Glock G45 VS Glock G19X
What’s the difference between the Glock G45 vs Glock G19X?
Glock has been releasing a ton of new pistols lately. Two of them (the Glock G45 vs Glock G19X) are very similar. Are you deciding between them?
Both are “crossover” pistols using Glock 17 frames with Glock 19 Slides and barrels.
So what are the real differences?
Also, who did Glock design these pistol for?
Concealed Carriers have been chopping the grip off of Glock 17 pistols for years. They tend to want smaller grips (certainly not all of them though).
Want the short answer now between the Glock 19X vs 45?
These pistols were not designed for Concealed Carry.
That being said though, Glock fans are coming out in droves and snapping up these latest pistols specifically for their daily carry loadout. They work great for Concealed Carry if you’re not scared of a service pistol-sized grip. Especially in the right Glock 19X holsters and Glock 45 holsters.
There’s the first hint of who Glock designed these pistols for: They have a service pistol-sized grip.
These Pistols are Designed for Service
The Glock G19X was designed for the US military…sort of.
The Glock G19 MHS was designed for the MHS competition held by the US Army.
The G19X is the civilian version of the G19 MHS.
As for the Glock G45…
It’s based on the Glock G19X and designed for Police duty.
Police have been eyeballing the Glock G19X for duty. But it didn’t quite fit the bill.
Why not you ask… It’s Coyote Tan instead of Black.
Enter the Glock G45.
The G45 is not just a black G19X though. There are a few differences.
To better understand this Glock G45 VS Glock G19X comparison, we need to dive a little deeper into both pistols’ background.
Glock G19X – Designed for Military
Glock entered the G19 MHS into the Modular Handgun System program (along with every other company that hoped to make hundreds of millions of dollars).
They chose the Sig P320 over the Glock G19X in the open competition to win Uncle Sam’s favor.
Glock didn’t win the half-billion-dollar contract with the G19 MHS but all was not lost. Their loss is our gain.
Glock tweaked the Glock G19 MHS and named it the Glock G19X before releasing it to the public.
When designing the G19 MHS, they envisioned a Colt Commander sized pistol as an ideal military sidearm. Many expected Glock to offer up a Glock 17 variant to the MHS competition.
Instead, Glock offered up a pistol that feels like a Glock G17 but with a little quicker handling and balance due to the G19-length barrel and slide.
While a longer sight radius can help with long shots, a shorter sight radius is quicker to get on target.
Glock also put a manual thumb safety on the G19 MHS.
The manual thumb safety had to go for the civilian version.
Glock fans love Glocks for many reasons. Simplicity and the lack of “unnecessary“ controls are two of the biggest reasons.
Losing the manual safety was the primary change to the Glock G19 MHS that Glock made to “create” the Glock G19X.
So what changes did Glock make to the Glock G19X to “create” the Glock G45?
Glock G45 – Designed for Police
As mentioned earlier, the Glock G19X was being eyeballed hard by many police officers as the perfect duty pistol.
It had as many bullets as the Glock 17 with the “easier to live with” barrel length of the Glock 19.
Because (most) police aren’t concerned with concealment, they wouldn’t want to give up the ammo capacity of the G17 to switch to the G19. But giving up an inch of barrel length doesn’t have any major drawbacks.
Glock has never been a company to ignore police requests.
Police have been Glock’s bread and butter for decades.
It took just a few short months for Glock to get a similar version available in black to the market.
However, it’s important to note that the Glock G45 isn’t just a Glock 19x black. While the G19X looked like a Gen 5 pistol, it was more like a Gen 4.5.
The Glock G45 is a Gen 5 Glock.
The Gen 5 pistols are supposed to be the most reliable Glock pistols to date based on Glock tests.
The G45 also has a beveled and flared magazine well as all Gen 5 Glocks do.
The G45 has a surprising additional feature.
It has front serrations on the slide. Front serrations are preferred by some for press checking their pistol. Glock has started adding these front serrations to more of their pistols. I’d look for them to add them to many more models in the future.
Glock G19X vs Glock 45 – Recap of Differences
Before we look at the differences between the Glock G19X vs Glock 45, let’s look at the similarities.
Both have:
- nDLC Coating
- Marksman Barrel
- Ambi Slide Stop Lever
- No Finger Grooves
- Glock 17 Frame
- Glock 19 Barrel and Slide
Now for the differences.
The Glock G45:
- New Gen 5 Platform
- Black
- Front Slide Serrations
- All Gen 5 Internal Enhancements
- Gen 5 Magazines
- Flared Mag Well
- No Lanyard Loop
The Glock G19X:
- Modified Gen 4 Platform
- Coyote Tan
- No Slide Serrations
- Some Gen 5 Enhancements
- Gen 4 Magazines
- Gen 4 Non-Flared Mag Well
- Lanyard Loop
The G19X doesn’t have the flared mag well. The flared mag well on the newer Gen 5 pistols helps guide the magazine in easier and faster during reloads.
The Glock G19X uses the older Gen 4 Magazines. This means the new Gen 5 magazines won’t fit. The Gen 5 magazines have a longer base plate that extends further forward. The longer base plate is supposed to make it easier to yank out stuck magazines.
Glock 45X vs Glock G19X – Why Would You Want a Glock “Crossover” Pistol?
Most civilians will reach for the Glock G19 for Concealed Carry or home defense. Some will prefer the Glock G17 for home defense and sometimes even Concealed Carry.
What benefits would prompt someone to reach for the Glock G19X or G45 instead of a Glock G19 or G17?
Benefit #1:
The Glock G19X comes with 17 & 19 round magazines. That’s a lot of ammo. You can, of course, carry the same 19 round magazines with the G19.
However, the bigger Glock G17 frame works much better with the extended mags.
The longer magazines look and feel better in the G17 frame than in the G19 frame.
Benefit # 2:
Many shooters say the Glock G17 frame is more comfortable than the compact G19 frame.
Plus, it’s less likely to pinch your hand during reloads.
Those with bigger hands can get pinched when reloading the Glock G19. The magazine base plate and the bottom of the grip can pinch your skin pretty good if you’re not careful. It’s rare but has been reported on many forums and Youtube videos.
Practice can help prevent the mag pinch of the shorter G19 frame but it is one drawback for some shooters.
Benefit #3:
The shorter barrel mated to the full-size grip balances very well in the hand.
It handles very well at the range. You’ll get the benefits of a full-sized frame plus the benefits that come with the shorter barrel.
While a longer barrel does have some advantages – accurate long shots & more muzzle velocity – the shorter barrel comes with its advantages.
If you want a quick-handling gun with the advantages of a full-sized grip and large bullet count, these two crossover pistols from Glock will be just what you’re looking for.
Benefit #4:
The shorter barrel won’t poke your seat.
This would be a welcome upgrade to many police. The shorter barrel will be more comfortable in the cramped seat of a police cruiser.
With tons of gear on their belts and tons of electronics and gear in their vehicle, police don’t have much wiggle room behind the wheel of their vehicles.
Losing the extra inch off the end of the barrel will be preferable to many officers. Any extra room they can gain in their seat will be welcome.
This works out for civilians too! For instance, the Sig P226 is an amazing gun. However, I carry the P229 much more often because it doesn’t jack my belt up when I sit down.
Both Sig pistols have the same size grip and ammo count. But the P229 carries much better.
That same principle applies to the Glock 17 VS Glock G45.
Benefit #5:
The Glock G19X and Glock G45 have a solid front strap.
Many shooters hate the cutout in the front of the Glock Gen 5 grip. It does have the advantage of making it easier to rip out a sticky magazine.
But many forums have comments like this:
“My pinky finds that dang cutout every time! I hate that thing.”
I’ve even seen comments like this:
“Has anyone chopped down the Glock G19X yet? I know that’s pretty much a Glock 19 but I really don’t like the cutout.”
It’s a matter of preference really as to whether or not you prefer a cutout in the grip or not.
Glock 45X vs Glock G19X – Which One Should You Buy?
Unless Coyote Tan is your favorite color, the obvious choice here is the Glock G45. The Glock G19X has no clear advantages; unless you consider color and a lanyard loop advantages.
The Glock G45 has all of the new Gen 5 upgrades. The Glock G19X only has most of the Gen 5 upgrades.
The G45 has front slide serrations and a flared mag well.
The Glock Gen 5 pistol lineup has proven to be the most reliable pistol Glock has ever tested. The Gen 5 platform pistols will fire more rounds than Gen 4 Glocks before a malfunction eventually happens.
All that being said…
If you can live without front slide serrations and you think a Coyote Tan Glock is too hard to pass up, by all means, get the Glock G19X.
Otherwise, get the Glock G45…and a durable Kydex concealed carry holster while you’re at it.
19x for me. Night sights and lanyard loop essential for my work.
Big hands, no issues!
Color? Who cares – the enemy certainly doesn’t.
Both great pistols!
I just recently bought the G45. For some reason it was $100 cheaper than the 19X at my local store. Before I purchased it, we tried every 9mm double stack mag, from every 9mm Glock in the case. They ALL worked fine for the G45, however the G45 gen 5 mag would not click into place on the 19X.
I personally went with the G45. I also added glock oem maritime spring cups that come standard onthe 19x. I also added 2 oem +2 mag plates so my package came just like the 19x (2-19 rnd and 1 flush 17 rnd mags) along with a black glock oem lanyard loop (it’s just a “grip plug” that fits on any gen 5. Also added an ameriglo “cap sight” on the front and a tritium 2 dot police standard rear sight. I don’t do “red dot” as they cost half the price of the gun and can break/fail too easy and leave you without a way to aim (unless for MORE money you buy tall iron sights to “co-witness”through the glass (which could be broken/cracked/shattered to deal with. Instead….I added an olight Baldr S for a green laser and 800 lumens to light up that dark alley. And btw, it conceal Carrie’s very well with an iwb kydex holster made specifically for the g45 w/olight Baldr. Unless you are REALLY going for a “look” (which has zero effect on what weapon you choose) then the g45 is king. Add the spring cups and lanyard loop…and you get the spec and “look” you want minus color. Not to mention the g45 will accept any mag from any gen as long as it’s double stack.
I use my G17 Gen 5 magazines in my G19x with no issues
I appreciate the info, was trying to understand the differences. I have Glocks and when comparing the G19 I have, it appears my FN came out with improved designs years ago with the 509 unit? Follower color, front serrations, 17 round capacity etc.
Thank you,
Dom
The G19x also has the maritime firing pin spring cups. Another difference is the G45 is available in an MOS version. Also all the previous G17 magazines will work with the G45, if you don’t need the right side mag release, Gen 1-3. Another difference is the 19x and all Gen 5 require a taller front sight. With the addition of the marksmanship barrel the point of impact changed about 2.5 inches higher at 25 yards.
Instagram or Facebook has lots more pics, a kydex holster sets the bar. Exotic Leathers Sucks. Leave the leather in the 20th century where it belongs and get a quality kydex holster. Makes even the Glock line of guns look good, Thanks-just my humble opinion. J.R.
I have both the 19x & G45. I like them both (I’m not a Glock Fan-Boy, they don’t fit my chunky hands). I like these 2 models better than any other Glock I’ve ever handled, probably due to the lack of finger grooves (hate finger grooves). The 19x feels & handles better to me. Not sure why but it does. I’d carry it on duty if I could but alas I can’t so the G45 rides in my duty holster & that’s OK. I’d love to know however just why the 19x feels better to me. I’d actually go out on a limb (remember, I’m not a Glock Lover) I may be in love with the 19x!
Thanks for the article. Is South Africa the G45 comes with 2 17round mags and the 19x with a 17 + 2 x 19 mags. It also has the metal night sights that sway me to the x over the 45. What do you think?
Man this guy can write. Every question I had thought of and a few points that I never considered were covered in this article. Why is this writer not doing Youtube reviews and other gun related content? Outstanding article – thx!
The cutouts on the front strap were included on the G17M and G19M at the insistence of the FBI, for whom the models were built. Those models morphed into the original Gen5 G17 and G19 models, and the early units included the cutouts. However, the cutouts proved to be unpopular, and have now been discontinued. Cutouts were never used on any other Gen5 models.
Great review… Thanks!
It helped me a lot in deciding towards the G19X (for now) but also setting space and $$ aside for the G45. Not a huge fan of extended grips (full size grips), but do like the extra ammo capacity in all crossover guns. I don’t carry, but I have a friend that carries the G19X and he swears by it and says that there is almost negligible printing.
I currently have P320s (in both full and compact size) and I have to say I do like the full size grip better than the compact, but the shorter barrel make it the ideal truck gun (not a hell of a lot of space to move around when needed).
I just wished they have a G19 or G19X for .45 ACP (hey, I can dream!).
Great job!
Outstanding review, spot on with every detail. I’m 6’7″ & have pretty big mitts so as much as a liked the size of the G19, the G17 was so much more comfortable in my hands. I was just going to figure some way to deal with the length when behind the wheel. Sitting in a full-sized vehicle like a Crown Vic was challenge enough. The Explorer is like riding in a clown car for me. Maybe a Tahoe or Expedition would be better but you gotta deal the hand you are dealt. OK, all of that said, then I got my hands on a Model 45 at the Glock Booth at the Modern Day Marine Expo in Quantico. Again, everything you mentioned is spot on & so now I’m waiting for my Model 45 to come in. So, during those times when I know, I’m going to be on foot and not in and out of a vehicle, I’ll strap on the Model 17. Keep up the reviews, they are great!
I have several older Glocks and I got the 19x because the mags are all interchangable. I don’t believe that is the case with the Gen 5’s which would include the 45….
The 19x is super wack.
Get the 45 hands down!!!!
19x blows donkey chunks
For people saying the coyote tan is a deal breaker you can get it changed, go check out Omaha outdoors plumb or cerakote blue, or black if you want black. Both guns are the perfect choice Don’t like the tan? Change it, I prefer the extra 2 rounds.
Steve. The G45 accepts all generation mags.
I have both G19 and G17 Gen5. I prefer the longer grip on th G17. I’m going to buy the G45 with Ameriglo sights. The Coyote Tan was a deal breaker on the 19X.
You did not mention the one advantage the 19x has over the 45 and that is it uses the old style magazines. As one who has accumulated a pile of 17 and 15 round G17,G19 magazines I do not have to go out and buy new magazines. Also I do not have to be concerned with mixing up new Gen 5 magazines with my older magazines. So if you are new to the game I can see why you would go with the 45 but for those of us who have been enjoying shooting the most reliable handgun on the planet you will want the 19x. One last comment the 19x shoots the first time I picked one up I cleaned steel bowling pin rack 3 times in a row with out a miss. Ahh lifes little pleasures!
I have both. Haven’t torn the G45 down to see….but does it have the maritime striker cups like the 19X? Love the way both models feel in hand. I normally CCW a 19, but the grip is a little short for guys with bigger hands. The 19X and G45 just feel right.
I didnt see where you say the 19x has the better night sights vs standard in the 45. I perfer the 19x sights all day long.
I have both the G45 and the 19X I like the G45 hands down. A big problem I’m finding with the 19X is the muzzle is starting to get black from shooting it a lot and it’s getting harder to clean it. The front of the 19X magazines are already so black I can’t get it clean very disappointing so with that said get the G45 and avoid the hype of the 19X.
I was not disappointed with the 19x being in law enforcement. I tried to qualify with it. And I do mean tried because it kept being snatched out of my hands after ever string of fire. I bought the G45 the same day it came out. It’s the perfect gun for us out in the field working the streets. Absolutely love it. Thank you glock.
The G45 has nice ballance and feels great in hand, I find it points well, I have two Gen 5’s, and love them, I think this G45 will end up in my carry rotation….
Thank you for writing this review Chris. This is one of the best review articles explaining exactly WHY the Glock 19X and G45 exist and WHO they were designed for. Neither was ever built for the conceal carry market. Both are duty purpose designs for MIL/LEO respectively.
So many bashers of both these guns from people not understanding why Glock released them. They both are “1911 Commander-ish” size guns, competing with the Sig P320 Carry, FN-509, VP9 and a few others I’m forgetting that also have the similar full size grip and shorter slide length.
Great job…I already shared it with friends!
I have the G19X and like it very much, as does my wife. I anticipate purchasing a G45 in the near future, as I do enjoy the lengthened grip.