[Mavis]

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.

 

[Slice]

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.

 

[NamVetJoe]

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.

Slice my old friend you are a silver tongue devil. but you are right on point

 

[jonh1373]

Wow, sorry if I touched a nerve, thought the forum was for an exchange of information, just offering an honest experienced opinion.

If you can conceal a 17 then good for you. The OP asked about 19 vs 26, so I don't see how that is relevant in this discussion. I also never mentioned the 34, only that a considerable number of people have used a 26 in GSSF with great results. They shoot past 3 feet so I felt it was a relevant counter point to your myths about the accuracy of the 26. My point was your reasons, with the exception of magazine capacity, to not buy a 26 are untrue. I felt the OP deserved an honest assessment of the firearms as opposed to what you offered.

 

[ParabellumJ]

Wow, sorry if I touched a nerve, thought the forum was for an exchange of information, just offering an honest experienced opinion.

No nerve. But as I said, I didn't want the OP to base his decision on the reasons you gave when after owning multiple 26's for quite some time and shooting thousands of rounds through it I knew otherwise. Speak your mind, but it's okay if not everyone agrees.

 

[EdF702]

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...

 

[Bigmac31391]

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

 

[Beat_Trash]

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.

 

[GlockJustified]

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."

 

[Otintx]

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 ....

 

[JettaRed]

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.

 

[Beat_Trash]

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."

Polygonal rifling vs. conventional rifling will result in slightly increased velocities from the polygonal rifling barrel, given same barrel lengths and using the same lot of ammunition.

For a Glock 26 to give same or slightly higher velocities than a 4" conventional barreled gun isn't that unusual.

I wouldn't use it as a "Buyers Guide" though. Think of discussing "Icing on the cake" instead of the actual cake. Increased velocity isn't that huge of a deal. There is variance in velocity from lot to lot of ammunition within the industry. Also the modern defensive hollow points are engineered to perform as intended within a "Velocity window" that is larger than many might think. I assisted with hosting a ballistics workshop a couple of years ago. ATK (Federal Ammunition and CCI Speer) flew down a few people to include their ammo expert. The velocity window for their 9mm 147 gr JHP HST round is huge! This permits the round to perform from a 3" Kahr PM9 to a 5" Beretta M9.

A pistol is a tool designed to launch bullets effectively. My personal "Buyers Guide" centers around reliability, durability, effectiveness/efficiency to CCW, and my personal ability to shoot effectively (human interface with the gun/platform). For me, the Glock 19 gen 4 is the best combination of all these factors. But keep in mind that a person with a different build, different size hands, ext. might have a different opinion.

Short answer, It's kinda cool, but not that huge of an issue.

On a side note, I like your signature line!

 

[GlockJustified]

Man, you guys deliver. Thanks!

 

[JettaRed]

Man, you guys deliver. Thanks!

Just call us Dominos.

 

[GlockJustified]

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.

Now I want to buy a G26 just so I can steal this quote.

 

[Beat_Trash]

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

 

[Mack19]

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.

 

[NYY23]

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.

 

[nickndfl]

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

 

[Doublestack45]

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!