Glock 17 Vs 19: The Ultimate Guide To Know The Difference.
Glock is one of the most trusted & popular names for quality firearms in the firearm industry. The two most widely used Glock firearms are Glock 17 & Glock 19.
Both handguns are popular among gun enthusiasts, law enforcement officers, and military personnel. Both pistols share some similarities, but they still have some differences, making them better than others.
Now the question is, "Which one is right for you?
You need to understand the differences to choose the right one per your requirements.
In this blog post, let’s delve into the Glock 17 Vs 19 comparison to help you decide which model best suits your needs.
Specification Overview
| Specifications | Glock 17 | Glock 19 |
| Caliber/System | 9×19 / Safe Action | 9×19 / Safe Action |
| Length | 204 mm / 8.03 in | 187 mm | 7.36 inch |
| Height | 139 mm | 5.47 inch | 128 mm | 5.04 inch |
| Width | 32 mm | 1.26 inch | 32 mm | 1.26 inch |
| Weight (Without Magazine) | 625 g | 22.05 oz | 600 g | 21.16 oz |
| Weight (Loaded) | 915 g | 32.28 oz | 855 g | 30.16 oz |
| Standard Magazine | 17 | 15 |
| Optional Magazine | 19 / 24 / 31 / 33 / 10 | 17 / 19 / 24 / 31 / 33 / 10 |
| Barrel Length | 114 mm | 4.49 inch | 102 mm | 4.02 inch |
Glock 17 Vs Glock 19: Overview & Development
Glock 17 Overview & Development
The Glock 17, introduced in the 1980s, is a legendary handgun. Known for its full-size frame, it boasts a 17-round magazine capacity and a barrel length of 4.49 inches. Its robust construction and straightforward design have made it a favorite among law enforcement agencies and civilians.
Glock 17: A Groundbreaking Invention
The Glock 17, also known as the G17, is the pistol that started it all for Glock. Austrian engineer Gaston Glock developed it in the early 1980s. What set the Glock 17 apart from existing handguns was its innovative design, which incorporated several ground breaking features:
- Polymer Frame: One of the most revolutionary aspects of the Glock 17 was its extensive use of polymer materials in the frame. This made the pistol lighter and more resistant to corrosion, a stark departure from traditional steel-framed handguns.
- Safe Action System: Glock introduced its Safe Action System, a combination of three passive safety mechanisms, which made it incredibly safe to carry without a manual safety lever. This system includes trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop protection.
- High-Capacity Magazines: The Glock 17 came with a 17-round magazine, significantly increasing the pistol's firepower compared to most other handguns.
- Simplicity and Reliability: Glock's design philosophy emphasized simplicity, resulting in fewer parts and increased reliability. This earned it a reputation for functioning flawlessly, even in adverse conditions.
Glock 19 Overview & Development
The Glock 19, released shortly after the Glock 17, is often called a compact or "midsize" model. With a slightly shorter barrel length of 4.02 inches and a magazine capacity of 15 rounds, the Glock 19 is renowned for its balance of size, firepower, and concealability.
With time, Glock made many changes in G19 with its different models like Glock 19x, Glock 19 MOS, Glock 19 FS, Glock 19 Gen 3, Glock 19 Gen 4, Glock 19 Gen 5 etc.
Glock 19: A Compact Evolution
Following the success of the Glock 17, Glock decided to address the needs of those who wanted a more compact firearm. This led to the development of the Glock 19, which was introduced shortly after the Glock 17. Here's how the Glock 19 evolved:
- Compact Frame: The Glock 19 was designed with a slightly shorter grip and barrel than the Glock 17, making it more compact and easier to conceal. This compactness made it suitable for concealed carry and civilian use.
- Magazine Capacity: While the Glock 19 sacrificed some magazine capacity compared to the Glock 17 (15 rounds instead of 17), it still balanced firepower and concealability.
- Versatility: The Glock 19 quickly became popular as an all-around handgun. Its size made it versatile for home defense, concealed carry, and general shooting.
- Continued Reliability: Glock maintained the same Safe Action System and emphasis on reliability in the Glock 19, ensuring its reputation for dependability continued.
Glock 19 Vs 17: Weight And Size
The difference is small when we compare Glock 19 vs. 17 by weight & size.
The Glock 17 also has a slightly longer barrel and grip, which gives it a longer sight radius and more grip surface.
This can be an advantage for target shooting or self-defense, but it can also make the pistol more difficult to conceal.
On the other hand, If you are looking for a compact pistol that is easy to conceal, the Glock 19 is a better choice.
| Features | Glock 17 | Glock 19 |
| Weight (unloaded) | 625 g | 22.05 oz | 600 g | 21.16 oz |
| Overall length | 204 mm | 8.03 inch | 187 mm | 7.36 inch |
| Height | 139 mm | 5.47 inch | 128 mm | 5.04 inch |
| Width | 32 mm | 1.26 inch | 32 mm | 1.26 inch |
Glock 19 vs 17: Recoil & Accuracy
Recoil refers to the backward force generated when a firearm is fired. It can affect your ability to control the gun, especially during rapid or multiple shots. Here's how the Glock 17 and Glock 19 differ regarding recoil.
The Glock 17 and Glock 19 are relatively low-recoil pistols, but the Glock 17 may have slightly less felt recoil due to its larger size and weight. The Glock 19 is also more maneuverable and easier to handle in close quarters, which can also help reduce felt recoil.
In terms of accuracy, both pistols are capable of shooting very accurately, but the Glock 17 may have a slight edge due to its longer sight radius. The sight radius is the distance between the front and rear sights, and a longer sight radius allows for more precise aiming.
| Feature | Glock 17 | Glock 19 |
| Recoil | Slightly less recoil | Slightly more recoil |
| Accuracy | Slightly more accurate | Slightly less accurate |
Glock 17 Vs 19: Magazine Capacity
The magazine capacity of a firearm is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a pistol, as it directly impacts the number of rounds you can fire before needing to reload.
The Glock 17 and Glock 19 have different magazine capacities. Glock 17 has a standard magazine capacity of 17 rounds, while the Glock 19 has a legal magazine capacity of 15 rounds. However, both pistols can use magazines with higher powers, up to 33 rounds.
The Glock 17's larger magazine capacity is due to its longer grip. The Glock 19's shorter grip can only accommodate a shorter magazine.
However, the Glock 19 can still use Glock 17 magazines, giving it the same 17-round capacity.
| Feature | Glock 17 | Glock 19 |
| Standard magazine capacity | 17 rounds | 15 rounds |
| Maximum magazine capacity | 33 rounds | 33 rounds |
Glock 17 Vs 19: Ammunition Options
The Glock 17 and Glock 19 can use 9mm Luger ammunition. This is the most popular pistol caliber in the world, and it is available in a wide variety of loads, from self-defense rounds to high-performance competition ammunition.
Glock 17 Vs 19: Application And Purpos
The Glock 17 and Glock 19 are versatile pistols that can be used for various applications. However, some key differences between the two guns may make one a better choice for a particular application.
Glock 17
- Duty use: The Glock 17 is a popular duty pistol for law enforcement officers and security personnel. It is large enough to be comfortable to shoot and control and has a high magazine capacity, which is important for self-defense or law enforcement situations.
- Home defense: The Glock 17 is also a good choice for home defense. It is powerful enough to stop an intruder and has a long sight radius, which is important for accuracy in low-light conditions.
- Competition shooting: The Glock 17 is also a popular pistol. It is accurate and reliable, and it can be used in a variety of shooting disciplines.
Glock 19
- Concealed carry: The Glock 19 is a popular choice for concealed carry. It is smaller and lighter than the Glock 17, making hiding easier. However, it still has a high magazine capacity, which is important for self-defense.
- Personal defense: The Glock 19 is also a good choice. It is powerful enough to stop an attacker and easy to carry and maneuver.
- Backpack gun: The Glock 19 is also a good choice for a backpack gun. It is small enough to fit in a backpack but still powerful enough to stop an attacker.
Glock 17 Vs Glock 19: Reliability
Reliability is one of the hallmark features of Glock pistols, and both the Glock 17 and Glock 19 are no exception. The Glock 17 and Glock 19 both are very reliable pistols. They are made from high-quality materials and are built to withstand the rigors of everyday use.
Both pistols are known for being reliable in even the most extreme conditions.
There are no reported cases of either pistol failing due to a mechanical defect.
However, there have been reports of Glock pistols failing due to user error, such as improper ammunition or not cleaning the gun regularly.
Overall, the Glock 17 and Glock 19 are very reliable pistols that can be trusted to function when needed.
Glock 17 Vs 19: Price & Availability
Glock pistols are generally known for their affordability, especially compared to higher-end firearm brands.
The Glock 17 and Glock 19 are both relatively affordable pistols. The average price for a Glock 17 is around $500, and the average cost for a Glock 19 is around $550. However, prices can vary depending on the specific model and where you buy it.
Here are some factors that can affect the price and availability of the Glock 17 and Glock 19:
- Model: The price and availability of the Glock 17 and Glock 19 can vary depending on the specific model. For example, the Glock 17 Gen 5 is more expensive than the Glock 17 Gen 4.
- Location: The price and availability of the Glock 17 and Glock 19 can also vary depending on the location. For example, the Glock 17 may be more expensive in California than Texas.
- Demand: The market can also affect the price and availability of the Glock 17 and Glock 19. For example, the Glock 17 may be more difficult to find in stock during times of high demand, such as during political or social unrest.
 Glock 17 Check Price |
 Glock 19 Check Price |
Glock 17 Vs 19: Which One Is Right For Me?
Choosing between the Glock 17 and Glock 19 ultimately depends on your specific needs, preferences, and intended use. Both pistols offer reliability, durability, and performance but cater to different applications. Here are some considerations to help you determine which is right for you:
- Your hand size: The Glock 17 is slightly larger than the Glock 19, so shooting for people with larger hands may be more comfortable. The Glock 19 is better for people with smaller hands or who want a more concealable pistol.
- Your shooting style: If you are a target shooter or law enforcement officer who needs to shoot accurately at longer ranges, the Glock 17 is a better choice. If you are a concealed carrier or personal defense shooter who needs a pistol that is easy to carry and maneuver, the Glock 19 is a better choice.
- Your budget: The Glock 17 is slightly less expensive than the Glock 19.
Final Words
In the world of handguns, the Glock 17 and Glock 19 are stalwarts, each offering a unique blend of features that cater to different needs and preferences.
The Glock 17, with its full-size frame and higher capacity, excels in applications like home defense, duty use, and target shooting.
On the other hand, the Glock 19's compactness and versatility make it an ideal choice for concealed carry, personal defense, and general-purpose shooting.
After this detailed comparison between glock 17 vs 19, your decision between these two iconic pistols ultimately boils down to your specific requirements and comfort.