My wife and kids were gone for the weekend and my local range was closed so I decided to take an hour drive on Saturday to the closest indoor range to me. I took my Beretta 92FS and while I was there decided to rent a Glock 19 since I was curious and had no previous Glock experience. All I can say is wow. I've never shot a handgun before as well as I was shooting the 19. I can't explain why, but I was driving nails with it (so to speak). I was shooting it and my 92 back to back and was definately producing tighter groups with the 19. I think I know what my next pistol purchase will be but I'm debating between the 19 and the 17. This pistol will be used primarily as a range/home defense weapon so concealibility really isn't a concern. What would be the major differences (if any) between the two? Grip angles, trigger, etc the same? Appreciate any feedback.
Glock 17 or 19 - Range/Home Defense Pistol
- Thread starter marb4
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fatcat4620
Member
The 17 is a half inch longer and taller, and holds two more rounds. Everything else is the same. If you like the 19 then go for it.
dogtown tom
Member
The G17 is a little longer and a little taller than the G19.
The G19 can use 17 mags, but they will stick out bit.
http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=5&f=13&t=35330
The G19 can use 17 mags, but they will stick out bit.
http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=5&f=13&t=35330
That is to close to call and will be best determined by you and your hand size.
As for me after ownning more than one of each I prefer the 19.But the sights
I have on it gave me the same sight radius as my 17 and the grip fits my hand
better.
As for me after ownning more than one of each I prefer the 19.But the sights
I have on it gave me the same sight radius as my 17 and the grip fits my hand
better.
ForumSurfer
Member
I wouldn't consider the 17 if it were to never be a ccw weapon, if that were the case I'd just get a 34. I have a gen4 26, gen4 19 and a gen4 34. I can't see why anyone would pick the 17 over the 34. I've actually even concealed carried with the 34 on a few occasions. The 17 only has 1/2" more sight radius compared to the 19. The 34 has a over an inch more sight radius than the 17, and an inch and a 1/2 over the 19. Of course, more sight radius gives you more capability to do better AND more capability to magnify your mistakes. You'll hear people praising their g34's and just as many people saying they couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with a 34. 
That being said, the 19 has a certain "feel" to it and it was the one that won me over to the dark side. If I could have only one glock, that would be it.
That being said, the 19 has a certain "feel" to it and it was the one that won me over to the dark side. If I could have only one glock, that would be it.
bannockburn
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I would go with the Model 19 if it feels that much more comfortable and natural in your hand. I have had a Model 17 for many years now but would still recommend the Model 19 as being more versatile and handier to use than the slightly larger Model 17.
ForumSurfer
Member
I equated the 17 I had to commander sized 19...albeit a little more thick. They're really wasn't much difference when I started carrying the 17 over a 1911, and the 19 was just a pleasure to carry. It felt quite a bit less noticeable than the aluminum framed commander I previously carried. If you've ever carried a full sized 1911 concealed, you can carry the 34 IMHO.
But the 34 just does everything the 17 does only better in my experience with it. Neither is my choice for daily carry, but I could carry either. The extra length of .83" inches (8.15" vs 7.32") isn't much in terms of concealment. But a full 1" in sight radius is pretty tremendous IF you are able to take advantage of it...especially the 1.5" difference between the 19 I'm more used to.
Honestly though, the 19 sees more use (carry and nightstand duty) because I've just plain shot more often with it. More rounds = more confidence. Test drive both and see which feels better to you.
I shoot the G-19 better than the G-17 although in theory the G-17 should be more accurate. I gave my G-17 to my son when he turned 21 and bought a 2nd G-19. I keep the G-19 mags in the gun but use G-17 mags as spares for both the G-19 and G-26.
Even though the 19 and 17 are so close dimensionally, they have a very different feel and point differently as well. I used to struggle with the 17 because it just didn't fit me right. When I finally got around to trying the 19 it was like it was made for me.
ForumSurfer
Member
It was the same for me initially. I even sold that first glock (a gen4 17) after determining I didn't like it. Sooner or later I ended up with a gen4 19 that felt natural. A couple of years of owning the gen4 19, I tried another gen4 17 and it felt natural this go around. Now I can't remember what all my fussing was about (and a little voice in my head said "you have been assimilated").
mgmorden
Member
Try out a 17 and see if you like it as much (or more).
I do own a Glock 17, and I own other guns that are the size of the 19 but don't own one. Just personally, unless I'm trying to conceal it I'll always take extra barrel length and capacity. To a large degree I do agree that with that mindset a Glock 34 is a better choice even then, but they do cost a bit more (and are rarer to find deals on used), so if cost is part of the equation then that might steer you more towards the 17.
I do own a Glock 17, and I own other guns that are the size of the 19 but don't own one. Just personally, unless I'm trying to conceal it I'll always take extra barrel length and capacity. To a large degree I do agree that with that mindset a Glock 34 is a better choice even then, but they do cost a bit more (and are rarer to find deals on used), so if cost is part of the equation then that might steer you more towards the 17.
Onward Allusion
Member
If it's strictly range and home-defense, go with the 17 but they're pretty close to identical. Personally, I'd go with the 34 if it will strictly range & HD.
ACP
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Get the 19. You're already pleased with it and mentally believe you can shoot it well. If you get a 17 you may notice the extra slide and grip length and not shoot as well. Then you'll always wonder 'what if" about the 19.
When you find a pistol you shoot well, buy it. The point is to hit the target, whether it be at the range or in a home break-in situation. You shoot the G19 well, so buy it.
When you find a pistol you shoot well, buy it. The point is to hit the target, whether it be at the range or in a home break-in situation. You shoot the G19 well, so buy it.
jfrey
Member
Get the G19 and go shoot it.
My advice would be to buy them both, in fact, why not complete the full circuit and add a G26 to the battery too!
Normally for your projected use for the Glock, I would suggest the fullsize 17, but since you already have a full sized weapon, I'd suggest the 19. Even though you don't forsee yourself concealing your next purchase, you'd have the ablility to (or more so than the 92 or G17).
el Godfather
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Since you mentioned Range and HD, not SD/CCW, I would suggest G17. However, if you want to have it as a CCW as well then a Glock 19 'C' model.
coolluke01
Member
+1 for the G34. I had a Gen 4 17 that I really liked. But when I learned that the G34 was made to fit in the IDPA box I traded the 17 for a Gen 4 34. What a great gun!
I have carried my G34 but I prefer to carry my Gen 4 26.
Sight radius is one big advantage. The longer barrel help it come back down on target faster than any another glock in the same caliber.
I have carried my G34 but I prefer to carry my Gen 4 26.
Sight radius is one big advantage. The longer barrel help it come back down on target faster than any another glock in the same caliber.
jerkface11
Member
For home defense and range duty I use a 34.
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