Buying used Gen 2 G19 vs. buying a brand new G19

[brickboy240]

Greetings!

I have been looking at buying a new autopistol for carry and defense and the one I keep coming back to is the Glock 19.

I currently own two 2nd Gen Glocks (17 & 22) and both have been stellar since I bought them in the mid 90s. Honestly, I don't recall the 2nd Gen G-17 ever jamming....ever. I liked the PPQ but the mag and holster issue keeps me away. XDs and M&PS seem nice but again...I have no longtime experience with these guns. The Glock 2nd gen platform just seems familiar and I am used to it.

Since there seems to be many QC issues with the 4th gen and recently made 3rd gen Glocks...how silly would it be to buy a lightly used 2nd gen G-19 instead?

I have found several lightly used 2nd gen G-19s for sale well under 400 bucks. Some even have night sights. they are police trades that were carried often and shot little and show hardly any wear on the inside. My 2nd gen G22 was a police trade in and it runs great and has done so for many years of light to medium shooting.

Since I am already used to the 2nd gen grip (with no grooves) and don't plan on hanging a light on it...this is one route I am considering.

Is there any real downside (minus the usual ones from buying used guns, period) to this idea? I mean, didn't Glock build its reputation on the 2nd gen guns? My 2 other 2nd gen Glocks are some of the most trouble free pistols I have ever known.

Since the used 2nd gen G-19 is cheaper and the QC issues with newer G19s are known....is this a safe bet? Were there glaring parts changes from 2nd to 3rd gen G91s that make this a bad move? They still use the same mags...right?

Thought I'd ask....I am new here so don't beat me up too much if this seems like a strange question. People tend to stay away from 2nd gen Glocks, when I have found them to be totally trustworthy.

...worth a shot?

Thanks,

brickboy240

[RD62]

I'd buy a lightly used G19 police trade-in for well under $400 in a heartbeat! Maybe two.

I'd buy one. Replace the springs (maybe the sights if needed) and carry/shoot the crap out of it.

In fact, clue a buddy in on where I can score one too!

[zibby43]

In fact, clue a buddy in on where I can score one too!

Ditto.

[dustburn]

I would think either would be good to go. I just recently (a month ago) picked up a new g19 gen 4 and after 2050 rounds, zero failures. I think this means Glock has straitened their shit out? Please know I am a sample size of one lol

[Tango Charlie145]

Some people believe if the Gen2's had a light rail, they would really be perfection, that is for those who deam a light rail is a must on a handgun. Gen 2's are very popular in my area and are hard to come by.
Good luck with your purchase.

[threedogdad]

I sold my Gen2 G19 last year to purchase my Gen4 G19. I had owned the Gen2 since the mid-90s, but never quite got comfortable with how it felt and pointed for me. The 2mm difference in grip thickness between the Gen2 and Gen4 actually does make a difference...at least for me.

As of today I have just over 5,000 rounds through my Gen4 with ZERO problems, complaints, issues or malfunctions of any sort.

Just another sample size of one for your consideration.

[FChen17213]

I would definitely buy the Gen2. Why take a chance on reliability and quality? With a Gen2, you know you're getting a good gun. The late Gen3s and Gen4s will always keep you guessing.....even if you do get a problem-free one, you'll still be wondering, "Will the next 1000 rounds give me problems?"

[brickboy240]

Thats what I thought.

Being 46 years old and growing up, shooting Dad's old pre-64 Winchesters and other "classics" my view on guns is usually "older is better" and that has served me well on Glock and SIGs as well as other firearms. Unless you drop a grand on an HK, most of the production service pistols today just seem thrown together and their QC is iffy at best.

The fact that the 2nd gen Glocks do not have a light rail is no biggie to me. If I was a cop, that might be different, but the few autos I have shot with lights...well...the light's weight just threw off the feel of the gun, sorry. Especially on a 1911. I am also a believer in "keep it simple" and a light or laser are just things that could go down on you at the wrongest of times.

From the G17 and G22 I own and have shot heavily since the mid 90s....man..if you can make a 2nd gen Glock stop running....you have worked very hard! LOL I literally do not lube these things or clean them often and leave the mags loaded for many months and they always go bang when called upon.

In fact, when the "S" hits the "F"...I want my AK and G17 and everything else is going to hide in the safe till things cool down. They're that reliable.

After I buy mine...I'll let you know if and where these people have any left. they run slightly under 400 bucks and many have the factory Meprolight Tru dot sights. My Tru Dots on the 1994 G22 still glow fairly well.

- brickboy240

[ST911]

Non-FG/R ("gen 2") G19s are in high demand. Especially so, if it's a transitional model with the reinforced front frame rails.

If the price is reasonable, I would buy it.

[brickboy240]

Is there serial number range on the 2nd Gen G-19s that I should look for or ones to avoid? I believe the G19s I was looking at were 1994-96 made guns.

- brickboy240