G19 for competition?

[Matius]

Okay,
What is everyone's opinion on the G19 for competition? I want to compete in a class that allows modifications such as a magwell, trigger, aftermarket sights, and possibly a compensated barrel. I bought a G19 this summer, but wasn't real thrilled with the trigger or overall comfort (been shooting gov't 1911 .45 for a while) and now am getting interested in IDPA/IPSC. I was going to get rid of it for an STI or other 9mm 1911 (posted this dilemma in the Non Glock room), but today decided to save the money, modify it and try to use it at matches. I realize that a G17 or 34 would be a more stable platform, but I already have the G19 and it is still practically brand new (300 rounds through it only). Ideas?

[Custom Glock Racing]

You can certainly do it but there are better choices. You will probably have trouble finding a good magwell for it though.

[Matius]

Originally posted by Custom Glock Racing
You can certainly do it but there are better choices. You will probably have trouble finding a good magwell for it though.

I have been eyeballing the Dawson Precision ICE magwell. Looks like a good magwell, although I have read about some issues with super tight fit and potentially having to file the brass plug slightly. I have Trijicon night sights on it now but am thinking about adjustable fibers. Also on the lookout for a longer, comped barrel. And I DEFINITELY need a better trigger/trigger job. That is my biggest complaint about the Glock's comfort.

[Custom Glock Racing]

That magwell like most will not fit a 19.

Dont bother with a FO rear, just the front, you may also want a black front. Each has advantages for various target types.

Trigger will help a lot. Lots of options out there including stuff I have.

[GlockRik]

Change the sights and trigger (.25 cent trigger job or vanek drop in) and shoot it in SSP in IDPA or production in USPSA. This will get you far enough along that you can decide what you want to do. Sivigney did ok with a Glock with not any more mods than this.
After rereading your post, I want to offer the following suggestions in addition to the above:
1. Change sights first. Ameriglo or whatever CGR suggests.
2. Trigger job. Do a search on .25 cent trigger job plus 3.5# connector.
3. Buy 2 or 3 thousand rounds of ammo and learn the Glock trigger. Shoot at 7 to 10 yards until you have it down pat. Concentrate on front sight and trigger control. Don't think about anything else until you get it down. Don't think about double taps, speed or anything else until you put every round in the x ring at this distance.
4. When you learn the trigger, you will start to realize what is possible with a Glock.
GoodGlokin,
Rik

[Flexmoney]

Matius,

You should probably go shoot a match before you do any real work to the gun. As is, your G19 will fit well into USPSA's Production division and IDPA's Stock Service Pistol (SSP) division.

Adding a magwell and a comp'ed barrel would likely make your gun less competitive, since it would kick you into different equipment divisions...which you gun really wouldn't be suited for.

Your G19 will fit right in. Good sights and cleaning up the trigger a bit is as far as I'd look to go if you really wanted to do modifications.

[Carlitos]

G19 is what I started with. Bone stock. That was in 2000.

Flex's advice is good. Just show up and shoot w/ the gun you have. All will become clear after a couple of matches.

[77jazz]

There are several advantages to shootig the G19 that most people do not realize. I am a Master level shooter and that is my gun of choice. I also have a G17 and G34 to choose from, but for me, the 19 is a better choice. First of all, the gun points quicker, lighter slide = less mass and less muzzle flip, it cycles quicker, and if also comes out of the holster faster. The only place where you lose a little to the 17 and 34 are once you get out past 20 yards, and even then its not all that much.
I wouldnt recomend doing alot to your gun as its pretty good the way it sits. Skip the magwell as you already have a shortened grip and it will really crowd your hand. Plus the addition of this puts you in another class where you will be agains 1911's. The only reall changes I would recomend are dropping in a 3.5#lb connector, and purchase an ISMI #13lb recoil spring, and clip 3 coils off of it. Thats it.

77jazz

[Alaskapopo]

Originally posted by Flexmoney
Matius,

You should probably go shoot a match before you do any real work to the gun. As is, your G19 will fit well into USPSA's Production division and IDPA's Stock Service Pistol (SSP) division.

Adding a magwell and a comp'ed barrel would likely make your gun less competitive, since it would kick you into different equipment divisions...which you gun really wouldn't be suited for.

Your G19 will fit right in. Good sights and cleaning up the trigger a bit is as far as I'd look to go if you really wanted to do modifications.

+1
Pat

[Alaskapopo]

Originally posted by 77jazz
There are several advantages to shootig the G19 that most people do not realize. I am a Master level shooter and that is my gun of choice. I also have a G17 and G34 to choose from, but for me, the 19 is a better choice. First of all, the gun points quicker, lighter slide = less mass and less muzzle flip, it cycles quicker, and if also comes out of the holster faster. The only place where you lose a little to the 17 and 34 are once you get out past 20 yards, and even then its not all that much.
I wouldnt recomend doing alot to your gun as its pretty good the way it sits. Skip the magwell as you already have a shortened grip and it will really crowd your hand. Plus the addition of this puts you in another class where you will be agains 1911's. The only reall changes I would recomend are dropping in a 3.5#lb connector, and purchase an ISMI #13lb recoil spring, and clip 3 coils off of it. Thats it.

77jazz

I would have to disagree with one of your points. The lighter gun equals more muzzle flip not less. While its harder to tell on a 9mm. But if you shoot a Glock 23 vs a Glock 35 you will see how the 35 is easier to shoot quickly due to less muzzle flip.
Pat

[Jim Watson]

I do not understand the fascination of the G19 except for easier concealment. The one I had was not nearly as good a shooter as my G17. But if you like it, you like it.

Do NOT start hanging junk on it, especially a compensator. That would throw you into IPSC/USPSA Open versus 28 shot scope sighted .38 Supers and would keep you out of IDPA altogether.

[shootingbuff]

A 19 is more than worthy.

Shoot the crap out of it for a year and then decide what you want or want to do to it (other than trigger work)

sb