock Marksman Barrel, which is designed with enhanced barrel rifling for better accuracy.
Both of these popular gun models will provide you with a great deal of precision and smooth shooting. But if you are looking to add accessories like a light or laser to your pistol, the Beretta APX is the better choice.
Sights
When it comes to sights, you won’t find much difference in the Beretta APX vs Glock 19. Both of these gun models feature a low-profile 3-dot sight system.
The Beretta APX, however, is available in a target model ( Beretta APX Target) that comes complete with a fiber optic front sight and a blacked-out rear sight. Both base models are also designed so they can easily be upgraded with the sights of your choice.
Optics
Though neither base-model pistol comes optics-ready, both the Glock 19 and the Beretta APX are available in an optics-ready variation.
So, if you’re interested in utilizing optics or accessories, you may want to consider either the Glock 19 Gen5 MOS or the Beretta APX Target.
Controls
Safety
When comparing the Beretta APX vs Glock 19 in terms of safety features, you’ll find that while neither gun comes standard with a manual safety, both have robust safety systems to ensure peace of mind.
The G19 features the Safe Action System comprised of three independent mechanical safeties that disengage as the trigger is pulled and re-engage as it is released. The Safe Action System does provide protection if the firearm is dropped.
The Beretta APX has an internal trigger safety, slide catch, and a unique feature known as the striker deactivation button, which allows the striker mechanism to be deactivated without pulling the trigger before disassembly.
Trigger
The Glock 19 is designed with a 2.80” trigger distance and an approximate 5.6-pound trigger pull, while the Beretta APX features a squared-off trigger guard and has a clean, striker-fired trigger pull weight of around 6 pounds.
Which is Right for Me?
While both of these popular gun models make an excellent choice for concealed carry, home defense, or whatever you need, you’ll likely find that one suits your needs better than the other.
The Glock 19 is smaller and more compact than the Beretta APX while still featuring a robust safety mechanism and high capacity. The Beretta APX is larger but has a Picatinny Rail for adding accessories and a unique striker deactivation button.
So, think about what you need out of a concealed carry gun. Now that you have a better understanding of the differences, strengths, and weaknesses of the Beretta APX vs Glock 19, you can make the choice that’s right for you.
If you’re looking for belts or holsters for the Beretta APX or Glock 19, we recommend visiting our Holsters by Gun Model page. For all of our belt and holster options and for more information to help you choose the carry system that works best for you, visit our Vedder Holsters website.
Looking for items beyond holsters and belts? Check out our Resources Page for popular product links like lights, lasers, first aid, maintenance, and more.