Introducing the Glock 47
The Glock 47, a relatively newer addition to the Glock family, often gets overlooked. While it shares the DNA of its predecessors, the Glock 47 brings some unique aspects to the table. It quickly gained traction within specific sectors, primarily law enforcement. It’s a pistol that attempts to blend features, offering a balance of aspects that appeal to a diverse set of users.
The Glock 47’s design incorporates a slide length that falls between a Glock 17 and a Glock 19, which provides a distinct advantage in balancing accuracy with concealability. The frame is engineered to be compatible with the Glock 19, further enhancing its usability. This adaptability makes it a strong contender in the Glock lineup.
Introducing the Glock 19 Gen 5
The Glock 19 Gen 5 is undeniably a legend. The Glock 19 is frequently cited as one of the most popular and successful handguns ever made. Its reputation for reliability, coupled with its manageable size, has solidified its place in the hands of millions worldwide.
The Glock 19 Gen 5 carries forward Glock’s legacy of robust construction and user-friendly design. Its frame size and overall dimensions make it a sweet spot for many, offering a comfortable balance between capacity, concealability, and shootability. This model is a workhorse, beloved by military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters for its adaptability to a broad range of applications.
Comparing Key Features
To make an informed decision, let’s meticulously examine the key differences between the Glock 47 and Glock 19 Gen 5.
Size and Dimensions: The Balancing Act
One of the primary considerations is size. The Glock 19 Gen 5 is a compact pistol, offering a slightly smaller profile compared to the Glock 47. This makes a difference, particularly for concealed carry. The Glock 47, with its slightly longer slide, extends the overall length slightly.
Overall Length: The Glock 19 Gen 5 typically has a shorter overall length than the Glock 47, making it slightly more compact for carrying. The slide of the Glock 47 creates a slightly larger overall footprint.
Height: Both pistols share similar heights, however, small differences can be found due to minor variations.
Width: The widths of the two pistols are practically identical, making them comfortable to grip for shooters with various hand sizes.
Weight: The weights of the unloaded pistols, also, are relatively similar, with slight differences attributable to the differences in overall slide and barrel length.
The impact of these dimensional differences becomes important when considering how they affect how easy the guns are to conceal, and how they feel in the hands of users. The Glock 19 Gen 5 generally excels here due to its slightly smaller footprint, making it the more comfortable choice for daily concealed carry. However, those accustomed to larger pistols might not perceive any noticeable difference.
Frame Dynamics: Grip and Feel
Both the Glock 47 and the Glock 19 Gen 5 utilize Glock’s characteristic polymer frame, known for its durability and simple design. However, the ergonomics of the grip is where the practical differences can be felt.
Both pistols feature the Gen 5 improvements, including the removal of finger grooves, resulting in a more versatile and comfortable grip for a wider range of hand sizes. The texture of the grip offers a secure hold, even in wet conditions.
Slide and Barrel: The Accuracy Equation
Slide and barrel length directly affect accuracy. The Glock 47, with its slide length between the Glock 17 and Glock 19, has a slightly extended sight radius compared to the Glock 19 Gen 5. This increase in sight radius can translate to increased accuracy potential, especially at longer ranges.
The Glock 19 Gen 5 maintains a shorter barrel, which aids in its compactness, making it easier to conceal and maneuver in tight spaces.
Magazine Capacity: Ready for Action
The standard magazine capacity for both the Glock 47 and Glock 19 Gen 5 is typically fifteen rounds of nine-millimeter ammunition. This capacity provides ample firepower for self-defense scenarios. However, the availability of extended magazines varies. Users can find a range of higher-capacity options, further enhancing the Glock’s versatility and adaptability.
Sights: Aligning the Sights
Both pistols typically come with Glock’s standard sights. However, these are often a starting point. Both models can be fitted with a variety of aftermarket sights, including night sights for low-light conditions and red dot sights to enhance precision.
Trigger Feel: Control and Consistency
The trigger is a pivotal part of a firearm. Both the Glock 47 and Glock 19 Gen 5 feature Glock’s Safe Action trigger system. The feel of the trigger is nearly the same on both models.
Modular Optic System (MOS): Expanding Options
One of the main advantages for the Glock 47 is its modular optic system compatibility. The MOS system allows users to easily mount red dot sights, allowing for enhanced accuracy and faster target acquisition. The Glock 19 Gen 5 is also available in an MOS configuration, providing this valuable flexibility. The availability of an MOS version gives shooters greater options for customization.
Price and Market Availability: Considering the Costs
The pricing of both the Glock 47 and Glock 19 Gen 5 is relatively competitive. The Glock 19 Gen 5, given its widespread popularity, may often be found at a slightly lower price point. However, these prices can vary depending on location and availability. Understanding the market and checking prices from different retailers will help with budget planning. The Glock 19 Gen 5 is also found much more readily and available than the 47 due to its more common nature.
Performance Comparison
The discussion now shifts from features to performance, examining how each pistol handles under real-world conditions.
Accuracy: Hitting the Mark
Both pistols are known for their inherent accuracy. The slightly longer sight radius of the Glock 47 potentially gives a slight advantage for hitting targets further away, but both pistols are capable of accurate shooting.
Recoil Management: Keeping Control
Recoil management is important for quick follow-up shots. Both pistols are known to be manageable. However, the Glock 19 Gen 5’s slightly smaller size means it might have slightly more felt recoil compared to the Glock 47. But both are easy to shoot.
Concealed Carry Considerations: The Concealment Factor
The Glock 19 Gen 5’s more compact size is a great advantage for concealed carry, especially for those new to carrying. The differences, although minor, are important to consider when choosing a weapon for everyday carry.
Practical Applications: Where They Excel
Both pistols are versatile, used in various situations. Law enforcement, self-defense, and recreational shooting are just a few of the applications for these handguns. The Glock 19 Gen 5’s slightly smaller size and wider market availability make it a great choice for concealed carry.
Pros and Cons
To make the comparison even clearer, let’s weigh the pros and cons of each model.
Glock 47
Pros: Extended sight radius for enhanced accuracy, MOS capability for optics, can be used with Glock 19 frames.
Cons: Limited aftermarket support, may be slightly less concealable than the Glock 19 Gen 5.
Glock 19 Gen 5
Pros: Excellent for concealed carry, widespread availability, proven reliability, extensive aftermarket support.
Cons: Slightly shorter sight radius compared to the Glock 47.
Which Pistol is Right for You?
The choice between the Glock 47 and the Glock 19 Gen 5 comes down to individual requirements and priorities.
For Concealed Carry: The Glock 19 Gen 5 generally excels because of its smaller frame.
For Home Defense: Both pistols would make great choices here.
For Law Enforcement: Both are viable options. The Glock 47 provides the convenience of optic compatibility.
For Recreational Shooting: Both are suitable and fun to shoot.
Ultimately, the “best” choice depends on your specific needs. If concealability is your primary concern, the Glock 19 Gen 5 is the better choice. If you want slightly enhanced accuracy and MOS compatibility, the Glock 47 can be an excellent choice.
Conclusion
The Glock 47 and Glock 19 Gen 5 are both outstanding pistols, each with its unique strengths. The Glock 19 Gen 5 is a tried-and-true choice for its size and widespread availability, while the Glock 47 presents a newer option. The best way to decide is to consider your needs and preferences. Try to hold and, if possible, shoot both models to decide which feels better in your hands.
For more information, visit local gun stores and shooting ranges. Compare and contrast the two models, and get familiar with the controls.
