Glock Gen 5 Low POI - sight options.

[HCM]

I have an early Glock 19 Gen 5 with the stock plastic sights. I purchased the gun used and quickly figured out why the prior owner sold it. The gun is accurate and reliable but shoots low. At 15 and 25 yards a #3 / drive the dot hold on a B-8 will result in a nice group just below the bottom of the black / 6 o’clock.

I seem to recall some others with this issue reporting that installing Gen 4 sights on the Gen 5 and / or installing G42/43 sights on a Gen 5 will raise the POI.

I thought GJM was going to try the 42/43 sight to raise POI on a Gen 5 ?

Any recommendations on sight without getting into custom heights with my preference being HD/pro glo type ?

Thanks

[ST911]

gen5's arriving with Bolds from the factory and Agents installed to replace plastic sights, hit POA/POI for me (top edge). Both types are skus intended for gen5s.
I like the U-cut of the Agents best.

[TheNewbie]

gen5's arriving with Bolds from the factory and Agents installed to replace plastic sights, hit POA/POI for me (top edge). Both types are skus intended for gen5s.
I like the U-cut of the Agents best.

Do you have a link or a SKU?


Thank you!

[ST911]

Do you have a link or a SKU? Thank you!

Ameriglo Agent p/n GL5527 (orange) or GL5617 (green), https://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/sights/sight-sets/agent-night-sight-set-for-glock--prod113320.aspx
Ameriglo Bold, 47285, https://store.teamglock.com/glock-bolds-sights-by-ameriglo.html

[HCM]

gen5's arriving with Bolds from the factory and Agents installed to replace plastic sights, hit POA/POI for me (top edge). Both types are skus intended for gen5s.
I like the U-cut of the Agents best.

A different G19.5 with factory BOLDs hits drive the dot or top edge for me depending on ammo typeas did a 17.5 with the stock sights. This is a POI issue with this particular gun.

[HeavyDuty]

I have an early Glock 19 Gen 5 with the stock plastic sights. I purchased the gun used and quickly figured out why the prior owner sold it. The gun is accurate and reliable but shoots low. At 15 and 25 yards a #3 / drive the dot hold on a B-8 will result in a nice group just below the bottom of the black / 6 o’clock.

I seem to recall some others with this issue reporting that installing Gen 4 sights on the Gen 5 and / or installing G42/43 sights on a Gen 5 will raise the POI.

I thought GJM was going to try the 42/43 sight to raise POI on a Gen 5 ?

Any recommendations on sight without getting into custom heights with my preference being HD/pro glo type ?

Thanks

What number rear is on the gun right now?

[L-2]

HCM, or anyone else reading this,

The Gen5 guns have shipped with different height sight sets (different from Gens 1-4). My Gen5 G17 and G19 both came with the standard height front (~4.2mm or .165") and a 6.1mm rear. Previously, Gens 1-4 9mm Glocks were coming with 6.5mm rears.

Glock did sell 6.9mm, 7.3mm, and an adjustable rear and still do. Yes, Glock also now has its "GMS" line of sights, too, with their deeper rear sight notches. Don't forget Ameriglo providing Gen5 versions of its Glock sights, too, although these also are sighted in for a lower POI.

Any Glock and any shooter may benefit from changing his/her sights. I'll admit, especially if out of practice, I'll tend to push left and down. I also seldom shoot my 147 grain carry loads, but will shoot 115 or maybe 124 gr. fmj ammo for practice. I don't shoot 25 yards very often as it's on my edge of ability; I need to slow-down below what's fun for me; and I just don't like it. I can barely see where I'm hitting without a scope! Right or wrong, I'll usually choose the 15 yard distance at my local range, unless I really suck that day choose to shoot even closer. OK, once in a while I'll shoot at 25 yards, but I'm much better with a long gun at that distance or beyond. I knew my limits when I was working and wouldn't hesitate to pull the shotgun or carbine out of the patrol car with anticipated distances of 25 yards or beyond.

Anyway, yes. Many people notice the lower hitting POI of the Gen5 guns with the delivered sights and have made personal sight substitutions. I believe the delivered sights are likely good with 147 gr. ammo at 25 yards.

[Savage Hands]

My new 26.5 and sold 17.5 works well with Ameriglo .165 front sights with the the bold or CAP rear.

[TheNewbie]

How do you all like the factory Glock Night sights?

[John10-19]

Call Ameriglo 470-223-4163 and order direct. Describe your issue and order the Agent, Bold or Spartan Operator (https://ameriglo.com/collections/glock/products/glock-spartan-operator-sets-1) for the gen 5. They will probably send you a .180 or .200 front sight. By ordering direct they can offer a custom combination and will help you get the correct height on the first attempt. I believe if it is still hitting low they will let you swap out for just a taller front sight post. Make sure to tell them you're LE.

[JBP55]

Since my Gen 5 Glocks came with different height sights I go with the Gen 4 height on all of them.

[GJM]

The 42/43 Agent sights have a .190 front. It is OK, but closer to drive the dot than tip of the front sight for me. The Glock Bold for regular 17/19 have a .180 tall front and regulate perfectly for my 19X/G45 pistols.

[ST911]

How do you all like the factory Glock Night sights?

Utilitarian. Rounder edges, lower profile. Cut with a forward slope, they catch overhead and backlight. Surface finish dulls rapidly. Not recommended.

[RJ]

I ended up shooting best with stock rear height sights and a front 0.180” height on both 19.5 and 26.5.

I prefer a cover Dot hold. This is based on GD124+p or HST 147 out to 25 yd, including FYL, The Test and 10 yd groups slow fire on a B8.

HCM PM Sent.

[RJ]

How do you all like the factory Glock Night sights?

My G26.5 came with them. I replaced the front with an Ameriglo orange at 0.180”; just a personal preference for color.

I haven’t noticed the rears giving any issues. They do glow comfortingly at night on the dresser.

[Savage Hands]

I just remembered that I have an Ameriglo Bold sight in .180 and .200 both used once when I was experimenting. I’d sell both for the price of one if someone wants them, I just need to find them haha

[Edster]

Call Ameriglo 470-223-4163 and order direct. Describe your issue and order the Agent, Bold or Spartan Operator (https://ameriglo.com/collections/glock/products/glock-spartan-operator-sets-1) for the gen 5. They will probably send you a .180 or .200 front sight. By ordering direct they can offer a custom combination and will help you get the correct height on the first attempt. I believe if it is still hitting low they will let you swap out for just a taller front sight post. Make sure to tell them you're LE.

If the gun is hitting below point of aim, wouldn’t that require a shorter front sight?

[BigT]

If the gun has a 6,5mm rear and zeroes then use so called Gen4 sights if thats true with a 6.1 mm rear then so called Gen5 sights should work. Dont get wrapped up with Gen4 and Gen5 sights

[HCM]

If the gun is hitting below point of aim, wouldn’t that require a shorter front sight?

Yes.

[Edster]

I have an early Glock 19 Gen 5 with the stock plastic sights. I purchased the gun used and quickly figured out why the prior owner sold it. The gun is accurate and reliable but shoots low. At 15 and 25 yards a #3 / drive the dot hold on a B-8 will result in a nice group just below the bottom of the black / 6 o’clock.

I seem to recall some others with this issue reporting that installing Gen 4 sights on the Gen 5 and / or installing G42/43 sights on a Gen 5 will raise the POI.

I thought GJM was going to try the 42/43 sight to raise POI on a Gen 5 ?

Any recommendations on sight without getting into custom heights with my preference being HD/pro glo type ?

Thanks

From my experience with a Gen 4 17 and a Gen 5 19, I've had to experiment and order specific heights to get POI = POA. It doesn't bother me because I've started to get rather picky about how I like my sights and none of the stock offerings really match.

Along the way, I've learned more about Glock sights than I really wanted to.

I very much like that Ameriglo bases their sight heights off of Glock's standard heights. This allowed me to order low-cost metal fronts and swap them out against stock rears until it was right.

"Normal" Glock rear height for a 9mm is 6.5mm. Ameriglo's Classic Glock for a 9mm match this at .256".

Everything I've read about the Gen 5 indicates they normally hit high compared to prior generations. To compensate, it looks like Glock may be shipping them with a lower rear sight. The stock rear on my 19.5 was 6.1mm or .240".

The Classic Glock rears for the 42 and 43 are .248".

Normal stock Glock front height is .165". Ameriglo offers sights that match this and I think it is normal for most non-Gen 5 sets.

From what I've read, Amerglo's "Gen 5" sight sets match a .256"/6.5mm rear to a .200" front. After some trial and error, I've found this to work on my 19.5.

If I were to come across a Gen 5 with stock sights that was hitting low, I would first make sure everything in it is stock. If so, I would verify the height of the Glock rear -- it's probably 6.5mm or 6.1mm. I think Glock used to put a mark on the side of the sight to indicate height. On the other hand, my 19 just had "6.1" written in the rear notch -- made it rather easy.

If the rear is 6.5mm and the gun is hitting low, I think that might be unusual. However, assuming everything else in the gun is ok, 272" rear sights are available from Ameriglo. They are normally for .45. I would probably find the version that matched what I wanted for rear notch width and install it.

If the rear is 6.1mm and the gun is hitting low, I would go ahead order the .256" rear that matched my needs - unless it was just crazy low and I thought even that might not be enough.

I would also order Ameriglo plain metal fronts in .165", .180", and .200". I've been able to find these stupid cheap on Amazon shipping with a front sight tool.

Swap out front sight heights until things work, then order the preferred Ameriglo tritium sight with height to match.

Both Ameriglo and Dawson Precision offer sight calculators on their websites, too. Ameriglo's is really easy for Glocks - just enter the model, distance, and offset. I've found those useful to give me good starting estimates for sight heights.

[JBP55]

What Edster is saying is if your Gen 5 Glock has a .240 rear sight and is hitting low install a .256 rear.

[John10-19]

If the gun is hitting below point of aim, wouldn’t that require a shorter front sight?

Correct, I misspoke low POI needs a shorter front sight if rear height remains constant. They sent me a .200 for my Gen 5 34 which regulates at 25 with 147 grain. In his case a .180 or shorter front sight post may be needed.

[HCM]

If the gun has a 6,5mm rear and zeroes then use so called Gen4 sights if thats true with a 6.1 mm rear then so called Gen5 sights should work. Dont get wrapped up with Gen4 and Gen5 sights

The rear sight says 6.1.

I’ll see if I have a 6.5 laying around

[HCM]

Is it correct to assume an older Glock stock/ plastic rear with a “-“ on the right side is 6.5mm ?

[Edster]

Is it correct to assume an older Glock stock/ plastic rear with a “-“ on the right side is 6.5mm ?

According to Midway USA’s info:

“Glock rear sights are identified by markings on the right side consisting of one or more horizontal bars. A single bar indicates the most common rear sight height: 6.5mm (.256 in). A long bar with a short bar beneath it indicates a 6.1mm (.240 in) height and a long bar with a short bar above will measure 6.9mm (.271 in) high. The tallest of the factory Glock rear sights is the 7.3mm (.287 in) with markings consisting of a long bar with two shorter bars above the long bar.”

[HCM]

According to Midway USA’s info:

“Glock rear sights are identified by markings on the right side consisting of one or more horizontal bars. A single bar indicates the most common rear sight height: 6.5mm (.256 in). A long bar with a short bar beneath it indicates a 6.1mm (.240 in) height and a long bar with a short bar above will measure 6.9mm (.271 in) high. The tallest of the factory Glock rear sights is the 7.3mm (.287 in) with markings consisting of a long bar with two shorter bars above the long bar.”

Ok time for a Costco bin safari in my garage,

[HCM]

Found a "-" 6.5 mm plastic rear and swapped out the 6.1mm rear.

I have removed mutiple sets of Glock plastic sights but I've never installed one. The MGW sight pusher deformed the sight but its useable for my purposes. Never seen that occur in removing them.

Are all the Glock plastic fronts the same height ?

[JBP55]

Found a "-" 6.5 mm plastic rear and swapped out the 6.1mm rear.

I have removed mutiple sets of Glock plastic sights but I've never installed one. The MGW sight pusher deformed the sight but its useable for my purposes. Never seen that occur in removing them.

Are all the Glock plastic fronts the same height ?

Yes.

[HCM]

Shot the 19.5 in question with the taller, pre-Gen 5, 6.5mm rear sight installed. POI is now #2 / top edge of the front sight at 10 yards. Windage is a little off but this was just proof of concept before installing a “real” set of gen 3/4 sights.

31850

Deformation of the polymer rear from the sight tool.

31851

[Edster]

Excellent! Glad to see that improved things.

[alex]

I'm still trying to figure out Dawson's way of thinking

Gen 1-4: .205 Front x .225 Rear
Gen 5 17/19: .235 Front x .225 Rear
Gen 5 19X/45: .225 Front x .225 Rear
Gen 5 34: .215 Front x .225 Rear

I'm confused why they're all different, especially since the 19X/45 differs from the 19.

[JBP55]

I'm still trying to figure out Dawson's way of thinking

Gen 1-4: .205 Front x .225 Rear
Gen 5 17/19: .235 Front x .225 Rear
Gen 5 19X/45: .225 Front x .225 Rear
Gen 5 34: .215 Front x .225 Rear

I'm confused why they're all different, especially since the 19X/45 differs from the 19.

I use Gen 4 spec. sights on all my Gen 5 Glocks regardless of brand. Works for me.

[Evil_Ed]

Hmm I installed a set of Agents on my G19.5 that was shooting low with the Gen 5 factory 6.1 rear, and it's still hitting very low as well, with both 124 and 147gr. It's why I don't really shoot it anymore. I may have to give Ameriglo a call at this point..

[alex]

Did Glock change the "stock" sight picture from #2 to a #3 drive the dot type hold for the gen 5?

[echo5charlie]

My 19X is shooting low. It's driving me crazy. Using a drive the dot sight picture:

1st 17 rounds (cold) at 25 yards with Federal RTP 115 FMJ last Monday
35572

1st 17 rounds (cold) at 25 yards with S&B 115 FMJ today
35573

I'm 99% sure it isn't me as I have several G17s that shoot "drive the dot" properly. Even at 7 yards I am noticeably low. Ball and dummy made no difference except tightening up my groups. I would rather the POI be flipped so it was shooting high.

Somewhere I have both a 6.5 and 6.9 rear Glock OEM night sight. I'll have to swap out the 6.1 and see what difference it makes. The down side is it will take at least 2 weeks to find out (or one if the 6.5 fixes it) provided life doesn't interfere.

[Dave J]

My 19X is shooting low. It's driving me crazy. Using a drive the dot sight picture:

I'm 99% sure it isn't me as I have several G17s that shoot "drive the dot" properly. Even at 7 yards I am noticeably low. Ball and dummy made no difference except tightening up my groups. I would rather the POI be flipped so it was shooting high.

Somewhere I have both a 6.5 and 6.9 rear Glock OEM night sight. I'll have to swap out the 6.1 and see what difference it makes. The down side is it will take at least 2 weeks to find out (or one if the 6.5 fixes it) provided life doesn't interfere.



If Glock night sight heights actually match what's stamped on them (an assumption I have never checked, BTW), then the 0.8mm increase in rear height should move your group up 4.5" or so.

The 6.5 should only move your group half that much -- which doesn't look like nearly enough, but I might not be judging your target photo correctly.

FWIW, with the G17 sight radius, it takes approximately .007" change in sight height to produce a 1" group shift at 25yds. For the factory Glock (and HK) sights that come labeled in mm, unless I'm making stupid late night math errors, it'd be about a 0.178 mm change in sight height to move the group by one inch.


ETA: I just realized you were talking about a G19X, not a G17, so the sight radius isn't quite as long. However, .007" is still a good rule of thumb. G19 sight radius, it's actually ~ .0065", so not much different.

[echo5charlie]

If Glock night sight heights actually match what's stamped on them (an assumption I have never checked, BTW), then the 0.8mm increase in rear height should move your group up 4.5" or so.

The 6.5 should only move your group half that much -- which doesn't look like nearly enough, but I might not be judging your target photo correctly.

FWIW, with the G17 sight radius, it takes approximately .007" change in sight height to produce a 1" group shift at 25yds. For the factory Glock (and HK) sights that come labeled in mm, unless I'm making stupid late night math errors, it'd be about a 0.178 mm change in sight height to move the group by one inch.


ETA: I just realized you were talking about a G19X, not a G17, so the sight radius isn't quite as long. However, .007" is still a good rule of thumb. G19 sight radius, it's actually ~ .0065", so not much different.

Thank you for your input! I haven't done the sight math yet, but if the 6.9 will raise my POI by ~4.5" then it won't be enough. It'll be better than what I have now regardless.

35580

I have the chance to shoot a second 19X. I want to see if it's the nut behind the gun or not.

[Texaspoff]

My 19X is shooting low. It's driving me crazy. Using a drive the dot sight picture:

1st 17 rounds (cold) at 25 yards with Federal RTP 115 FMJ last Monday
35572

1st 17 rounds (cold) at 25 yards with S&B 115 FMJ today
35573

I'm 99% sure it isn't me as I have several G17s that shoot "drive the dot" properly. Even at 7 yards I am noticeably low. Ball and dummy made no difference except tightening up my groups. I would rather the POI be flipped so it was shooting high.

Somewhere I have both a 6.5 and 6.9 rear Glock OEM night sight. I'll have to swap out the 6.1 and see what difference it makes. The down side is it will take at least 2 weeks to find out (or one if the 6.5 fixes it) provided life doesn't interfere.

I can't comment on the factory Glock nights sights for the 19X as I never shot mine with them. I put the Bold sets, with the .180 front on all my 5th gen guns.

The Ameriglo Bold sights from the factory, are typically low with the .200 front sight. I swap all mine out with .180 Pro glo fronts, and it solves the POA/POI being low for me.


TXPO

[Texaspoff]

Hmm I installed a set of Agents on my G19.5 that was shooting low with the Gen 5 factory 6.1 rear, and it's still hitting very low as well, with both 124 and 147gr. It's why I don't really shoot it anymore. I may have to give Ameriglo a call at this point..


Call them and go with the .180 Pro Glo front. That should resolve the POI low issue.




TXPO

[thward89]

I have had success with two different G5G19s with the standard sight configuration for gen 1-4 guns (.256T rear and .165T front). Both of the below groups were shot with different guns each running the above sight dimensions with 115 gr. ball at 25 yards with a split-the-bull hold.

35589
35590

[EVP]

Are people having a issue with POA/POI with gen 5 ameriglo sights and using 147 defensive ammo?

It seems most are reporting the issue with 115gr range ammo

[RJ]

Are people having a issue with POA/POI with gen 5 ameriglo sights and using 147 defensive ammo?

It seems most are reporting the issue with 115gr range ammo

Not me. G19.5 stock rear 0.180” front using drive the dot and Federal 147 HST.

[Texaspoff]

Are people having a issue with POA/POI with gen 5 ameriglo sights and using 147 defensive ammo?

It seems most are reporting the issue with 115gr range ammo


I don't run 147's , but 115 and 124 both in standard and +P loads are just about the same POA/POI with the Ameriglo Bold set using a .180 front.




TXPO

[El Cid]

Are people having a issue with POA/POI with gen 5 ameriglo sights and using 147 defensive ammo?

It seems most are reporting the issue with 115gr range ammo

I'm presuming that is because 147gr tends to impact about 6 inches higher than 115gr at 25 yards. I do have a friend who's Gen 5 G19 was hitting low with 147's though and he is getting a .180 front sight to see if that takes care of it.


What's with all the drive the dot references I keep seeing? I know HK's are made for that sight picture, but I was always taught, and have always shot Glocks with the POI at the tip of the front sight.

[JBP55]

What's with all the drive the dot references I keep seeing? I know HK's are made for that sight picture, but I was always taught, and have always shot Glocks with the POI at the tip of the front sight.

What he said.

[echo5charlie]

I'm presuming that is because 147gr tends to impact about 6 inches higher than 115gr at 25 yards. I do have a friend who's Gen 5 G19 was hitting low with 147's though and he is getting a .180 front sight to see if that takes care of it.


What's with all the drive the dot references I keep seeing? I know HK's are made for that sight picture, but I was always taught, and have always shot Glocks with the POI at the tip of the front sight.

I have personally never had that great of a POI change between 115 and 147, and I've shot a good deal of both through Glock, HK, CZ, SIG, and Berettas. Obviously YMMV.




What he said.

For drive the dot, I shoot faster that way. Since there is no official "as per the Glock manual" sighting method, either will work. Most people are taught to sight/shoot one way and adjust the way they shoot to attain that method.

Edit to add - this is a 25 yard target from the Glock Operator Course I attended in 2017. A stock G17.4 with AmeriGlo Hacks shooting 147 American Eagle using Drive the Dot. Except for That Little Guy, it was a decent grouping. 94/4x.

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