When it comes to concealed carry handguns, the Glock 19 Gen 5 MOS is one of the most popular choices. Trusted by law enforcement, military, and civilian carriers worldwide, it combines reliability, optics-ready capability, and a balance of size and firepower. But is it the right handgun for your everyday carry (EDC)? Let’s break it down.
Caliber: 9×19mm
Capacity: 15+1 rounds (standard magazine)
Barrel Length: 4.02 in
Weight (unloaded): ~23.6 oz
Optics Ready: MOS (Modular Optic System) slide cut allows direct mounting of red dot sights
Upgrades vs. earlier gens: Improved trigger, ambidextrous slide stop, nDLC finish, flared magwell
➡️ Source: https://us.glock.com/en/pistols/g19-gen5-mos
The Glock 19 platform is battle-tested. The Gen 5 MOS continues the reputation of firing under all conditions with minimal risk of malfunction.
The factory MOS cut allows easy mounting of popular pistol red dots like the Trijicon RMR, Holosun 507C, or Leupold DPP—without custom slide milling.
Compact enough for concealed carry
Large enough for a full firing grip and solid accuracy
Accepts Glock 17 magazines for added capacity
Standard 15 rounds of 9mm, with options to use 17-, 19-, or even 33-round Glock mags.
Countless holsters, sights, triggers, lights, and optics options make it one of the most customizable EDC pistols.
Simple design with very few parts. Disassembly and cleaning take only seconds.
At ~23.6 oz unloaded, it’s larger than slim subcompacts (like Glock 43X or Sig P365). Concealment may require careful holster and wardrobe choices.
Improved over earlier gens, but many shooters still describe the stock trigger as spongy compared to aftermarket options.
Some shooters find Glock’s grip angle awkward, making sight alignment less intuitive than pistols with a 1911-style angle.
Typically $600–$700, plus extra cost if adding a quality optic. While not overpriced for what you get, budget alternatives exist.
The Glock 19 Gen 5 MOS is a versatile, optics-ready workhorse: reliable, accurate, and endlessly customizable. If you want a pistol that’s equally effective for concealed carry, range use, or duty, it’s one of the best all-around choices. For deep concealment or budget setups, however, smaller or cheaper pistols may fit better.
👉 Train with Project Achilles to pressure-test your Glock 19 EDC setup.
Yes. With the right holster and clothing, it balances capacity and shootability, though it’s bigger than slim subcompacts.
Compatible with Trijicon RMR, Holosun, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, and other common optics using Glock MOS plates.
A kydex Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) holster cut for optics is the most popular choice for concealed carry.
The Gen 5 MOS includes a better trigger, ambidextrous slide stop, flared magwell, improved finish, and an optics-ready slide cut.
The Glock 19 MOS offers higher capacity and shootability. The 43X MOS and P365 are thinner and lighter, making them easier to conceal but with less ammo.
