Dirty Bird Bakersfield
Sep
Table of Contents
Choosing a handgun can feel overwhelming, especially for beginners sorting through types from revolvers to semi-automatics. At Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo, the goal is to help customers find the right firearm for home defense, concealed carry, or range practice. Among the handguns for sale, the Glock Gen5 series — including the G19, G17, G45, and the standout G19X — consistently ranks as a top choice. For many buyers, one handgun that covers reliability, versatility, and ease of use is ideal, and the Gen5 delivers on all three. With rumors of a modular Gen6 on the horizon, now is a good time to examine the Gen5’s strengths, highlight the G19X as a favorite carry option, and explain California’s roster restrictions and why the Gen3 remains a solid alternative there.
Understanding the Glock Gen5
Introduced around 2017, the Glock Gen5 is the fifth generation of pistols from Glock, the Austrian manufacturer that reshaped the handgun market in the 1980s. These striker-fired semi-automatics use a spring-loaded striker instead of a hammer, producing a consistent trigger pull. Chambered primarily in 9mm, the Gen5 has more manageable recoil than many larger calibers, making it a solid choice for new shooters. Standard capacities (15 or 17 rounds) offer a balance of firepower and portability compared with revolvers or single-shot options.
The Gen5’s design prioritizes simplicity. A polymer frame keeps weight low while remaining durable for extended range sessions. The steel slide uses an nDLC (nitride diamond-like carbon) finish that resists corrosion and wear, performing reliably in humid or dusty conditions. Glock’s Safe Action system integrates three internal safeties to reduce accidental discharge risk while allowing a quick draw — removing the need for a manual safety that new shooters can fumble under stress.
Ergonomics and Performance
Gen5 models improved ergonomics over earlier generations. Finger grooves were removed and replaced with a smooth front strap for a more universal fit, and a modular backstrap system lets shooters adjust grip thickness for small to large hands. Ambidextrous slide stop levers help left-handed users, and a textured frame provides a secure hold without being abrasive. A flared magwell speeds reloads, borrowing a feature commonly found on competition pistols.
Accuracy benefits from the Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB), a polygonal rifled barrel that generally delivers tighter groups than older Glock barrels. In quality 9mm loads, models like the G19 can produce competitive accuracy at typical defensive and range distances. The trigger typically measures around a 5.5-pound pull with a short reset, enabling quick follow-ups while remaining predictable for those learning trigger control.
Unmatched Reliability
Reliability is the Gen5’s cornerstone. Its simple design — roughly 34 moving parts — reduces potential failure points. Field reports from law enforcement and military users show Gen5 models running thousands of rounds without malfunctions across a variety of ammunition types. That dependable cycling with budget or premium loads cements the Gen5 as a strong candidate for home defense, where dependability is critical.
Customization is another major draw. MOS (Modular Optic System) versions accept mini red dot sights, improving speed and accuracy for defensive or competitive shooting. Accessory rails allow lights or lasers to be added, turning the pistol into a versatile tool. The Glock aftermarket is extensive, offering holsters, sights, triggers, and grip options that outpace niche handguns. Even with talk of a Gen6 bringing modular frames, the Gen5’s adaptability already sets a high standard.
Glock 19X Handguns: Dirty Bird’s Favorite Carry Gun
The Glock 19X blends the compact slide of the G19 with the full-size G17 frame, offering concealability with a longer grip for better control and higher capacity. Launched in 2018, the 19X combines practical features in a crossover design that works well for daily carry and defensive use.
Key specifications
- Barrel length: 4.02 inches (G19 slide)
- Capacity: 17+1 (10+1 in restricted states)
- Unloaded weight: 24.83 ounces
- Overall length: 7.44 inches; height: 5.47 inches; width: 1.38 inches
- Factory night sights and coyote tan nDLC finish (factory color option)
The 19X’s compact slide conceals well in a concealed handgun holster while the full-size grip fits larger hands and accommodates 17 rounds. Factory night sights improve low-light usability, and Gen5 features like the Marksman Barrel and flared magwell aid accuracy and reload speed. The 19X’s balance of concealability, capacity, and ergonomics makes it a standout carry option among today’s handguns.
How the Gen5 Compares to Other Types of Handguns
The Gen5’s versatility gives it an edge over many alternative handguns. G19 and 19X models are concealable while offering adequate capacity for home defense, unlike many subcompact pistols with lower capacity or full-size models that are harder to carry. Revolvers are simple and reliable but typically hold only 5–8 rounds; the Gen5 doubles that in a similar footprint. While it does not match the stopping power of big-bore handguns (for example, 10mm pistols), 9mm offers a practical balance of controllability and effectiveness for most users.
Affordability is another advantage. Gen5 model handguns commonly start in the mid hundreds, making them accessible among quality firearms. 9mm ammunition is inexpensive and widely available, and maintenance is straightforward — field stripping requires no tools and replacement parts are affordable. Compared with high-maintenance custom builds, the Gen5’s low upkeep is appealing to many buyers.
No handgun is perfect. The Gen5’s grip angle may not suit every point-shooter, and many owners upgrade the basic factory sights. Still, the robust aftermarket makes those upgrades easy.
California Handgun Roster and the Glock Gen5
California maintains a Handgun Roster through the Department of Justice that requires certain safety features and testing for new pistols sold by licensed dealers. Microstamping — a rule requiring a firearm’s serial number to be imprinted on spent casings — became a strict roster hurdle after legislation passed in 2007 and enforcement tightened in 2013. Because reliable microstamping solutions are effectively unavailable without compromising function, many manufacturers, including Glock, declined to certify newer model handguns for the roster.
As a result, Gen5 handguns are not roster-approved and cannot be sold new through California dealers to civilians. Pre-2013 models such as the Glock Gen3 remain rostered and continue to be available new (subject to certification timelines and renewals). Private party transfers and law-enforcement sales are handled differently, and proposed legislation such as Assembly Bill 1127 (discussed below) could further change the landscape.
Why the Glock Gen3 Is a Practical Choice in California
For California buyers limited by the roster, the Glock Gen3 is a practical alternative. Gen3 handguns retain the core traits that made Glock popular: durable polymer frames, simple maintenance, consistent reliability, and wide aftermarket support. With 9mm chambering and roster-compliant configurations, Gen3 pistols remain a good option for home defense and carry where allowed. They offer solid accuracy and dependable triggers, and they can be customized with holsters and accessories widely available in the market.
Legislative Developments: Assembly Bill 1127
Assembly Bill 1127 (AB 1127), introduced in February 2025, targets “machine gun convertible pistols” that can be modified into fully automatic weapons using devices commonly called Glock switches. The bill emerged after concerns about devices that replace a slide cover plate and enable continuous fire, prompting action aimed at preventing illegal conversions. AB 1127 passed the Assembly and moved through the legislative process in mid-2025; amendments delayed enforcement to July 1, 2026, and allowed rostered models to add anti-switch mechanisms.
Supporters argue the bill prevents the unlawful conversion of handguns into automatic weapons; critics say it could effectively ban or restrict common Glock designs relied upon by law-abiding owners. If enacted, the law could require design changes or further limit sales of certain models, though existing owners would generally be exempt. Legal challenges are likely if the bill becomes law.
Why Choose a Glock Gen5
Outside of California, the Glock Gen5 stands out for beginners and experienced shooters alike due to its reliability, versatility, and reasonable price point. The G19X illustrates how the Gen5 family can be tailored for real-world carry and defensive roles. For California residents constrained by the roster, Gen3 models provide many of the same practical benefits in a compliant package.
At Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo, the Gen5 lineup is stocked alongside Gen3 options for roster-restricted buyers, plus a broad selection of concealed handgun holsters, sights, and training resources. Whether preparing for home defense, concealed carry, or the range, the Glock Gen5 remains a top pick among types of handguns. As Gen6 rumors circulate, the Gen5’s proven performance keeps it firmly on the shortlist for first firearms.