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.
| 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 |
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.
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:
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.
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:
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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
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.
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 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:
 Glock 17 Check Price |
 Glock 19 Check Price |
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:
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.