Glock 17 vs Glock 19 — Which One Is Right for You?

Two of the most popular Glock models available today are the Glock 17 and the Glock 19. To those unfamiliar with these models and the Glock brand, it’s important to compare the pros and cons of going with a Glock 17 vs Glock 19 before making your decision.

When comparing these models, it’s important to look at a number of factors and to think about your needs as an end-user.  This comparison will look at the most important features of the two guns to help you choose the one that will be the right option for you.

Glock 17 vs Glock 19 — Technical Specifications and Differences

Whether you are new to the Glock 17 vs Glock 19 debate or have already done some research, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the technical specifications of the two guns.

The Glock 17 and Glock 19 are basically the same guns when it comes to caliber, trigger pull and travel, and the barrel rifling (they also both work with our MCK 2.0). The main difference between them is that the Glock 19 sports a shorter barrel and grip. As such, it is classified as a compact pistol. 

So while they both use  9×19 mm cartridges, the Glock 17 has a barrel length of 114 mm and the Glock 19 has a 102 mm barrel length. The size difference only accounts for about an ounce when unloaded, but for gun owners do prefer a more compact, lightweight weapon the Glock 19 is a better option. 

Magazine capacity is another important factor that you should consider when comparing Glock 17 vs 19. The Glock 19 uses the standard Glock magazine which gives it a 15 round capacity.  The Glock 17 is able to hold two additional rounds which makes it a more sensible option for many gun owners. Both guns could however be used with an extended magazine like a drum magazine – you can read more about that here.

Apart from this difference, the technical specs of the two guns, which were both designed by Gaston Glock in the early 1980s, are very similar. They are both made from a high-quality mix of steel and polymer, they both use 9mm cartridges, and they are a weapon of choice for military and law enforcement across the world due to their reliability.

Glock G17 vs G19 — Concealed Carry

One concern many potential gun owners have when comparing the Glock 17 and Glock 19 is how easy the gun is to conceal. It is not the barrel size that makes the difference between the two guns here, but the grip instead. 

The Glock 17 is a longer and taller gun, which has made it a highly popular full-size weapon that is still suitable for concealed carry. However, as the Glock 19 is about a half an inch smaller, so it is slightly easier to conceal.

Nevertheless, you should also consider that the size of the gun is not the only thing to keep in mind when thinking about concealed carry. Where you carry the gun and what kind of holster you use are important factors to take into account, as is your choice of clothing. 

Since the Glock 19 has a slightly smaller profile, it can be more easily concealed in more areas on your person. 

Glock 17 vs 19 — Accuracy and Recoil

Both gun models offer about the same level of accuracy. Between the trigger pull, slide action, weight and size, you’d need to be a seasoned professional to really notice a difference between the two models. 

The difference in weight between the Glock 17 and Glock 19 is minimal, with the Glock 17 clocking in at 910 g (32.12 oz.) when loaded, and the Glock 19 is a bit lighter at 855 g (30.18 oz.). As such, you are not likely to notice any difference between the two guns when it comes to both handling and recoil. 

Glock 17 vs Glock 19 — Capacity and Reliability

One of the bigger concerns that gun owners have when researching guns is the magazine capacity. 

The Glock 17 magazine is able to hold 17 9mm rounds, which is two more than the Glock 19 can hold. Many gun owners may be perfectly happy to carry a slightly larger weapon knowing that they have two additional rounds available. 

As far as reliability goes, Glock is known for producing very high-quality weapons meaning both guns perform extremely well in critical situations. The vast majority of users consider these guns to be some of the most reliable semi-automatic weapons available. This is why they are so widely used by law enforcement and the military.

Like all Glock guns, these two models are suitable for extreme environmental conditions and they also do a good job at withstanding dust, debris, and immobility for months.

Why Choose the Glock 17?

While the Glock 17 is not a very large service pistol, it is larger than the G19, and you should keep in mind that even though many people don’t have any trouble concealing it, it isn’t the easiest gun to keep hidden. 

The Glock 17 makes for a perfect home defense pistol because it is very easy to use, is very reliable, and can be comfortably fired by both men and women. It also shoots the same caliber bullet as the Glock 19 so it has the same stopping power.

It is also an excellent choice for casual shooting, target shooting, and competition shooting, as it provides a longer sight radius due to its longer barrel that offers increased accuracy for most shooters.

Glock 17 magazines are very versatile and can be used in both Glock 17 and Glock 19 weapons. However, the Glock 19 magazine can’t be used in the Glock 17.

Why Choose the Glock 19?

In most cases, the Glock 19 is going to be the better choice for those who require a firearm for more tactical purposes. 

Because it is smaller, it’s easier to conceal and faster to produce. It is very easy to carry on your body or even concealed in a purse.  It’s no surprise that the Glock 19 was selected by U.S. Navy Seals as their favorite concealed carry weapon. 

So if concealed carry is your primary purpose for purchasing a gun, the Glock 19 may be a better choice. 

Final Verdict

When comparing Glock 17 vs 19 the most important things to consider are your needs for the weapon and your experience with handguns. 

Both the Glock 17 and Glock 19 are high-quality guns preferred by police and military worldwide. Choosing between the two is mostly a matter of personal preference, as both guns offer great accuracy, being suitable for both beginner and experienced shooters. If you’re looking for a slightly larger ammunition capacity, you might want to go for the Glock 17, which offers you two extra rounds. 

But if the size is important to you, the Glock 19 is a better choice due to its half-inch smaller frame, which makes concealing it slightly easier. You can’t really go wrong with either of these guns, but many professionals would advise you to go with the Glock 19 because it is a more versatile gun that’s also easier to conceal, which makes it ideal for most users.

If you’re interested in learning more about different Glocks you can read our article about all of the most popular Glock models here.

If you’re thinking about converting a Glock handgun using one of our glock conversion kits, you’ll be glad to know that you can use either a Glock 17 or a Glock 19 with any of our models. Want to see the Glock 17 and Glock 19 in action with our Micro-Roni or MCK?

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