Glock 17 vs 19: A Comprehensive Comparison

Glock 17 and Glock 19 are two of the most popular 9mm pistols in the world. They are both manufactured by Glock, a company known for producing reliable firearms. While both guns share some similarities, they also have some differences that set them apart.

One of the primary differences between the Glock 17 vs 19 is their size. The Glock 17 is considered a full-sized pistol, while the Glock 19 is a compact pistol. The Glock 17 has a longer barrel and grip, making it slightly more accurate and easier to shoot for some people. On the other hand, the Glock 19 is more compact and easier to conceal, making it a popular choice for those who want a gun for personal defense.

Another difference between the two guns is their capacity. The Glock 17 has a standard magazine capacity of 17 rounds, while the Glock 19 has a standard magazine capacity of 15 rounds. This may not seem like a big difference, but it can be significant in certain situations.

Key Takeaways

• Glock 17 vs 19 are two of the most popular 9mm pistols in the world, manufactured by Glock.
• The Glock 17 is a full-sized pistol, while the Glock 19 is a compact pistol.
• The Glock 17 has a longer barrel and grip, making it slightly more accurate, while the Glock 19 is more compact and easier to conceal.
• The Glock 17 has a standard magazine capacity of 17 rounds, while the Glock 19 has a standard magazine capacity of 15 rounds.

Design and Ergonomics

Size and Concealability

The Glock 19 vs 17 are both 9mm polymer-framed handguns that are similar in many ways. However, the Glock 19 is slightly smaller and more compact than the Glock 17. The Glock 19 has a shorter barrel length of 4.01 inches, while the Glock 17 has a barrel length of 4.49 inches. The difference in barrel length is not significant, but it does affect the overall length of the gun. The Glock 19 is 7.36 inches long, while the Glock 17 is 7.95 inches long. The shorter length of the Glock 19 makes it more concealable than the Glock 17.

Grip and Texture

The grip of the Glock 17 vs 19 is similar, but the Glock 19 has a smaller grip circumference than the Glock 17. The smaller grip circumference of the Glock 19 makes it easier for people with smaller hands to grip the gun comfortably. Both guns have a rough texture on the grip, which provides a secure grip even in wet or slippery conditions. The texture of the grip is not too aggressive, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods of time.

Slide Design

The slide of the Glock 19 vs 17  is also similar, but the Glock 19 has a slightly shorter slide than the Glock 17. The shorter slide of the Glock 19 makes it easier to carry and conceal. Both guns have a slide serration at the front and the rear of the slide, which makes it easy to manipulate the slide for loading and unloading. The slide of both guns is also designed to be easy to disassemble and clean.Check out the best Glock 17 Holster for concealed carry.

Overall, the design and ergonomics of the Glock 17 vs 19 are similar, but the Glock 19 is slightly smaller and more concealable than the Glock 17. The grip of both guns is comfortable and secure, and the slide is easy to manipulate and disassemble. Check out the best Glock 19 Holster for concealed carry. 

Performance and Accuracy

Barrel Length and Precision

The barrel length of a pistol is an important factor when it comes to accuracy. The Glock 17 has a longer barrel than the Glock 19, which makes it slightly more precise. The barrel of the Glock 17 is 4.49 inches long, while the barrel of the Glock 19 is 4.02 inches long. This difference in length may not seem significant, but it can make a difference in accuracy at longer ranges.

Recoil and Control

Recoil is the backward movement of a gun when it is fired. It can affect accuracy and control of the gun. The Glock 19 has a shorter barrel and slide than the Glock 17, which makes it slightly easier to control and reduces recoil. This can be an advantage for shooters who are new to handguns or those who prefer a more manageable recoil.

However, the Glock 17 has a longer sight radius, which can help with accuracy. The sight radius is the distance between the front and rear sights of a gun. A longer sight radius can make it easier to line up the sights and aim accurately.

In conclusion, the Glock 17 and Glock 19 both have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to performance and accuracy. The Glock 17 has a longer barrel and sight radius, which can make it slightly more precise, while the Glock 19 has a shorter barrel and slide, which makes it easier to control and reduces recoil. Ultimately, the choice between the two pistols will depend on the shooter's preferences and intended use.

Capacity and Caliber

Magazine Capacity

The Glock 17 vs 19 differ in magazine capacity. The Glock 17 has a standard magazine capacity of 17 rounds, while the Glock 19 has a standard magazine capacity of 15 rounds. However, both pistols can use magazines of different capacities. For example, the Glock 17 can use magazines with capacities of 10, 17, 19, 24, 31, and 33 rounds, while the Glock 19 can use magazines with capacities of 10, 15, 17, 19, and 33 rounds.

Caliber Specifications

The Glock 19 vs 17 use the same caliber, 9x19mm, also known as 9mm Luger or 9mm Parabellum. This caliber is widely used and readily available in many countries. The 9mm cartridge is known for its relatively low recoil, high velocity, and good penetration. It is also relatively affordable and easy to find.

The Glock 17 has a barrel length of 114 mm (4.49 in), while the Glock 19 has a barrel length of 102 mm (4.02 in). The longer barrel of the Glock 17 can provide slightly higher muzzle velocity and accuracy, but the shorter barrel of the Glock 19 can make it more compact and easier to carry concealed.

In conclusion, the Glock 17 and Glock 19 have different magazine capacities and barrel lengths, but they both use the same caliber, 9x19mm. The choice between the two pistols depends on the user's specific needs and preferences, such as magazine capacity, barrel length, size, weight, and intended use.

Use Cases and Preferences

Law Enforcement Applications

Both the Glock 17 and 19 are widely used by law enforcement agencies around the world. The Glock 17 is the standard issue sidearm for many police departments due to its larger size and higher magazine capacity. The longer barrel of the Glock 17 also provides better accuracy at longer ranges. However, some law enforcement officers may prefer the Glock 19 due to its smaller size and lighter weight, making it easier to carry for extended periods of time.

Civilian Use

For civilian use, both the Glock 17 and 19 are popular choices for target shooting, home defense, and personal carry. The Glock 17's larger size and higher magazine capacity make it a great choice for range shooting and home defense, while the Glock 19's smaller size and lighter weight make it a more practical choice for everyday carry. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and intended use.

Concealed Carry Considerations

When it comes to concealed carry, the Glock 19 is often the preferred choice due to its smaller size and lighter weight. The Glock 17, while still concealable, may be more difficult to carry for extended periods of time due to its larger size. However, some individuals may prefer the added magazine capacity and longer barrel of the Glock 17 for added confidence in a self-defense situation. It is important to consider factors such as clothing choice and personal comfort when choosing between the two models for concealed carry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences in magazine capacity between the Glock 17 and Glock 19?

The Glock 17 has a standard magazine capacity of 17 rounds, while the Glock 19 has a standard magazine capacity of 15 rounds. However, both models have magazines available with extended capacities. It is important to note that the magazine capacity may vary depending on the jurisdiction, as some states and countries have restrictions on magazine capacity.

Which is more suitable for concealed carry, the Glock 17 or the Glock 19?

Both the Glock 17 and Glock 19 are popular choices for concealed carry. However, the Glock 19 is generally considered to be more suitable for concealed carry due to its smaller size and lighter weight. The Glock 19 is easier to conceal and more comfortable to carry for extended periods.

Can the Glock 17 be used effectively for home defense compared to the Glock 19?

Yes, the Glock 17 can be used effectively for home defense. However, the Glock 19 may be a better choice for home defense due to its smaller size, which makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces. Additionally, the Glock 19 has a shorter barrel, which makes it easier to handle in close quarters.

How does barrel length affect the performance of Glock 17 and Glock 19?

The barrel length can affect the performance of the Glock 17 and Glock 19 in several ways. A longer barrel can increase accuracy and velocity, while a shorter barrel can increase maneuverability and ease of use. The Glock 17 has a longer barrel than the Glock 19, which can make it more accurate at longer ranges. However, the shorter barrel of the Glock 19 can make it easier to handle in close quarters.

Why might law enforcement agencies prefer one model over the other between Glock 17 and 19?

Law enforcement agencies may prefer one model over the other depending on their specific needs and requirements. The Glock 17 is a larger and heavier pistol, which can make it more stable and accurate at longer ranges. This may be preferred by law enforcement agencies that require longer range accuracy. However, the Glock 19 is smaller and lighter, which can make it easier to carry and handle for extended periods. This may be preferred by law enforcement agencies that require more maneuverability and ease of use.

What are the considerations for a beginner choosing between Glock 17 and Glock 19?

Beginners should consider several factors when choosing between the Glock 17 and Glock 19. These include the intended use of the pistol, the user's level of experience and comfort with firearms, and the user's physical size and strength. The Glock 19 may be a better choice for beginners due to its smaller size and lighter weight, which can make it easier to handle and shoot. However, beginners should also consider the specific requirements of their intended use, such as concealed carry or home defense, when choosing between the two models.