FIRST REVIEW: Glock 19X Crossover 9mm Pistol

The new for early 2018 Glock 19X (G19X) Crossover available this week is a hybrid mostly Generation 5 combination of a Glock 19 (G19) Slide and a Glock 17 (G17) frame. The G19X uniquely matched the U.S. Army’s criteria for their Modular Handgun System (MHS) competition with one pistol, and now it is being offered to the civilian market. The military test version required a manual thumb safety, while this civilian version does not have one. I am happy that Glock sent me an early one to review and test and I want to share my impressions with you.

Why did Glock Make the G19X Hybrid Crossover?

Several have asked “Why” a combination of the G19 and G17 is necessary? Many are wondering out loud “What is the purpose for this hybrid gun?” Generally, I believe the genesis for this new blend is to make one gun accomplish a lot of roles and to have the advantages of the full-size G17’s grip length for better control and the 17 rounds magazine capacity. This combines with the improved accuracy, shorter barrel and slide for possible concealed carry, and handling of the Generation 5 G19. But, not all Gen 5 features are included, as described below.

What shooters will this new Crossover appeal to?

Will it primarily be a tactical duty gun, home defense gun, and/or a range gun?

Will it meet the needs and work for concealed carry?

What is the primary target market for this hybrid blend?

I want to objectively identify the G19X’s strengths, weaknesses, and shoot and evaluate it for myself and give you some information. I hope my criteria, opinions, analysis, and evaluation help you to make your own decisions about the gun and how you might use it. Of course, any gun selection relies on your own personal criteria, opinions, preferences, and your handling and shooting the gun.

First, I will give you my ten criteria for evaluating the G19X Crossover. Then, I will present the G19X’s specifications and features. Next, I will evaluate it against each of my ten criteria factor by factor and then give you my final opinions, optimal use ideas, and recommendation about the G19X.

In my recent book, “Concealed Carry & Handgun Essentials,” I thoroughly analyze, compare, and rank my Top 21 Concealed Carry 9mm guns, including the G19. You can read my detailed comparisons and below are my G19X thoughts. I want to state up front that I am not on the Glock payroll, have not been paid by them for this review, for my opinions, nor influenced to say certain things about this gun or any product by them or anyone. Read on to find out if I do recommend the G19X.

Criteria and Considerations for this Glock G19X Review

Here are just 10 of my criteria and factors I use for evaluating any handgun, so I will use them for the G19X. In addition to my criteria, there are other subjective features that may be appealing for some, like a certain style, mag release location, action, caliber, appearance, number of mags included, type of sights/modifications, bore axis, rail, grip angle, non-porting or porting, included extras like a holster and pouch, customer service, etc. So, I combined these into my last Miscellaneous criterion. I must admit that ALL gun-choice decisions involve tradeoffs, but I really want ALL of my criteria to be met. I assigned a total possible point score of 10 points for each of my ten criteria for a total possible score of 100 points. You can certainly add your own additional criteria and preferences or subtract any of mine.

Glock 19X Specifications

Model #	PX1950703
Caliber	9mm
Barrel Length | Finish	4.02″; Marksmanship Barrel with Improved Polygonal Rifling & Target Crown; Hard Diamond-Like Carbon Finish; Black
Sights | Radius	Glock Night Sights- 3-Dot Meprolight; 5.94″
Weight	24.83 oz (empty mag)
Frame | Finish	Polymer; Coyote Tan Color (Factory)
Slide Material | Finish	Stainless Steel; Coyote Tan Color (Factory)
Trigger	Striker-Fired Double Action Only
Trigger Press	5.8 lb Crisp:
Trigger Travel	Short & Quick Trigger- Reset
Magazines | Capacity	3 Tan Mags: 1-17 rnd; 2- 19 rnd; Double Stack
Height	5.47″
Width	1.30″
Length	7.44″
Safeties	Safe Action; No External Thumb Safety; Trigger Drop Safety & Firing Pin Safety
Grips	Polymer; Coyote Tan Color (Factory)
Other	Limited 1-Year Operational Warranty; No Finger Grooves; Rail; No Flared Magwell
MSRP	$749

Glock 19X Features

• Enhanced Polygonal Rifling with Marksman Barrel & Target Crown- help accuracy
• Dual-Captured Recoil Springs and Guide Rod- help with Recoil Control
• Ambidextrous Slide Stop & Reversible Magazine Release
• Enhanced Trigger- with Modified Trigger Pin & Bar; Crisp
• Trigger has Tactile & Audible Reset
• Interchangeable Backstraps- 4 Total- Includes 2 Beavertail Straps
• Improved PVD Slide Coating Prevents Corrosion, Resists Chemicals & Stands Up to Elements
• Has Lanyard Loop- helps Retention
• Press Trigger to Field Strip

Glock 19X Hybrid 9mm Range Test

At the range with the G19X, I shot about 225 total rounds for the range basic field test. I shot various high-quality Sig Sauer V-Crown 115 grain JHP (1185 fps Muzzle Velocity, 359 ft lbs Muzzle Energy), Sig Sauer Elite Performance 115 grain FMJ (1185 fps Muzzle Velocity, 359 fl lbs Muzzle Energy), and Sig Sauer V-Crown 124 grain JHP  (1165 fps Muzzle Velocity, 374 ft lbs Muzzle Energy) ammo. I also bought and shot about 100 rounds of Blazer Brass 124 grain FMJ (1090 fps Muzzle Velocity, 327 ft lbs Muzzle Energy.)

Shooting this variety of JHP and FMJ ammo confirmed for me that this G19X could handle different the different bullet weights and ammo types, especially the hollow points. Usually I shoot 500 rounds over a couple of days to help me make decisions about a gun, but I had the information I needed after shooting about 225 rounds. I will shoot more to confirm my initial evaluations. Below are my evaluations for each of my ten criteria. I had no malfunctions or stoppages whatsoever and I put the gun through its paces with the JHP and FMJ ammo. I want to thank Sig Sauer for providing their premium V-Crown JHP and their Elite Performance FMJ rounds to test and evaluate this Glock 19X Crossover 9mm pistol. Also, thanks to my wife for my allowance to buy the Blazer Brass test ammo.

Will the Glock G19X Hybrid Work with Full-Size Frame and Compact Slide?

At first, I had questions about whether or not this G17 full-size frame and the G19 compact slide would work well together in the 19X. Others said it was just backwards for what a concealed carry gun should be. That there should be a G19 compact frame/grip and a G17 long slide, primarily to prevent printing and for the added sight radius. From my perspective and thoughts, there is no doubt that this gun was NOT intended to be a concealed carry gun. (Not that it couldn’t be a concealed carry gun for certain folks.) But rather it was designed to be a combat, tactical duty gun for the military and law enforcement… which can be used by civilians for home defense and fun range plinking. Even Glock VP Josh Dorsey says:

“The 19X was developed for the military and is a practical everyday pistol that will do what you need it to do, when you need it to; every time, in every condition.”

You decide for yourself.

No Finger Grooves, Ambi, Coyote, Night Sights, PVD, and Other Standard Features

When I first handled this hybrid gun, I was impressed by the way it felt so good and solid in my hands. It was easy to shoot and I could control it well. The longer, solid, and full-sized G17 grip and frame size helped my felt recoil and the muzzle flip. Also, my non-Gen 5 G17 mags fit fine in this G19X, no over-insertion or function issues for me. Note that Gen 5 mags will not fit in the G19X magwell. The G19-size shorter slide helped me to quickly start and stop on target. The lack of finger grooves on the frontstrap is a non-issue for me and my medium-size hands. It also has the Gen 5 Rough Texture Frame. I liked the high capacity of 17 rounds… and 19 rounds with the two extended 19-round mags. The G19X’s new nDLC finish on the barrel and the nPVD (Nitrated Base Physical Vapor Disposition) finish on the slide appeared to be durable and looked great to me, with the trending new Coyote (Tan) Color. The PVD coating finish provides high corrosion resistance with lower surface friction and hardness well over 80 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale. This, generally, means reduced maintenance.

It does come with ambidextrous slide stop levers, a lanyard loop (removable if desired), and reversible mag release, but rarely do I have any use for these, although some do. The outdated lanyard loop for retention can help but really serves as a removable insert for the back of the frame, like a plug to prevent debris from getting inside. The G19X does not have an external safety, which is fine for a striker-fired gun and me. It comes with two extra modular backstraps and two beavertails, so your grip can be customized with or without the beavertail.

Probably the one highlight feature for me for the G19X is the crisp and smooth Gen 5 trigger, like on the Glock 17 Gen 5 I reviewed here earlier. The Gen 5 trigger has a modified trigger bar, modified trigger spring assembly, with a dual locking block pin assembly. The Gen 5 safety plunger was redesigned to allow a smoother trigger press. Even the Firing Pin hole was changed for Gen 5s to a different tear-drop shape to help prevent debris and crud in the firing pin channel, which reduces chances of a light primer strike. I like the dual recoil springs and the nice Glock Tritium Night Sights, as standard included features. These are reflected in the premium price.

I believe the G19X’s overall ergonomics and the beavertail backstrap option help to offset the felt recoil and muzzle flip. I personally, due to my hand size and my individual natural pointing, shooting many other types of guns, 1911s,  etc., still have a personal concern (not good or bad, just different) with its 22 degrees off-square raked grip angle (say compared to the 18-degree grip angle of 1911s or others.) For me, I tend to have to bend my wrist down and push down more with some Glocks, so I won’t shoot high, and this is my training and familiarity issue to deal with. “Natural” grip angles vary among folks. The G43 I reviewed here earlier, for example, has a nice grip angle for me which is not as steep.

The Glock G19X Pistol Has the Capacity & More

The G19X three mags hold 17 and 19 rounds. YES, two of those beautiful tan extended mags hold 19 rounds each. Some interesting things to note. You cannot use Gen 5 mags with the G19X since the magwells and floorplates are not compatible. The Gen 5s have a flared magwell, while the 19X has no flared magwell. Standard pre-Gen 5 mag floorplates work fine in the G19X.  I like that the magazine release button is enlarged for easy and quick operation. There is a Picatinny rail.

This striker-fired double action G19X had a somewhat hard but smooth and decent trigger press. I had just a little trouble controlling the trigger since it had a heavier press than I am used to. With ten trigger press trials as measured by my Lyman Trigger Pull gauge, the G19X averaged just about 6.0 pounds trigger press. That falls near the specified range on the Glock site, but I wanted it to be closer to 5.0 to 5.5 pounds. Of course, it is not completely broken in yet, so the press will hopefully improve.

This gun was easy to takedown. Ensure it is UNLOADED by first taking the mag out, then pull and lock the slide back and visually and physically check the chamber is clear. With the gun’s muzzle pointed in a safe direction, close the slide and press the trigger. Pull the slide back about 1/8 inch, push down both takedown levers on both sides at the same time, and then push the slide forward and remove it. Very easy and with the G19X you do have to press the trigger to disassemble it. SAFETY FIRST. Also, when cleaning it, do NOT put cleaner or lubricant inside the firing pin channel, since it could cause contaminations of ammo primers and failure to fire.

With my aging eyes, I did like the G19X’s standard tritium night sights. As you can see from my above 17 target hits rapid fire at 7 yards, they all hit in a decent self-defense distance group. This happened consistently at 5, 7, 10, and 15 yards with the G19X. As usual, my hits at 20 yards and beyond were not as good as my closer distance hits. Time for new glasses and more practice. The G19X was very reliable for the 250 rounds I fired, and I did not have a single failure or feeding issue; again, not one malfunction or stoppage. The three mags did drop freely for me. It would make an excellent range gun and home defense gun, but probably not a concealed carry gun for most due to its dimensions and longer grip frame that might print more easily.

Glock G19X Range Test Results for each of my 10 Criteria:

Accuracy and Reliability – Score: 9

The accuracy of the G19X in frigid Florida 50-degrees cold-weather January testing was very acceptable for me at distances of 3, 5, 7, 10, and 15 yards, given my aging eyesight and average shooting skills. My rapid-fire groups (without icicles) at the closeup distances of 3, 5, and 7 yards were better, averaging about 2.5 to 3 inches. For accuracy, the 7 pound DA trigger press (my measurement) was longer and harder than I wanted and than I am use to with my full-size and compact single-action 1911s and my striker-fired single-action guns. I am comfortable and a better shot with less movement with a trigger press in the ballpark of 4.5 to 6.0 pounds. Remember this G19X has about a 25 ounces unloaded weight with a short sight radius.

It was a fun gun to shoot and the recoil was controllable for me. I used my Modified-Isosceles Stance, a two-handed grip, and mostly the center-mass sight picture. I shot both premium Sig Sauer V-Crown JHP and FMJ and Blazer Brass ammo of various weights and the gun digested all 225 rounds without any hiccups. It was RELIABLE, but need to shoot about another 250 rounds to confirm.  The optional beavertail backstrap allowed me to grip the gun high on the backstrap and helped me control it.

Trigger Press – Score: 9

The trigger press averaged 7.0 pounds with 12 readings on my Lyman Electronic Trigger Pull Gauge. For me, I wanted it to be less, since I am use to shooting my 1911 single-action and striker-fired semis with lighter presses. But, this was acceptable due to my hits. A harder trigger press requires more pressure to be exerted, which usually causes more movement, and can influence accurate hits. I did notice after firing about 225 rounds, the trigger was a little softer. So, it will probably improve some. Personally, I would probably use this gun primarily as a home defense gun, so this is fine for that purpose. The trigger press was smooth and crisp.

Trigger – Score: 10

The trigger had very little creep and grittiness. It was smooth and crisp, with a consistent, positive, and short reset. The grit did get much better after firing 200 rounds or so. The curved trigger face felt very good and allowed fast follow-up shots. Without a doubt, the redesigned trigger assembly, modified trigger pin, and trigger housing mechanism were very worthwhile improvements.

Barrel Length – Score: 9

The improved 4.02-inch Gen 5 Glock Marksman Barrel with the Crossover’s 25 ounce unloaded weight and 5.94″ sight radius were welcomed enhancements for accuracy. The improved polygonal rifling and barrel crown helped, as compared to my previous earlier-model Glocks. The hard carbon-finish of the barrel is sure to be durable, had a tight fit, and performed well.

Sights – Score: 9

The standard tritium Glock Night Sights were very good at dusk and at nighttime. They are included in the price and make the MSRP more palatable. I conducted my usual test of putting the gun in my completely dark closet and I could see the sights very clearly, after just a minute of light exposure. This was better than some other sights I have reviewed. These sights surpassed my expectations & I was pleased with them.

Proper Gun Weight – Score: 9

The overall 25 ounces unloaded weight, nice longer grip, beavertail, and other ergonomics helped both comfort and performance. The weight was solid and just right for home defense and range use. With its great trigger, barrel, and capacity, this is a great gun for all around use.

Caliber – Score: 9

This Glock G19X Crossover hybrid effectively combines the G17 full-size frame  with the G19 compact slide, but I wonder about the appropriate use/purpose for it at the present price point and features. It is not best for concealed carry in my opinion. Without a doubt, it is a quality gun and is easy, comfortable, and natural to shoot it in the 9mm Caliber. I strongly prefer the 9mm caliber, used with appropriate ammo with the right ballistics and grain weight, for just about any use. The 9mm G19X hybrid is a nice general-purpose use gun, effectively combining the compact slide of the G19 with the longer full-size frame of the G17. The 9mm felt recoil is very tolerable and certainly controllable.

Capacity – Score: 9

The G19X has three polymer magazines included. YES… three, but I wish they were steel. I believe as a minimum three mags are always necessary for any gun. Included were one 17 round mag and two 19-round extended mags. The standard capacity of 17 and 19 rounds is excellent. The G19X magwell is not flared as it is in the Gen 5 and there is a non-Gen 5 small protrusion on the front edge of the base of the G19X magwell. Note that my Gen 5 G17 mags cannot fit into the G19X. ALL mags did drop freely and quickly.

Ergonomics – Score: 9

Overall, the ergonomics of the G19X Crossover hybrid were very good. The combination of the compact slide and full-size frame work fine for me. It is an attractive gun to me with the Coyote color, although some disagree. I have heard complaints about the color differences between the slide and frame, but no problem for me at all. I really like its finish and appearance, and it felt very solid in my hands. It did not slip in my hands, and my grip was firm and very comfortable.  This is an accurate and reliable gun, enhanced by the many nice ergonomic factors. The ambidextrous slide stop levers and mag release button were all easy to locate and operate quickly. There are no front slide serrations which is fine with me. Note the G19X frame is contoured the same as the slide, unlike the Gen 5 G19 and G17, but the G19X has the same internals as the Gen 5. The ergonomic features helped minimize my felt recoil and enhanced my comfort.

Here is the Glock 19X in a Blackpoint Tactical Leather Wing Holster:

Miscellaneous – Score: 9

As always before shooting any new gun, I disassembled, lubed, cleaned, and re-assembled the G19X before I shot it. I did have to press the trigger to disassemble it which is not a real problem, just first remove the mag and do your safety check. I like that it was very easy and quick to take apart. (Remember, do your SAFETY check to ensure any gun is unloaded before disassembly.)

The street price of the gun is fairly reasonable for the quality and features you get, apart from the premium MSRP of $749. It comes with a hard lockable case, owner’s manual, lock, cleaning rod and brush, loader, and three mags. It does not include accessories like some have, e.g. a holster or mag pouch. There are several nice features for this quality hybrid, striker-fired double action gun. It has a firing pin block safety, trigger safety, and no grip safety. There is a Limited Warranty for one year for the original owner.

Total Points = 91 out of 100 Possible

I certainly RECOMMEND this G19X Crossover hybrid pistol for consideration as a home defense gun, fun range gun, all-purpose gun, and for some a carry gun. Its nice crisp trigger, enhanced Gen 5 Marksman barrel for accuracy, three included mags with capacities of 17 & 19 rounds, reliability, durable finish, comfortable full-size grip for control, overall ergonomics, and even the Coyote Tan color are fine for me. While the trigger press at 7 pounds is a little harder than I prefer in my triggers, it certainly is acceptable, and I must practice with it. The recoil is very manageable. Remember, your Gen 5 mags will not fit the G19X. I hope this review of the Glock 19X hybrid 9mm pistol has helped you gain some information you did not previously have. Consider that these are just my opinions with limited live-range fire and shooting only about 225 rounds of ammo. Like always, I recommend that you shoot any handgun yourself before you purchase it. Decide on your criteria, how you will primarily use the gun, and what features are important to you, and you are willing to pay for ahead of your range time. Then critically evaluate the gun YOURSELF per your criteria and purpose, with standard drills (several mentioned in my book), with various ammo types and brands, over an extended break-in period of about 500 rounds. Remember, Safety First Always!

Contacts

Glock
1-770-432-1202
Smyrna, GA 30082

Sig Sauer Elite V-Crown & Performance Ammo
1-603-610-3000
Newington, NH 03801

Blackpoint Tactical
1-770-752-8592
Alpharetta, GA 30004

Photos by Glock and Author as marked.

* This personal opinion article is meant for general information & educational purposes only and the author strongly recommends that you seek counsel from an attorney for legal advice and your own personal certified weapons trainer for proper guidance about shooting & using YOUR firearms, self-defense and concealed carry. It should not be relied upon as accurate for all shooters & the author assumes no responsibility for anyone’s use of the information and shall not be liable for any improper or incorrect use of the information or any damages or injuries incurred whatsoever.

© 2018 Col Benjamin Findley. All Rights Reserved. This article may not be reprinted or reproduced in whole or in part by mechanical means, photocopying, electronic reproduction, scanning, or any other means without prior written permission. For copyright information, contact Col Ben Findley at [email protected].