In the world o semi-automatic pistols, Glock 17 and Glock 19 are very well-known pistols. As a single-chamber repeating handgun, semi-automatic pistols carry a magazine and require manual shooting triggering.
Even though Glock 17 and Glock 19 have pretty similar names, there are many differences.
Key Takeaways
- Glock 17 is larger with a longer barrel and slide, while Glock 19 is more compact, making it easier to conceal.
- Glock 17 has a higher capacity, holding 17 rounds, compared to the Glock 19’s standard capacity of 15 rounds.
- Glock 19 is more suitable for a wider range of hand sizes due to its smaller dimensions and ergonomics.
Glock 17 vs Glock 19
The difference between Glock 17 and Glock 19 is that Glock 17 is heavier and has a long barrel compared to Glock 19, which has a short barrel and is light in weight. There are also specific differences in their magazine capacity, usage, accuracy, and radius.
Glock 17 is a semi-automatic pistol of full size, which was launched in the year 1880. It has a long barrel of 114 mm and is heavy. It weighs about 625 gms (empty) and 905 gms (loaded).
Glock 17 is perfect for police officers due to its fantastic recoil and sharp aim.
Glock 19 is a semi-automatic pistol of medium size which was released in the year 1888. It has a barrel length of 102 mm and is light in weight. It weighs approximately 595 gms (empty) and 850 gms (loaded).
The Glock 19 pistol is easy to handle and concealed.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Glock 17 | Glock 19 |
|---|---|---|
| Launched | Glock 17 was launched in the year 1882. | Glock 19 was launched in the year 1888. |
| Barrel | Glock 17 has a barrel length of 114mm. | Glock 19 has a barrel length of 102mm. |
| Weight | Glock 17 was heavier and is mainly used by police inspectors. | Glock 19 is lighter in weight than Glock 17 and was carried primarily by women. |
| Radius | 6.49” is the sight radius of Glock 17. | 6.02” is the sight radius of Glock 19. |
| Magazine capacity | Glock 17 has a magazine capacity of 17. | Glock 19 has a magazine capacity of 15. |
What is Glock 17?
Glock 17 is a semi-automatic pistol that comes under the full-size category. It was released in the year 1882 and came with a trigger system that is quick, safe and has the best accurate shooting feature. This is called the safe action system.
Since it is a full-sized pistol, it is also long and heavy. With a length of 186 mm and a height of 127 mm, it is better at handling.
Glock 17 has a barrel length of 114 mm. It is also considered a heavyweight pistol and weighs around 625 gms when it is not loaded and about 905 gms otherwise. It has a maximum magazine capacity of 17, which is considered standard.
Although there is a drawback that led to many people switching to other versions or pistols than Glock 17.
This was its heavyweight, which restricted the carefree and smooth carrying of the pistol, and also its large size, which was not favourable to people with small hands.
Glock 17 has a trigger pull of 5.5 lbs and features a travel trigger of 12.5 mm. Being a handgun of full size, it gives a perfect grip. It even offers a phenomenal line of sight measuring 165 mm and a sight radius of about 6.49”.
It has a commendable performance when it comes to accuracy and gives created results even at times of rapid fire.
The Gen 4 version of Glock 17 is considered the best model, and it is very well-known among police officers due to its dual coil feature, which gives higher accuracy, better grip, and adjustable backstraps.
What is Glock 19?
Glock 19 is a semi-automatic pistol that is categorised under mid-sized pistols. It was released in the year 1880 and gave commendable firepower, which helps in shooting accurately.
It is a medium-sized pistol; as previously mentioned, it has a length of 174 mm and a height of 138 mm. Due to its very compact size, it is also used by women to carry around.
Glock 19 has a barrel length of 102 mm. Another reason for its very popular reviews is its lightweight. When it is completely loaded, it weighs around 850 grams, and when empty, it weighs 595 grams.
It has a maximum magazine capacity of 15. Its small size makes it easy to carry, and its lightweight makes it easy to hand.
Glock 19 has a trigger pull of 5.5 lbs and also a trigger travel feature of 12.5 mm. A drawback of Glock 19 can be seen in its maximum capacity, which is 15 and is considered smaller when compared to standard capacity.
Glock 19 is also not suitable for people who have large hands since it is of medium size. The sight radius of Glock 19 is 6.02″ and has a line of sight of 153 mm.
Main Differences Between Glock 17 and Glock 19
- Glock 17 and Glock 19 are semi-automatic pistols, but the former is a full-sized pistol, and the latter is mid-sized.
- The barrel length of Glock 17 is 114 mm, while that of Glock 19 is 102 mm.
- Glock 17 is heavier in weight with being 625 gms when unloaded and 905 gms otherwise. On the other hand, Glock 19 is lighter and weighs around 595 gms unloaded and 850 gms when fully loaded.
- The sight radius of Glock 17 is 6.49” while the sight radius of Glock 19 is just 6.02”
- The magazine capacity of the Glock 17 pistol is 17, while that of the Glock 19 pistol is 15.
- http://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=18748
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1752928X10001228
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The depiction of Glock 17 as a heavyweight pistol may be true, but the statement about it being used ‘mainly by police inspectors’ seems rather exaggerated. The article could benefit from a more neutral tone.
I agree with you, Mohammed19. It’s essential to maintain a balanced viewpoint when discussing such topics.
This article is spot-on with its analysis of the Glock 17 and Glock 19. I particularly appreciate the direct, factual approach taken in describing the pistols.
The information in this article is highly informative and helpful. The Glock 19 sounds like a great option to consider for women, as it is lightweight and easy to handle.
I completely agree with you, Ncampbell.
Indeed, the details provided about both the Glock 17 and Glock 19 are quite fascinating.
The article seems to favor the Glock 19, especially while discussing its suitability for women. While the information is valuable, it does seem a bit biased in that regard.
I understand your perspective, Irussell. It’s an intriguing point to consider.
Yes, but the details about the Glock 17 also showcase its remarkable features. I think the article has its merits.
I must say, the article provides a comprehensive comparison between the Glock 17 and Glock 19. Both pistols have their unique advantages.
I couldn’t agree more. This content is certainly thought-provoking.
Absolutely, Clarke Theo. The article presents a clear distinction between the two models.
The content provides a detailed comparison of the Glock 17 and Glock 19. However, the historical inaccuracies are quite evident, and the cited references seem questionable.