Glock 17 Vs 19: Tested And Reviewed By A CCW Instructor
- Gary Anderson
- Jan 23
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 27
What is the difference between Glock 17 and 19? Each has unique strengths and weaknesses, and I hope my review will help you decide which is right for you.
FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing.
Glocks have become iconic over time as a reliable and efficient weapon for personal protection. The G-17 and G-19 are among the most popular models, and for good reason, but anyone new to the subject of firearms might have a hard time deciding which suits them better.
While they do have plenty of similarities, there are some factors that set them apart. Let’s break it all down and compare the Glock 17 and the Glock 19 strengths and weaknesses. For other Glocks, check out my compact pistols review.
Weight and Size
When it comes to deciding on a handgun that works for you, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re actually comfortable holding it and handling it. There are a few key differences between the Glock 17 and the Glock 19 in terms of weight and size, making them definitely feel quite different in hand.
The 19 is smaller and considered a compact pistol while the 17 is a bit larger and categorized as having a standard size. The main difference comes from the length. The 17 has an overall length of 8.03 inches and weighs about 25 ounces, while the 19 has an overall length of 7.36 inches and weighs about 23.6 ounces.
The slide on the Glock 19 is half an inch shorter, and the grip is also about half an inch shorter. The width of the slide, grip, and magazines is the same. One great thing about the shorter grip length is that the longer magazines will fit and function in the G19. G19 mags will function in the G17 but sit a little shorter in the grip. With the G17 having a longer slide, it will weigh a little more, and if the magazine holds more ammo, that will increase the weight as well.
When it comes to holstering, remember you'd need a higher ride for the G17, since it has a longer slide and barrel. That's why the G19 is preferred by people seeking easier concealment. Also, remember you have more options with the G19. Dave McGillivray discusses it in our best concealed carry holsters article.
Magazine Capacity
Another important factor in deciding on which Glock is best for your everyday carry needs is the magazine capacity.
There isn’t a major difference between the two, but it is enough to potentially sway your decision. The larger 17 naturally has a slightly larger magazine capacity at 17 (how fitting!) rounds compared to the 19’s capacity of 15 rounds. For most everyday carry purposes, 15 rounds should be just fine, but the extra two rounds of the 17 could make you feel a bit more comfortable and secure.
If that’s a feeling that you value, you may want to go with the 17, just based on the magazine capacity. And if you need some practice, consider starting with a Glock 17 replica.
Accuracy
When it comes to accuracy, while the Glock 17’s length means that it is a bit heavier, there is no serious benefit to the increased size.
The Glock 17 has a sight radius of 6.5 inches compared to 6.02 inches on the 19. For most shooters, this doesn't increase accuracy.
Ultimately, however, both guns are known for being quite accurate. You also shouldn’t just assume that you will be a better shot with the 17 than the 19. If you’re used to smaller weapons, you may be able to aim more accurately with the 19.
Amount of Recoil
Any new shooter is bound to be a bit surprised by how much recoil a pistol has. With that being said, both the Glock 17 and the Glock 19 are well-known for being quite gentle.
Most users don’t report a significant difference between the recoil of the two guns, but it’s always possible that you would notice more felt recoil with one of these pistols than the other.
I suggest that you try firing both before settling on one, so you can figure out which has the amount of recoil that feels better to you. It’s always going to be in your favor to test a gun before buying it.
Price
Price is definitely a factor when deciding which gun to purchase, but you don’t need to worry about that when it comes to choosing between the Glock 17 and Glock 19.
Why is that?
Although actual prices tend to fluctuate, the prices of the G17 and G19 are roughly similar. In a sense, this might make your decision much simpler. In another sense, it might make it a bit more complicated. If you were hoping for price to make the final decision for you, you’re out of luck. Street prices vary, but both weapons are quite affordable, and that is one of the reasons why they have enjoyed such an enduring popularity. For really cheap options, the only thing I can recommend is a replica, like one of those air pistols.
Ease of Concealment
While the specs may not be too different between the Glock 17 and the Glock 19, they are different enough to the point where one is definitely easier to conceal than the other.
The 19’s smaller size makes it a much more popular gun among the concealed carry crowd. While you can definitely still keep the 17 inconspicuous, it’s more of a challenge.
If your main goal is to conceal your weapon, it makes sense to go with the 19 off of size alone. The 19’s shorter length and smaller grips have given it a reputation as the perfect concealed carry pistol.
Optics and Other Add-ons
Both the Glock 17 and the Glock 19 are able to use more or less the same add-ons and optics. There are plenty of options for both, and many people are starting to outfit their Glocks with optics these days. But this once again raises the question of whether you are going to concealed carry or not.
Once you start introducing add-ons to the Glock 17, the chances of you successfully concealing it go down quite a bit. So if you’re hoping to use an optic attachment on your weapon, just keep in mind that the 17 becomes less of a viable concealed option.
If you already got a Glock 17 or 19 and you need magazine speedloader, I'd go for a quality one, like the ETS 9mm loader, which is the fastest and most effective, in my opinion. But the Ludex will do the job as well.