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joe9838
Oct 15, 20245 min read

Glock 17 & Glock 19: A Comprehensive Comparison and Evolution Over Five Generations

Updated: Nov 14, 2024


The Glock 17 and Glock 19 are two of the most popular handguns in the world, trusted by civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel alike. Known for their reliability, simplicity, and widespread use, these pistols have evolved significantly over five generations. This article explores the history of the Glock 17 and Glock 19, their differences, and the improvements made over each generation.


The History of the Glock 17 and Glock 19

Glock 17: The Original

The Glock 17 was introduced in 1982 as the first model in the Glock series. Designed by Gaston Glock, the G17 became an instant success due to its revolutionary use of a polymer frame, lightweight design, and Safe Action® system. The G17 was designed for military and law enforcement use but quickly gained popularity among civilians for personal defense and sport shooting.

  • Capacity: 17+1 rounds of 9mm.

  • Best Use: Military, law enforcement, target shooting, and home defense.

Glock 19: The Compact Version

The Glock 19 was introduced in 1988 as a compact version of the Glock 17, designed to offer greater concealability while maintaining the reliability and functionality of the original. The G19 shares many of the same features as the G17 but with a smaller frame and slide, making it ideal for concealed carry and personal defense.

  • Capacity: 15+1 rounds of 9mm.

  • Best Use: Concealed carry, personal defense, and law enforcement.


Glock Generational Improvements

The Glock 17 and Glock 19 have evolved through five generations, each introducing new features and enhancements to improve performance, ergonomics, and safety. Here’s a breakdown of the improvements seen in each generation:

Glock Generation 1

  • Release Year: 1982 (G17), 1988 (G19)

  • Key Features: The original Glock design featured a polymer frame, the Safe Action® system, and an internal striker. It was revolutionary for its time due to its simplicity and lightweight construction.

  • Pros: Reliable, simple design, and lightweight.

  • Cons: No accessory rail, no interchangeable backstraps, and the grip lacked texture.

Glock Generation 2

  • Release Year: 1988

  • Key Features: The second generation added a checkered grip pattern for better control and improved magazine floorplates for easier reloading.

  • Pros: Better grip texture and improved handling.

  • Cons: Still no accessory rail or customizable grip.

Glock Generation 3

  • Release Year: 1998

  • Key Features: Gen 3 introduced the accessory rail for attaching lights and lasers, an improved recoil spring, and finger grooves on the grip. These upgrades made the Glock more versatile and comfortable for extended shooting sessions.

  • Pros: Accessory rail, finger grooves, and improved ergonomics.

  • Cons: Some shooters disliked the finger grooves.

Glock Generation 4

  • Release Year: 2010

  • Key Features: Gen 4 introduced interchangeable backstraps for a customizable grip, a dual recoil spring for reduced felt recoil, and an enlarged magazine release for easier operation. These upgrades focused on user comfort and control.

  • Pros: Customizable grip, better recoil management, and easier reloading.

  • Cons: The texture was too aggressive for some users.

Glock Generation 5

  • Release Year: 2017

  • Key Features: Gen 5 made several refinements, including the removal of finger grooves plus adding an ambidextrous slide stop and a Marksman barrel for improved accuracy. The grip texture was refined for better control, and the flared magazine well allowed for faster reloads.

  • Pros: Ambidextrous controls, better accuracy, and improved ergonomics.

  • Cons: Slightly heavier due to added features.


Glock 17 vs. Glock 19: Key Differences

Size and Weight

  • Glock 17: The G17 has a longer slide (7.32 inches) and overall length (8.03 inches), making it more suited for open carry or use in duty roles. It weighs 32.28 ounces loaded.

  • Glock 19: The G19 is more compact, with a shorter slide (6.85 inches) and overall length (7.36 inches), making it ideal for concealed carry. It weighs 30.16 ounces loaded.

Capacity

  • Glock 17: 17+1 rounds of 9mm.

  • Glock 19: 15+1 rounds of 9mm.

The Glock 17 holds two more rounds than the Glock 19, but both pistols can use extended magazines for additional capacity.

Best Use

  • Glock 17: Ideal for military, law enforcement, and home defense due to its full-size frame and larger capacity.

  • Glock 19: Preferred for concealed carry, personal defense, and as a backup gun for law enforcement due to its compact size.


Law Enforcement and Military Use

The Glock 17 and Glock 19 have been widely adopted by law enforcement and military units around the world due to their reliability, simplicity, and low maintenance requirements. Here’s how they’re used in different sectors:

Law Enforcement

  • Glock 17: The G17 is a popular duty weapon for law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. Its high capacity, reliability, and durability make it a top choice for police officers and SWAT teams.

  • Glock 19: The G19 is often used as a backup gun for law enforcement or as a duty weapon for officers who prefer a more compact firearm. Its ease of concealment makes it an excellent choice for undercover work or off-duty carry.

Military

  • Glock 17: The G17 has been adopted by various military forces worldwide, including NATO forces. Its reliability in extreme conditions has made it a standard-issue sidearm in several countries.

  • Glock 19: The G19 is often favored by special operations units due to its compact size and the ability to carry it concealed. U.S. Special Forces have adopted the G19 as a standard sidearm in many operations.


Special Editions and Variants

Over the years, Glock has released several special editions and variants of both the Glock 17 and Glock 19. These models often feature unique finishes, custom engravings, or special accessories.

Glock 17L

  • A long-slide variant of the Glock 17, the G17L is designed for competition shooting, with an extended barrel and slide for improved accuracy.

Glock 19X

  • The Glock 19X combines the full-size frame of the Glock 17 with the compact slide of the Glock 19. This hybrid model was developed for military trials and has become popular among civilians for its unique balance of size and capacity.

TALO Exclusive Models

  • TALO distributors frequently release exclusive Glock models, including variants with custom finishes, such as FDE (Flat Dark Earth) or battle-worn designs. These editions are often sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.


Both the Glock 17 and Glock 19 offer exceptional reliability and performance, making them two of the most popular handguns in the world. If you’re looking for a full-size pistol for home defense or duty use, the Glock 17 is the better option due to its larger capacity and longer sight radius. For those seeking a concealed carry or backup gun, the Glock 19 offers the perfect balance of size, capacity, and portability.


Looking to add a Glock 17 or Glock 19 to your collection? Check out our inventory of Glock pistols, including special editions and accessories. Explore our inventory here and let us know if you'd like us to order one for you.





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