"So here is the exercise. Pick one pistol set-up that will cover you for EDC (concealed), for field use in all weather, and to train with. Here is the wrinkle -- that same pistol set-up needs to be suitable for the same uses as your pistol for fifty of your friends, and you need to set all the pistols up. Extra credit if the pistols are likely to run reliably out of the box and as accessorized, and you don't need to get a home equity loan to pay for each one.
This idea came about because I have been shooting a pistol the last few days that fits these criteria perfectly, and was simple enough I could set up dozens of duplicates with a minimum of fuss."
Gun:
G26 (Gen 5) with OEM "Bold" sights
SCD
3x OEM 10 round mags
3x OEM "+2" 12 round mags (If allowed by locale)
2x OEM 15 round model 19 mags (If allowed by locale)
Carriage:
JMCK or DSG AIWB of choice
RCS Perrun OWB or Safariland 7TS.
RCS Vanguard2 with DCC behind belt clip and a dummy cord loop for use in the kit bag.
HPG Kit bag or Waist bag
I recently had this discussion with a friend. We each chose the same path but I opted for the 26. He chose the 19. Rationale was that we live near mag ban states and have folks in our 50 who live there FT. The 10 round options for the G19 are not nearly as reliable as the 10 round mags for the 26.
Glock is a frame which, based on spoken opinion from many users, does not form an instant bond with the shooters hand. It takes a little getting used to for many. The 2 finger grip of the OEM G26 is not a steep learning curve to climb for many. It is easier to carry for many. It is uber reliable. My G26 across all of the available generations are my most reliable Glocks. The Gen5 is very accurate with a wide variety of ammo.
The different mags provide "scalability" for different uses, hand sizes, and settings if allowed by local laws. Carry with the 15rnd mag and a 15rnd reload when in the field with the kit bag. Carry 10rnd or 12rnd for EDC with a 15rnd reload. Carry the 10rnd mag for NPE. I would not feel handicapped with 3 10 rnd mags.
The carriage options cover field, EDC, NPE, and training. Different ammo covers the same three uses. Use the kit bag and vanguard or the perrun in the field. Use the perrun or AIWB for training. Use the vanguard for NPE. My colleague friends my want the option of overt OWB carry and would be good with the 7TS.
The Bold sights on the 26 should be visible in all weather or lighting conditions. They should be sufficient for 2 or 4 legged problems at the most probable encountered distances.
The 19 would be just fine too. Both guns are accurate, all-weather durable, amenable to high round counts, and easily sourced. Either gun would be easy to set up. All of the accessories are easily sourced. The pistols and items spec'ed are pretty economical choices. I think the 26 gets the edge for those qualities AND being reliable with any size OEM Glock mag as well as being easier to conceal for many.