CCW with G19 vs G26

[stogiegila]

I am looking for some opinions from people who have carried both the G19 and the G26 to see which you felt more comfortable carrying, how you carried and the pros and cons for both.

I have been carrying a G26 for some time now and have been comfortable with it, but do feel that it tends to lean away from my body sometimes. This became much more pronounced after I started wearing a Sig 226. Although bigger and heavier, the Sig stayed more flush against my body (I carry IWB at 4:00).

I'm wondering if the larger G19, would do the same vs the G26.

Thanks for the input.

 

[grimjaw]

Hrm.

Well I've carried both, the G19 for longer than the G26. The G26 is a recent acquisition.

I carried the G19 in a Milt Sparks Summer Special 2 (IWB) and it worked great. So far I've only had the G26 in a Bianchi OWB. With a good belt it's OK, but it really wants an IWB.

jm

 

[glockman19]

I have both. I carried the 19 until I got the 26. the difference is 1/2" inch.

I IWB, OWB and the 26 can be pocket carried in cargo shorts.

My main carry is a S&W 642/442 in pocket.

 

[mstirton]

I have the G26 in a Milt Sparks Watch6 and, although I like it a lot, I know what you mean about the gun leaning away from the body a bit. I like the small size and I think a lower IWB holster would be perfect. It seems only about 2" of the gun is lower than the belt with the W6.
I will some day get an IWB for the 226 or M&P9. I have a CTac for the USP9 and it fits well but doesn't conceal as easily as the G26. I like to carry the USP45 OWB Galco Concealable or Combat Master on a few cold/heavy clothing days.

 

[CPshooter]

I think you might want to get a better IWB holster. (what do you use right now?)

I own both the 19 and 26, and find they feel almost the same. We're talking 1/2" difference in the barrel length, and maybe 1" in grip length. But since I like to have a full grip on my handguns, I'd rather have the 19 on me any time I can get away with it.

It probably only feels like it's leaning away from your body because 9mm/40s&w/.357 Glocks have rather thin slides, but fatter grips. However, the grips are still no fatter than the grip of my XD (which I sold) and my USP compact (which I love).

If you don't have a good IWB holster AND a sturdy belt, you might experience the problem you are having due to the thinner slide on the Glock. Trading the 26 for a 19 isn't going to make a difference. In fact, it might get worse since the grip is longer and heavier with the extra 5 rounds of ammo. Also, getting a different gun is just going to give you a fatter slide.

I say get a new holster, a new belt, or a 3" 1911 with thin grips (1911s are super thin guns) Good luck!

 

[KBintheSLC]

I have had similar issues with the G26 canting outwards when I carry it. I solved the issue by putting it in an IWB holster that is 1 size bigger. The regular BlackHawk size is a 5, but I use a size 6 and it drops the center of gravity lower and keeps the gun snug while still allowing decent draws. Also, as mentioned above, use a good sturdy belt that is as wide as possible.

 

[Judicator]

I've carried a Glock 26 for about four years. I use two different holsters, a Galco IWB for concealment, and a blade-tech OWB for OC or CC when I'm wearing a jacket or suit. Both holsters keep the gun secure and still offer a fast draw. I can always buy G19 magazines if I need more ammo capacity. I can't say that I've ever had an issue with printing or retention, but that's partly due to good quality gun leather.

 

[crebralfix]

Glock 26:

Short barrel is great for appendix carry. Performance is excellent for a service pistol. It can use Glock 17 and 19 magazines--add an adapter to make a very comfortable grip. Use the 10 round magazine that fits flush with the grip for concealablity and carry two Glock 17 or 19 magazines as spares.

Glock 19:

Excellent all around service pistol. Get the 19 if you're not sure, but give the G26 a serious look.

 

[stogiegila]

I have a gun belt and use a Galco IWB summer comfort holster. Appendix carry is not comfortable for me, I guess I'm a bit too large in the middle.

 

[RugerDoug]

I use the G19 because of the longer grip. For me its more comfortable than the shorter grip on the G26. In summer I use SW 442 in the front pocket with holster.

 

[crebralfix]

I have a gun belt and use a Galco IWB summer comfort holster. Appendix carry is not comfortable for me, I guess I'm a bit too large in the middle.

All the more reason to get physically fit. The gun alone won't save you and if the fight lasts more than a few seconds, you're going to be at a serious disadvantage.

People seem to forget CCW is really about fighting, which is a very physical activity. Instead, they view the gun as an item to make fighting convenient.

 

[stogiegila]

Crebralfix,

Lets not get too carried away..LOL I may not be Arnold, but for my age, I'm not bad. 34" waist isn't too too fat, but I just never liked getting poked around in the front like that. I prefer carrying more toward my back. I think appendix carry is better suited for very thin people. I'm more of the stocky muscular type.