"I believe that the Glock 17"...In your opinion maybe but there are plenty of folks who would disagree with that statement and/or offer up other pistols which they feel are much better than a glock 17... Like the Springfield XD9, S&W M&P, or Walther PPS, etc...
As an example...I haven't seen a Glock article which matches up to the Springfieldd Torture Test article or get get an endorsement from the National Police Officer's Labs...However, recently in my of my "gun" magizine I read an article entitled, "Are Glocks Safe"...
BTW here's an EXCELLENT XD9 Subcompact ARTICLE at Officer.Com from their Law Enforcement Technology Evaluation Team…
“The off-duty firearm needs to be a deliberate consideration. Law Enforcement Technology tested the Springfield Armory's XD9 Subcompact and found that it exceeds this standard.”…..You can view the article here.
Springfield’s XD9 Subcompact
http://www.officer.com/print/Law-Enforcement-Technology/Springfields-XD9-Subcompact/1$31772
Springfield XD Torture Test:
http://springfield-armory.primediaoutdoors.com/SPstory11.php
Let me be clear: I am NOT stating the Springfield XD9 is the best pistol out there I'm just pointing out there ARE MANY fine (new breed) semi-autos on the market today...Maybe the best offerings in the history of semi-autos (just an OPINION).