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When Glock is mentioned, two of the first models that come to mind are the Glock 17 and Glock 19. Ranking among the world’s most used and purchased pistols, these two models appear in every field, from military units to police forces, civilian users to cinema movies. So, is the Glock 17 or Glock 19 the right choice for you?
In this article, we compare the two models in detail regarding technical specifications, intended use, suitability for concealed carry, recoil control, and accuracy.
A Short History of Glock
The Glock company was founded in the early 1980s by Gaston Glock. Interestingly, Glock’s founder initially had no experience with firearms. His area of expertise was advanced synthetic polymers.
In the years 1980-81, the Austrian army wanted to replace the Walther P80 pistols left over from the WWII era. Gaston Glock formed a team of firearms experts, developed the polymer-framed Glock 17, and presented it to the Austrian army.
Although the idea of a “plastic pistol” was initially met with skepticism, the Glock 17 won the tender, leaving established brands like FN, HK, and SIG behind. In 1982, the Austrian army ordered 25,000 Glock 17s. This success paved the way for Glock’s worldwide expansion.
Today, Glock’s reliability and durability are accepted indisputably.
Glock 17 and Glock 19 Technical Comparison
Size and Weight
| Feature | Glock 19 | Glock 17 |
| Barrel length | 4 inches | 4.5 inches |
| Total length | 7.3 inches | 8 inches |
| Height | 5 inches | 5.5 inches |
| Empty weight | 23.5 oz | 25 oz |
| Loaded weight | 30 oz | 32 oz |
The Glock 17 has a slightly longer, heavier, and larger structure. However, the difference is quite small.
Magazine Capacity
- Glock 19: 15+1 = 16 rounds
- Glock 17: 17+1 = 18 rounds
The Glock 17 offers two rounds more capacity. However, this difference is not a determining factor for most users.
Trigger, Frame, and Hardware
- Trigger system is the same.
- Gen 5 models do not have finger grooves.
- Standard models have iron sights.
- MOS versions have red dot compatibility.
- Ergonomics are quite successful in both models.
Concealed Carry
In terms of concealed carry, the advantage is with the Glock 19:
- Shorter frame
- Lighter structure
- Easier to conceal
The Glock 17 can be concealed carried, but the Glock 19 offers a more comfortable option in this regard. For daily use, the Glock 19 is much more practical.
Hand Structure and Ergonomics
The user’s hand structure is very important:
- Users with large hands can grip the Glock 17 more comfortably.
- The Glock 19 can be too small for some people.
- The Glock 17 is more comfortable, especially during long training sessions.
Especially for users with large hands, hand pinching and jamming problems can occur when changing magazines on the Glock 19.
Accuracy and Sight Line
A long barrel theoretically provides better accuracy. The reason for this is:
- Longer sight line
- Greater distance between the front and rear sights
The Glock 17 has a small advantage in this regard. However, in practical shooting tests:
- At 15 meters, both guns provide similar accuracy.
- The difference is not at a visible level.
- Experienced shooters can demonstrate the same performance with both models.
Recoil Control
- Since the Glock 17 is slightly heavier, it is theoretically more stable.
- However, in real use, no difference is felt.
- Even in one-handed shooting, there is no distinct difference between the two models.
Conclusion: Both guns are quite balanced regarding recoil.
Magazine Compatibility
One of the significant advantages of the Glock 19:
- Glock 17 magazines can be used in the Glock 19.
- Glock 19 magazines do not fit the Glock 17.
- Long magazines work seamlessly in the Glock 19.
This makes the Glock 19 a more flexible option.
Other Glock Models
Glock 45
- Glock 19 slide + Glock 17 frame
- Short barrel, long grip
- Ideal for users with large hands
Glock 19X
- The model submitted to the military tender
- Very similar to the Glock 45
- No MOS and front slide serrations
Glock 47
- Glock 17 size
- Glock 19 slide compatibility
- Offers a modular structure
Conclusion: Which Should Be Bought?
If you are going to buy a single pistol:
✅ Glock 19
- Suitable for concealed carry
- Sufficient for home defense
- Light and compact
- Magazine compatibility advantage
- Suitable for most hand structures
Who is the Glock 17 For?
- Users with large hands
- Those wanting a slightly more stable structure in long-range shooting
- Those for whom concealed carry is not a priority
General Evaluation
- Accuracy: Tie
- Recoil: Tie
- Ease of Carry: Glock 19
- Ergonomics (large hand): Glock 17
- Versatility: Glock 19
Winner: Glock 19
The most logical choice for those who want to meet every need with a single weapon.