In this article, we’re going to show you all of the best Glock 19X upgrades to put on your wish list in 2024 to get the most out of your G19X without compromising reliability.
It should come as no surprise that the Glock 19X can be significantly improved with the right Gen 5-specific upgrades.
Whatever the situation calls for, you can turn the base Glock 19X into the sidearm of your dreams!
Covered In This Article
This article contains our top picks for Glock 19X pistols in the following categories:
G19X Trigger Upgrades: Our recommendations include some of our favorite Glock 19X Gen 5 triggers that greatly improve trigger feel, reset, and weight without affecting reliability.
G19X Lower Upgrades: We’ve compiled a list of parts to upgrade your G19X lower to enhance its performance. These upgrades include extended magazine releases, take-down crossbars, enhanced magwells, grip enhancements, and plug inserts.
G19X Slide Upgrades: From custom slides to slide cover plates, we show you our favorite G19 slide upgrades & tell you where to get them for the best prices.
G19X Barrel Upgrades: Our favorite Glock threaded barrels and compensators will help you get the quickest times & improve accuracy in any competitive shooting competition. They can also completely change the aesthetics & feel of any Glock for the better.
G19X Sight Upgrades: Find out what the best Glock iron sight replacements are as well as adapters to fit red dot sights & a few of our favorite red dot sights that you can put on these adapters.
If you’re pressed for time, here are all of our Top Glock 19X Picks in each category:
Glock 19X Triggers:
- #1 Glock Triggers SKIMMER Enhanced Carry Trigger: Check Price
- #2 Glock Triggers VOGEL Competition Trigger: Check Price
- #3 Apex Tactical Specialties G19 Gen 5 Action Trigger: Check Price
- #4 Overwatch Precision TAC Gloc Trigger: Check Price
G19X Extended Magazine Releases:
- #1 Cross Armory 3-Piece Lower Kit For Glock 19X: Check Price
- #2 TangoDown Vickers Tactical G19X Extended Mag Catch: Check Price
- #3 Centennial Defense Systems Glock 19X Mag Release: Check Price
G19X Enhanced Magwells:
- #1 Tyrant Designs Glock 19X Magwell: Check Price
- #2 AGGXPF Flared Glock 19X Magwell Base w/ Grip Plug: Check Price
- #3 Strike Industries Gen5 Enhanced Glock 19X Magwell: Check Price
G19X Grip Enhancements:
- #1 Talon Grips Glock 19X Adhesive Pistol Grip Enhancement: Check Price | Check Price
- #2 Hogue Wrapter Rubber Grip Panels For Glock 19X: Check Price
- #3 Handleitgrips Sandpaper Grip Tape Wrap For Glock 19X: Check Price
G19X Grip Inserts:
- #1 TangoDown Vickers Tactical Glock 19X Grip Plug Tool: Check Price
- #2 Calicob Glock 19X Frame Insert Grip Plug: Check Price
- #3 Duyikh 3-Piece Glock 19X Grip Insert: Check Price
G19X Magazine Extensions:
- #1 Faxon Firearms Modular Glock 19X Combo Mag Extension: Check Price
- #2 The Gun Co +5 Glock 19X Mag Extension: Check Price
- #3 Swampfox Wolverine Glock 19X Mag Extension: Check Price
G19X Magazine Base Plates:
- #1 Bastion Glock 19X Magazine Base Plate: Check Price
- #2 Strike Industries Glock 19X Base Aluminum Plate: Check Price
- #3 NDZ Performance Glock 19X Base Plate Finger Extension: Check Price
G19X Barrels:
- #1 Lantac 9INE Glock 19X Black Fluted Barrel: Check Price
- #2 Killer Innovations Velocity Glock 19X Threaded Barrel: Check Price
- #3 Strike Industries Glock 19X Fluted ARK Barrel: Check Price
- #4 Faxon Firearms Threaded Glock 19X Fluted Barrel: Check Price | Check Price
- #5 Rival Arms Glock 19X Precision Barrel: Check Price
G19X Compensators:
- #1 Wasatch Arms Glock 19X Compensator: Check Price
- #2 Radian Weapons Afterburner Gen5 Glock 19X Ramjet Combo: Check Price
- #3 Dark Hour Defense Compensated Stand-Off Device For Glock 19X: Check Price
- #4 Killer Innovations Velocity Glock 19X Compensator: Check Price
- #5 Agency Arms 417 Glock 19X Barrel Compensator: Check Price
- #6 Strike Industries G5 Glock 19X Mass Driver Compensator: Check Price
- #7 Faxon Firearms EXOS-553 Glock 19X Barrel Compensator: Check Price
- #8 Trybe Defense Univeral Single Port Glock 19X Compensator: Check Price
G19X Slides:
- #1 TRYBE G19X Version 2 RTS Vortex Cut Slide: Check Price | Upper Parts Kit
- #2 Zaffiri Precision RTS RMR Glock 19X Slide: Check Price | Upper Parts Kit
- #3 Ghost Precision Glock 19X V6 RMR-DP Pro Slide: Check Price | Upper Parts Kit
G19X Slide Back Plates:
- #1 Lockstep Arms Glock 19X Slide Back Plate: Check Price
- #2 MakerShot 3D Glock 19X Slide Cover Plate: Check Price
- #3 Tofeic Laser Engraved Glock 19X Slide Back Plate: Check Price
G19X Sight Mounting Adapters:
- #1 OuterImpact Red Dot Adapter Mount For Glock 19X: Check Price
- #2 DPP Titanium Mounting Plate Adapter For Glock 19X: Check Price
- #3 Sawke Sight Mount Plate For Glock 19X: Check Price
G19X Iron Sights:
- #1 XS Sight Systems DXT2 Big Dot Glock 19X Night Sights: Check Price | Tall Sights
- #2 Trijicon Bright & Tough Glock 19X Night Sights: Check Price | Check Price
- #3 Glock 19X Green Dot Steel Night Sight Set: Check Price
- #4 TruGlo TFX Pro Tritium/Fiber Optic G19X Sights: Check Price | Check Price | Tall Sights
- #5 Night Fision Perfect Dot Tritium Glock 19X Night Sights: Check Price
- #6 XS Sights 3-Dot Tritium Night Sights For Glock 19X: Check Price | Tall Sights
- #7 Truglo Fiber Optic Brite-Site Set For Glock 19X: Check Price
G19X Red Dot Sights:
- #1 Trijicon RMR Type 2 3.25 MOA Glock 19X Red Dot Sight: Check Price | Check Price
- #2 Trijicon SRO 2.5 MOA Glock 19X Red Dot Sight: Check Price | Check Price
- #3 Shield Sights Shield Mini Glock 19X Red Dot Sight 2.0: Check Price
- #4 Sig Sauer Romeo1 Pro 3 MOA Glock 19X Red Dot Sight: Check Price | Check Price
- #5 Holosun HS507K Multi-Reticle Glock 19X Red Dot Sight: Check Price | Check Price
- #6 Burris FastFire III Reflex 8 MOA Glock 19X Red Dot Sight: Check Price | Check Price
- #7 Crimson Trace CTS-1250 3.25 MOA Glock 19X Red Dot Sight: Check Price | Check Price | Adapter
Top 5 Glock 19X Trigger Upgrades
Our first category of best Glock 19X upgrades is focused on improvements made to the stock OEM trigger or using an aftermarket option.
Installing one of these enhanced triggers can drastically improve the trigger feel, pull weight, & accuracy without sacrificing reliability, when installed correctly.
*Note: We always recommend that you have a qualified gunsmith install upgrades as vital as the trigger if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself.
Best Triggers For Glock 19X
As reliable as the stock Glock 19X triggers may be, many people, (us included), opt to upgrade the stock trigger in hopes of increasing their ability to place tighter groups while having faster follow-up shots & more tactile trigger resets.
Installing a new trigger will completely change the feel & performance of your Glock. This easy upgrade will make the 19X feel smoother with a cleaner break, as well as less take-up while adding a well-defined wall- not to mention a lighter pull weight.
Say goodbye to those mushy, heavy, trigger pulls!
#1 Glock Triggers Skimmer Carry 19X Trigger
Glock Triggers takes the stock Glock 19X trigger & applies its witchcraft to achieve some of the smoothest trigger pulls you’ve ever felt on a Glock!
They achieve this by painstakingly polishing every single component in the trigger assembly to a mirror finish, including the springs!
This particular complete drop-in kit comes with a standard 5.5lb spring pull weight and is recommended for concealed carry use. This will maintain the “stock” look while being substantially upgraded under the hood.
Of course, you could do this upgrade yourself if you’ve got the tools and the time but you’d be hard-pressed to achieve such a high polish on every surface of the trigger assembly (not to mention modifications to the trigger bar to reduce pre-travel).
#2 Glock Triggers Vogel Competition 19X Trigger
This complete drop-in package from Glock Triggers is quite the upgrade for what started as an OEM trigger!
This one is meant for competition use & includes various spring weights for adjusting the trigger pull weight & striker weight. Over-travel is adjustable & some extra spring cups are included.
Just like the SKIMMER trigger, the VOGEL trigger set is polished to a mirror finish on all surfaces. This kit is great for those wanting to keep the stock Glock 19X trigger look with the performance enhancements hidden out of sight.
Just think of this as the greatest “sleeper” competition Glock trigger ever made!
#3 Apex Tactical Action Glock 19X Trigger
Although not mirror polished, Apex Tactical still makes one of the best entry-level budget Glock 19X triggers on the market for the price.
You will notice improvements in trigger take-up with a well-defined wall and a clean break with minimal pre and post-travel. Reset and uptake are a definite upgrade over the stock Glock 19X trigger.
The flat-faced trigger surface is fast becoming a favorite for many shooters making finger placement more comfortable and trigger squeezes less prone to jerking shots left or right… due in part to rounded triggers that may be too narrow for some.
#4 Overwatch Precision TAC Glock 19X Trigger
If you’re looking for a badass all-metal trigger that has a stock pull weight but looks anything but stock, then this Overwatch Precision TAC trigger offering is one of our favorite go-to options at this price point!
This trigger performs so perfectly in my Glock that I can’t imagine what could be done better.
This TAC trigger has a great feel once installed, reducing the creep & shortening the reset compared to the stock trigger.
The premium-feeling, aluminum, flat-faced trigger with a flat safety blade makes it drop-safe & gives even me the confidence to carry a round in the chamber while carrying so close to the family jewels!
Top 6 Glock 19X Lower Upgrades
Below is a list of our top picks for the best lower upgrades for the Glock 19X. This list includes the best extended-magazine releases, enhanced flared magazine wells, grip texture enhancements, backstrap plugs, & magazine upgrades.
Best G19X Extended Magazine Releases
One of the first things we like to change out on all of our Glock lowers is the stock magazine release, which can be hard to reach without breaking your grip!
This can be somewhat of an inconvenience but is easily addressed by replacing it with one of the affordable extended magazine releases below.
#1 Cross Armory 3-Piece Lower Kit For Glock 19X
This Cross Armory 3-piece set includes all the upgrade parts you need to install these color-matched takedown pins, takedown T-bar, & extended magazine release.
This kit will give your Glock 19X a custom look with its tasteful color accents while substantially improving the function of the magazine release making it easier to reach & engage with your thumb.
The magazine release is made out of a high-quality 7075 T6 anodized billet aluminum & comes in some nice blue or gold colors.
#2 TangoDown Vickers Tactical G19X Extended Mag Catch
The TangoDown Vickers Tactical Glock 19X Extended Magazine Catch enhances magazine changes and reloads by enabling quicker and smoother movements.
With the addition of these Magazine Extensions from TangoDown, you no longer need to rely on a magazine release switch as the extended design does not disrupt the dropping of your magazines.
This mag catch has the perfect length to prevent it from coming into contact with the ground when your gun is placed, allowing for easy removal of the magazine without affecting your shooting grip.
#3 Centennial Defense Glock 19X Mag Release
The Centennial Defense Systems extended magazine release is perhaps one of the fastest magazine releases on the market thanks to its ultra-light 2.5lb push spring that is included in this awesome kit.
You may not want to go this route for your defensive carry option but it’s perfect for competitive shooting where quick mag drops & fast reloads can make all the difference in improving your split times!
Best G19X Enhanced Magwells
Adding a magazine well that is flared for quicker magazine reloads is one of the most efficient ways to speed up the insertion of a new magazine under duress.
Many of these bolt-on extensions are designed to minimize their footprint, allowing you to use them more comfortably while concealed in an IWB holster.
#1 Tyrant Designs Glock 19X Magwell
If you’re looking for the highest-quality enhanced magwell for your Glock 19X, then the Tyrant Designs Enhanced Magwell may just be the easiest choice to make!
Made out of durable & lightweight aluminum, this low-profile magwell only adds a few grams of weight to your Glock but will, without a doubt, make no-look mag reloads feel like second nature in no time!
Speedy reloads might be great for competitions, but it’s even more important in high-stress self-defense applications. Nobody likes fumbling a fast reload & now you don’t have to!
#2 AGGXPF Flared Glock 19X Magwell & Grip Plug
An even more affordable flared bolt-on comes from AGGXPF. Made specifically for the Gen 5 Glock 19X, this mag-well enhancement makes a nice, quick, & easy upgrade at a very affordable price point!
It’s the only one on this list that comes with a free plug to fill the void below the backstrap, making it an even more attractive deal! Comes in black or red anodized aluminum finishes.
#3 Strike Industries Gen5 Polymer G19X Magwell
If weight is of the utmost importance to you, then consider getting this high-quality polymer Strike Industries Gen5 Polymer Enhanced Magwell.
The polymer is designed with more of a flare than most allowing for even speedier reloads than narrower designs.
Did I mention it’s feather-light & won’t interfere with most holster clearances or rub you raw when carrying IWB?
Best Glock 19X Grip Enhancements
Let’s face it… Glocks tend to suffer from a less-than-stellar grip texture. One of the first upgrades we perform on all our Glocks is to apply some form of grip enhancement that gives us a steady purchase while firing.
We always recommend using a more gritty sandpaper-like texture for the ultimate grip control, no matter the conditions, that has an adhesive backing that is preferably precut to the exact dimensions of the Glock 19X.
Some folks opt to have their grips stippled professionally or try to do it themselves with less-than-ideal outcomes, but this action cannot be undone!
Rubber sleeves are the least popular option as they can be very tedious to get on/off & also add to the bulk of the grip considerably, which could make concealing difficult.
#1 Talon Grips G19X Adhesive Grip Enhancement
I think Talon Grips needs no introduction since they’re by far the most widely used adhesive-backed pistol grip enhancements on the market today!
Talon grip panels feel very secure in the hand- or with gloves on- & even come in a few different grip textures- our favorite being the traditional sandpaper grit.
The backing adhesion is great & resists pealing- even with heavy use. If you’re like most people, you’re going to love how much better your Glock 19X feels in hand, especially under recoil, regardless of the weather conditions or sweaty palms!
The Gen 5 19X benefits substantially from Talon Grips with its lack of finger notches & a not-so-grippy texture.
It’s also great for helping you retrieve your pistol from a holster from a concealed position making you much less likely to accidentally drop your firearm on the draw!
#2 Hogue Wrapter Rubber Panels For Glock 19X
Looking for that awesome Hogue rubber grip without that chunky sleeve bulking things up too much? Look no further than the Hogue Wrapter Rubber Grip Panels!
Finally, a Hogue grip that I can use on my EDC Glock that gives me all of the benefits of that ultra-grippy Hogue rubber & none of the negatives!
They also have a sandpaper texture model if that’s more to your liking! Personally speaking, I’d only choose the Hogue over the Talon grip when it comes to the rubber texture. Overall, I think the Talon grips look a little bit cleaner when installed.
#3 Handleitgrips G19X Sandpaper Tape Wrap
This high-affordable option is not bad at all for the price. It may not last as quite as long as the other options on our list, but you will still get some good use out of the Handleitgrips Sandpaper Grip Tape Wrap for sure.
I have to say, it does look pretty good once it’s on & feels good in the hand. Perhaps not on the same level as the gritty Talon grips but it’ll still provide some much-needed grip when your palms get sweaty.
Best Glock 19X Grip Insert Plugs
Though the Glock 19X doesn’t have as big a hole in the bottom of the grip assembly as prior generations, there’s still enough space left over to allow dust, debris, or some other crud to enter into the internals which can potentially lead to malfunctions over time.
There may not be quite as many options for Glock 19X grip plugs, but the top 3 we found fit the bill perfectly & one of them even has a hidden tool built-in.
#1 TangoDown VT Glock 19X Grip Plug Tool
How would you like to have a factory Glock tool hidden conveniently on the underside of your backstrap as well as a plug that keeps debris out of your internals?
With the TangoDown Vickers Tactical Glock Grip Plug Tool, you can have both!
Why not make use of that extra space while keeping it plugged up, preventing debris from entering all those fiddly parts that don’t take kindly to a year’s worth of navel lint?
#2 Calicob Glock 19X Frame Insert Grip Plug
If you’re in the market for an ultra-clean & unassuming grip plug insert made out of lightweight, high-quality billet aluminum, then look no further than the Calicob Glock Frame Insert Grip Plug.
It’s very tight fitting & technically doesn’t require any special tools but a few taps from a small rubber mallet is recommended to ease it in a bit faster!
#3 Duyikh 3-Piece Glock 19X Grip Insert
This Duyikh 3-Piece Glock 19X Grip Insert comes with 3 different designs printed on a lightweight yet resilient plastic polymer.
It snaps in place with ease but provides a tight fitment to prevent any debris from entering the internals.
This is a great option if you don’t want to spend much just to plug up a hole!
Best Glock 19X Mag Extenstions
Most people own & use extended magazines for their Glock 19s but aftermarket magazine extensions may be a better option for those looking for more functionality with a custom look.
Magazine extensions can serve several purposes on a G19X:
- They can add 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 more rounds to the stock mag capacity
- They add some weight to an empty magazine making it drop more freely
- Can act as a pinky extension in compact models with shorter grip lengths
- Add significantly to the “cool” factor!
One of the best reasons to get a magazine extension over an extended magazine is when you want the width of the magazine to mate up with the width of the grip.
The only negative is you may have to tweak some of the springs to make sure they’ll reliably feed rounds from the 1st round to the last.
#1 Faxon Modular G19X Combo Mag Extension
If you’re looking for the flexibility to choose between +2, +3, or +5 for your OEM Glock 19X magazines, the Faxon Firearms Modular Combo Mag Extensions are one of the best solutions on the market.
It includes 3 extension sizes & corresponding spring lengths to match. Experience flawless feeding from beginning to end with a wide range of ammunition.
#2 The Gun Co +5 Glock 19X Mag Extension
The Gun Co +5 billet aluminum mag extension w/Titanium overlay is built like a tank & would even make the Terminator grin in approval!
Jokes aside, this thing has all the hallmarks of a stellar device. It’s got killer looks, great design, &, most importantly, it just flat-out works without fail.
Featuring a 6Al4V Titanium cover plate with a stonewashed finish & laser-engraved FACTR logomark, it’s one of the best aftermarket mag extensions available at any price & well worth the price in my opinion!
#3 Swampfox Wolverine G19X Mag Extension
If you’re a big fan of SwampFox optics like we are, then why not add a Swampfox Wolverine Glock Mag Extension & complete the look?
Not only does this thing look cool as hell, but it also adds +5 extra rounds to any OEM Glock magazine while feeding those rounds reliably from beginning to end!
CNC machined & anodized to guarantee many years of hard use no matter the application.
Best Glock 19X Mag Base Plates
If you’re perfectly happy with the standard capacity of the OEM Glock 19X magazine, you should still consider upgrading the cheap polymer base plate on the factory Glock mag.
Replacing it with an aluminum base plate with some laser-engraved elements can help distinguish magazines with different ammo loads & is a cheap way to add some uniqueness.
We’ve also included a base plate that doubles as a pinky extension, which is perfect for getting a better purchase on the grip, especially for those with big hands!
Spruce up your base plates for less with these cool vinyl base plate stickers linked below:
#1 Bastion Glock 19X Magazine Base Plate
These base plates from Bastion add a little patriotism to the bottom of your Austrian-made Glock 19. You also get some extra functionality with numeric markings that will help you quickly find any magazines that will be used for special loads.
These are incredibly easy to install & are superior to the stock polymer base plates. For the asking price, you can’t go wrong with these things!
#2 Strike Industries G9X Base Aluminum Plate
Strike Industries’ base plate design adds a little extra to the bottom of your magazine that helps speed up the removal & insertion of any magazine you put them on.
This well-engineered & cool-looking base plate is made out of a weight-saving aluminum alloy which is superior to the stock polymer base plate that comes with the base Glock mag.
These look nice when paired with a flared magazine well, like the ones that made our list.
#3 NDZ G19X Base Plate Finger Extension
This sweet-looking base plate is another great way to upgrade the stock magazine while giving your pinky a place to rest.
This is especially useful for bigger hands but will give all hands a bit more real estate to help lock in your grip & provide you with much better recoil control.
The black anodized aluminum is strong & lightweight with over 50+ custom laser-etched designs to choose from. You’re bound to find one you like!
Top 4 Glock 19X Barrel Upgrades
In this section, we’ll be showcasing the best Glock 19X barrel upgrades that include aftermarket barrels & compensators.
Each of these upgrades adds functionality, as well as style points, to your 19X should you ever decide to rock a suppressor or opt for better recoil control.
Best Glock 19X Barrels
Gen 5 Glock barrels are perhaps some of the best factory barrels to come with the G19X but they are rather vanilla even if they are exceedingly reliable.
If you plan on mounting a compensator or a suppressor, you most likely will need to purchase a threaded barrel, & getting one from Glock is nearly impossible & prohibitively expensive!
You may also want to add one of those sick-looking fluted barrels on our list that’ll look awesome through the window of a custom slide (like the ones on our list).
Whatever the case may be, we’ve rounded up our favorite threaded & non-threaded barrels that we feel will best serve as a worthy upgrade to the stock OEM barrel while adding tons of flare & some really useful functionality!
#1 Lantac 9INE Glock 19X Black Fluted Barrel
Lantac sure does make a fine barrel & this particular barrel features some unique-looking flute cutouts in its design.
This adds some appeal to the look of the barrel but also serves to reduce weight while helping dissipate heat a bit faster than the stock barrel.
We were immediately impressed with the Lantac 9INE model in particular with its superior fit & finish.
You’ll be happy to know that accuracy & reliability are also on par with the stock Glock 19X barrel but the cool factor is miles ahead!
This is a drop-in replacement barrel that requires no special fitting or gunsmithing whatsoever. That’s one less thing to worry about & is a must for defensive carry.
#2 K.I. Velocity G19X Threaded Barrel
Man oh man, we’re digging the Volocity barrel from Killer Innovations! The design is even more impressive looking than the Lantac 9INE with lots of angle cuts & copious amounts of fluting added for good measure.
The bonus on this barrel is the threaded end with the spiked thread protector that just looks so cool!
Slap a suppressor on the end or add a threaded compensator from this list or on hand & you’re ready to have some fun at the range. Comes in several finish colors to match the overall look you’re going after.
#3 Strike Industries Glock 19X Fluted ARK Barrel
Strike Industries makes a truly striking fluted barrel that drastically changes the look of your Glock for the better.
Match this awesome ARK barrel with a custom slide with window cuts to show off the fluted curves beneath.
While those spiral flutes are especially pleasing, they also serve to considerably lighten the weight of the barrel while allowing it to cool faster under heavy-range sessions.
This alone is reason enough to upgrade the stock Gen5 barrel but mostly it just looks so darn cool!
By the way, these are very high-quality barrels that won’t affect the reliability you’re used to getting out of your Glock 19X.
#4 Faxon Firearms Threaded G19X Fluted Barrel
If you’re looking to save even more money & don’t want to spend a good portion of your budget on a barrel upgrade, then we wholeheartedly recommend getting one of these Faxon-branded threaded barrels.
It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option, but it is still every bit as functional & it does have a few interesting design cuts on the barrel to spice things up a notch or two over the stock Glock barrel.
Faxon has always strived to make quality barrels at a more affordable price without a lot of compromises.
The standard thread pattern on the end is compatible with most suppressors & compensators on the market- including the ones that made this list.
Pick one up, you won’t regret it one bit!
#5 Rival Arms Glock 19X Precision Barrel
Boost your accuracy in the field with the Rival Arms Glock 19X Precision Drop-in Stainless Steel Barrel.
“This barrel improve the look and firing of my Glock 19. I have receive compliments from my buddy’s about it who will be adding this barrel to their Glock. Great product that I will be adding to my other pistols.“
RAY
This barrel, made in the USA, features a Borslick inner bore treatment that resists heat and carbon buildup. It ensures optimal performance, even in the harshest environments.
Best Glock 19X Compensators
Compensators are one of the best devices you can mount on your Glock 19X if you want to improve muzzle flip & keep your shots on target with tighter groups.
We round up 6 of the best compensators that run the gamut of unique designs to help you find the one that will best suit your particular needs.
Some of these will be better suited for gun sport & range use while others are more apt for concealed carry use.
Regardless of which compensator you choose to run, you will no doubt be happy with any of the excellent offerings from these reputable manufacturers!
#1 Wasatch Arms Glock 19X Compensator
The best thing about Wasatch compensators aside from looks is the fact that you can mount it without a threaded barrel!
This is ideal if you prefer to rock the stock 19X barrel & saves you the additional cost of buying a threaded barrel.
This makes it a bit more expensive than a thread-on compensator but it still costs less than buying a threaded barrel & compensator separately.
It’s also quick & easy to remove since it secures directly over the accessory rail & adds a rail so you can still mount your favorite 19X accessories.
#2 Radian Afterburner Gen5 G19X Ramjet Combo
The Radian Afterburner Ramjet combo is a really unique & completely new solution that combines a high-quality barrel with a very low-profile threaded compensator giving you the sleekest system for recoil control on the market.
With this upgrade installed, the overall length is equal to a Glock 17, which is an incredible feat for what it accomplishes.
This compact package doesn’t come cheap but offers the best solution for those wanting to conceal carry G19X since it fits any Glock 17 holster.
#3 D.H.D G19X Compensated Stand-Off Device
Dark Hour Defense has an interesting & fairly unique offering coming out with a new compensated stand-off device that mounts over the accessory rail, much like the Wasatch Arms Comp mounts.
The biggest distinction is that the Dark Hour has a slight gap between the barrel & compensator port allowing it to function as a stand-off device as well as help to reduce recoil.
The design of the compensator is an added function using the additional weight & ports to help mitigate some recoil, but not to the degree as the more traditional compensators on this list.
With the rail attachment, you can still add a small weapon light or laser sight- though, it may be somewhat unwieldy with larger weapon lights.
It’s a solid choice where close-quarters situations might be a concern & will offer you some peace of mind, knowing your Glock will always stay in battery & ready to go at a moment’s notice!
#4 K.I. Velocity Glock 19X Compensator
This compensator is the perfect sidekick to the Killer Innovations Velocity threaded barrel from our list.
It can, however, be used with more affordable options like the Faxon barrel or any threaded barrel with standard 1/2-28 threads.
Made out of lightweight aluminum construction, this sturdy compensator is game for hours of fun at the range without the added fatigue of heavier steel compensators.
Recoil is significantly reduced thanks to the well-implemented port design that performs better than many offerings at this price.
#5 Agency Arms 417 G19X Barrel Compensator
The Agency Arms 417 compensator is a basic yet effective single-port design that works best with higher-power ammunition, such as self-defense loads.
If you want to shoot standard-velocity rounds reliably, you may need to change out your recoil spring.
This compensator is almost elegant in its simplicity & does have rather pleasing angles that are bound to look great on the end of your Glock 19X!
#6 S.I. G5 G19X Mass Driver Compensator
Strike Industries hits another home run with its truly unique compensator design. It takes so much sting out of the recoil that it feels like you’re shooting a much lower caliber.
This much recoil reduction, however, may cause some cycling issues with underpowered or low-velocity ammo.
Another awesome feature of the G5 Mass Driver Compensator is the ability to work with or without threaded barrels, which adds a lot of versatility.
This will save you some dinero if you don’t want to purchase a separate threaded barrel & will simply work with whatever barrel you may already have.
Whatever the use case may be, if you want the most recoil reduction possible, you can’t get any better than this!
#7 Faxon EXOS-553 G19X Barrel Compensator
Faxon Arms cuts to the front of the pack once again for those on a budget wanting to take advantage of a compensated firearm without draining their wallet.
With a simple yet effective aluminum design, it features some basic vent cuts that do a valiant job of cutting down on recoil while allowing speedier follow-up shots.
Whether you employ it for home defense or want to add it to your concealed carry option, the EXOS 553 will serve you well mated to a Faxon Arms threaded barrel or any standard thread-size barrel you want to mount it on.
#8 Trybe Univeral Single Port G19X Compensator
For the budget-conscious, Trybe has your back with its cost-saving universal compensators designed to work with any threaded barrel with standard threads, like the barrels on our list.
The compact version shown above works great on the Glock 19X, or any other 9mm handguns you may own, & comes in four classic colors to achieve the look you’re going for.
These perform much better than the price tag would suggest & feature an aesthetically pleasing, functional design with a solid aluminum build quality.
These may not perform better than some others on this list but they’re still capable of providing you with a marked improvement in recoil control that helps to curtail muzzle flip.
Top 3 Glock 19X Slide Upgrades
Very few Glock 19X pistols available for purchase are of the MOS variety & will require a rear sight plate adapter or an aftermarket slide if you want to mount a red dot on it.
Of course, you can elect to have your 19X slide cut for optics but this can take weeks depending on the gunsmith, varies in cost, & irreversible.
You may also want to change out that cheap polymer rear sight plate, while you’re at it, with something a bit more visually pleasing & metallic!
These days, there are plenty of aftermarket options to accommodate your specific needs as we’ll show you on our list of best 19X slide upgrades!
Best Glock 19X Slides
If you’re not content with the stock 19X slide, & you lack the MOS rail to mount optics, then one of the easiest ways to Gucci up your Glock while adding more functionality is to upgrade to a custom aftermarket slide.
Some of these slide deals are a combo package that comes with a quality red dot sight installed while others are optics cut to fit the most popular optic mounts & come with several plates to fit the optic of your choice.
*Note: All stripped slides will need an upper parts completion kit unless you plan on transferring those parts from your 19X Slide. We’ll include a link to one of our recommended kits below each slide link.
#1 TRYBE G19X Version 2 RTS Vortex Cut Slide
Trybe Defense makes a great custom slide that is cut to fit the stellar Vortex Venom red dot sight.
We dig the custom cutouts on this slide that is sure to show off any custom barrel you decide to rock, not to mention you’ll be shaving a bit of weight off compared to the stock 19X slide.
Add an upper parts kit from the link provided to complete this upper or simply transfer the donor parts from your 19X slide & you’re set.
#2 Zaffiri Precision RTS RMR Glock 19X Slide
The Zaffiri Precision RTS Gen5 slide is great if you want a more radical look that is built well & can accommodate most popular optics footprints, like the Trijicon RMR / SRO and Holosun 407c / 507c & other popular RMR footprints.
Just add an upper parts kit from the link provided to complete this upper, or simply transfer the donor parts from your 19X slide & complete the build.
#3 Ghost Precision Glock 19X V6 RMR-DP Pro Slide
Designed to work with a Leupold DeltaPoint Pro or Trijicon RMR, this Grey Ghost precision version 6 slide is a premium upgrade to the stock 19X slide.
Made with extremely tight tolerances, this slide will up the quality & feel of your Glock 19X by a not-so-insignificant amount, & is a visual work of art to have in your collection!
Adding the upper parts kit from the link provided will complete this upper or you can always opt to transfer the donor parts from your 19X slide & call it a day.
Best Glock 19X Slide Cover Plates
There’s no better way to dress up the back of your slide than by adding an aluminum slide cover plate.
It’s the one part of your Glock 19X that you’ll spend the most time looking at & it’s well worth the upgrade over the boring plastic OEM plate.
With so many design options to choose from, you’re bound to find the perfect design to fit the look you’re going for!
#1 Lockstep Arms Glock 19X Slide Back Plate
Lockstep Arms makes a great-looking aluminum slide cover plate that comes in six cool colors.
For those who like to add a touch of color to match other color accent-themed parts or just want to keep things one color, Lockstep Arms has you covered!
#2 MakerShot 3D Glock 19X Slide Cover Plate
Makershot 3D slide cover plates take things up another level with a multitude of embossed designs to give your Glock 19X a unique & custom look that will make you grin every time you look downrange.
Made out of high-grade aluminum, they’re built to last but won’t add a lot of weight to the back of your slide. The hardest part is deciding which design to buy!
#3 Tofeic Laser Engraved G9X Slide Back Plate
You can always go with laser-engraved cover plates to save a few bucks & put the extra money toward other upgrades.
Like some of the other rear slide plates on this list, there are a plethora of designs to pick and choose from, so stock up on a few of your favorites to personalize all of your Glocks!
Best Glock 19X Rear Sight Adapters
Another good option for those wanting to save some money but still want to mount a red dot sight on their stock Glock 19X slide is to install a rear sight adapter plate.
On this list, we’ll show you some of our favorite aftermarket rear sight adapters that can accommodate the most commonly used optic footprints from all the most familiar optics brands.
#1 OuterImpact G19X Red Dot Adapter Mount
This Outerimpact red dot adapter mount wins the award for the adapter that accommodates the most optic footprints out there.
This adapter will work with just about any optic you currently own or plan on buying in the future.
You really can’t go wrong with this adapter especially if you’re anything like us & tend to switch out to compare different optics a lot or just aren’t sure which optic you might want to pull the trigger on in a future upgrade.
#2 DPP Titanium G19X Mounting Plate Adapter
If you’re a Trijicon or Holuson fan, like we are, then this titanium mounting kit plate adapter will fit your needs perfectly.
It comes with everything you need to mount a Trijicon RMR/SRO -or- Holosun 407C/507C/508T & is super lightweight & strong enough to keep your optic secured & zeroed.
#3 Sawke Sight Mount Plate For Glock 19X
Our final recommendation is not compatible with the RMR, RMS, or DOCTOR footprints.
It was designed to be used with the more affordable optics out there such as the Ade Advanced Optics rd3-001, rd3-02, rd3-009, rd3-006a & Sightmark mini shot reflex sight but also fits the excellent Vortex/Viper/Venom, & Burris Fastfire micro red dot sight.
Glock 19X Sight Upgrades
Most people I know upgrade those cheap plastic Glock sights as soon as possible! If you’re one of the few who loves the stock sights or managed to score a 19X with Glock night sights, then there’s no need to scroll any further.
However, if you’d love to upgrade to the functionality of a day/night sight with superior durability & crisp sight picture, then check out our handpicked list of the best 19X sights that get our seal of approval!
Best Glock 19X Day/Night Iron Sights
One of the biggest complaints we hear about, & share ourselves, are the cheaply-made plastic iron sights that come standard on most Glocks, including the 19X.
Like us, many people just don’t like them & wonder about their durability after years of wear & tear. Sure, they work but why settle for anything less than the best possible sight picture?
One of the easiest & simplest upgrades you can perform is replacing those crummy sights with metal sights- or, even better, day/night sights!
There are plenty of excellent options out there but we’ve narrowed down the herd to a few of our favorite sights for under $125.
This list features Tritium, Fiber Optic, and fiber/Tritium combos- most of which are of the most commonly used 3-Dot variety.
#1 XS Systems DXT2 Big Dot G19X Night Sights
The XS Sight Systems XS DXT2 is one of the most unique iron sights on the market with a large Tritium front dot & features a v-notch rear sight that makes aiming quick & intuitive.
This is currently one of our favorite night sights due to how easy it is to see in low-light conditions. It’s a no-brainer if you happen to like V-notch sights since this is the best one we’ve come across!
#2 Trijicon Bright & Tough G19X Night Sights
Trijicon is the OG of the night sights market with this attractive offering at a very affordable price. The Tritium in these sights is simply fantastic & glows like fireflies in low-light conditions.
If you don’t like white dots, there are several other color options to choose from with white being the cheapest.
#3 Glock 19X Green Dot Steel Night Sight Set
If you’re 19X didn’t come with the metal Glock night sights & you love the Glock brand, then you can always pick up a set of these 3-dot metal night sights & call it a day.
They’ll perform similarly to most other Tritium night sights but they’re new old stock so they may show some signs of finish wear. We dig the battle-worn look!
#4 TruGlo TFX Pro Tritium/Fiber Optic G19X Sights
The Truglo TFX Pro provides a superior daytime sight picture with its fiber optic inserts & features a prominent Tritium front ring for enhanced nighttime shooting.
They’re a bit bigger than most but I love the way they look on my Glock 21 (I use the Trijicon night sights on my bedside G19).
#5 Night Fision Tritium G19X Night Sights
This is a Brownells exclusive night sight set that helps bring your focus towards the big orange dot on the front sight during the day & is impressively bright after dark.
It’s perfect for those who like a blacked-out rear sight during the day & don’t mind having a less powerful tritium glow on the rear sights at night.
There are several color combinations you can choose from: yellow or orange for the front sight & tritium or white for the rear sight.
#6 XS Sights 3-Dot G19X Tritium Night Sights
These XS 3-dot tritium night sights are the value winners on this list! They feature a prominent orange dot front sight with a tritium insert & two smaller tritium rear dots.
This combination makes for a great sight picture in daylight while also providing the best possible visibility after hours.
This budget-friendly option offers all of the advantages that a day/night sight brings without sacrificing quality or performance.
#7 Truglo Glock 19X Fiber Optic Brite-Site Set
If night sights aren’t your thing but a stellar sight picture during daylight hours is, then this Truglo fully fiber optic set of sights is going to be your best bet.
These fiber optic sights help you pick up what you’re aiming at fast & they even work well in low-light conditions with minimal amounts of ambient lighting from street lamps or flood lights.
They’re also very affordable when compared to Tritium sights & are a vast improvement over the stock Glock sights!
Best Glock 19X Red Dot Sights
For those who’ve upgraded to an aftermarket slide or decided on a rear sight plate adapter, the next logical step is finding a reliable & reputable micro red dot sight that guarantees excellent performance with well-executed features that make it easy & intuitive to use.
Optics is something that you shouldn’t be skimping too much on but that doesn’t mean that we haven’t found some really good bang-for-your-buck options on our top 7 list below!
#1 Trijicon RMR Type 2 3.25 MOA G19X RDS
The RMR is built like a tank & over-delivers on what one might expect from a great optic at this price point.
Of course, everyone knows that Trijicon is on the top of just about every list of best red dot sights ever created, and for good reason!
In regards to its looks & superb performance, the RMR Type 2 stands out & is a favorite amongst many Glock 19X owners- ourselves included!
If you’re someone who has anxiety about their red dot being ready to rock-n-roll at any given moment, then this is the best optic to get, if your budget allows it.
#2 Trijicon SRO 2.5 MOA Glock 19X Red Dot Sight
The Trijicon SRO offers a much larger sight picture than the RMR & was designed to give competitive shooters an edge.
It may not be nearly as indestructible as its tank-like brother but it can still withstand a decent amount of abuse before calling it quits.
Bearing this in mind, it may not be quite as suitable for defensive carry but it most definitely excels at shooting matches where quick sight acquisition is key to speedy shot placement with higher degrees of precision!
#3 Shield Sights Mini G19X Red Dot Sight 2.0
The Shield RMS 2.0 is a minimalist design at its core making some incremental improvements over its predecessor.
Made out of a surprisingly-resilient glass-filled polymer frame & optional glass lens upgrade, this red dot sight is super lightweight compared to aluminum or cheap pot metal optics on the market.
This is the one to get if you value the lightest footprint possible without compromising durability too much or performance.
It is the first choice of many who have the RMS optics cut on their slide & is compatible with the first adapter plate on our list (*screws sold separately).
#4 Sig Sauer Romeo1 Pro 3 MOA Glock 19X RDS
The Romeo1Pro is Sig’s premium red dot sight featuring a slew of recent upgrades over its cheaper budget optics lineup. It has all of the bells & whistles you could ever want in a carry optic for a reasonable asking price.
The Romeo lineup has always been well-received as the value king with many trying to replicate what it accomplished.
In a market filled with overpriced optics that fail to deliver what you expect, the Sig Romeo Pro line bridges the price gap & sets the bar pretty high for the money.
If you liked what the budget Romeo optics brought to the table, you’re going to love Sig’s Pro line all the more!
#5 Holosun HS507K Multi-Reticle G19X RDS
Much like Sig, Holosun has hit the road running with incredible value for the money.
Though Holosun’s prices may have risen in recent years along with their growing popularity & exceptional reputation, the Holosun HS507K X2 is a shining example of the innovation it takes to fit so many features into such a small & durable package.
An instant hit among the concealed carry community, the 507 line is one of our favorite go-to optics when looking to mount a high-quality, dependable red dot with all of the features one could ever want or need for defensive carry use.
#6 Burris FastFire III Reflex 8 MOA G19X RDS
For over 50 years, Burris has been in the business of making great optics & this Fastfire model is quickly becoming a favorite for many a Glock owner.
With an 8 MOA dot, this optic is ideal for defensive carry where most encounters with bad actors happen within 15 feet & quick target acquisition is all that matters.
At shorter distances, a bigger red dot will help your eye find it quicker, saving you precious seconds where time isn’t a luxury you can’t afford.
If you’re looking for more precise shot placement at greater distances then you should consider a smaller dot… but, if your eyes aren’t what they used to be, then larger dots of 6 MOA & up are the way to go!
#7 Crimson Trace CTS-1250 3.25 MOA G19X RDS
Crimson Trace is another value leader in the budget-friendly red dot space & the CTS-1250 is one of the best examples in the $200 price range.
The CTS-1250 model has a convenient side battery compartment so changing the battery will be a real time-saver compared to other micro red dots that require removal to replace the battery.
*Note: You can find a mounting plate adapter for the Crimson Trace on Optics Planet.
This means you won’t have to re-zero your optic every time the battery dies! Better still, this won’t happen very often with an excellent 40,000-hour battery life (that’s 4.5 years!).
Glock 19X FAQs
In this section, we tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about the Glock 19X for those who don’t already know & want to learn something new.
What Makes The Glock 19X Special?
Glock introduced the special edition Glock 19X pistol in 2018 by merging features of two of its most popular models, the Glock 17 and Glock 19.
The full-sized frame of the Glock 17 and the compact slide of the Glock 19 were combined to create a hybrid design that excels in both size and handling, making it a favorite among gun enthusiasts.
This new model is intended to provide the best of both worlds to its users.
With this particular release, the Glock 19X boasts a unique Coyote Tan finish on both the frame and slide, as well as other distinctive design elements that set it apart from other Glock models.
The use of a metal magazine release button further distinguishes the Glock 19X from other Glock models, which typically feature polymer release buttons.
Why Is The Glock 19X So Popular?
The Glock 19X has become a favorite among gun enthusiasts for multiple reasons. Its hybrid design combining elements of the Glock 17 and Glock 19 models provides users with a larger grip and shorter slide, making it an excellent choice for both control and concealment.
In addition, the distinctive Coyote Tan color scheme and metal magazine release button contribute to the pistol’s popularity.
This goes without saying, but the Glock 19X inherits the durability and reliability of all the models and generations that preceded it, further cementing its position as a top choice for many shooters.
Is the Glock 19X a Good Carry Gun?
Whether or not the Glock 19X is a good carry gun for you depends on your personal preferences, needs, and body type.
The Glock 19X is a hybrid model combining the full-sized frame of the Glock 17 and the compact slide of the Glock 19, making it slightly larger and heavier than the Glock 19.
It has a magazine capacity of 17 rounds and is chambered for 9mm ammunition. The pistol’s size and weight may make it more difficult to conceal for some users, depending on their body type and clothing choices.
However, the larger grip of the Glock 19X provides better control and a more comfortable shooting experience.
The Coyote Tan finish and metal magazine release button are also notable features that may appeal to some users.
In our opinion, the Glock 19X can be a suitable carry gun for those who prefer a slightly larger and heavier firearm with a larger grip and magazine capacity.
However, you should carefully consider your personal preferences, clothing choices, and body type before deciding if the Glock 19X is the right carry gun for you.
We always recommend trying out different firearm sizes and carry options before making a final decision.
Final Thoughts
The Glock 19X is a great beginning platform that can get substantially better by adding the right upgrades.
I always advise those looking to improve their Glocks to start by adding the most important upgrades first and save the finishing touches for last.
Depending on what your Glock is being set up for (competition, concealed carry, home defense, etc.) will determine which parts you should add and in what order you should add them.
For any upgrades that you do not feel comfortable doing yourself, you should always enlist the help of a competent gunsmith.