The Glock 19X is a hybrid pistol that combines features from the Glock 17 and Glock 19 models. It has a full-size Glock 17 frame with a compact Glock 19 slide. One of the most distinctive features of the Glock 19X is its coyote tan-colored frame.
Overview of the Glock 19X
The Glock 19X was originally developed for the U.S. Army’s Modular Handgun System competition. Even though it wasn’t selected as the Army’s new service pistol, Glock decided to release a civilian version of the pistol in 2018.
The Glock 19X has a 4.02 inch barrel and an overall length of 7.44 inches. It has a height of 5.28 inches. The pistol weighs 25.12 ounces unloaded. The frame is made from polymer while the slide is steel. Here are some other key features of the Glock 19X:
- Chambered in 9mm
- 15+1 round capacity
- Fixed Glock Marksman barrel
- Nonglare finish on slide
- No finger grooves on grip
- Flared magwell
- Comes with two 17-round magazines
- Picatinny rail for mounting lights/lasers
- Chamber loaded indicator
The Glock 19X comes with a coyote tan-colored polymer frame paired with a black steel slide. The coyote tan color provides a distinction from the typical black frames found on most Glock pistols.
Reasons for the Coyote Tan Frame
There are a few reasons why Glock chose to make the 19X with a coyote tan frame:
- Army Modular Handgun System requirements – For the Army pistol trials, a tan frame color was specified as a requirement. This was likely done to differentiate the new Army sidearm from the standard black Beretta M9 pistol that had been in service for decades.
- Durability – Coyote tan is a common color used on firearms designed for combat/tactical applications. The color hides wear marks and scratches better than black.
- Corrosion resistance – Some tests have found polymer gun frames with lighter color finishes, including FDE (flat dark earth) and coyote tan, resist corrosion better than black frames.
- Appeal – The unique color provides enhanced consumer appeal for those looking for something more distinctive than an all-black Glock.
The coyote tan frame sets the Glock 19X apart from other Glock models. When it was first unveiled, the tan color was seen as an iconic part of the pistol’s appearance.
Details on the Coyote Tan Polymer Frame
The specific coyote tan color used on the Glock 19X pistol is proprietary. However, it is meant to closely match the shade used on many rifles and tactical equipment. Coyote tan generally falls in a color palette between FDE (flat dark earth) and a traditional tan.
The polymer material on the Glock frame incorporates metal rails for added durability. Steel blocks are embedded in sections surrounding the locking block, trigger mechanism housing, and rear rail modules. The coyote tan finish is molded into the frame and is not painted on.
Coloring agents are added to the polymer material before the frame is formed. These provide consistent color distribution and optimal adhesion. The coyote tan color will maintain its shade and appearance over years of use and wear.
Coyote Tan vs. Black Glock Frames
Besides aesthetics preferences, some may wonder if there are any functional differences between coyote tan and black Glock frames. Here is a brief comparison:
| Attribute | Coyote Tan Frame | Black Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Resists scratches/wear marks better | More likely to show holster wear |
| Grip traction | Provides good traction when hands are dry or sweaty | Can be more slippery than tan with sweaty hands |
| Corrosion resistance | Slightly more resistant to corrosion | Slightly more susceptible to corrosion |
| Cleaning | Coyote tan color hides oils, dirt, etc after cleaning | Can see debris/dirt easier after cleaning against black |
| Aesthetics | Unique look from most black polymer guns | Classic black frame common on many pistols |
| Visibility | Darker tan can blend better in dusty environments | Black stands out clearly against light backgrounds |
| Heat absorption | Absorbs slightly less heat in sunlight | Absorbs slightly more heat when exposed to sunlight |
While minor, these are some subtle differences to note between the coyote tan and black frame options. The tan may offer some minor advantages in terms of wear resistance, grip traction, and visibility. But functionally the two colors perform very similarly.
Additional Glock Models with Coyote Tan Frames
The popularity of the coyote tan frame on the Glock 19X has led the company to offer additional models with the same color option:
- Glock 45 – A 9mm black slide on a coyote frame. It combines a Glock 19 slide with a Glock 17 frame.
- Glock 17 MOS – Same as the G17 Gen5 but with a coyote frame and MOS cut slide for optics.
- Glock 19 MOS – Compact Glock 19 Gen5 with coyote frame and MOS slide.
Glock has focused on their 9mm pistol models for the coyote tan frames. The color option has not yet expanded to their .40 S&W, .357 Sig, 10mm, or .45 ACP pistols.
Holster Compatibility
The coyote tan frame on the 19X and other Gen5 models does not cause any compatibility issues with most holsters. The shape and dimensions of the Gen5 frames are identical to their Gen3/Gen4 predecessors.
Holsters that fit earlier generations of Glock 9mms will fit the corresponding model with a coyote tan frame. The only exception could be custom molded kydex holsters contoured specifically for black frames. But the vast majority of holsters accommodate the new color.
Sources for Magazines
The coyote tan frames have no impact on magazine compatibility. Factory Glock OEM magazines in 9mm, including those designed for older generations, will function flawlessly in the Gen5 pistols.
Aftermarket magazines from reputable brands like Magpul, ETS Group, and KCI are also fully compatible. The magazine wells in the new coyote frames match previous generations in size and insertion angles.
The original flush fit magazines that ship with the Glock 19X and Glock 45 have black polymer baseplates. Spare magazines with tan baseplates would match the coyote frame color for a consistent look.
Conclusion
The coyote tan frame on pistols like the Glock 19X offers a unique look and provides some minor advantages in terms of wear resistance, grip, and visibility over black frames. Functionally, the coyote tan finish performs essentially the same as black. It does not impact proper holster fit or magazine compatibility.
Glock’s introduction of coyote tan frames on Gen5 models like the G45 and G19 MOS demonstrates the popularity of the color option initially seen on the Glock 19X. It gives consumers a distinctive color choice beyond the normal black polymer frame.
