Glock 19 Gen 6 in South Africa: Price, Specs & Review

The Glock 19 is probably the most common carry pistol in South Africa, and the Gen 6 is the version everyone at the range is asking about. Below: what's genuinely different, the specs, what it costs here, how it compares with the Gen 5 and the Glock 17, and how to buy one, new or second-hand, within the law.

Key takeaways

• The G19 Gen 6 is a compact 9×19 mm pistol with a 15-round magazine.
• The main changes are a sculpted grip with a thumb rest, a flat trigger, a direct-mount optics system and a Picatinny rail.
• New ones were advertised in SA at about R16,800 to R18,200 in October 2026.
• It takes existing Glock 19 magazines (and 17-round G17 magazines).
• Licensing is the usual handgun process: competency, SAPS 271, then collection from a dealer.

Why the Glock 19 is so popular in South Africa

It's small enough to carry concealed all day under a shirt, but big enough to shoot well and get a full grip. The 9mmP ammunition it uses is the most widely available and affordable handgun calibre in the country. Parts, holsters and magazines are easy to find, and Glocks are known for running reliably with very little fuss. That combination is why the G19 is the default answer to "what's a good first carry gun?"

What's new on the Glock 19 Gen 6

• Grip: a palm swell, a larger beavertail, a textured thumb rest and RTF6 texture that runs higher up the frame. Two backstraps come in the box.
• Trigger: flat-faced, with a shorter reach from the backstrap, so it's easier for smaller hands. It's still the Safe Action system.
• Optic Ready System: polymer plates locate the red dot and the optic screws straight into the slide, which is sturdier than the Gen 5 MOS plates. Three plates are supplied.
• Rail: a full 1913 Picatinny rail for lights.
• Controls: deeper slide serrations, and an ambidextrous slide stop with a larger guard border.
• Carried over: the Glock Marksman Barrel and the nDLC finish.

Glock 19 Gen 6 specifications

Spec	Glock 19 Gen 6
Calibre	9×19 mm
Magazine	15 rounds
Barrel length	102 mm (4.02")
Overall length	185 mm
Height incl. magazine	128 mm
Width	34.4 mm
Weight, empty magazine	640 g
Weight, loaded	825 g
Trigger pull	about 26 N

Source: Glock's published technical data (rounded).

Glock 19 Gen 6 vs Gen 5

The Gen 5 G19 is still an excellent pistol, and many SA owners will keep theirs. The Gen 6 improves things you feel immediately (grip, recoil control from the thumb rest, trigger) and things that matter if you run a red dot (the direct-mount optics and the stronger rail). If you're buying your first Glock today, the price difference between a new Gen 5 and a Gen 6 is usually small, so the Gen 6 makes sense. If you're on a budget, a good second-hand Gen 5 or Gen 4 can save you thousands.

Glock 19 Gen 6 vs Glock 17 Gen 6

	G19 Gen 6	G17 Gen 6
Size	Compact	Full size
Capacity	15	17
Barrel	102 mm	114 mm
Loaded weight	825 g	890 g
Best for	Everyday carry, all-rounder	Range, competition, home defence

More detail is in our Glock 17 Gen 6 guide.

Glock 19 Gen 6 price in South Africa

In October 2026, South African dealers advertised new G19 Gen 6 pistols at roughly R16,800 to R18,200 including VAT. Budget extra for a quality holster, a safe if you don't have one, ammunition and training. Second-hand Gen 6 pistols are only starting to appear, while used Gen 4 and Gen 5 G19s are common. Compare listings in Guns & Firearms on Geebo and read our guide to buying a used 9mm pistol.

Carrying a Glock 19 Gen 6

• Use a holster made for the Gen 6 that covers the trigger guard completely. Older Kydex holsters may not suit the new frame or rail.
• If you add a red dot, use an optic-cut holster.
• Train your draw and reload with the new thumb rest. It changes your grip slightly.
• The Firearms Control Act requires your firearm to be under your direct control or locked in an approved safe.

How to buy one legally in South Africa

A Gen 6 is a handgun like any other under the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000, so the process is the same whether you buy new from a shop or second-hand off a classified ad:

1. Competency. Complete an accredited handgun course and get your SAPS competency certificate.
2. Choose your section. Most people buy a Glock for self-defence under Section 13. Dedicated sport shooters can apply under Section 16 through their accredited association.
3. Book the pistol in. The dealer (or the private seller, through a dealer) holds the specific firearm and gives you its details.
4. Apply. Submit your SAPS 271 with motivation, safe inspection, ID, proof of address and fingerprints to your local DFO.
5. Collect. Once the licence is approved, the dealer releases the pistol to you. Approval often takes several months.

Never pay a private seller who wants to courier the pistol, skip the dealer or "sort out the paperwork later". Read our full legal buy & sell guide and safety tips.

Selling a Glock on Geebo

Upgrading from a Gen 4 or Gen 5 to a Gen 6? Your old Glock is easy to sell, because Glocks hold their value well in SA. Post a free gun ad in Guns & Firearms on Geebo: add clear photos (hide the serial number), the generation, the condition, the number of magazines, and "transfer via registered dealer only". See also how to sell a gun in South Africa.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Glock 19 Gen 6 available in South Africa?

Yes. Several SA dealers listed the G19 Gen 6 as in stock in 2026. You still need an approved licence before you can collect it.

What does a Glock 19 Gen 6 cost in South Africa?

Around R16,800 to R18,200 new, based on dealer prices advertised in October 2026. Prices vary between shops and over time.

Will my Glock 19 Gen 5 magazines work in the Gen 6?

Yes. The Gen 6 G19 uses standard 15-round Glock 19 magazines, and longer G17 magazines also fit.

Is the Gen 6 better than the Gen 5?

For most shooters the grip, trigger and optics mount are noticeable improvements. Reliability and the core design are the same, so a Gen 5 is still a solid choice.

Can I buy a second-hand Glock 19 privately?

Yes, but the transfer must go through a SAPS-registered dealer and you must hold an approved licence for that pistol before you take it home.

Does the Glock 19 Gen 6 come with an optic?

No. It comes optic-ready with three adapter plates. You buy the red dot separately.

Prices are a snapshot of advertised new retail prices at South African dealers in October 2026 and change often. General guidance, not legal advice; confirm with your DFO or a registered dealer.