Glock 19 X NS 10-Round 9mm Pistol: Tactical Excellence Meets Everyday Reliability

The Glock 19 X NS 10-round 9mm pistol seamlessly combines the full-size frame of the Glock 17 with the compact slide of the Glock 19, delivering a versatile firearm suitable for both duty and concealed carry. Its coyote tan finish, corrosion-resistant nPVD slide coating, and Glock Night Sights (NS) enhance both aesthetics and functionality. Designed with ambidextrous slide stop levers, a lanyard loop, and the Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) for improved accuracy, the 19 X is built for performance in any condition.​

Glock 19 X Review: Is It Really a Step Up from the Classic?

By Trampas Swanson
Updated April 16, 2025

Love it or hate it, there’s no denying this: the Glock 19X has been one of the most talked-about handguns Glock has released in years. From the moment it was announced—just weeks before SHOT Show in Las Vegas—it stirred serious buzz across the firearms world. A select group of industry insiders even got hands-on time with it during Industry Day at the Range, barely 24 hours before the show floor opened.

If you somehow missed the hype, the Glock 19X is essentially a fresh take on Glock’s most popular 9mm platform, the Model 19. Let’s break down what makes it different—and whether it actually delivers.

Where the Glock 19 X Came From

If you read our SHOT Show 2018 coverage, you might remember us mentioning the Glock 19X as the civilian version of Glock’s entry into the U.S. Army’s Modular Handgun System trials. While it skips the manual safety requested by the Army, it stays true to Glock’s original concept: a hybrid pistol that blends the best features of the Glock 17 and Glock 19.

At the time, I hinted there was “more to come”—and that wasn’t just talk. A writer’s sample was already sitting in my gun safe, patiently waiting for some serious range time.

Real-World Carry Experience

For the past four years, I’ve carried a standard Glock 19 X concealed in a custom inside-the-waistband holster made by John Phillips—better known as the “King of Kydex”—from Survivor Creek Tactical. When I’m teaching as an NRA instructor, I usually switch to a Glock 17 mounted on my battle belt, again using one of John’s holsters.

Honestly, combining the two pistols into one never crossed my mind, and I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. But to get a fair, well-rounded perspective, I teamed up with fellow Swanson Media Group writer Clint Steele, who also carries a Glock 19 daily. We both committed to spending serious time with the Glock 19 X—on and off the range—to see what this crossover Glock was really about.

First Impressions: Just the Facts

Let’s keep this part simple and straight to the point.

• The Glock 19 X uses a full-size Glock 17 frame, giving you a full grip and standard 17-round magazines.

• Glock includes one 17-round magazine for carry, plus two extended magazines with +2 baseplates, bringing capacity up to 19 rounds.

• Unlike older Glock sights, the 19X comes factory-equipped with night sights—an immediate upgrade over the traditional white “U” rear and dot front.

• A removable lanyard loop is built into the bottom of the grip for users who prefer added retention.

• While it lacks the flared magwell found on most Gen 5 models, it does feature an ambidextrous slide stop.

Features People Love—and Question

One of the biggest talking points is Glock’s Marksman Barrel (GMB). Glock claims it improves accuracy, though the platform was already known for being reliable and combat-accurate in some of the toughest environments on earth. Whether the difference is dramatic or subtle is still up for debate.

Then there’s the color. It’s brown—officially called Coyote by Glock and Mission Brown by the U.S. Army. This marks the first factory Glock produced in a color other than black. While grey might be the current favorite among civilian shooters, the new nPVD slide coating has already proven to be just as durable—if not tougher—than the classic Tenifer finish.

How Does It Actually Shoot?

Looks and specs only tell part of the story. The real question everyone wanted answered was simple: how does this hybrid Glock perform?

With its full-size grip and shorter barrel, expectations were mixed. Would the larger grip improve control? Would the shorter slide hurt accuracy? And would it run reliably with different ammunition like other Glocks?

To find out, we headed to “The Swamp” training grounds with Clint and guest shooter John Ammons of UW Gear. That’s where the tabletop reviews end and real-world shooting begins.

Glock 19 X Specifications

• Caliber: 9×19 mm

• Height: 5.47 inches

• Width: 1.3 inches

• Barrel Length: 4.02 inches

• Trigger Pull: 5.5 lbs

• Capacity: 17 & 19 rounds

• MSRP: $749