Bump to the top. Back in January, I posted this:
AJChenMPH said:
I have a G19 that I carry a lot IWB under a polo shirt and no one really knows the difference. Having said that, I only got a 19 because I already had a single-stack subcompact for deeper concealment.
If I were to only get one gun, it'd be a 26 -- you can conceal it better (not by a whole lot, but still better) than a 19, and you can still use the 19's 15-round mags with a grip extension for range work.
GAP also makes a nice mag floorplate that doesn't make the grip any bigger, but gives a little better control.
http://www.concealablecontrol.com/
I've since traded my 19 for a 26, and here are a few observations.
1. The 26 is snappier than the 19, but not uncomfortably so. The 19 came back on target for me better than the 26, but I still can pump lead into COM very quickly with the 26.
2. The 26 doesn't necessarily conceal better than the 19, but it's a lot more comfortable carrying the 26 at 3:30 when I'm driving.
3. For me, the GAP floorplate really feels good and controls recoil better than the Pearce +0 pinky extension.
4. Finally, I seem to point the 26 better than the 19. I had to concentrate on the 19 to aim it because it naturally wanted to point high for me, whereas the 26 points on target with much more ease. I think I know why -- here's a pic of me holding the 19:
And here's a pic of me holding the 26:
That little extra bit of grip on the 19 pushes into my hand, and forces the barrel up. With the 26, without those extra five rounds in the bottom of the grip, nothing pushes against my hand and the barrel naturally comes back down.
Anyways, just my two cents -- I'm glad I did the trade, I'm happier with the 26 than I was with the 19.