Owning a Glock 19 is exciting, but its noise and recoil can affect your comfort and confidence. If you keep shooting without caring for your ears and comfort, the long-term results will not be nice. That’s when a suppressor steps in and delivers the following changes:
- Lowers noise to protect your hearing
- Eases recoil for better shot recovery
- Minimizes muzzle flash for a clearer sight picture
But to experience these benefits, you need a capable and smart Glock 19 suppressor that fits your pistol like a glove. Not sure how to choose a suppressor that does all this and more? We got you. In this guide, we’ll help you choose a suppressor that performs well and stands up to regular use. So keep reading and make a smart decision.
Glock 19 Suppressor Basics
Before we get to clearing what must a Glock 19 suppressor have, here are a few basics you must be clear about:
Threaded Barrel Necessities
Firstly, you need a threaded barrel for your Glock 19 if you plan to attach a suppressor. The standard barrel in a Glock 19 does not include external threads, so you cannot mount a suppressor without making this upgrade.
A threaded barrel sticks out beyond the slide, giving you the space to secure the suppressor. In the United States, the most common thread pitch for 9mm barrels is 1/2×28. This pitch ensures a snug fit between the barrel and most suppressors on the market. Some other thread pitches exist, but 1/2×28 remains the typical option.
Booster or Nielsen Device
A booster, sometimes called a Nielsen device, helps a tilt-barrel pistol cycle properly when a suppressor adds weight to the muzzle. A Glock 19 has a barrel that tilts during recoil, and an attached suppressor can strain this motion.
Therefore, the booster offsets that weight by allowing limited movement inside the mounting system. Eventually, that movement prevents the suppressor from pinning the barrel down when the slide cycles. Without this feature, you could run into failures to feed or eject on each shot, which wastes time and ammunition at the range.
Key Factors in Choosing a Glock 19 Suppressor
Now that we’re clear with Glock 19 basics, it’s time to choose one that’ll make shooting more pleasant for you. So, when you’re in the market for a suppressor that best suits your Glock 19, here are some things to stick to:
- Material & Construction
The foremost thing you’re to check in a Glock suppressor is the material used in its construction. Most 9mm suppressors feature aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium — each with its distinctive capabilities. For example, aluminum is lighter and more affordable so if you want less strain on your wrist during long sessions, it’s a good option. But, remember that aluminum can wear out faster under intense heat or very high round counts.
Similarly, stainless steel offers increased durability and better heat tolerance, though you’ll pay a bit more and deal with extra weight. That additional heft can benefit control, but it could also make your Glock 19 feel a bit front-heavy.
Or if you want strength in the suppressor without too much weight, one made with titanium will suit you best. This material resists corrosion well and disperses heat. Notably, its downside is the higher cost, which can climb into premium territory.
- Size & Weight
You don’t want the suppressor to add extra heft to the pistol, so be mindful of its weight and size (as in both its length and diameter).
A longer suppressor can tame more noise, but it’ll likely feel awkward if you prefer a compact setup. On the other hand, a shorter suppressor can preserve better maneuverability yet produce a slightly louder report. You have to decide which trade-off makes sense.
Moreover, heavy suppressors can reduce muzzle rise by adding forward mass, which helps you maintain sight alignment during rapid fire. But of course, too much weight will make your pistol feel sluggish—so go for a setup that remains steady yet doesn’t drag your Glock 19 down.
- Decibel Reduction Performance
A solid 9mm suppressor promises to reduce sound by about 25 to 35 decibels, but real-world performance differs. The ammo you choose plays a big role in the suppressor’s decibel reduction. For instance, subsonic rounds produce quieter shots because they avoid the sonic crack.
The environment you shoot in also matters. Indoors, you’ll notice more noise reflecting off walls, while outdoors, you’ll benefit from open space. Always remember that no suppressor makes your Glock 19 completely silent—it lowers the noise to a level that’s safer for your ears and more pleasant for everyone around you.
If you’re planning to run a lot of rounds in one session, a suppressor with better heat dissipation can maintain consistent performance. That means you’ll get less “first-round pop” and fewer shifts in sound level as you shoot.
You might see manufacturers tout certain dB reduction figures, but actual results vary based on barrel length, ammo type, and ambient conditions. On average, any Glock 19 suppressor that claims a minimum of 28 decibels of sound reduction will work well—but the higher, the better.
It’s good to look up independent tests or user reviews since they show how the suppressor performs in everyday situations.
- Mounting System
You have two main mounting systems to consider for a Glock 19 suppressor: direct-thread and quick-detach (QD). Direct-thread screws the suppressor directly onto the threaded barrel—it keeps things simple and secure. You twist the suppressor on until it’s tight, and you don’t need extra components. Many pistol suppressors feature direct-thread mounts because pistols have shorter barrels and lower pressures than rifles. That makes a quick-detach system less necessary, though there are a few pistol cans that include QD adapters for those who want fast attachment or removal.
A reliable lock-up is also necessary for the Glock 19 suppressor because you don’t want the suppressor to come loose in the middle of a shooting session. If it does, your accuracy can suffer, and you risk damage to the threads. Make sure the mount you choose fits your Glock 19’s thread pitch (commonly 1/2×28) so you avoid any alignment troubles.
- Gas Blowback & Recoil Management
When you attach a suppressor, you create extra back pressure in your Glock 19’s firing cycle, which can affect ejection patterns and recoil impulse. You may notice brass ejecting in a different direction or a sharper kick if the suppressor redirects gas back into the slide. When shooters don’t account for this factor, they struggle with unexpected malfunctions.
Luckily, you can manage gas blowback and recoil if your suppressor is good enough. Some suppressors include adjustable pistons or certain booster assemblies that let you fine-tune performance.
You can also change recoil spring weights to ensure smooth cycling. If you plan to run hotter ammo, you’ll need a slightly heavier spring. But, if you shoot standard-pressure rounds, a standard spring might be enough. Tinkering with these options can help you balance reliability and comfort, as a well-tuned Glock 19 with a suppressor can reduce muzzle flip and produce milder felt recoil.
- Suppressor Maintenance & Cleaning
A suppressor on a Glock 19 will accumulate carbon, unburned powder, and lead residue with each use. This buildup can affect the suppressor and your pistol’s function. Therefore, it’s important to get a suppressor that doesn’t ask for much upkeep. Here you have two ways to go:
- Some suppressors are sealed, and you can’t take them apart for detailed cleaning.
- Others feature a modular or disassemblable design.
If you have one that’s built to be user-serviceable, you can remove its baffles and scrub them separately, while sealed models rely on a “soak” method or specialized ultrasonic cleaners. User-serviceable suppressors let you physically inspect and clean each internal component. You should prefer a user-serviceable design if you plan to shoot many rounds or use cast-lead bullets. You should also be aware of how often the manufacturer recommends cleaning. Excess buildup can mean reduced sound suppression and physical damage, so be regular with the upkeep.
Summing Up
We’re sure you can now see the bigger picture about what to look for in a Glock 19 suppressor. The right choice means fewer hassles, better comfort, and peace of mind on every shot. Be clear about your goals and budget to buy a suppressor that works the best.
That way, you can rely on consistent performance and enough noise reduction. The best approach is to do some research and testing before finalizing your purchase. Then, you’ll be set for a satisfying experience, whether you’re training for defense or enjoying a quieter time at the range. To get the best-quality Glock 19 suppressor, visit Liberty Cans, and your search will come to an end.
FAQs
Are glocks good with suppressors?
Yes, Glocks work very well with suppressors if you have a proper setup. A threaded barrel, a booster (Nielsen device), and appropriate ammunition ensure reliable cycling. Many shooters choose a Glock 19 suppressor because it combines portability with proven performance.
How often should I clean my pistol suppressor?
How often you clean the suppressor depends on ammunition type (lead or jacketed) and round count. Generally, cleaning after every few hundred rounds or whenever you notice increased back pressure or buildup is advisable.
Is subsonic ammo necessary with a suppressor?
It’s not mandatory, but subsonic ammo avoids the supersonic crack and results in a quieter shot. Standard 9mm can still be reduced in noise, but subsonic loads optimize suppressor performance.