LAS VEGAS -- Glock Inc. showed off its new G19X at SHOT Show 2018 Range Day.
The new model -- which features a compact slide and a full-size frame -- emerged out of the company's attempt to meet the U.S. Army's Modular Handgun System competition requirement, said Shane Coley, Team Glock captain.
Glock lost to Sig Sauer, which also beat out FN America and Beretta USA, the maker of the current M9 9mm pistol in the MHS competition to replace the M9.
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But the setback hasn't stopped the Smyrna, Georgia-based subsidiary of the Austrian firearm giant from taking advantage of its effort to produce what appears to be a sweet marriage of full-size and concealable handgun designs.
The Glock 19 is extremely popular with U.S. special operations forces because of its reliability and compact size.
The G19X adds "more grip surface for a better grip for people who have bigger hands, and it also gives you more rounds with the extended magazine," Coley said.
It holds 17 rounds with standard magazine and 19 rounds with the extended mag, Coley said, compared to the standard Glock 19 magazine which holds 15 rounds.
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.
Additional design features of the G19X include the GLOCK Marksman Barrel with enhanced polygonal rifling and an improved barrel crown for increased accuracy.
It has ambidextrous slide stop levers, no finger grooves on the grip and a lanyard loop for retention.
Unlike the Glock MHS versions, the G19X does not include a frame-mounted manual safety designed to meet the Army's MHS requirement.
It retails for $749.
-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.
