Glock 17 vs 19. How can I know which one is better for me?

Xeon06

Xeon06

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Hey folks,

I am wanting to make the acquisition of a 9mm Glock, and am hesitating between the 17 and the 19. I have previously shot 50 rounds of Glock 19 and liked it a lot, but I am not an experienced shooter and I don't know if there are other things that I should be taking into account. I don't have access to a place where I can try either anymore.

The first thing that comes to mind is the size, the Glock 19 being the compact version of the 17 if my understanding is good. When I shot a 19, it seemed to fit my hands well (I don't have big burly manly hands, but programmer hands ;)), but that was my only experience with it and I'm not sure if maybe I would have been better off with a bigger gun. I have this airsoft which is modeled after a Glock 32, which is a compact version. Could I use my airsoft to judge whether to buy a standard or compact Glock model? I am comfortable shooting it, but perhaps I am holding it in the wrong way. Are there some resources for holding handguns so I can see with the perfect technique how good the size is for me?

Another concern would be the price. It seems to me, from my searches, that Glock 19s are more expensive than Glock 17s. It may be due to the fact that there is a barrel change needed to make them not fall into the "prohibited" class, I don't know. I wouldn't mind paying more for the 19 if I knew it was the best match for me, but if not, then why waste the extra money.

My final thought is about accessories. Is it harder to find parts / accessories for compact models? I don't have much in particular in mind, although I would be interested in an eventual conversion kit for .22, which I hear they have in the states. Not sure about availability here.

I'd love if if people with more experience could chime in on this.

Thanks.
 
The main advantage of the mid-size G19 (9mmP) and 23 (40 S&W) is that they are smaller and lighter for 24/7 concealed carry when compared to the standard sized G17 and G22. People who have not carried concealed 24/7 may not think that it makes a difference, but it does. I have carried a G23 for 11 years during summer, and later (last 6 years before moving to Canada) alternating with a G35 in winter, so feel very comfortable with the size of the G19/G23. My wife owned and carried a G27 (to be able to match ammo and spare mags), but today I think a G26 would have served her better.

If you are concerned about the size of the G17, try the new Gen4 with the slim backstrap. It may just feel better in your hand.

Regarding other advantages of the G17 over the G19, it is slightly heavier and has a slightly longer sight radius, which makes it easier to shoot faster and aim more accurately than the G19. If you want to play IPSC, then get a G17. If you want full advantage of a Glock in IDPA, try the G34. If you want to pay the extra money and train as if you were in the real world where a defensive handgun may be part of your daily routine, get the G19. There are several G17 being advertised all around at reduced price, so this may still be a good starting point.

I have large hands and find the small G26 and G27 fit my hands best, because the little grip fits right into my hand and actually sits above the little finger. In recoil with full loads (why bother shooting anything else? If you want less recoil and save money, shoot 22 LR!) the 9mmP in the G26 is still easy to control, but I find my grip slipping when firing 5-6 shots with the G27 when using the standard 9-shot mag. With the extended +1 on the 9-shot mag (= 10-shot Canadian legal), slipping in the hand is reduced to the point where all 10 shots can be fired with full control.

Hope this helps.
RSA1
 
I like the 19 better than 17, but I like compact little guns. It's still big enough to shoot well.
 
never held a G19 But I have a G17 and my hands are not big by any means and I shoot the G17 very well. Love this pistol, and yes get the advantage Arms conversion kit to.
 
Goggle " Blue Guns " these are rubberized versions of the real thing, same weight same feel (for the most part) They ship to Canada as well! These are NOT REAL FIREARMS, but are great trainers! They only cost $30-$50 depending on where you get them
 
RSA1 said:
The main advantage of the mid-size G19 (9mmP) and 23 (40 S&W) is that they are smaller and lighter for 24/7 concealed carry when compared to the standard sized G17 and G22. People who have not carried concealed 24/7 may not think that it makes a difference, but it does. I have carried a G23 for 11 years during summer, and later (last 6 years before moving to Canada) alternating with a G35 in winter, so feel very comfortable with the size of the G19/G23. My wife owned and carried a G27 (to be able to match ammo and spare mags), but today I think a G26 would have served her better.

If you are concerned about the size of the G17, try the new Gen4 with the slim backstrap. It may just feel better in your hand.

Regarding other advantages of the G17 over the G19, it is slightly heavier and has a slightly longer sight radius, which makes it easier to shoot faster and aim more accurately than the G19. If you want to play IPSC, then get a G17. If you want full advantage of a Glock in IDPA, try the G34. If you want to pay the extra money and train as if you were in the real world where a defensive handgun may be part of your daily routine, get the G19. There are several G17 being advertised all around at reduced price, so this may still be a good starting point.

I have large hands and find the small G26 and G27 fit my hands best, because the little grip fits right into my hand and actually sits above the little finger. In recoil with full loads (why bother shooting anything else? If you want less recoil and save money, shoot 22 LR!) the 9mmP in the G26 is still easy to control, but I find my grip slipping when firing 5-6 shots with the G27 when using the standard 9-shot mag. With the extended +1 on the 9-shot mag (= 10-shot Canadian legal), slipping in the hand is reduced to the point where all 10 shots can be fired with full control.

Hope this helps.
RSA1
Click to expand...

G35 in the winter?!:confused: LOVE IT, I wish we could carry up here
 
If you wanted to modified the G17 with the aftermarket piece

You are Better choice and more modification is be able

I buy a G17 and G22C I appreciate is a same holster,mag pouch

I like my glock and I modified for Ipsc competing
 
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