Is there much size benefit in a Glock 26 with the 2 round extension so you can get your pinky finger on the grip when it comes to concealment vs a Glock 19? Is it worth having a 19 and 26 with the extension?
I answered that question for myself and sold my G26 to buy another G19.
With the +2 extensions on a G26, there’s only ~1/2" of difference in the length of the grip.
For that minor difference in concealability, you get more recoil, slower reloads, lower velocities, lower capacity and a shorter sight radius.
I personally can see only a handful of situations where you could carry a G26 without the pinky extensions and you couldn’t have carried a G19.
Ankle, pocket, and a few other deep concealment aps. Otherwise, if you can carry a G26 you can carry a G19.
I carry my G26 in such ways with a standard mag. The reload has a (+) floorplate only for grasping surface.
For me, the G26 is too heavy and bulky to be a true pocket gun. I’m with you on the rest.
Always carried a G17 mag as a reload myself.
I have carried the 17,19, and 26. I have found that with my body type and preferred method of carry (AIWB) the 19 and 26 are best for me. When I wear just a t-shirt the 26 is best. I always use a 19 mag as the spare when carrying the 19/26. YMMV
I’m gonna be a little different than what most say. I have had a G26 and G19 for years, and I carry AIWB and when I have NO other choice, ankle. I carry my G26 with a +2 ext. AIWB and I have found the very slight concealment advantage to be huge for me personally compared to a G19. Unlike many who say they can conceal a G19 as easy as a 26, that is definitely not the case for me. I love my 26 and there are many times I can carry it when a 19 would not work.
I shoot the 26 better with the extension than the 19. I feel the balance is better. I sold the 19 as a result. The 26 conceals better and can use all the others mags, too which is a plus.
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imho:
If I can carry a G26 w/ +2 Ext., I can carry a G19
Untucked T-Shirt: A G26 fits me better, AIWB or IWB @ 330/4
Jacket/Zip Up Sweater: G19 IWB/OWB @ 330/4
- I always carry a spare G19 mag.
I always preferred the G26. It is more easily concealed. Period. You can make the argument that a G19 is almost as easy to conceal. But then again you can conceal a G17. And then again if you try you can conceal a Mac-10. My G26 was always stone cold reliable. And I noticed my times were better, especially first shot from a draw. Short muzzles translate into faster draws, at least for me.
I agree, Greg. Most of us think that a bobtailed 1911 is easier to conceal than the standard 1911 grip frame. My G26 with Pearce +0 extension is a SWEET handling pistol with a DRAMATIC bobtail effect compared to the G19. I have both, and find the 26 much easier to conceal. That’s MY experience, at 6’, 165.
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Try a G26 with GAP floorplate. Best combo I’ve ever found for the 26/27/33. Gives a better purchase for the draw & recoil control with increasing the overall height! I use a G19 or G17 mag for reloads.
I think I am going to try this.
+1 Agree, GAP plates are the way to go!
I call them HK floorplates…
To me the Glock 19 size is perfect for the majority of situations but sub-compact double stack pistols are very valid. Would be nice if one of the good brands made a Kel Tec p11 size pistol with proper QC and materials.
I only use the 10 rnd mags in my 26 but it conceals at times where a 19 prints badly on me.
Make an honest effort to get over the weird feeling of not having your pinky on the frame. As Greg and others can attest, almost everyone who puts enough rounds through a G26 to get over the feel, surprises themselves with how well they shoot the little gun. I am just as confident, if not more, with my G26 vs. my G19s or even a 5" 1911.
Te reason for the gun is its size and ease of carry. Too many people buy little guns just to make them into big guns by adding mag extensions, rubber grip sleeves, etc.
I shot my G26 very well, to the point I gave up little at 50’ vs. my 19 or 17, at least when I shot slowly.
The problem comes when shooting something like a USPSA COF with a G26. Anyone who tells you their splits and reloads with a G26 are faster than with a G19 is someone I’d really like to meet, as they’re a freak of nature.
The bottom right is my G26 with a G19 mag and a “Add-a-Grip” it gives me a little more “purchase” than the extension and the sleeve just slips on so the G19 mag can go back in service ASAP. I have big mitts and the additional grip is worth it.
Chiming in - own a G17 and G26, both GenIII. I’ve got two standard flush 10rd magazines, one +2, and a 17 magazine with an Add-A-Grip for the 26. My glove size is XL.
I shoot the 26 just as well as the 17, for the first hundred rounds - only after that does fatigue over the smaller grip area begin to show in my group size. And even then, for me there is no difference among magazine designs or dimensions relating to accuracy, or reliability.
Another thread recommended that I get GAP floorplates for the flush 10rd mags. From what I’ve seen, they look to be a logical modification.
IMHO not much. I have a G23 and a G27 with the GAP finger grip extension, same size pistols as those you mentioned. My 27 is for me at least is easier to conceal and is my favorite EDC. The GAP only adds a couple of mm to the magazine so there is in effect no height difference. If I were going to put a mag extender on the G27 I’d just as soon carry the 23.
I find the G26 conceals easier IWB than the G19, and the shorter barrel makes it more comfortable.