I am interested in the relative merits of these two guns. I am unlikely to use it extensively for carry, but this is a consideration; I might like to put it in an IWB holdster from time to time. I am also more interested in the adjustable sight models, if that makes a difference wrt recommendations.
Glock 17 vs 19
- Thread starter gunnovice
- Start date
- Status
It depends on how easily you can conceal the 17. if you can conceal that, get it (higher capacity, longer barrel, the latter also helps with when your shooting for target practice). if the 17 is too bulky go for the 19 (the capacity is still, what, 15?). probably just as good but more easily conceable when you want to carry it.
~tmm
~tmm
PinnedAndRecessed
member
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2004
- Messages
- 1,541
I debated the same issue. Only in handling the two it felt as if the 17 would be more controllable under recoil because of the larger grip. I have big hands.
So I went with the 17. Bought a new 3rd generation. I'm very pleased.
So I went with the 17. Bought a new 3rd generation. I'm very pleased.
chakup
Member
I got the 19 since I planned on carrying it. easier to conceal, you can use the G17 or G18 mags in it still, lighter. Recoil is still very very manageable.
neil minor
Member
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2006
- Messages
- 75
I chose the 19 because of size. While I realize the 17 should improve my shooting, I went with the 19 for concealed carry. I sometimes carry my Taurus Mill Pro but I am trying to get used to the Glock. Overall, I feel that selecting the 19 was a good decision. It fits my hand well.
10-Ring
Member
I went with the 19 myself. That mid size just works the best for me 
Easy to point, really good accuracy and since I'm in a state that only allows 10 round mags, why take on the added size???
Easy to point, really good accuracy and since I'm in a state that only allows 10 round mags, why take on the added size??? Phantom Warrior
Member
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2003
- Messages
- 1,073
A Glock 22 and a Glock 23 is the same question as a 17 and a 19, just in a different caliber (.40 S&W). I got a Glock 23 for my first gun and have been nothing but pleased with it.
As mentioned, the Glock 19 is a little smaller, thus easier to conceal, but you sacrifice two rounds (17 vs. 15) and have a little less room for your hands and barrel length. Personally, and this is just an opinion, I would suggest the 19 for a first gun, unless you have large hands and really need the 17. The Glock 19 is easy to conceal comfortably. I do it all the time with my 23 under nothing but a largish T-shirt. The mid-sized Glock frame also happens to fit me very well. I have medium to large hands. And the Glock 19 is still big enough to be an extremely comfortable, easy to shoot gun. If you aren't going to carry a lot and want something that's comfortable to shoot at the range, but still want something to carry easily the Glock 19 is a good choice.
The bottom line is you will be well served by either and it's personal preference what you get.
P.S. Neither of these come stock with adjustable sights. That would be an aftermarket addition. Glock makes a model with adjustable sights (the Glock 34), but it's significantly larger.
As mentioned, the Glock 19 is a little smaller, thus easier to conceal, but you sacrifice two rounds (17 vs. 15) and have a little less room for your hands and barrel length. Personally, and this is just an opinion, I would suggest the 19 for a first gun, unless you have large hands and really need the 17. The Glock 19 is easy to conceal comfortably. I do it all the time with my 23 under nothing but a largish T-shirt. The mid-sized Glock frame also happens to fit me very well. I have medium to large hands. And the Glock 19 is still big enough to be an extremely comfortable, easy to shoot gun. If you aren't going to carry a lot and want something that's comfortable to shoot at the range, but still want something to carry easily the Glock 19 is a good choice.
The bottom line is you will be well served by either and it's personal preference what you get.
P.S. Neither of these come stock with adjustable sights. That would be an aftermarket addition. Glock makes a model with adjustable sights (the Glock 34), but it's significantly larger.
BozemanMT
Member
G19
i'm a big guy (ok, really big) and the 19 is about perfect
the 17 is too big
go with teh 19, can't go wrong, for all the reasons listed above
i'm a big guy (ok, really big) and the 19 is about perfect
the 17 is too big
go with teh 19, can't go wrong, for all the reasons listed above
I own a Model 34 and two Model 26 Glocks and am looking to buy a Model 19.
I think the Model 19 is the general best choice for overall size, control, and concealability
Meprolight produces an excellent fully adjustable tritium capsule rear sight that fits flush on the rear edge of any Glock upper.
I have one on my Model 34 and am pleased with it.
I think you can buy just the rear sight.
Mine came as a set of front and rear and the front sight that came with the set mikes at .304" high and is way too tall to be practical on the Model 19.
Just buy the rear sight only if you can and look for a .200" high tritium front to go with it.
I think the Model 19 is the general best choice for overall size, control, and concealability
Meprolight produces an excellent fully adjustable tritium capsule rear sight that fits flush on the rear edge of any Glock upper.
I have one on my Model 34 and am pleased with it.
I think you can buy just the rear sight.
Mine came as a set of front and rear and the front sight that came with the set mikes at .304" high and is way too tall to be practical on the Model 19.
Just buy the rear sight only if you can and look for a .200" high tritium front to go with it.
TOADMAN
Member
If you are going to CC - get the 19...If you don't get the G19 - get the G26. The 26 is easier to CC than the 19.
aguyindallas
Member
I have the G17 which I use exclusively for IDPA. I could carry it, but why? I just picked up a G19 that I will put into my carry rotation after I shoot it enough to feel comfortable trusting my life in it. When the break in is smooth, it will be ready to go. I carry a G26 all the time, in an ankle holster.
My take:
G17, Great all around. Target, HD, realistic to carry.
G19, Great target, HD, Great to carry
G26, Great carry gun, especially in the needs of deep carry.
My take:
G17, Great all around. Target, HD, realistic to carry.
G19, Great target, HD, Great to carry
G26, Great carry gun, especially in the needs of deep carry.
DougW
Member
I have a 1st gen 17 and a 3rd gen 19. I say GET BOTH! That way, you can choose what to use depending on your mood. In real cold weather (well, real cold for N Texas anyway) I can carry the 17 in my Houston Holster with a +2 mag under a fleece shirt, giving me 20 rounds in the gun. When it warms up (Feb thru Nov) then the 19 with a standard mag and a spare with the +2 base, under a T shirt or Hawaiian shirt untucked. I have used both in 3 gun matches, and I think I actually like the 19 a little better all around, but I am not going to part with the 17. Now all I need is a 26, and I am good to go! 
Preacherman
Member
Remember that you can easily "trim" the butt of a G17 to the same length as a G19. That gives you the full-length barrel and sight radius of the G17, with the more concealable butt of the G19. Use G19 mags for holster carry, and G17 mags as spares.
That said, I've carried the G23 and (sometimes) the G19 in an IWB holster with no trouble at all. I prefer the G27/G26 for pocket or ankle carry.
That said, I've carried the G23 and (sometimes) the G19 in an IWB holster with no trouble at all. I prefer the G27/G26 for pocket or ankle carry.
ugaarguy
Member
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2006
- Messages
- 13,828
Go with the G19 it will be better for carry, but is still a great size pistol for target/plinking/home defense. The G17/22 size are good as a traditional duty pistol while the 26/27 are great for deeper concealment. If you really like the 19 and want a more target oriented Glock later you might just want to skip the 17 and get a 34. If you want better concealment get a G26. I think the 19/23 frame size Glocks are the best choice for all around use.
Fred Fuller
Moderator Emeritus
IMO the 19 is the perfect envelope for the 9mm round. The gun just seems more manageable than any other service pistol I've dealt with in the caliber in all ways- carrying and shooting, it just works better. And I've had a 17 for a long time too, but the 19... well, between us (myself and my wife) there are five 19s in the house now... and she has a 26 too, so it isn't as if we can't pick the Glock 9mm we prefer.
lpl/nc
lpl/nc
FPrice
Member
I prefer the 19 over the 17. The basic reason is the interface of the gun with my hand. The 19 fits my hand well and I can take a firing position with my eyes closed and when I open them the sights are pretty well aligned for me. But with the 17, the muzzle is pointed up a bit. It's the way the curve of the backstrap hits the palm of my hand. Other than that, the 17 is a good gun, just not right for me.
The 26 also fits me well and that is my primary carry piece now.
The 26 also fits me well and that is my primary carry piece now.
Thiokol
member
I have big hands and figured that the G-17 would be the way to go. Luckily, my local range had a G-17 & a G-19 rentals so I tried both. The G-19 was an all around better pistol for me. Try to shoot both before you decide.
silicon wolverine
member
im with thiokol. try them out if at all possible. I did and found the 17 to be a better fit with the hams i call hands. the 19 just dissapeared inside my grip.
SW
SW
Devonai
Member
For many years my Beretta 92FS was my only pistol and I carried it year round, so in my mind my Glock 22 is a compact pistol.
I find no difference in handling between the G17/22/31 and the G19/23/32. I prefer the Glock 22 for the ever-so-small increase in muzzle velocity and the flush-fit 15 round mags.
I find no difference in handling between the G17/22/31 and the G19/23/32. I prefer the Glock 22 for the ever-so-small increase in muzzle velocity and the flush-fit 15 round mags.
valorius
member
If you plan on carrying the pistol, the 19 is a clearly superior choice...IMO.
The Lone Haranguer
Member
If you can rent and shoot both, do so, then choose based on whichever performs better for you, feels better in your hand or whatever. The only major advantage of the 19 is smaller size for concealability. Of course, the OP's question was answered four years ago.
Last edited:
whatnickname
Member
G19 or G17
Personally I think the G19 is just about perfect. Small enough to use as CCW. Comfortable to carry. Not too heavy. Not so long that you get the butt of the gun jammed up under your ribs when you sit with the pistol in a belt holster...yes I know that there are other holster options available for larger guns that avoid this. My system works for me. Long enough sight radius that scoring hits is not too hard. Like I said just about perfect IMHO.
Personally I think the G19 is just about perfect. Small enough to use as CCW. Comfortable to carry. Not too heavy. Not so long that you get the butt of the gun jammed up under your ribs when you sit with the pistol in a belt holster...yes I know that there are other holster options available for larger guns that avoid this. My system works for me. Long enough sight radius that scoring hits is not too hard. Like I said just about perfect IMHO.
Rokman
Member
I would go G19 over G17 for cc. I would and do go G26 for IWB holster.
- Status