Glock 17 vs. 19 & concealability

Which would you choose?

  • Glock 17

    Votes: 15 17.2%

  • Glock 19

    Votes: 72 82.8%
  • Total voters
    87
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Superpsy

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Okay...

Step one of getting into shooting handguns: Get a Ruger MKIII. Check.

I'm now in the process of choosing a second handgun and have narrowed it down to the Glock 17 vs. 19. (Don't try to talk me out of it: I've decided based on cost, reliability, availability of parts, fit etc. etc.)

My questions are these:

The 17 feels just slightly better in my hand because of the larger grip. The grip on the 19 makes it feel ever so slightly uncomfortable. (this difference is almost negligible) Should I forget about the 19 because of this?

The 19 is a tiny bit smaller than the 17. Is it really that much more concealable? I don't get why that would be. The 17 only has about an inch on the 19 barrel and about another inch longer grip. Does this really make a difference in concealing?

Which one would you choose? (Your personal preference...doesn't need to have a logical explanation)

OH, PLEASE, do not say to get both. That's not possible right now. =)
 
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G19 for concealablility...but you may have to sacrifice comfort of grip.

Try shooting 50-100 out of both and see if you can get used to the G19 when comparing.

...and I believe that there will be more Glocks in your future.
 
It's more like a half inch difference. For me an extra half an inch is a lot in carry gun, as the 19 is not that small to begin with. I voted G19 for both concealment and carry comfort. It's not going to be of any use if you don't carry it on a regular basis.
 
I prefer the 17 for fit in my hand also. The 19 seems to squish my second and third finger together. If I want a smaller Glock I want one significantly smaller - I prefer the 26 for concealed carry but have used the 17...it ain't no bigger than a full size 1911. The grip is the hard part to conceal and the right holster with appropriate cover garments can take care of that. A lot of folks say the 19 is the best of both worlds and it may be for some, just not me. Picking a pistol for concealed carry is a personal thing depending on your situation, size, fit to hand, etc., etc...no one can choose for you but between the 17 and the 19, for me, it would be the 17. By what I gather, the 17 is the most durable, reliable Glock made - after all, it was the first. ;)
 
I voted for the 19 because of it's excellent size and balance but Ken Rainy is absolutely right, the 17 is no bigger than the 1911 and can easily be carried concealed especially if you're a bigger guy or gal.......
 
I voted for the 19 because of it's excellent size and balance but Ken Rainy is absolutely right, the 17 is no bigger than the 1911 and can easily be carried concealed especially if you're a bigger guy or gal.......
Click to expand...

big guy here. 6 foot 1 inch and 230 pounds. thanks for the input so far...its pretty helpful.
 
Even a small difference in size and weight can make a big difference when it comes to all day carry comfort. I've certainly had that point driven home a couple times transitioning to smaller/lighter carry guns. I use the G19 now and I think its perfect.

I'd only go for the G17 if your little finger is falling off the bottom of the grip. If it is just the positioning of the finger grooves that is bothering you, you can get the frame modified to have them removed.
 
I love the G19....the only problem I have with the G17 is the grip is a touch long for concealment (this from the guy who carries a G21 off duty sometimes)...I cursed the day I sold my G19...I have made up for it though with a new to me G26!
 
the grip is what is hard to conceal the bit extra barrel won't really matter but the grip will. i would go with the 19.
 
The 19 is a tiny bit smaller than the 17. Is it really that much more concealable? I don't get why that would be. The 17 only has about an inch on the 19 barrel and about another inch longer grip. Does this really make a difference in concealing?
Click to expand...


In my experience, that small bit makes the difference. Ever little bit adds up in a carry weapon. I was in your shoes not long ago. I considered both; I picked the 19, and am glad I did. Im an average sized guy; 5'9 , 185lbs. , I find the G19 comfortable to carry all day , and easy to conceal. I wouldnt go back and change my decision.
 
If it wasn't for pistols like the CZ-75D PCR or Sig P228 I'd be carrying a Glock G19. Great choice!
 
Having carried both I'll give you my take. My agency issued G19s (also authorized G17s) and later G26s. I wore plainclothes. The G26 and 19 were so close in size I turned in the 19 and got a 17, In short if you're comparing the 26 and 17 there is a difference. The only way I'd consider a G19 more concealable than a 17 is if I had to fit it in a specific size box and the 17 was too big.

No real difference in concealing a G17 or G19 they are too close in size.

If you're buying only one 9mm Glock I'd get the 19.
 
Glock 19

If you intend to carry your GLOCK with a concealed carry permit, then go for the GLOCK 19. If it is just for shooting or home defense. Then you should buy what is most comfortable for you.

I carried both and found no difference in how they shot. The GLOCK 19 was just easier to conceal.

Jim
 
I carry a G19, it is about the perfect size for CCW. I also have a G17 and have been know to carry that as well. I am 6'3" and 239. It may not seem like much, but it is when you carry.
 
Which one would you choose?
Click to expand...
Without question, the Glock 17 because it fits. I have large hands and the 19 is too small while the 17 seems to be made for my hand. I recommend you get the one that feels the best in your hand. The margin of difference between the two w/ respect to concealability is almost nothing.
 
Superspy,

Good for you.

I carry the G17 concealed all of the time, through every season, exclusively.

It has been my experience over the last eighteen years, that it conceals just as readily as the 19 does, the extra half inch of length disappears under a T-shirt or loose unbuttoned shirt easily and painlessly, and I get a gun that fits my hand better than the 19 and gives me two more rounds of 9mm as well in the deal.

Add to this, that you get another 1/2" of sight radius for better accuracy potential with a pistol that lies just as flat as the 19 out of the deal and life gets no better than that.

Pick the premium SD ammunition of your choice and you are ready to go.

GS
 
get the 17. then get the 26. you don't want a gun that is uncomfortable to shoot as your second handgun, IMO
 
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