Last Update July 2nd 2024

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Glock 17

• Price: $500-$650
• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Striker-fired semi-automatic
• Barrel length: 4.49 inches

The Glock 17 is as iconic as a New York taxi or a Harley Davidson. Born in the early 80s, it revolutionized the firearms industry with its polymer frame and high magazine capacity. Today, it’s the sidearm of choice for countless law enforcement agencies and military units across the globe. The Glock 17 embodies the principle: “If it works, it’s a Glock.”

This full-size 9mm is as dependable as your grandfather’s advice: it’s straightforward, no-nonsense, and always gets the job done. Whether you’re a cop on the beat, a soldier in the field, or a civilian defending your home, the Glock 17 is there to deliver.

Our Hands On Test

The Glock 17’s reliability is legendary. This handgun can shrug off mud, rain, and grime without a hiccup. Its striker-fired mechanism and polymer frame make it resistant to the elements, ensuring it goes bang every time you pull the trigger.

The Glock 17 is a versatile performer. Its consistent trigger pull and straightforward design make it ideal for a wide range of users. From target shooting at the range to high-stress situations, it delivers round after round with unerring accuracy and minimal recoil.

Test Scores

Price: 4/5
The Glock 17 offers excellent value for money, sitting comfortably in the mid-range price bracket for high-quality 9mm pistols. There are cheaper options, but few that offer this level of reliability and performance.

Accuracy: 4/5
While not a precision instrument, the Glock 17 is more than accurate enough for defensive use and practical shooting competitions. With the right ammo and practice, we achieved tight groupings at 25 yards and beyond.

Reliability: 5/5
The Glock 17 is the gold standard for reliability. It’s the handgun you’d want in a worst-case scenario, capable of firing in all conditions without fail. From cheap range ammo to high-quality defensive rounds, it eats everything without complaint.

Capacity: 4/5
The standard 17+1 round capacity is generous and more than adequate for most uses. With options for extended magazines, you can increase capacity to meet your needs, whether for home defense or competitive shooting.

Weight: 4/5
At just over 25 ounces unloaded, the Glock 17 is neither too heavy nor too light. It’s balanced well, making it easy to handle and shoot for extended periods without fatigue.

Ergonomics: 4/5
The grip angle and texture are polarizing, with some shooters loving it and others not so much. The finger grooves on older models can be a point of contention, but newer generations have addressed this issue. If you can cope with the grip, and even learn to love it, then the Glock ergonomics are fantastic.

Features: 4/5
The Glock 17’s simplicity is its strength. With fewer parts, there’s less to go wrong. The modular design allows for easy customization with aftermarket parts, from triggers to sights and barrels. The lack of a manual safety is an issue for some people. But not for others. So that one is a personal preference kinda thing.

Value: 5/5
For what you get, the Glock 17 is hard to beat. It’s a workhorse that performs well in any situation, making it a solid investment for any shooter.

Technical Highlights

The Glock 17’s technical prowess lies in its simplicity and durability. The polymer frame is lightweight yet tough as nails. The striker-fired mechanism is straightforward and reliable, reducing the number of parts that can fail. The modular design allows for extensive customization, making it adaptable to any shooter’s needs.

Optional Versions and Specs

The Glock 17 family has expanded over the years, offering variations to suit different needs:

• Glock 17 Gen 5: The latest iteration, featuring improved ergonomics, a flared magwell, and the removal of finger grooves.
• Glock 17C: A compensated version with ports in the barrel and slide to reduce muzzle flip.
• Glock 17 MOS: Designed for mounting optics, perfect for competitive shooters and those wanting a red dot sight.

Reasons to Buy

• Reliability: The Glock 17’s reputation for reliability is unmatched.
• Simplicity: Easy to maintain and operate, even for beginners.
• Customization: A vast array of aftermarket parts and accessories.

Key Rivals

The Glock 17 faces stiff competition in the crowded 9mm market. Key rivals include:

• Sig Sauer P320: Known for its modularity and ergonomics, the P320 offers a customizable platform.
• Smith & Wesson M&P9: Offers excellent ergonomics and a comfortable grip, with a similar price point. Get the full S&W M&P lowdown here.
• Walther PDP: Renowned for its exceptional trigger and ergonomics. Some people really prefer the Walther, and they might have a point.
• HK VP9: It’s more expensive, and more complex internally. But again, it could be a better gun.

Known Issues and Problems

The Glock 17 isn’t perfect and has its share of quirks:

• Grip Angle: The grip angle is steeper than many other handguns, which can take some getting used to.
• Trigger Feel: The stock trigger can feel spongy, lacking the crisp break of some competitors. Many shooters opt for aftermarket triggers and there’s a whole cottage industry set up to cater for this. The Gen 5 is much, much better than the Gen 4. but it’s still not great.
• Stock Sights: The polymer stock sights are basic and pretty much suck. Night sights are freely available, but it’s an added cost.
• No Manual Safety: Inexperienced shooters can grab the trigger and negligent discharges do happen. You need to learn with this system and keep it in a secure holster at all times, or go for a gun with a manual safety. Lots of people start with the Glock and then abandon it for another gun like the S&W M&P because of this perceived safety issue.

Is the Glock 17 California Legal?

Yes, the Glock 17 is California legal, provided it meets the state’s requirements for magazine capacity and other restrictions.

Glock Company Profile

Glock Ges.m.b.H., founded by Gaston Glock in 1963, is headquartered in Deutsch-Wagram, Austria. The company revolutionized the firearms industry with the introduction of the Glock 17, the first successful polymer-framed pistol. Glock’s commitment to innovation, reliability, and simplicity has made it a leading manufacturer of firearms for military, law enforcement, and civilian markets worldwide.

Glock’s product lineup includes:

• Glock 19: A compact version of the Glock 17, ideal for general use. This is the Jack of All Trades that can also be used for concealed carry.
• Glock 43x: A subcompact 9mm, perfect for deep concealment.
• Glock 34: A long-slide version designed for competitive shooting.

Conclusion

The Glock 17 is a cornerstone of modern handguns. Its unmatched reliability, ease of maintenance, and vast customization options make it a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts alike. While it has its quirks, the overall performance and durability of the Glock 17 ensure it remains a top choice in the 9mm category.

For those seeking a dependable, no-nonsense firearm that excels in any situation, the Glock 17 stands ready. Whether for self-defense, law enforcement, or just a day at the range, this pistol delivers with the kind of consistency and reliability that has become synonymous with the Glock name.

FAQ

Q1: What makes the Glock 17 so reliable? A1: The Glock 17’s reliability stems from its simple, striker-fired mechanism with fewer moving parts, high-quality materials, and rigorous testing under extreme conditions.

Q2: How does the Glock 17 compare to the Glock 19? A2: The Glock 17 is a full-size handgun, while the Glock 19 is a compact version. The Glock 19 offers better concealability, but the Glock 17 has a larger capacity and slightly better accuracy due to its longer barrel.

Q3: Can I use aftermarket parts on my Glock 17? A3: Yes, the Glock 17 is highly customizable with a wide range of aftermarket parts available, from triggers and sights to barrels and magazine extensions.

Q4: Is the Glock 17 suitable for concealed carry? A4: While it’s possible to conceal carry a Glock 17, its full-size frame makes it less ideal compared to compact models like the Glock 19 or subcompact Glock 26.

Q5: How does the grip angle of the Glock 17 affect shooting? A5: The grip angle can affect point-of-aim for some shooters. Those used to 1911-style pistols might find the Glock’s angle requires a slight adjustment in grip to shoot accurately.