Firearm: Glock G19 Gen5 MOS (MSRP: $745)
We’re taking another look at the Glock G19 Gen5 MOS pistol today for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s Glock’s newest iteration of the compact G19 handgun that has been a concealed-carry staple for more than 30 years now. The Gen5 updates include a better trigger, more accurate barrel and rounded edges. It’s easier to shoot well and easier to carry, and that’s a good thing.
The MOS designation means this G19 has Glock’s modular-optic system with four different optic plates for Docter, RMR, C-More and DeltaPoint-based footprints. No multi-optic system is perfect, and the one Achille’s heel of the Glock MOS system in my opinion is the need for two sets of screws: you have to bolt the adaptor plate to the Glock slide, then bolt the optic to the plate. This means two sets of screws to tighten and check up on. Where it’s a multi-optic system, you’re less likely to Loctite the optic, because that makes it more difficult to change sights down the road. However, it does allow a wide variety of optic choices, and that’s worth a little extra work getting things set up. Glock’s instructions are excellent and even include torque specifications for the plate (each optic should have its own specs for torque).
Another reason to consider the Glock G19 has to do with the aftermarket. I know I’ve said it before, but I’d wager the G19 is in the top three handguns with the most holster options out there, with the 1911 and the Smith & Wesson J-frame. Not only that, but there are countless options for iron sights, triggers, barrels, extended levers, magazines and other upgraded components for the Glock series of pistols. If you want to tinker with your handgun, the G19 is an excellent platform for the amateur gunsmith. Just, please, put down the Dremel…
Bottom line on the Glock G19 Gen5 MOS pistol is it’s the best version of the G19 yet. While Glock’s tagline is “Perfection,” it’s good to see the company isn’t taking that to mean it should ignore customer feedback, and has incorporated much of what people want into this latest compact pistol.
Holster: N8 Tactical Xecutive (MSRP: $49.95)
N8 Tactical surprised us with its KO-1 holster, the first all-Kydex offering from a company that had previously been known for hybrid offerings. N8 Tactical has expanded its line of all-Kydex holsters with the Xecutive, a modular, versatile single-sheet design. The Xecutive allows a wide variety of customization, with belt-attachment options ranging from a single steel clip to pull-the-dot loops to DCC monoblock clips, as well as two different tuckable options.
Additionally, a wing can be added to the Xecutive to tuck it in closer to the body when worn in the appendix position. As further customization, a foam wedge can be ordered as well to increase comfort and help angle the grip in toward the body to reduce printing. There are many options, all of which build upon an affordable, simple holster with adjustable retention and ride-height options.
Optic: Ameriglo Haven (MSRP: $379)
Obviously, we needed an optic to go with the Modular Optic System of the Glock G19 Gen5, and we’ve got Ameriglo’s new Haven red dot sight today. Using the standard RMR footprint, the Haven offers a 3.25 MOA red dot, automatic brightness detection and a side-loading battery. The “Power Protect” electronics shut the unit down after 12 hours of inactivity, with full power-down after 24 hours of inactivity. This yields a claimed battery life of 2 years on the medium power setting, all on a single, common CR2032 battery.
I had the opportunity to work extensively with the Haven during a writer’s event at the product launch. Dan Brokos from Lead Faucet Tactical ran the writers and some of the Ameriglo staff through a two-day course-of-fire where we engaged multiple targets at distances ranging from 3 to 50 yards. All drills were designed to test the Haven at the extremes, whether extreme distance, extreme speed or a combination of both. At no point did any of the units have any problems whatsoever. The Haven just plain works, and that makes it a great option for your red-dot handgun.
