Combat Armory CA19 | Is It Junk?

Published on June 10, 2024
Duration: 31:30

This in-depth review details a challenging journey with the Combat Armory CA19 pistol, initially plagued by full-auto malfunctions and subsequent failure-to-extract issues. After extensive troubleshooting and customer service interactions involving multiple component replacements, the pistol was eventually made to run reliably. The review highlights the pistol's budget-friendly price point and Glock compatibility but criticizes the lack of a thumb ledge on the frame, a design flaw the manufacturer reportedly acknowledges.

Quick Summary

The Combat Armory CA19 pistol, a budget-friendly Glock 19 clone, initially suffered from full-auto malfunctions and subsequent failure-to-extract issues. After extensive troubleshooting and component replacements by Combat Armory's proactive customer service, the pistol was eventually made reliable by replacing the locking block. While it offers Glock compatibility and good value, a notable design flaw is the absence of a thumb ledge on the frame.

Chapters

  1. 00:24Introduction & Rocky History
  2. 00:48Combat Armory CA19 Introduction
  3. 01:06Full Transparency & Past Frame Review
  4. 01:32Internet Trolls & Ego
  5. 02:21Combat Armory Complete Pistol
  6. 03:00Spoiler: It Runs (Eventually)
  7. 03:14The Journey Begins: Full Auto Out of the Box
  8. 04:01Was I Wrong About the Frame?
  9. 04:22The Worst Glock Clone Pistol?
  10. 04:49Demonstration of Full Auto
  11. 05:09Malfunction Progression
  12. 05:24Criticism of Online Comments
  13. 06:00Sear Connection & Gunsmithing Claims
  14. 06:30Vindication & Attitude
  15. 07:18Review on Combat Armory Website
  16. 07:37Customer Service Interaction
  17. 08:20YouTuber vs. Average Customer Treatment
  18. 09:03Customer Service Process Timeline
  19. 09:30Initial Problem: Full Auto
  20. 09:35Outsource Trigger Issue: Flat Cruciform
  21. 10:26Return for Repair: New Trigger & Barrel
  22. 11:00Second Attempt: Failure to Extract
  23. 11:47Upset After Second Attempt
  24. 12:23Failure to Extract Demonstration
  25. 13:18Continued Extraction Failures
  26. 13:52Sending Videos to Combat Armory
  27. 14:18Possible Barrel Out of Spec
  28. 14:22New Barrel Sent
  29. 14:31Continued Failure to Extract
  30. 14:49Extractor Not Holding Casings
  31. 14:51Video Evidence Sent
  32. 15:07Barrel Inspection
  33. 15:24Test Firing with Magtech Ammo
  34. 16:00Test Firing Continues
  35. 16:14Accuracy Assessment
  36. 17:03Shooting with Different Magazine
  37. 17:29Failure to Extract with Glock 17 Mag
  38. 17:54Lock Back Issue
  39. 18:00Back to Magpul Mag
  40. 18:14Extractor Chip/Break Possibility
  41. 18:30New Slide and Extractor Sent
  42. 18:46Test Firing with New Slide
  43. 19:10Magazine Not the Problem
  44. 19:24Box of Barrels Sent
  45. 19:31Barrel Out of Spec Possibility
  46. 19:46Variety of Barrels Sent
  47. 20:00Current State: New Slide, Extractor, Trigger
  48. 20:07Noah's Specked Barrel
  49. 20:34Continued Failure to Extract
  50. 20:42Over 500 Rounds into Troubleshooting
  51. 21:00Interaction with Locking Block
  52. 21:06New Lower Parts Kit & Locking Block
  53. 21:47Locking Block Replacement Works
  54. 21:59Functioning Correctly After 400 Rounds
  55. 22:04YouTube Channel Revelation
  56. 22:16Explaining Firearm Function
  57. 22:33Video of the Process
  58. 22:53What I Like About It
  59. 23:07Reiteration of Frame Video
  60. 23:36Positive Aspects: Grip Texture
  61. 23:50Glock Holster Compatibility
  62. 24:16Glock Frame in the Front
  63. 24:21Glock Trigger Compatibility
  64. 24:30Undercut and Stippling
  65. 24:45Slide Design and Aesthetics
  66. 24:53Not Optics Ready (Milling Option)
  67. 25:04Aesthetic Appeal
  68. 25:09What I Don't Like: Recoil Mitigation
  69. 25:14Wiped Out Thumb Ledge
  70. 25:36$220 Nail File
  71. 25:53Handicapping Shooters
  72. 26:36Mistake Acknowledged by Manufacturer
  73. 26:50Future Changes Uncertain
  74. 27:06Magazine Compatibility
  75. 27:29Shooting Performance
  76. 27:38Trigger Performance
  77. 27:59It's a $250 Gun
  78. 28:18Good Value Now
  79. 28:21Recommendation: A Loaded Question
  80. 28:39Recommending the Current State
  81. 29:06Filling the Role of Budget Clones
  82. 29:34Recommendation for This Specific Pistol
  83. 30:01Takeaway: Customer Service Commitment
  84. 30:11Moving Mountains to Make it Work
  85. 30:31Final Thoughts on the Journey
  86. 30:44Call to Action: Like, Comment, Subscribe
  87. 31:17New Instagram Page

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the initial problems with the Combat Armory CA19 pistol?

The Combat Armory CA19 pistol initially experienced full-auto fire straight out of the box. After this was addressed, it developed persistent failure-to-extract malfunctions, where spent casings were not ejected from the chamber, hindering its reliability.

How did Combat Armory address the issues with the CA19 pistol?

Combat Armory's customer service was highly engaged, replacing components like the trigger, barrel, and slide with an extractor. The ultimate fix involved replacing the locking block, which resolved the failure-to-extract issues after extensive troubleshooting.

What are the pros and cons of the Combat Armory CA19 pistol?

Pros include its budget-friendly price, Glock holster compatibility, and acceptance of Glock parts. A major con is the lack of a thumb ledge on the frame, which the reviewer considers a design flaw. The trigger is slightly crisper than OEM Glock.

Is the Combat Armory CA19 a good value for its price?

Yes, once made to function reliably, the CA19 is considered a good value at its price point of approximately $220-$250. Its Glock compatibility and functional frame make it a competitive option in the budget pistol market.

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