What does the G19 have that the g17 doesn't??

[jmr40]

I gave my G-17 to my son after buying the 1st G-19. I now have 2 along with a G-26. The G-19 just shoots better and feels better, is slightly more compact and gives up nothing in ammo capacity since I can use G-17 and even G-18 magazines in it if I wish.

Nothing wrong with the G-17, but it doesn't offer me a single advantage over the G-19.

 

[ku4hx]

For the same reason I chose a Ford F-150 over an F-250. All things considered, the F-150 fit my needs better. They both do the same type things, they both have similar cabs and they both come with similar options. But the F-150 simply suited me better. Same for the G19.

But that doesn't mean I neglect either my G26 or my G17.

 

[mizer67]

1/2" less barrel and grip length.

IMO, the 19 is about the perfect size for carry, similar to a 3" 1911 in size with much greater capacity and reliability. The 17 is more similar in size to a FS 1911.

I always like to carry a FS gun when I can manage. The 17 is my personal favorite simply because of the slightly different balance, longer sight radius and longer grip which I doesn't give me a blood blister using during speed reloads like the 19.

 

[wunderkind]

One could argue it's the most size-efficient-for-the-caliber Glock. 15 round mags used to go into full-size handguns weighing 30-38 oz measuring between 7-8" in length. But the G19 comes in under 7" in length, weighs only 21 oz. Definitely a fighting-size pistol, but small enough for many to carry concealed.

It's a breeze to carry all day versus a 92FS, Sig P226, CZ75, or 5906, some of the most popular 15+1 9mm's of the last 2 decades.

The size and weight just seem to hit a sweet spot.

 

[psyopspec]

I shot both, and the 19 just fit me better. I think it's a mistake for shooters to assume that they are the same pistol in different sizes, and looking at the posts on this thread I'm not the only one. Same brand, same caliber, but they are different models with a different feel and should be treated that way when shopping for one.

 

[msparks]

For my the "in between" 19 doesn't do much for me.

I like the Glock for summer CCW. So I prefer the 26 with a +2 base (19 sized grip) but the shorter barrel takes off some weight and is easier to carry (I carry appendix 1 o'clock) so the shorter barrel doesn't dig into my pelvis like the longer barrels to.

I also have a 17 for shooting and home defense. It wears a TLR1 on the night stand.

I guess if I only had one, the 19 would get the job done. I just happen to have 2!

 

[RUT]

>>I just happen to have 2! <<

That's all??

 

[Wanderling]

I chose G17 over 19 simply because the groove spacing on 19 didn't feel as comfortable, sort of "pinching" my pinky finger. And I do not have large hands.

I did rent both & shot about 50 rds through each before buying. They were equally accurate so for me the longer sight radius is not an issue - or in other terms, either gun is more accurate than I am.

The difference in size between the two is also very marginal. IMHO in this particular situation, where both models are so dimensionally close, it's all about comfort. If G19 fits your hand well, it's the better of two - same great shooter, more concealable (if only by a little bit). If G17 feels more comfortable, go for it instead.

 

[jem375]

I prefer the G17 over the G19 any day. I carried a G26 for 6 months or so and it is not much smaller than the G19 and traded it off for something else.

 

[sawdeanz]

Not specific to G19, but when I was looking at my first pistol, I wanted something that would be a good shooter as it would primarily be a range/learning gun, so that ruled out the sub compacts and pocket pistols that didn't fit my hand. But I felt like a full size gun didn't really offer me anything that a midsize gun didn't, but at least I could conceivably conceal a midsize gun if and when I got my CWP. The G19 was the right size, but I ultimately went with the CZ P07. Plus I think the proportions just look better so it looks more attractive.
The velocity and competetive advantages that a full size gun offer are great for people who use their gun as part of their jobs or in competition, but for the average civilian I think it is an attractive size.

 

[chhodge69]

I don't think I've yet seen "the best gun" but my G19 is one of many acceptable compromises between the three C's: concealability, capacity and caliber.

 

[GLOOB]

The definition of a "full size" handgun has changed over the years. Show me a modern service sized handgun (aside from the "tacticals") that has a 5" barrel to match the good old 1911, or the 4.7" barrel of the Hi Power. The venerable (old) 92F has a 4.9" barrel. But pretty much all service pistols of recent design have gone shorter, even, than the 4.5" G17.

The G19 "compact" has a 4.0" barrel. The FN FNX has a 4.0" barrel. The Beretta PX4 has a 4.0" barrel. The Walther PPQ has a 4.0" barrel. The Ruger SR9 has 4.14" barrel. The M&P has a 4.25" barrel. So the G17 is practically a longslide variant, by today's standards.