I’ve spent much of my time comparing two of Glock’s popular models: the Glock 44 Vs Glock 19. Both are excellent firearms, but they cater to different needs and preferences.
Today, I’ll share my hands-on experience with these guns to help you decide which one might best fit you.
| Feature | Glock 44 | Glock 19 |
| Caliber | .22 LR | 9x19mm |
| Magazine Capacity | Standard: 10 rounds | Standard: 15 rounds |
| Weight (Empty) | 14.64 oz | 21.16 oz |
| Trigger Pull | 26 N | 28 N |
| Overall Length | 7.28 inches | 7.36 inches |
| Slide Length | 6.85 inches | 6.85 inches |
| Overall Width | 1.26 inches | 1.26 inches |
| Slide Width | 1.00 inch | 1.00 inch |
| Height with Magazine | 5.04 inches | 5.04 inches |
Overview of Glock 44
The Glock 44 is a lightweight, versatile pistol designed for various shooting experiences, especially appealing to those new to firearms or looking for a low-recoil practice gun.
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR
- System: Safe Action®
- Magazine Capacity (Standard): 10 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.02 inches
- Weight with Empty Magazine: 14.64 oz
- Trigger Pull: 26 N
- Overall Length: 7.28 inches
- Slide Length: 6.85 inches
- Overall Width: 1.26 inches
- Slide Width: 1.00 inch
- Height with Magazine: 5.04 inches
Overview of Glock 19
The Glock 19 is a renowned 9mm pistol, favored for its reliability and versatility, making it a top choice for self-defense and law enforcement.
Specs
- Caliber: 9x19mm
- System: Safe Action®
- Magazine Capacity (Standard): 15 rounds (with options for more)
- Barrel Length: 4.02 inches
- Weight with Empty Magazine: 23.63 oz
- Trigger Pull: 28 N
- Overall Length: 7.36 inches
- Slide Length: 6.85 inches
- Overall Width: 1.26 inches
- Slide Width: 1.00 inch
- Height with Magazine: 5.04 inches
Features Comparison: Glock 44 VS Glock 19
1. Accuracy and Range Performance
Glock 44
During my tests, the Glock 44, with its .22 LR caliber, displayed commendable accuracy at short to medium ranges. Its lightweight design made it easy to handle, reducing shooter fatigue and aiding in precision.
However, it’s important to note that while the .22 LR is great for practice and plinking, it doesn’t quite match the longer-range capabilities and power of larger calibers.
Glock 19
The Glock 19, chambered in 9mm, showed superior accuracy and reliability at longer ranges compared to the Glock 44. Its heavier frame provided better stability, which was particularly noticeable during rapid firing sequences.
This made it a more suitable choice for situations where precision at various distances is crucial, such as in tactical scenarios or competitive shooting.
Winner
When compared to the Glock 44, the Glock 19 emerges as the clear winner in terms of accuracy and range performance.
Its ability to maintain precision at extended distances, coupled with the effectiveness of the 9mm round, makes it a more versatile and reliable choice for diverse shooting needs.
2. Recoil and Shooter Comfort
Glock 44
The Glock 44’s .22 LR caliber results in significantly less recoil, which I found to be a major advantage during prolonged shooting sessions.
This reduced recoil not only enhances shooter comfort but also allows for quicker follow-up shots. It’s particularly beneficial for new shooters or those with less experience handling recoil.
Glock 19
The Glock 19, while having a more noticeable recoil due to its 9mm caliber, is well-balanced. The ergonomic design and the weight distribution of the pistol help mitigate the recoil impact.
During my testing, I noticed that while the recoil is more pronounced compared to the Glock 44, it’s still manageable and does not significantly affect shooting comfort for experienced shooters.
Winner
In this category, the Glock 44 surpasses the Glock 19. Its minimal recoil makes it more comfortable, especially for extended use or for those who are recoil-sensitive.
This feature, combined with its ease of handling, makes the Glock 44 a great choice for training and recreational shooting.
3. Ergonomics and Shooter Experience
Glock 44
The Glock 44’s ergonomics are excellent. It fits comfortably in the hand, and its lighter weight makes it easy to handle, especially for shooters with smaller hands or less grip strength.
During my time at the range, I found the recoil very manageable, allowing for quick and accurate follow-up shots. This ease of handling makes the shooting experience with the Glock 44 enjoyable and less tiring, particularly during extended-range sessions.
Glock 19
The Glock 19, while slightly heavier, also offers excellent ergonomics. Its well-balanced design provides a solid grip and stable shooting platform. In my testing, I appreciated the textured grip and the overall feel of the pistol, which contributed to steady aim and control, even with the stronger recoil of the 9mm rounds.
The Glock 19’s design caters well to a broad range of hand sizes, making it a versatile choice for different shooters.
Winner
When it comes to ergonomics and overall shooting experience, it’s a tight race, but the Glock 44 takes a slight lead, particularly for those who prioritize comfort and ease of use. Its lighter frame and minimal recoil make it more accessible, especially for extended use or for shooters who are less experienced.
However, for those who prefer a more robust feel and can manage the slightly higher recoil, the Glock 19 offers an equally satisfying experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the shooter.
Pros & Cons of Glock 44
Pros
- Lightweight design (14.64 oz with an empty magazine) makes it easy to handle.
- Lower recoil due to .22 LR caliber, ideal for beginners or extended shooting sessions.
- Cheaper ammunition cost, suitable for frequent practice.
- Good accuracy at short to medium ranges.
- Simple maintenance and cleaning process.
Cons
- Potential for misfeeds with low-quality ammunition.
Pros & Cons of Glock 19
Pros
- Chambered in 9mm, a caliber well-regarded for self-defense.
- Higher magazine capacity (standard 15 rounds, with options for more).
- It is more suitable for various competitions and tactical scenarios.
- Robust and reliable performance in different environmental conditions.
- Balanced weight (23.63 oz with an empty magazine) aids in recoil management.
Cons
- Higher ammunition cost compared to .22 LR.
Similarities between Glock 44 & Glock 19
- Both models feature the Safe Action® system.
- Similar overall length: Glock 44 (7.28 inches) and Glock 19 (7.36 inches).
- Both have a slide length of 6.85 inches.
- Identical overall width of 1.26 inches.
- Same slide width of 1.00 inch.
- Height with the magazine is 5.04 inches for both models.
Differences between Glock 44 & Glock 19
- Caliber: Glock 44 is .22 LR, while Glock 19 is 9x19mm.
- Magazine capacity: Glock 44 has a standard of 10 rounds; Glock 19 starts at 15 rounds with larger options.
- Weight: Glock 44 is lighter (14.64 oz empty) compared to Glock 19 (21.16 oz empty).
- Trigger pull: Glock 44 has a trigger pull of 26 N, less than Glock 19’s 28 N.
Final Verdict
After thoroughly testing both the Glock 44 and Glock 19, I’ve reached a conclusion that might surprise some.
While each gun has its strengths and is tailored to specific uses, the Glock 19 emerges as the more versatile choice, making it my preferred pick. Its robustness, reliability across various scenarios, and suitability for self-defense and competitive shooting give it an edge.
FAQ’s
Is a Glock 44 the same as a Glock 19?
No, the Glock 44 and Glock 19 are not the same. The Glock 44 is chambered in .22 LR and has a lighter, hybrid polymer-metal slide, while the Glock 19 is a 9mm pistol with a more robust build.
Can I put a Glock 19 slide on a Glock 44?
No, you cannot interchange a Glock 19 slide with a Glock 44. They have different designs and dimensions, making them incompatible.
Is it safe to dry fire a Glock 44?
Yes, it is safe to dry fire a Glock 44. However, for extended dry fire practice, using a snap cap or dummy round is recommended.
Is the Glock 44 accurate?
The Glock 44 is reasonably accurate for a .22 LR pistol, suitable for casual shooting and practice, but it may not match the accuracy of specialized .22 competition guns.
