19 without a doubt! TheLaw will probably be along shortly to reinforce this. LOL

 

I see no reason whatsoever to buy a G26. Reasons not to buy the G26, #1, the grip is too small to get a proper hand hold, #2, sighting plane is too short for any accuracy other than 3', #3, the size is not needed for concealment (I actually find my G17 as easy to conceal as my G19), #4, magazine capacity is smaller. What more can I say. Count your own reasons why you would want a G26 and if it out weighs mine go for it. I would seriously consider a G17, they are sweet as many people have stated for a long time on all of the Glock forums. Bottom line, buy what you want but for logical reasons and then go to the range and enjoy!

 

I own both of these guns. While the G19 is my personal favorite, I have to respectfully disagree with all of your points on the G26 (except the fact that flush magazines have less capacity). #1 I have no issues what so ever getting a firm grip on a G26. The pinkie does very little in the way of obtaining a good firm grip. If you think otherwise watch Hickok45 shoot. #2. If you think a G26 isn't accurate past 3 feet then it's not the gun, it's you. I have no issues grouping well at 10 yards and hitting center mass on man sized targets at 20 yards. Combat accuracy with this gun is not an issue. In fact, with enough trigger time a decent shooter can be equally as accurate with either gun. Again, I invite you to watch Hickok45 shoot the G26 and consistently hit steel at 85 yards. You might also want to review results from GSSF matches as a good number of overall winners did so with a G26. #3. While a G19 isn't hard to conceal, a G26 is even easier. Smaller package = easier to hide. Most people cannot easily conceal a G17, so you are an exception in that regard. #4. Yes. magazine capacity is smaller, on flush fitting mags. But the G26 can also accept the 15, 17, and 33 round Glock magazines, so if you want more rounds and can hide the extra length, it's not an issue.

Bottom line is, both are great guns. Shoot both, evaluate the size/weight/capacity differences and how each feel to you and make your decision. You can't go wrong either way.

 

Whatever firearm best fits your needs. No one can tell you the answer. If they could, they would tell you the G19.

 

I have both and I held off picking up a G26 for a long time due to concerns about grip size and accuracy. I have been so impressed with the G26 that I feel like kicking myself for holding off so long! I find the G26 amazingly accurate and easy to both shoot and control.... Truly an amazing little shooter!

As for the original question, I would give the nod to the G19, but I don't think either would be a disappointment. I suppose the G26 would be for a more experienced Glock shooter as the initial "feel" can be unsettling. Both are well worth owning.

 

I cannot imagine not having my G26. Its a lovable loyal little puppy that follows me wherever I go. When I command it to attack, it does so viciously.

 

Get Both !!

 

I like the way you're thinking! Welcome aboard Realistic!

 

Get both, I did an haven't looked back.

 

I have both and really love both. However, as a range gun, the G19 Gen4 is more accurate for me. But you're not buying the G26 to be a range gun. At defensive distances (7 yards or less), the G26 is plenty accurate. In the 9mm, the recoil of GLOCK sub-compacts is virtually unnoticed.

As a side note, recent tests that I've done with a chronograph on some handloads have the G26 velocities with it's 3.42" barrel exceeding my Ruger SR9 with a 4.14" barrel by an average of 50 fps. Ammo was randomly selected for both guns from the same batch.

 

As a side note, recent tests that I've done with a chronograph on some handloads have the G26 velocities with it's 3.42" barrel exceeding my Ruger SR9 with a 4.14" barrel by an average of 50 fps. Ammo was randomly selected for both guns from the same batch.

I'm curious, does the Ruger SR9 use polygonal rifling, or is it conventional rifling? Glock's polygonal rifling creates a better bullet to bore seal, and reduces the amount of gas blow-by which should produce higher muzzle velocities.

 

Ended up with a Shield 9mm. Just felt great in my hand.

 

Congrats on the shield.

 

Have both and carry both. The G26, in my hands, out shoots the 19 by far. G26 will shoot a 4" group at 40 yds for me. I can only get about 6" with the 19. I carry the G26 more then any others as it's lighter, 10 verses 15 rds, beveled nose hide better, and I use a Pierce mag base. I like the 26 so much I'll probably pick up a G27 next. Try both and find a way to have both.

 

Hickok45 is accurate to 80 yards with a G26.... See the video below.

I'm no Hickok45, but I can shoot my G26 about as well as my G19...

 

I have big hands(not huge). Glock 19 gen 4 is for me! Hope that helps!

 

It really depends on what you plan on doing with the pistol, and on your hand size and build.

I've had both for years. My GLock 26 was my first Glock. I bought it shortly after the 26 was introduced. A couple of years later, I bought a gen3 Glock 19. Recently I bought a gen4 Glock 19. I've got big hands. I won't sell my Glock 26, but I can't imagine being without a Glock 19.

The best advise I can give is to try to shoot both, and buy which ever one feels and shoots best for you.

 

This may be taking the thread on a bit of a tangent (moderators feel free to suggest I take this elsewhere), but it looks as though OP has made his decision. So I figure the worst I'll do here is reveal my ignorance.

Would y'all mind breaking this part of JettaRed's advice down in terms of significance? I've fired a fair amount of firearms over the years, am a pretty good shot - and I managed a respectable GPA in science classes in college - but thus far I haven't really combined that knowledge in any useful manner. In other words, I know what guns feel good in my hands, and which I have best accuracy with - but frankly I'm sometimes in the dark when I read stuff like the following paragraph. Obviously I know what velocity means in general, and as relates to firearms, but am unclear as to why enthusiasts reference it as a "buying guide" as is done below, and I've read elsewhere. So "Cliff's Notes"would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your explanation(s).

JettaRed wrote: "As a side note, recent tests that I've done with a chronograph on some handloads have the G26 velocities with it's 3.42" barrel exceeding my Ruger SR9 with a 4.14" barrel by an average of 50 fps. Ammo was randomly selected for both guns from the same batch."

 

Sorry for not providing context for my statement. It was based on findings discussed in another thread.

First, let's consider energy or force. The formula for Force (F) is mass (m) times acceleration (a), or F=ma. Acceleration is velocity (v) times itself (v2). Or F=ma=mv2. (Can't do superscripts here. v2 is v squared) Bottom line: increase velocity and you increase force. Or, my G26 will deliver more force on target than my full-framed Ruger for the same round fired.

The increase in velocity does a couple of things. It increases the probability that there will be sufficient energy to cycle the bolt/slide; and it delivers more force on the target. If you are using defensive rounds, you want them to have sufficient energy to deform properly for the greatest effect.

For me, I found that rounds that were on the cusp of sufficient velocity or not fired more reliably from the GLOCKs than from the Rugers.

 

50 fps faster ? H*ll yeah, I'll buy THAT !

The worst enemy of good enough is "better".

And I am the worst about breaking this rule ....

 

Man, you guys deliver. Thanks!

 

Just call us Dominos.

 

Buy one and sit it next to that Glock 30s, and it will probably look like a puppy sitting next to the big dog!

 

Those who buy a 26 usually end up wanting to use 19 mag with extension for more rounds in the gun,so it ends up the size of the 19 so save the hassle and buy the 19 its very easy to conceal. I do every day.

 

Another thing to consider...a subcompact grip (with flush mag) does NOT lend itself to efficient tactical reloading. Your pinky and base of your hand will prevent that mag from clearing the grip, and you'll have to work it out with your weak hand. This can become quite cumbersome with a fresh mag in your weak hand. Of course, if you don't carry a spare mag, the point is moot. Just my $0.02.

 

Buy the 19 first, then debate on a 26 or 23 later.

 

I find the 26 really shines as an ankle carry backup to my 17/ 19's. I have to force myself to shoot the 26 occasionally to stay sharp as I don't care for the feel as much as the compact and full size frames. With that said, it does shoot well for a small gun, but is on the edge of too big for pocket carry. Without knowing your carry needs its tough, but most people do better with a larger gun under stress. More contact area with the hand if that makes sense. As a last option, you could shoot the 19 for a while, and if you still feel the need for a two finger grip, have the frame chopped to take 26 mags by a reputable company that specialize in frame modifications for about $75. I will always steer someone towards the 19 first though, as it's my favorite. Happy shooting!

 

I own both. I carry a G26 daily. IF you want a smallish Glock 9mm on which you can mount a light and/or laser, get the G19. There are no other reasons to pick the G19 over the G26. You can't make a G19 smaller; you can make a G26 grip larger.

 

The 19 has a longer bore and will {generally speaking} be more accurate. You can't make a G26 longer...

(Stir the pot)

 

I don't see much difference in accuracy between the two. Also found my G30 to be at least as accurate, if not more accurate, than my G21. Nothing wrong with a G19; I love mine, but it doesn't conceal as well as a G26. I guess that rates a big "DUH," doesn't it?? If one wants to carry and be able to attach a light, then the G19 is the one, of course, to pick.

 

The Gen4 19 ergonomics are, dare I say it... perfect. In fact, the G19 had somehow become the most comfortable gun I’d ever held, except for maybe the 1911.

It’s easier to carry, easier to shoot and instills me with confidence no other pistol has (yet) to achieve. Although the G26 is a fine shooting little 9mm, it's grip size is a might small for my (average) hand size.

G19 ... Accuracy, reliability, and the perfect capacity.

 

The Gen4 19 ergonomics are, dare I say it... perfect. In fact, the G19 had somehow become the most comfortable gun I'd ever held, except for maybe the 1911.

It's easier to carry, easier to shoot and instills me with confidence no other pistol has (yet) to achieve. Although the G26 is a fine shooting little 9mm, it's grip size is a might small for my (average) hand size.

G19 ... Accuracy, reliability, and the perfect capacity.

All true, and welcome to the forum.

 

I wanted a G19 for several years, always looking for a ftf great deal, but just never found one. I'm of the opinon that folks are not as inclined to sell their G19s as they are their other Glocks. Finally bit the bullet and just bought a new Gen 3 few weeks ago. Absolutely one of the best-shooting pistols I own. I tried carrying the new G19, but it's just enough larger than my G26 that I stayed with the G26.

 

G19 you'll love it