- Before buying a Glock handgun, consider comparing the Glock 17 vs. 19 to see if one of these models has everything you’re looking for in a pistol.
- The Glock 17 is the larger of the two options and has a higher factory magazine capacity, making it the ideal choice for those planning to use a pistol for competitive shooting or home defense.
- The Glock 19 is smaller in stature than the Glock 17, making it a better concealed-carry handgun despite its slightly lower magazine capacity.
Glock makes some of the best handguns in the world. Military members, law enforcement officers, and civilians routinely use them. Although all their pistols are popular, the Glock 17 and Glock 19 typically take the top spots in the eyes of many gun owners.
When you compare the Glock 17 vs. 19, you will find that these pistols are both capable and effective. They’re also chambered in 9mm and have similar designs, materials, and testing standards. However, if you take a good, long look at them, you will also notice a big difference between a Glock 19 and 17.
Knowing what sets the Glock 17 and Glock 19 apart is essential if you're in the market for a Glock. We have pitted the two models against one another here to see how they stack up so you can decide which one to invest in.
The Glock 17 and 19 each have many generation models, but for the purposes of this article, we will compare the factory Gen5 models. See what separates them below.
Glock 17 vs. 19: Barrel Length and Size
After comparing the Glock 17 vs. 19, you will find these pistols are similar in many ways. However, one major difference between a Glock 19 and a Glock 17 is their respective sizes. The Glock 17 is a full-sized pistol, while the Glock 19 is a compact or midsize pistol. They fire the same caliber, have identical triggers, and include the same barrel rifling, but the Glock 19 has a shorter barrel, grip, and slide.
More specifically, the Glock 17 has a 4.48-inch barrel (114 mm), while the Glock 19 has a 4-inch barrel (102 mm). Since the Glock 19 has a shorter barrel, it is also shorter overall than the Glock 17. It is 7.28 inches (185 mm), while the Glock 17 is 8.03 inches (204 mm).
When it comes to concealment, which is what most compact pistols are designed for, the height of a handgun’s grip is typically a more critical factor than the length of its slide. It highlights why you must also consider this when comparing the Glock 17 vs. 19. The Glock 17 has a grip height of 6.50 inches (165 mm), while the Glock 19 has a grip height of 5.04 inches (128 mm).
The only time you won’t see a difference between a Glock 19 and a Glock 17 in terms of size will come when you compare their slide width and overall width. They’re both the same size in this department.
Glock 17 vs. 19: Recoil and Accuracy
The recoil and accuracy of a Glock 17 vs. 19 will vary depending on the person shooting them. But generally speaking, the Glock 17 and Glock 19 have established reputations for being extremely accurate, even in the hands of average shooters.
Some people claim the Glock 17 is more accurate than the Glock 19 since it has a longer barrel, theoretically giving bullets more stabilization from longer distances and positively impacting accuracy. However, it is difficult to sense a noticeable difference between a Glock 19 and a Glock 17 from an accuracy perspective. Each features the unique Polygonal rifling used in Glock pistols to provide exceptional accuracy. Glock has also modified the rifling and crown on Gen5 models to increase their precision further.
The same applies to the recoil of the Glock 17 and 19. Conventional wisdom might suggest that the Glock 19 and its slightly shorter grip would produce more recoil. But despite this grip and the fact that the Glock 19 is lighter than the Glock 17, there is no noticeable difference in recoil. It is so insignificant that it would take a real handgun expert to pick up on it.
Glock 17 vs. 19: Magazine Capacity
The Glock 17 can hold 17 rounds of 9mm ammunition in its magazine, with one more in the chamber. This is not where the 17 in its name comes from — it refers to the patent number, not its magazine capacity — but it manages to best the Glock 19 in this category, which only has a capacity of 15 rounds, with one more in the chamber. It has a shorter slide, translating to a shorter magazine.
All that being said, one other thing you must know when comparing the Glock 17 vs. 19 is that you can use Glock 17 magazines in a Glock 19 or even opt for higher capacity magazines. This will offset the slight difference between a Glock 19 and Glock 17 in the magazine capacity category. However, doing this will make the Glock 19 bulkier and more difficult to conceal, as it will no longer technically be a “compact” pistol. It could make the Glock 17 a stronger option if you want to give yourself access to larger magazines capable of holding more rounds.
Should You Get a Glock 17 or Glock 19?
You can’t go wrong with the Glock 17 or Glock 19. They are both versatile pistols that should satisfy most handgun users. Still, you shouldn’t let that stop you from comparing the Glock 17 vs. 19 to see which option looks and feels the best and performs up to your expectations.
If you are searching for a full-sized pistol, perhaps for competitive shooting, the Glock 17 will be the winner. It’s also an excellent option for those looking for a home-defense handgun with a higher capacity from the jump.
If, on the other hand, you are trying to track down a concealed-carry pistol that is both comfortable and powerful, the Glock 19 may be the better choice. Either way, it will not take long to see why these handguns are so widely used by militaries and law enforcement organizations all across the world.
Still unsure about which option to choose, even after hearing about the difference between a Glock 19 and Glock 17? Let’s finish things off by laying out the pros and cons of each.
Glock 17 Pros and Cons
You can compare the Glock 17 vs. 19 further by seeing the pros and cons of the Glock 17.
Pros:
- Larger frame for easier control
- Higher factory magazine capacity
- Longer barrel for slightly improved accuracy
- Heavier weight for somewhat reduced recoil
Cons:
- Not as concealable as the Glock 19
Glock 19 Pros and Cons
You can see the difference between a Glock 19 and a Glock 17 by considering the pros and cons of the Glock 19.
Pros:
- More concealable than the Glock 17
- Faster cycling rate
Cons:
- Lower factory magazine capacity
Understand the Difference Between a Glock 19 and a Glock 17 Before Buying One
Comparing the Glock 17 vs. 19 reveals that these options are among some of the planet's best semi-automatic 9mm pistols. It also indicates they can both be used for almost any application. However, their slight differences make them ideal for different gun owners.
Anyone who wants a Glock that excels when used for home defense or competitive shooting will appreciate the Glock 17’s larger size and higher magazine capacity. Those looking for a smaller handgun that is a better option for concealed carry, meanwhile, may want to stick with a Glock 19, thanks to its more compact design.
Regardless of which direction you decide to go in, Wing Tactical has a massive selection of grade-A Glock 17 and Glock 19 parts. Start shopping for them on our website today.
Additional Glock Resources
Glock 17 and Glock 19 Upgrades