Thinking about assembling a Glock from a parts kit or getting a receiver blank and completing your own build with a lower parts kit for a Glock 19, 23 style handgun?
Here are a few things that should be on your radar.
Why a Glock 19 or 23?
First, you might be wondering whether one of these models is for you.
They’re basically the same gun with different chamberings. Both are compact models with 7.36” slides, 5.04” heights, and 1.26” overall widths.
Empty, they both weigh just a bit over 23 oz. Loaded weights are slightly different because of the different chamberings. The G23 comes with a 13-round standard mag and the G19 with a 15, but both are compatible with extended mags.
The G19 is a 9mm, and the G23 is made in .40 S&W. Both of these cartridges are powerful yet relatively light-kicking making them suitable for either defensive applications or recreational shooting.
What Comes with a Lower Parts Kit?
If you’re considering building a G19 or a G23 with a lower parts kit for a Glock 19, 23, you need to know what comes with it.
That will vary according to the package, but take this G19/23 lower parts kit as an example. It contains:
● Mag release and mag catch spring
● Slide lock and spring
● Slide stop lever and spring
● Trigger housing and ejector
● A connector
● A trigger, trigger bar, pin, and spring
As you can see, there’s a lot that’s not included here.
What Else Do You Need?
If you’re going to make a Glock 19 or 23 from a kit like the one above, you’ll also need a slide (and slide parts), a barrel, a guide rod and spring, and a frame. (You’ll also need a magazine even though that technically isn’t a gun part.)
Most complete build kits will contain all of these things (including the lower parts) minus the frame.
When purchasing a frame, keep in mind that you will need an FFL transfer if the frame is complete and ready to assemble.
If you purchase a frame blank (illegal in some states, so consult a lawyer if you have any questions) you will also need a jig and drill or router so you can finish machining it before assembling the handgun.
Are There Any Upgrades Worth Making?
A lot of builders choose to build from kits because making upgrades is convenient along the way.
Two impactful upgrades you can make while building are to the barrel and the guide rod.
Consider getting a nitrided barrel, that is easier to clean, corrosion-resistant, and offers excellent permanent dry lubricity, as well as a heavier guide rod that will add weight near the muzzle, controlling muzzle flip and making the platform handle with greater stability.
Where Can You Get a Lower Parts Kit for a Glock 19, 23?
If you’re looking for reasonable prices on high-quality lower parts kits for Glock 19, 23 style handguns, check out MCS Gearup via the previous link.
In addition to lower parts kits, they also sell a wide range of Glock-compatible parts and upgrades like slides, barrels, charging handles, firing pins, barrel extensions for Glock pistols, and much more.
