Which gen Glock 17 do I want?

I won't address the fit in hand/ergos (a.k.a. finger grooves) because that's subjective and unique to each individual.

I went through the same dilemma recently and finally ordered a Gen 5 with the Glock Night Sights last weekend.

A Gen 5 is $47 more expensive than a Gen 4, and for what I got in return, I felt it was the sensible choice: a flared mag well, "normal" land and grooves barrel, and an ambidextrous slide release were worthy of the extra $47.

For another $48, mine has the factory Glock Night Sights. No need to fiddle with the installation of aftermarket sights. Another plus.

Finally, owning the latest generation of anything makes it more likely that you will get longer support (factory or aftermarket).
 
Last edited:
Any 17 will do you fine. Just get out there and shoot the crap out of it, THEN decide what extras you may want. I have had a gen 2, 3 and am currently on a 4. If you feel the additions on the later gens are something you need/ desire then go for it other wise grab a cheap one off the EE and have at er. I have been eyeing the Gen5 and the 19x but I am in no rush to run out and get one. My Gen 4 does me just fine. I prefer the more aggressive grip patter on the 4 over the 3 and I dislike the idea of adding grip/ traction tape or grip sleeves.
But what ever you do get, be sure to post pictures and a range report!
 
Gen3 Glocks feel awful on my hand. (Gen 2 was better) but love my gen4. It's what converted me to gocks actually. I handled a gen5 and didn't feel any improvements. If someone had fat fingers I could see how grooves would not align well but for my avarage/L size hands gen 4 groves fall right where should.
 
Don't worry too much about fit/nuanced features. Virtually all Glocks are reliable. Buy a gun and shoot the heck out of it find out what works for you. If you don't care about what really matters, just buy whichever one you think is pretty ;)

I like Lucas's video (T Rex) that speaks to this point towards the end. but the whole video is worth a watch nonetheless

 
Such a personal preference, I've owned all of the above, shoot some of your friends and get a feel for it.
I just took my 19x out to the range today and it was incredible (it takes G17 mags)
 
Having not handled any 17's, does it matter what gen I get?

It absolutely matters, but mostly due to handling, so get out there and handle some to decided what you want.

The biggest issue is the finger grooves. If you like them you will want to look for a Gen 3 or 4. If you don't you will want to look for a Gen 2 or 5.

If you want the front rail you will need Gen 3 or later. If you care about a genuine Tenifer finish you will need to find Gen 3 or earlier.

Forget about Gen 1, they are fairly rare and essentially of interest to collectors. I looked for one for almost a year before I gave up and bought a Gen 2.
 
Back
Top Bottom