U.S. Navy SEALs utilize their own custom version of the Glock 19—designated by the U.S. Military as the Mk 27—because its mid-size frame provides a perfect balance of concealability and firepower.
It also features maritime-specific internals that allow operators to fire reliably right after emerging from the ocean.
Glock 19X and Glock 44 side by side. Image Credit: 19FortyFive Original Image.
The Mk27 pistol is a polymer-framed, compact pistol with a 4-inch barrel and a 15-round double-stack 9mm magazine. It’s not a full-sized pistol, but it isn’t quite a compact.
It is a mid-size, concealable pistol that can be turned around and used as a duty weapon for law enforcement or the military.
The Mk 27 is a Glock 19 adopted by the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and designated as the Mk 27 Mod 2 pistol, but the SEALs are the most frequent users. Other SOCOM units use the very similar Glock 17.
Differences Between The Mk-27 And The Standard Glock 19
Despite appearing like a standard Glock 19 on the outside, the SEAL variant Mk-27 includes specific modifications tailored to the Navy’s usage for combat diving and other operations.
The Mk-27 uses factory maritime spring cups, which allow the firing pin to function underwater. The internal spring channels are designed to shed water rapidly.
This allows the weapon to be fired safely and reliably immediately after the operator emerges from an underwater insertion, without risking hydraulic damage.
Mk 27 pistols are frequently customized with threaded barrels to accommodate sound and flash suppressors.
Glock 19X. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Upgraded, luminescent iron sights are standard for low-light and close-quarters environments.
Why Did The SEALs Transition From The P226?
For about 30 years, the Navy’s SEAL Teams used the outstanding SIG Sauer P226. It is still an outstanding combat pistol, for the reasons I spelled out in the highlighted article.
But the SEALs transitioned to the Glock 19/Mk-27 for a couple of reasons.
First of all, it was lighter and less bulky. SEALs, like all special operators, already carry massive amounts of heavy gear. The Glock 19 is lighter, smaller, and easier to conceal than full-sized service pistols.
It is rugged, very simple, and extremely dependable. The Glock’s striker-fired system has no external manual safety to fumble with under stress.
This allows for a consistent “draw, point, and shoot” operation. They are also easier to clean and maintain.
The Glock’s well-known durability was a significant factor. The Glock 19’s Tenifer finish resists saltwater corrosion better than traditional metal-framed pistols, and it functions reliably even when heavily neglected in mud, sand, or snow.
Glock offers a plethora of aftermarket upgrades, such as triggers, slides, mag wells, optics, sights, and grip textures, allowing operators endless options for modification.
The Glock Is A Shooter’s Dream
The Glock 19, like its big brother, the Glock 17, is boxy-looking, but a superb pistol.
They were designed by Gaston Glock, who had no previous gun-making experience. But he changed the way military and law-enforcement types viewed pistols.
He went to work when Austria was looking for a replacement for the iconic Walther P-38. It was first designed, prototyped, and tested in just a few months in 1982.
From a personal perspective, I fired and liked the Glock 17, and it began to wear on me, despite my personal preference for SIG Sauers.
Glock 17 Gen4. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
But the Glock 19 is an even better pistol. And because of its outstanding attributes, not to mention its adoption by the Navy SEAL community, it has become a favorite among gun enthusiasts across the country.
The Glock 19/Mk 27 Pistol Specs
The Glock 19 is lightweight (24 ounces) and carries 15 rounds in the magazine plus one in the chamber. At an indoor range, I had the opportunity to fire the SOCOM Mk 27 Mod 2 with the threaded barrel (no suppressor), a SureFire X300 light, and a Trijicon RMR red dot sight. It is a joy to shoot.
Glock 19 Specs:
- Caliber: 9x19mm
- Length: 7.28”
- Height: 5.04”
- Width: 1.34”
- Barrel: 4.02” – 1:9.84” RH twist – Blued
- Trigger: 5 to 6.5 pounds
- Sights: Polymer “U” dot configuration, rear adjustable (standard)
- Weight: 23.99 oz. w/empty magazine
- Slide Finish: Black Melonite + nDLC coating
- Capacity: 15+1
The Glock 19 is a bit more versatile than the slightly larger Glock 17, but it functions and cycles the same and can even use the Glock 17’s magazines.
Some of the best features of the Glock 19/Mk 27 are the weapon’s ruggedness, simplicity, and Glock’s reputation for dependability.
The Glock 19/Mk 27 comes with a standard 15-round magazine, but 17-, 24-, and 33-round magazines are also available on the market.
Other Features Of The Mk-27
When fired, the Glock 19/Mk27 is not snappy at all and handles recoil very easily. The Mk 27 is very similar to a standard Glock 19, so it is the perfect combination of size and capacity.
The weapon is famous for its shootability, and it is well-deserved.
It is legendary for its reliability. I like the absence of the finger grooves on the front straps, but that is my preference.
USSOCOM selected the SIG MOD-X9 in 9mm as the suppressor for use with the Mk27 pistol.
The MOD-X9 Suppressor features fully modular, configurable titanium baffles for ultimate lightweight performance. It allows the user to personalize the suppressor’s overall length, weight, and sound.
It comprises seven 3D-printed titanium baffles and an encapsulator with 21 impact-point adjustments. The length is adjustable from 3.25 inches to 7.5 inches, the weight is adjustable from 5 ounces to 8 ounces, and the sound is adjustable from 127.4dB to 145.3dB.
From a post I wrote three years ago, “The Glock 19 gives the shooter the perfect blend of a service weapon in a compact package. It may probably be one of the most popular concealed-carry pistols of all time. It is considered by many to be the gold standard by which other pistols are judged.”
About the author: Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.