Understanding the Glock 19
A Popular Handgun Choice
The Glock 19 is practically a household name in the world of firearms. Revered for its reliability, ease of use, and widespread adoption by law enforcement and civilians alike, this compact handgun has cemented its place as one of the most popular choices for self-defense and concealed carry. But in the realm of personal protection, the quest for optimization never ceases. One of the most common additions to enhance the Glock 19’s capabilities is a weapon light. Among the leading manufacturers of these tactical tools is Inforce, and the combination of a Glock 19 with an Inforce light presents a compelling case for the ultimate concealed carry setup. This article will delve into the intricacies of this pairing, examining its strengths, weaknesses, and overall suitability for protecting yourself and others.
Key Features and Advantages
The story of the Glock 19 starts in Austria, where the Glock company revolutionized the firearms industry with its innovative use of polymer in handgun construction. The Glock 19, introduced to the market, quickly captured the attention of shooters worldwide. Its compact size, chambered for the versatile nine-millimeter Parabellum cartridge, made it ideally suited for both concealed carry and duty use.
The Glock 19 is characterized by its modular design, a feature that allows for ease of maintenance and customization. The pistol is relatively lightweight, thanks in part to its polymer frame, and possesses a high-capacity magazine, typically holding fifteen rounds of ammunition, providing a significant advantage in a defensive situation. The Glock 19’s simple, striker-fired action contributes to its inherent reliability, reducing the potential for malfunctions. The Glock 19 is known for its consistent accuracy out of the box.
Disadvantages and Considerations
However, no firearm is without its detractors. The Glock 19’s trigger pull, while consistent, can be considered by some to be less refined than those found on other handguns. The grip angle, while a matter of personal preference, doesn’t fit all hands perfectly. Nevertheless, these are minor considerations in light of the overall package of reliability, accuracy, and adaptability that the Glock 19 offers. The platform also supports a vast aftermarket, allowing shooters to customize it with a variety of accessories to fit their specific needs.
A Closer Look at Inforce Weapon Lights
Introducing Inforce
Inforce has established itself as a prominent player in the tactical lighting market. Their lights are known for their rugged construction, innovative designs, and ease of use. Inforce offers a range of lights specifically designed for mounting on firearms, and the models that are most suitable for use with the Glock 19 are often compact and lightweight.
Features and Benefits
Inforce weapon lights, particularly the APLc (Auto Pistol Light compact) and the APL, offer features that are tailored to the needs of the concealed carry shooter. These lights typically produce a high lumen output, providing ample illumination for target identification in low-light environments. The controls are generally designed to be ambidextrous, meaning that they can be easily operated by both right-handed and left-handed shooters.
The advantages of choosing an Inforce light are numerous. The compact size allows it to seamlessly integrate with the Glock 19 without adding excessive bulk, which is crucial for maintaining concealability. The lights are built to withstand the rigors of daily use, crafted from durable materials. The ergonomic design and intuitive controls facilitate rapid deployment and activation in stressful situations.
Potential Drawbacks
There are, of course, trade-offs to consider. Like any weapon light, Inforce lights require batteries, and the user must be diligent in checking and replacing them as needed. The high-lumen output can potentially impact battery life. Also, some find that some designs may have a slight profile that can make holstering more difficult. However, the benefits of increased visibility, and the speed of target acquisition, usually outweigh the potential downsides.
The Synergistic Benefits: Glock 19 and Inforce Light
Enhanced Capabilities
The decision to pair a Glock 19 with an Inforce light is a deliberate one, predicated on the desire to enhance the shooter’s overall effectiveness in a self-defense scenario. The advantages of this combination are numerous and significant.
The most immediate benefit of attaching an Inforce light to your Glock 19 is the enhanced ability to identify targets. In the dark, identifying a threat is more difficult. The light, with its powerful beam, can rapidly illuminate a threat, allowing the shooter to assess the situation and make an informed decision. This capability can be the difference between safety and danger.
Psychological and Practical Advantages
The presence of a weapon light on a Glock 19 also has a powerful psychological effect. The bright light can disorient and temporarily incapacitate an attacker, giving the defender precious seconds to react. In some instances, the mere presence of a light may deter an attack altogether.
The addition of a light significantly enhances situational awareness. By using the light to scan an area, the shooter can quickly identify potential threats, obstacles, and escape routes. This proactive approach to self-defense is invaluable in high-stress environments.
Versatility and Ergonomics
Furthermore, the Glock 19 with an Inforce light is a highly versatile setup. It is suitable for home defense, concealed carry, and even duty use. The robust design and reliability of both components make it a dependable choice for any situation.
The ergonomic integration is also a key factor. Inforce lights are designed to work with the Glock 19 in a way that makes the entire package comfortable and controllable. The light adds little to no noticeable extra weight or bulk when paired with a quality holster, making concealed carry easier than with other light designs.
Navigating the Realities of Concealed Carry
Added Considerations
For those who intend to use the Glock 19 Inforce light combination for concealed carry, certain considerations are essential.
Adding a light to the gun inevitably increases its overall size and weight. While Inforce lights are designed to be as compact as possible, any addition will impact the comfort and concealability of the setup. Careful consideration of this factor is paramount.
Holster Selection and Carry Methods
Holster selection is critical. The market offers a variety of holsters specifically designed for the Glock 19 with an Inforce light. Selecting a quality holster that provides secure retention, is comfortable to wear, and keeps the light protected is important. Look for holsters made from durable materials and featuring adjustable retention.
The method of carry will also need to be carefully considered. Inside-the-waistband (IWB) carry is a popular choice for its concealability, but requires a larger holster and more careful placement. Outside-the-waistband (OWB) carry can be a practical option for those who prefer not to conceal their firearm as deeply. Appendix carry, where the gun is positioned in front of the hip, can also work well with a weapon light, depending on the individual’s body type and preferences.
Comfort is Key
Comfort is essential. The concealed carry rig must be comfortable enough to be worn throughout the day without causing undue irritation or discomfort. Test various holster types and carry positions to find what works best. Proper clothing choices can also improve concealment.
Performance Under Pressure
Testing and Training
The theoretical benefits of pairing a Glock 19 with an Inforce light must be put to the test in real-world scenarios.
Careful testing is essential to gauge the accuracy and effectiveness of the combined setup. Practice drawing and acquiring targets in both day and night conditions. Familiarize yourself with the controls of the Inforce light so that it can be operated instinctively under stress.
Real-World Effectiveness
The light’s effectiveness in various scenarios is also crucial. Does the beam throw enough light to illuminate targets at various distances? Is the light pattern appropriate for different environments? These questions can only be answered through thorough testing.
Durability and Battery Life
Durability is another critical consideration. Inforce lights are designed to withstand rough handling, but users should still assess their long-term reliability under the stress of regular use. Drop tests and impact resistance assessments can give you confidence in your equipment.
Battery life is a vital consideration. Choose a light that offers an acceptable runtime on a single battery, and carry spare batteries as needed. Battery replacement should be fast and easy. Consider carrying a spare set of batteries in a readily accessible location.
Handling and Recoil
The way the addition of the light changes the Glock 19’s handling during recoil should be examined. Does the added weight alter the pistol’s balance? Does the light interfere with grip or trigger access? The Inforce lights are relatively lightweight, and the best lights integrate seamlessly with the Glock 19’s existing design, but this needs to be verified through thorough training.
Potential Drawbacks and Alternatives
Cost and Malfunctions
While the Glock 19 with an Inforce light offers many advantages, there are also potential drawbacks to be aware of.
The combination of the Glock 19 and the Inforce light comes at a cost. In addition to the price of the handgun, the light, and the holster, there are also costs associated with training and ammunition. Budgeting appropriately is essential.
Despite their reliability, weapon lights can malfunction. It is always important to have a contingency plan in place, and a backup solution for low-light situations.
Battery Management and Alternatives
Battery management is also a potential issue. The shooter must remember to check the battery level regularly and replace the batteries when needed. Neglecting this can result in a critical failure when the light is needed most.
There are other weapon light options available for the Glock 19. Streamlight and SureFire are prominent competitors in the tactical lighting market. Evaluate the features and performance of all your choices carefully before settling on a specific light. Evaluate the pros and cons of each option before making a final decision.
The Verdict: A Powerful Combination?
Final Assessment
So, does the Glock 19 Inforce light combination represent the ultimate concealed carry solution? The answer is complex, but based on the features, advantages, and considerations outlined above, it is a strong contender.
The pairing provides the benefit of enhanced target identification, situational awareness, and self-defense capabilities. It is a highly versatile setup, suitable for a range of applications. The Inforce lights are compact, durable, and easy to use.
Concluding Thoughts
However, potential users must be aware of the added weight, the cost of entry, and the need for careful holster selection and battery management. There are alternatives to consider, and ultimately the ideal choice comes down to individual needs and preferences.
In conclusion, for those seeking to enhance their concealed carry setup, the Glock 19 Inforce light combination offers a significant advantage. It is a powerful combination that can significantly improve one’s ability to defend themselves and their loved ones. This option is a good choice for anyone looking to equip their Glock 19 with a reliable, high-performing weapon light.
If you are considering this combination, it is important to test it and to train with it extensively. A good holster, a reliable light, and the proper training can make a difference between life and death. What are your experiences with this setup? Share your insights in the comments below.
