Glock Unveils New Pistol Inspired by Army MHS Program

GLOCK, Inc. recently unveiled its new Glock 19X, a new pistol that combines the full-size frame of the Glock 17 with the compact slide of the Glock 19.

The "Crossover" pistol design emerged out of Glock's effort to win the Army's recent Modular Handgun System competition.

The Smyrna, Georgia-based company submitted versions of its 9mm Glock 19 and .40 caliber Glock 23 pistols in the Army's effort to replace its M9 9mm pistol.

But in early January, Sig Sauer beat out Glock Inc., FN America and Beretta USA, the maker of the current M9 9mm pistol in the MHS competition to replace the M9.

"The G19X was developed for the military and is a practical everyday pistol that will do what you need it to do, when you need it to; every time, in every condition," GLOCK VP Josh Dorsey said in a recent Glock press release.

"Through rigorous testing, the G19X stands out above the competition and has the ability to function in all situations with ultimate reliability and accuracy. Our goal was to meet the demanding needs of the military while maintaining our standard of perfection. With proven results, the G19X delivers maximum efficiency and trustworthiness."

The G19X comes in the coyote color with the first-ever factory colored slide. The nPVD slide coating of the GLOCK 19X prevents corrosion, resists chemicals, and stands up against the elements, according to the release.

Additional design features of the G19X include the GLOCK Marksman Barrel with enhanced polygonal rifling and an improved barrel crown for increased accuracy, ambidextrous slide stop levers and no finger grooves for better versatility, and a lanyard loop for retention, according to the release.

The pistol includes a standard 17-round magazine and two 17+2-round extended magazines along with a coyote-colored pistol case.

"The aggregate effect of all the G19X design enhancements gives any user the assurance to succeed and survive in all situations," according to the release, which states that the G19X will be available beginning January 22nd at select dealers.

Unlike the Glock MHS versions, the G19X does not include a frame-mounted manual safety designed to meet the Army's MHS requirement.

In June of last year, the Government Accountability Office denied a protest filed by Glock, Inc., against the U.S. Army's decision to select Sig Sauer, Inc., to make the service's new sidearm.

Glock filed the protest with the GAO on Feb. 24, challenging the Army's interpretation of the solicitation regarding the minimum number of contract awards required by the Request for Proposal, according to a statement by Ralph O. White, managing associate general counsel for Procurement Law at GAO. Glock also alleged that the Army improperly evaluated its proposal.

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.