The "hype" is twofold: they are not on the roster and it is routinely one of the top 3 selling handguns across the globe across all markets including civilian, law enforcement, military, and the black market. In MA, because they are not readily obtainable as a pistol sale, dealers price them based on what they think the value of being able to obtain an off-roster gun is worth. Also, the number of dealers who will help a customer obtain a Glock 19, though growing, is still very small in relationship to all the active FFLs in the state, which drives prices up further.
Why do people want them? In my opinion, there are better guns but no better platform to invest time and money in than Glock. The aftermarket support is unmatched. The skill level required to make impactful and noticeable upgrades is relatively low. The resale value is stable. As a functional firearm, it hits all the marks: it practically will shoot itself within the common self defense distances (up to 10 yards), but with a little practice you can hit steel at 25 yards with iron sights. With even a little more training, 40 yards+ is doable. The magazine availability is unrivaled for modern, polymer pistols.
For $620 (G5, MOS version), you can get the only pistol you'll ever need in terms of carry/defense/home defense. To me, that's a hell of a deal.
Not sure if it's worth the hype, but sure worth the money.
Why do people want them? In my opinion, there are better guns but no better platform to invest time and money in than Glock. The aftermarket support is unmatched. The skill level required to make impactful and noticeable upgrades is relatively low. The resale value is stable. As a functional firearm, it hits all the marks: it practically will shoot itself within the common self defense distances (up to 10 yards), but with a little practice you can hit steel at 25 yards with iron sights. With even a little more training, 40 yards+ is doable. The magazine availability is unrivaled for modern, polymer pistols.
For $620 (G5, MOS version), you can get the only pistol you'll ever need in terms of carry/defense/home defense. To me, that's a hell of a deal.
Not sure if it's worth the hype, but sure worth the money.