The new GLOCK 19 Gen4 FS is a GLOCK 19 with front serrations. The new model also boasts steel sights, an extended slide stop and an extended magazine release. And that’s it. So let’s talk about cars . . .

[reviewleadinsert]

 

Peter Farago was a petrolhead. As soon as he could afford it, my old man bought rare and special automobiles. A 1967 Ford Thunderbird. A supercharged Jaguar XJ. A Mercedes 300 SEL 6.3 (above). So what did this “car guy” buy his 16-year-old son for his first taste of four-wheeled freedom?

A Ford Pinto station wagon. For those of you too young to remember this automotive abomination, a little history . . .

Ford Motor Company launched the sub-compact Pinto in 1971. On the positive side, it was the first mass-produced automobile with rack-and-pinion steering. On the negative side, everything else. Not to put too fine a point on it, the Pinto was a piece of crap. The only good thing you could say about it: it wasn’t a Chevy Vega.

https://youtu.be/gKQ-U-rnLdo

Mind you, the Pinto was famous — for blowing up in rear-end collisions. Which should have come as no surprise to anyone who drove FoMoCo’s POS. [NB: the Pinto state wagon was not as vulnerable, thanks to its reinforced rear.]

Why my did my father equip his three teenage boys with Ford Pintos? Price, probably. Ignorance, definitely. No matter what the excuse, it was a prime example of suffer the little children.

In 1977, two years after I was condemned to the Pinto, four years after the 1973 Oil Crisis blew the U.S. market for small cars wide open, my Mom’s BFF bought a fully loaded Honda Accord. It was roughly the same size and cost as a Pinto sedan. Knowing I was a car guy, she let me behind the wheel.

That sucker was tight. Slow, sure. But nothing rattled, everything worked and the Accord handled. Not like the cars of today, but light years ahead of the Pinto or the Yank tanks cruising American highways and byways. As soon as I drove it I knew American manufacturers were doomed.

Sure, the “greatest generation” before me wouldn’t be caught dead in a little Japanese car. But the Accord was so much better than American-made automobiles in so many ways it was funny. For an automotive enthusiast it was a sneak peek at the future. A revelation.

Over the years, Honda made the Accord bigger, faster, safer, more reliable, more comfortable, more economical and better handling. And a better value, too. The Accord capitalized on its excellence to become one of America’s best-selling automobiles. Still is. And rightly so.

The criticism leveled against the later model and current Accords: they’re so good they’re boring. No. A Ford Pinto station wagon was boring (and more than slightly embarrassing). A Honda Accord is rewarding on every level…save emotional.

Do I own one? Nope.

After two divorces relieved me of my ability to own Porsches and Ferraris, I bought a Mercedes GLC 300 SUV. It’s very Honda Accord-like: a vehicle that does nothing astounding but everything really well.

Which is why I’d never criticize anyone for owning a Honda Accord. It’s an exceptional ordinary car.

By the same token, I’d never diss anyone who owns a GLOCK, the Honda Accord of handguns. And if a GLOCK owner wants a GLOCK with front slide cocking serrations, what of it? Nothing. Nothing at all.

Now, if GLOCK put their guns into a case that doesn’t look and feel like a $5 lunchbox, that would be something.

GLOCK 19 with Front Serrations

Caliber: 9×19
Barrel Length: 4.02”
Overall Length: 6.85”
Weight: 20.99 oz
Finish: Parkerized Tenifer
Capacity: 15+1
Price: $699 MSRP (found online for $557)

[reviewadinsert]

 

RATINGS (out of five)

Style * * * *
It’s a GLOCK 19

Ergonomics * * * * *
It’s a GLOCK 19

Reliability * * * * *
It’s a GLOCK 19

Customize This * * * * *
It’s a GLOCK 19

Carry * * * * *
It’s a GLOCK 19

Overall * * * * *
It’s a GLOCK 19

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

99 COMMENTS

    • We had a Pacer when I was growing up. Color actually not bad, kind of a darker brown. You absolutely had to have air-conditioning given the fact that it was a domed green house on wheels. But I will give the Pacer credit where credit is due, that thing was built like a flippin tank. Shutting the door on it was I think akin to securing the hatch on a submarine. And it was so ugly it was cool with the younger crowd.

    • “Pacers still haunt my nightmares. The colors. The colors.”

      My first was an AMC Hornet ‘Sportabout’.

      It had a 3-tone paint job. The car was green, the hood was tan, and the passenger side front door was white.

      It was *hideous*…

  4. For a while there, I thought I’d accidentally stumbled into a car website and a Honda Accord endorsement. I owned a Ford Pinto, Model of 1971 – my first car, paid for with a USMC reenlistment bonus (I think it cost about $2.1k). Like RF said, a POS but it got me where I was wanting to go and didn’t blow up. My second car was (wait for it…) a Chevy Vega wagon – another POS with that aluminum block engine (went through rings like nothing else)! It took me a while to learn about automotive quality. Now I drive a Toyota and am happy.

    As to Glocks, I have no opinion since I’ve never owned one. I know some people swear by them, and others curse them roundly.

    • Went through driver’s ed in HS driving a manual Vega ‘woody’ wagon. It was the only manual and no one else wanted to fiddle with it so I had it to myself. First purchase was a used ’72, I think, Malibu wagon that someone had shoehorned a 454 into with a Hurst 4spd on the floor. Front end would start getting seriously light and floaty around 75-80.

    • aluminum block engine (went through rings like nothing else)!

      They didn’t put iron sleeves in the block?

      • Well, aluminum cylinder walls wouldn’t wear out rings. The rings would wear out the cylinder walls. So, yeah, steel sleeves.

      • It was Chevrolet’s Grand Idea attempting to duplicate existing German (read: MUCH more expensive) technology by making silicon-impregnated aluminum blocks (the Germans tried the same thing, and initially it failed just as spectacularly). The idea was that the little silicon nodules in the bores that were exposed by machining would act as ‘sleeves,’ lubricate the rings and piston skirts, lessen wear and providing a bearing surface, so that no expensive fitted and machined iron liners (with other issues) were necessary.
        It didn’t work. The bores wore oversize VERY quickly, plus there were cooling-system issues wherein the engines overheated, which didn’t do the aluminum blocks any good at all, so the engines wore out from the inside and leaked horribly both inside AND out.
        Such critters are commonplace now (MBZ and BMW have done it best), but it took a LONG time to get just the right aluminum alloy, the right amount of silicon, the right casting techniques and machining to make the idea successful.

    • I had a Pinto, brown with the 1.6liter Kent “coffee grinder” engine. Cost me $600 used. Drove it to the train station and around town for two years after I got back from overseas and resigned my commission. By then, my job was paying real money so I went for a new MG. Sold the Pinto for the same $600. Own Glocks, happen to like them. But just like a car, they’re an appliance.

      • My late brother had a brown Pinto hatchback. He used a 5′ hardwood staff he carved, nicknamed “toothpick,” which he used to prop open the hatchback. He knew how to drive it to get the most out of it and drove it for years, selling it only when he got married and needing something more reliable and practical.

  5. I feel for you Robert. My brothers first car was a used AMC Pacer that he used to drive me to school. Remember those? The commercials advertised that you could fit a six foot subway sandwich sideways in them. Everything else about them sucked.

      • When I was growing up there was a guy in town with a bright green hot-rod gremlin with a Ford 289 in it. He’d do burnouts all over town. I have a certain fondness for those little critters.

      • Ah, the Gremlin. Throw in a Maverick and a Mustang II and you’d have the driveway populace of my youth.

    • Hardly anything is truly “innovative” in the gun industry anymore.

      99% of gun stuff is just rehashed BS. Just like the “new” 1911’s, AK’s, shotguns, AR’s, M&P’s, Glocks, etc.

      If you’re looking for innovation, you should find a different interest.

  7. hmm you wouldn’t think PERFECTION would need improvements. i guess they aren’t big on definitions in Austria.

  9. Top Secret.
    One of my top 3 favorite comedies.

    Glock 19…. it’s tough to beat something that just fits. Reliable as heck.

    • Great movie! Important lessons to be learned about 110v appliances in 220v outlets. Young Val Kilmer was great, though I do actually like fat Val Kilmer of late.

    • Tom,
      Mine too, Also like “Airplane”
      Tom, did you see my answer to your question to me on July 26? I said that I was probably the the “Gunr” that was living near Eugene.
      Since I never see the current TTAG column (it’s always a day late for me??) I cannot answer any questions in a timely manner.
      Gunr

  10. If you think you need front serrations on your slide, you’re doing it wrong.

    By the way, the S&W Shield I recently purchased came in a cardboard box. I was disappointed, but then remembered that I paid about $175 less than a Glock 43. And I can buy a plastic pistol case for $20.

  11. Yeah, Glock takes as much risk with their models as Honda does with theirs. Glock could either get rid of the hump on on the grip or introduce a model without it, to make it more comfortable. I mean, who attaches a stock to their Glocks anyway? 8 people maybe? They could introduce a single stack G19-type model, with essentially the same dimensions but much narrower. But that ain’t happening. Their .45 ACP models are also way too big. They could make a slimmer one, maybe a single stack too. But why bother, right? I’m glad CZ is gunning for them with the P10, hopefully they’ll introduce more models and Glock will finally wake up.

    • Interesting because I love my Honda 2007 Honda Element. Paid $13,000.00 has 185,000 miles on
      it and still runs great. If Glock is as favorable as it
      compares to a Honda I might entertain at least renting one next practice session with A Girl & A Gun shooting league at outdoor gun range!
      Now the criterial question, what is trigger pull level? If it has <10 lbs I'm good to go.
      An answer from experienced gun persons would be greatly appreciated.

  12. Modern Mercedes are some of the most well balanced cars on the road…my e550 is a jack of all trades…sleeper muscle car with a twin turbo v8, yet quite and comfy and can haul 5 adults in comfort…cruises effortlessly at 90 all day…tip the gas and she takes off…plus it’s all wheel drive….
    But my old 2008 Acura TL type s my daughter now drives with over 200k is STILL rock solid with not one rattle…..
    Who knows if the Benz will hold up like a Honda.

    • Oh and I guess Glock 19s are ok…I personally have a Glock 22….I need it to compensate for certain deficiencies. Lol

      • Benz’ starts out, price wise, at 2 to 3 times as much as Honda. And within, 3 years of age reaches the same price point.

        That’ll tell you everything you need to know.

        • They don’t make MB’s the way they did 30 years ago. Back then, the engineers had the final say, so the car was going to built like a bank vault, and they didn’t care how many they sold. Fast forward to today, and the sales/marketing people are in charge. Whatever takes to sell more, even if you have to cut a few corners here and there to lower the price.

        • Agreed…that’s why I would never buy one of the show room floor….let the first buyer take the hit. Plus I never look at a daily driver car as any type of investment…it’s a tool, use it, and replace when it makes sense.

  13. Easily the best review I’ve read in years, especially the ratings section. Why, you ask? Because it told me everything I possibly needed to know about the gun by the second sentence.
    Perfection.

  14. I’ve heard an awful lot of people clamoring for a better grip or just removal or the finger grooves.
    I’ve heard no one clamoring for slide serrations.

    Is this just a transition phase. They had fewer slides on hand than grips and when the current grips are all out the door we’ll see the Glock19FS-SG “sans grooves”?

    • Nope, that will be the Gen 5. I think they were planning to intro that this fall after they got the .mil contract. Since the contract went to Sig, the Gen 5 will be delayed a bit, but I expect it will happen anyway, just to stave off the after market a bit.

  16. In my basement I have a giant tupperware tub full of pistol cases. Sure the ones from Sig and S&W are nicer than the Glock ones, but they end up in the same place – back of the basement, covered in dust. So why waste a single extra dollar making them nice?

    I am also a bit of a car guy, though a little more down-budget. My current adventure/albatross is a 1991 Land Rover Defender 90 Tdi. It’s sort of like your love affair with the Caracal.

    • “My current adventure/albatross is a 1991 Land Rover Defender 90 Tdi.”

      Ya know there are night clubs for masochists nowadays, just sayin’

      • My wife won’t let me go. Oddly enough, she signed off on the Rover. It’s actually very cool, but it is going to take a lot of time and $$ to get it to where I want it.

        • Oh I’ve had lots of cool cars that were fucking mechanical miscarriages.

          I wish you all the luck in the world with getting that thing running and keep it running.

          They still using Lucas electronics in them at that point?

  17. GLOCK or car review…do you miss TTAC RF? I nomininate the Ford Maverick as the worst car of the 70’s. Turned me off Ford for a very longtime…but my Ford Taurus redeemed my opinion.

    • My wife has a Mercury Sable wagon, which is a Ford Taurus with different nameplates.

      And it has done absolutely NOTHING to redeem their reputation in my mind.
      🙂

      • I inherited my last Taurus from my mom, since it wasn’t worth much, even with less than 10k on the clock, I elected to keep it. What a mistake! When it died, there were no tears shed. After a Vega, and a Nova and two Taurus, Detroit has earned my disdain. I will stick with Honda and Toyota.

        Oh, and I love my Glock 19 (Gen 3, NY1 with Ghost connector).

  18. I have never liked the Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, etc. analogies for the Glock 19. I think those analogies are better suited for revolvers.

    IMHO, the Glock 19 is more like your standard, base model, gasoline engine, pickup truck (i.e., F150, Tundra, Silverado, etc.) It’s capacity for is work is high and it’s very utilitarian in nature.

    The Civic is for the guy/gal who just need something reliable to get around in (revolver.) The F150 is for the guy/gal who need something reliable to get around in, and carry tools, and haul lumber, and pull a trailer, and help your neighbor move (Glock 19.)

    • I’ll allow you to compare the Glock to a basic truck like a Ford Ranger without challenge. That’s fine. But comparing a revolver to a Honda civic? Naw man, that won’t fly. Cheap revolvers start at Mazda Miata level, nice ones end up more like Sunbeam Tiger or Aston Martin. Low seating, small gas tanks, but a TON of power for their size and that gas pedal…. MMmmm.

      You think Bob Munden got the world’s fastest split time in a Civic? You’re kidding yourself man.

  20. far and away the best review of any glock i have encountered.

    the fact that the bulk of the text consisted of ford and honda references is entirely appropriate.

  21. I wasn’t going to even click the link, cuz like you said, it’s a Glock 19. Kinda glad I did. I think this is one of the most honest reviews I’ve ever read.

    I’m puzzled by how many reviews tout minor changes as though they’re a whole new system.

    Nice article.

  22. Love the review. I remember a newspaper ad from the late 70’s: One exploding Pinto with 4 self-destructing Firestone 500s.

    Nothing against Glocks but I am a Sig fan. Only Glock I like (so far) is the 34. The 34 is a sweet gun.

  23. Given the write up, I think the rating ought to have been:
    RATINGS (out of five)

    Style * * * *
    It’s a Honda Accord

    Ergonomics * * * * *
    It’s a Honda Accord

    Reliability * * * * *
    It’s a Honda Accord

    Customize This * * * * *
    It’s a Honda Accord

    Carry * * * * *
    It’s a Honda Accord

    Overall * * * * *
    It’s a Honda Accord

    • Oh, I don’t know. I disagree with the ergonomics. I’ve never found a modern production gun that fits me less than the Glock. I get that not everyone has my hands, but I couldn’t give it over 3* for Ergos

      Reliability? Glock’s user manual recommends against shooting reloads because the chamber doesn’t support the case wall very well. Hence the “Glock Smile” you read about on forums. Also, that’s part of why some of their .40s and .45s have blown up. I’ve never found another modern production gun that is so cheap they can’t shoot reloads.

      Now, Customization? Easy 5*s. Carry? Glock rocks the size for capacity, other guns can only match at best. Easy 5*s I’ll even give him a pass on style just because of how subjective that is.

      Overall? 4*s, even from me. The gun has a proven track record and the largest aftermarket support. But something that doesn’t fit my grip, requires an aftermarket barrel to shoot reloads, and costs a $100 more than it’s competition? Sorry, can’t get behind a 5*.

  24. “In my basement I have a giant tupperware tub full of pistol cases. Sure the ones from Sig and S&W are nicer than the Glock ones, but they end up in the same place – back of the basement, covered in dust. So why waste a single extra dollar making them nice?”

    ^This. Except all of mine are in giant Tupperware tubs in the attic.

    I recently picked up a G19 FS for $549.99, on which I traded one of my several G17s. That was the cheapest price I’d seen on one either online or retail (one LGS wants $629.99 — that’s bulls%*t) and I didn’t mind parting with the 17. The extended slide stop, mag release, and steel contrast sights are nice upgrades, and I think the FS are aesthetically pleasing. If and when a Gen5 without finger grooves is released, I’ll be happy to trade this one for that one.

    BTW I think 5 stars on ergonomics is about 1 or 2 stars too high, considering the more cramped first finger groove on the compact frame vs. the full sized frame.

  26. Wait. Am I the only one who remembers the V6 Accord / Acura TL from the early 2000’s, with the automatic transmission made of glass?

  27. The Glock Accord comparisons are about their utilitarian nature. There are some great cars that don’t inspire passion but do everything right.
    Lotta choices out there.

  29. Front cocking serrations: stupider and more useless than RINO’s like McCain, Ryan and Graham.
    Steel sights and larger levers? Okay.
    But if front serrations were necessary (or even useful) on an auto, John Browning would have invented them.

  30. Dear Mr. Farago,

    I’m surprised you made the mistake. The Pinto wagon had an extra rear reinforcement and did NOT suffer from the rear end fireballs that standard Pintos suffered from. How do I know this? My dad was looking for a beater “airport car” and being the car nut that he was, took advantage of the bargain basement prices on all Pintos, even wagons after the explosion thing happened and bought himself a 2 year old pristine pinto wagon with no miles as an airport car for chump change.

    Re the Glock = Accord comparison. I think its more of a Glock = Civic comparison only because people pimp out the Civic and hot rod it to the point where it costs as much as a much fancier car and is faster too.

    • Many years ago I read an article in Consumers Report magazine that said Ford admitted that they did not add a very inexpensive part to prevent the fireball explosions. They did the math and figured it would cost more to add the part, than it would cost to settle the claims for the accidents. In my opinion, this adds up to second degree murder, since they knew people would be killed (burned alive).
      I have bought over a dozen new cars since then, and none have been a ford product.

  33. Favorite cars? No contest. Peugeots of 504 and 505 designation. Magic carpets on the road, never felt any bumps, anywhere, with pin point steering, comfortable seats and plenty of room. I had regular 400 mile drives from my work town to my home town and back again, and did that trip in perfect comfort every few months or so for years. My mechanic brother despaired over my infatuation, but rust took as big a toll as mechanical unreliability. I’ve driven Japanese cars since the last one died, and I’ve never been more miserable. People just don’t understand.

  34. That 6.3 is very sweet but just a bit too new for my tastes. I’m a W111/112 chassis kind of guy.

  35. Surprise reviews like this are one of the main reasons I come to this place. I nearly choked on the cigar I was smoking. Just a brilliant example of good, entertaining journalism.

    I had a 73 Pinto Wallpaper Woody, or rather, Squire wagon for about a year in 1974-75. That rascal would often fail to get me across town but across country, no problem. Weird. Last I saw of it was walking away from it in an ice house (convenience store) parking lot. Picked up a Volkswagen Squareback.

    And several Glocks are my EDCs even though I own other supposedly nicer pistols.

  36. Your dad gave you a car at 16? I guess as he was a holocaust survivor he wanted to see if you were tough enough to survive a holocaust as well.

    My old man had a speech for 16 yo’s wanting a car. 4 of us got the speech. “The automobile was the deadliest weapon ever invented by man. If you had to be given a car you were not ready for the responsibility.” We had to buy DMV ready cars before we could get our licenses. And we bought our own insurance and gas.

    And he was right. Cars killed and crippled people all around me during my youth. Including guys that survived war only to die in traffic.

    Jim Cirillo died in a car wreck.

  37. My first car was a four door, 1958 Mercedes Benz 190b. The car had a pushbutton starter button, wooden dash and a five speed on the column. I purchased it for $200. It remained loyal to me throughout my days at URI. Both of my friends had Sunbeam Tigers with their powerful Ford engines. Forty four years later i purchased a plain Glock 19, generation 4 for $525. I’m very satisfied with my purchases.

  38. Too bad you’re Dad didn’t make you work for your own car. Might have made you a little less whiney.

  39. I bought a two year old Honda Accord a few years ago for comfort and road trips. Black with beige leather. The first week I had it, I came out of the grocery store, and couldn’t figure out which black Accord was mine. Thank goodness for the remote key fob.

    A month later, I came out of another store, and went to where I thought I parked my car. Opened it up, found it had a bit of a “lived in” look, and a huge Diet Coke in the cup holder. I don’t drink huge, and I don’t drink Diet Coke. Seems my car was parked next to a Lexus that had a lot of trash in it, and unlocked. Doubt my key remote unlocked it. Startled me, I didn’t want the owner thinking I was trying to steal their unlocked car, then I wondered who the heck would trash out a Lexus.

    Since then, there’s been several times I’ve mistaken my Accord for other sedans. Always more expensive. It’s comfortable, doesn’t chug fuel, and is very reliable. Maybe I got the good deal.

  40. Wait…I’ve actually owned a Ford Pinto runbout hatch, a concord SST, a Dodge Dart- miss that car!

  42. I went large “back in the day”:
    73 Grand Prix
    73 Polara
    64 Dynamic 88

    Wrapped myself in Detroit Iron

  43. I had a 74 vega gt.with a little help from sonny balcean at ieco it ran a 14 flat 1/4 mile.won a ton of street races with it.Still have a78 monza with a600HP stroker.sold the vega with 155,000 miles on it.got a fistful of cash street racing the monza.try that with your wrong wheel drive honda.and yes,I still prefer shooting revolvers.

  45. “The only good thing you could say about it: it wasn’t a Chevy Vega.”‘

    LOL! My older sister’s first car was a Vega. Oh lordy, what a hunk of junk! At least my older brother’s Gremlin (bright green, no less) started up every morning.

  46. I think calling a Glock the Honda Accord of hand guns is being too kind. Being a non fan of plastic and striker fired guns. To me this Glock or any Glock for the matter. Is the VW Beetle of handguns.
    Made for the common man at an affordable price and most likely. Will go bang every time you pull the trigger. A 1st gen Glock to me is the same as a 4th gen. 25+ years later still the same boring reliable gun. Just as the Beetle did a Glock will get you from point A to B. Being awfully boring at the same time.

  47. Drove a 2nd hand Monza until it broke and then i drove a 3rd hand Vega until i could buy my first new car…6 cylinder Camero Berlinetta. All 3 cars were absolute P’sOS. Glock 19 on the other hand is the opposite of a POS as are Honda Accords. Reliable, economical (at one time) and have great resale value.

  48. I had both a Pinto hatchback, and a Vega wagon. Bought both of them new. I think I paid around $1600 for the Pinto and $2700 for the Vega.
    Well, from what I’ve been hearing, I must have just been very lucky! Only had one small problem with the Pinto, and no problems with the Vega.
    Then I bought a new Toyota pickup. On a trip, I started smelling gas. We pulled over and stopped. I looked under the hood and couldn’t find anything wrong. There was a gas station about two miles up the road. I told my passenger we would proceed at about 30 MPH and to remove the seat belt, and get a hold of the door handle and be ready to bail out.
    When I got to the station I did a more intensive inspection. I told my passenger to step on the gas. Then I saw what was wrong. The gas hose was wrongly routed around some tubing and had worn through leaving a a small hole, not big enough to leak gas at slow speed, but at higher throttle settings, the gas came spewing out! It was an easy fix. I just cut the dose, and rerouted it correctly.
    It should have been easily spotted at the factory. I figured some old dude installing gas hoses at the factory lost his mother in a B-29 raid over Tokyo, and this was his way of getting even. One truck in every thousand or so got this special treatment.

  50. Gear up as your favorite Delsin Rowe Vest. Slim Fit Leather Jackets brings this iconic jacket from animation to reality, especially for all the fans of this video game. Delsin Rowe is the main protagonist and playable character, a young Native-American man who later realizes he’s a Conduit with special powers.

Comments are closed.