Glock 17 vs 19: Which Is Best for Concealed Carry?
The Glock 17 and the Glock 19 are among the most popular concealed carry guns on the market. As a result, there is much debate about which is better when comparing the Glock 17 vs 19.
Ultimately, both Glock models offer the durability and reliability the brand is famous for. While the biggest distinction between the two is their size, there are a few other key differences to keep in mind.
Which Glock is a better fit for you all comes down to your needs and personal preferences.
So, let’s get into comparing these two popular concealed carry pistols.
Products Mentioned In This Article
Glock 17
The Glock 17 is highly trusted by military and law enforcement entities worldwide and is sometimes used for EDC as well. It’s known for being reliable and for having a really high magazine capacity for a gun of its size and weight.
Like most Glocks, this Safe ActionⓇ pistol is built with a high-strength nylon-based polymer. The 17 is chambered in 9mm Luger and comes standard with a 17-round magazine, though an extended magazine of up to 33-rounds is also an option.
Known for its low weight, ease of use, and speed, the Glock 17 is an excellent option for any situation.
Glock 19
Also commonly used as a service pistol, the slightly smaller Glock 19 is highly versatile and makes an excellent concealed carry gun or backup weapon.
Similar to the Glock 17, the 19 features a Safe ActionⓇ trigger and is built with a high-strength nylon-based polymer. The Glock 19 is chambered in 9mm Luger and comes standard with a 15-round magazine, though a 33-round extended magazine is also available for this model.
Over the years, the Glock 19 has maintained its popularity as a concealed carry pistol and backup gun thanks to its small size and incredible accuracy.
Specifications: Glock 17 vs 19
Glock 17 vs 19 Size and Capacity
When it comes to size, the Glock 19 is slightly smaller in almost every way.
Both the Glock 17 and the 19 have a slim frame width of 1.26”. The 17 stands 5.47” tall, 8.03” long, and has a barrel length of 4.49”. Overall, the Glock 19’s frame is smaller than the Glock 17 and stands at 5.04” tall, 7.36” long, and has a barrel length of 4.02”.
Weighing slightly more than the 21.16-ounce Glock 19, the 17 weighs in at 22.05 ounces.
When it comes to capacity, both the Glock 17 and the Glock 19 have extended magazine options allowing them to carry up to 33+1 rounds. The Glock 17 comes standard with a 17-round magazine compared to the 19, which comes standard with a 15-round magazine.
When it comes to size, the Glock 19 is smaller and lighter, though not by much. The Glock 17 does have a higher standard capacity, but with extended magazines, these two firearms are ultimately the same in that regard.
Ergonomics
Frame
Both the Glock 17 and the Glock 19 are built with a high-strength nylon-based polymer like most other Glock guns. The Gen 5 models are equipped with customizable backstraps, allowing you to change the pistol’s grip to fit your hand size.
Slide and Barrel
Many of the newer Gen 5 Glocks, including the 17 and 19, have slides built with a durable nDLC finish designed to protect the firearm from scratches and corrosion. They also come equipped with the Glock Marksman Barrel, which is designed with enhanced barrel rifling for better accuracy.
Sights
Both the Glock 17 and the Glock 19 come with Glock’s standard plastic sights.
While the sights on a Glock might not be the highest rated compared to other manufacturers' standard sights, they are designed to be easily upgraded to the sights of your choice.
Optics
Though neither base-model pistol comes optics-ready, both the Glock 17 and 19 come in an optics-ready version.
The Glock 17 MOS and Glock 19 MOS (modular optic system) are essentially the same as their respective base models. The difference is that they come with a mounting rail for accessories and feature slide cuts compatible with certain micro-optics.
Controls
Safety
Both of these Glock models come standard with Glock’s Safe Action Trigger System, which is comprised of three independent mechanical safeties that disengage as the trigger is pulled and re-engage as it is released.
Though neither of these gun models comes with a manual safety, the Safe Action System does provide protection if the pistol is dropped.
Trigger
The Glock 17 has essentially the same trigger distance as the Glock 19, with a distance of 2.83” and 2.80” respectively.
Which is Right for Me?
When it comes to features like safety, sights, and optics, the Glock 17 and Glock 19 are exactly the same. So if you are trying to compare the Glock 17 or 19 for concealed carry, the difference between Glock 17 and Glock 19 is their size.
The Glock 19 is slightly smaller than the 17, making it slightly easier to conceal carry. Though the full-sized Glock 17 can easily be concealed if desired, if you plan to add customizations like optics, you might find the smaller Glock 19 to be a better choice.
So, think about what you need out of a concealed carry gun. Now that you have a better understanding of the differences, strengths, and weaknesses of the Glock 17 vs 19, you can make the choice that’s right for you.
If you’re looking for belts or holsters for the Glock 17 or Glock 19, we recommend visiting our Holsters by Gun Model page. For all of our belt and holster options and for more information to help you choose the carry system that works best for you, visit our Vedder Holsters website.
Looking for items beyond holsters and belts? Check out our Resources Page for popular product links like lights, lasers, first aid, maintenance, and more.