Best Glock 19 competition mods

The Ultimate Glock 19 Build Guide: Competition vs. Carry Mods (With Pros, Cons & Holster Compatibility)

Whether you’re building a Glock 19  for  competition  (USPSA, IDPA) or everyday carry (EDC), modifications can significantly impact performance, reliability, and holster compatibility. Below is a detailed,  breakdown of each major upgrade, including pros, cons, and holster considerations.

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1. Frame Modifications

Stippling/Grip Tape

• Pros:
  • Improves grip (critical for sweaty hands or competition).
  • Custom textures (aggressive for competition, moderate for carry).
• Cons:
  • Permanent (stippling ruins resale value).
  • Some grip tapes (Talon, HandleIt) may peel over time.
• Holster Compatibility:
  • Most holsters still fit, but laser stippling near the trigger guard may cause issues.

Undercut Trigger Guard

• Pros:
  • Higher grip = better recoil control.
  • More comfortable for long shooting sessions.
• Cons:
  • Permanent modification.
  • Some holsters (especially molded Kydex) may not retain properly.

Magwell Funnel

• Pros:
  • Faster reloads (great for competition).
  • Adds weight for recoil mitigation.
• Cons:
  • Bulkier for concealed carry.
  • Some holsters (like AIWB) won’t accommodate larger magwells.

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2. Slide & Sights

Optic Cut (RMR, Holosun, SRO)

• Pros:
  • Faster target acquisition (especially in competition).
  • Improved accuracy at distance.
• Cons:
  • Adds cost (optic + milling).
  • Some holsters require optic-cut compatibility.
• Holster Notes:
  • Competition: Open-top holsters (Safariland, GX Products) work best.
  • Carry: Need optic-compatible AIWB (Tier 1, T.Rex Arms).

Aftermarket Sights (Suppressor Height vs. Low-Profile)

• Pros:
  • Co-witness with optic (suppressor-height).
  • Low-profile better for snag-free carry.
• Cons:
  • Taller sights may print more in concealed carry.

Slide Cuts (Windows, Serrations)

• Pros:
  • Reduced weight for faster cycling (competition).
  • Aesthetic appeal.
• Cons:
  • Can weaken slide (rare but possible).
  • Some holsters (especially light-bearing) may not fit modified slides.

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3. Trigger Upgrades

Competition Trigger (Johnny Glock, Timney, Zev)

• Pros:
  • Lighter pull (2.5-3.5 lbs) for faster splits.
  • Crisper break & shorter reset.
• Cons:
  • May be too light for EDC (safety concern).
  • Some IDPA/USPSA divisions ban extreme trigger mods.

Carry-Optimized Trigger (Apex, Overwatch Precision)

• Pros:
  • Smoother pull while maintaining safety (4.5-5.5 lbs).
  • Reliable for defensive use.
• Cons:
  • Not as fast as competition triggers.

Holster Compatibility:

• Most triggers don’t affect holster fit unless shoe is oversized (rare).

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4. Barrel & Recoil System

Threaded Barrel (For Compensator or Suppressor)

• Pros:
  • Reduced recoil (with comp).
  • Future suppressor capability.
• Cons:
  • Longer OAL = harder to conceal.
  • Some competitions ban compensators (IDPA Carry Optics).
• Holster Issues:
  • Standard holsters won’t fit; need threaded barrel or comp-compatible models.

Compensator (PMM, Agency, Zev)

• Pros:
  • Flatter shooting (great for competition).
• Cons:
  • Adds bulk (bad for carry).
  • Requires tuned recoil spring.

Recoil Spring (15-20lb for Comp, Stock for Carry)

• Pros:
  • Lighter spring = softer recoil (competition).
• Cons:
  • Too light can cause malfunctions in carry guns.

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5. Magazine & Baseplate Upgrades

Extended Baseplates (TTI, Henning, Strike Industries)

• Pros:
  • +5 rounds (great for competition stages).
• Cons:
  • Prints badly in concealed carry.
  • Some IDPA rules limit magazine length.

Holster Issues:

• Most competition holsters (BladeTech, CR Speed) accommodate extensions.
• Carry holsters (especially AIWB) may not.

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6. Light/Laser for Carry vs. Competition

Carry: Streamlight TLR-7A

• Pros:
  • Compact, good holster support.
• Cons:
  • Less lumens than X300.

Competition: SureFire X300

• Pros:
  • Brighter, more durable.
• Cons:
  • Bulkier for carry.

Holster Compatibility:

• TLR-7A: Tier 1, T.Rex, Vedder.
• X300: Safariland, G-Code.

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Final Recommendations

Competition Glock 19 Build:

• Optic (SRO/Holosun 507Comp)
• Lightweight slide cuts
• 3.5lb competition trigger
• Magwell + extended basepads
• Compensator (if division allows)

Carry Glock 19 Build:

• RMR/Holosun 507C (closed emitter for dust)
• Stippling (moderate texture)
• Carry trigger (Apex/Overwatch)
• TLR-7A light
• No magwell (for concealment)