By the early 1980s, Gaston Glock was, by all accounts, a successful businessman. The Austrian engineer and manufacturer was helming his company, GLOCK Ges.m.b.H, which manufactured injection molding components and military products like knives, grenade casings, and links for machine-gun belts.
In his early 50s, he could have simply coasted to a comfortable and wealthy retirement. His company could have been a little-known but profitable source for military and industrial components.
But a request from the Austrian government for a new military and police service pistol would forever change his company. It would make his name synonymous with compact semiautomatic pistols and forever change the firearms industry in ways that even Mr. Glock could never imagine.
First To Market: Glock 17
His invention, released in 1982, was the GLOCK 17, an autoloading pistol with a polymer frame, innovative safety features, and a simplified design. It passed a series of tests and became the official service pistol of the Austrian Army in 1983. It passed further NATO testing, was adopted by the Norwegian Army, and eventually became the pistol of choice for international law enforcement.
In 1985, GLOCK opened its U.S. headquarters in Georgia. In three short years, GLOCK had gone from a moderate manufacturer to an international powerhouse.
Easier to Carry: The Glock 19
Eventually, the company got to work on a new model, a smaller compact pistol with reduced dimensions. Released as the “GLOCK 19,” this weapon further cemented the company’s reputation as the go-to source for reliable defense pistols.
These two handguns, the “G17” and the “G19” as they are often called, are the two most popular products in the GLOCK lineup. There are new versions, updates, and generations, but the basic build of the G17 and the G19 are essential to the firearms industry.
Note: Reviewing Standard Models
For clarity and simplicity, we are looking at the standard GLOCK 17 and GLOCK 19 models. There are variations of both, such as the G17 Gen5 and the long-barreled G17L, but for this article we are looking exclusively at the basic models for each pistol.
What is the Same in the G19 vs G17?
Cartridge
Both of these weapons fire 9mm Luger ammo, the most popular handgun round in the country. This means users of either pistol have access to a (usually) readily available, affordable cartridge that can be found in a wide range of options, including target, training, and defense loads.
Features and Functionality
Functionally, the G17 and G19 are very close. GLOCK carried over all of the features that made the G17 popular, including the trigger, frame, and basic engineering. For example, GLOCK built both weapons with a polymer frame and trigger function.
Trigger Pull
The G19 inherited the trigger design from the G17, so it has the same trigger pull requirement. Both measure 28 Newtons (N), a pressure measurement equal to about 6.3 pounds. This is a fairly typical pull rating for a handgun, with some higher and some lower. There are even handguns with two pounds of trigger pull weight, which some users like while others feel is too light. Most agree that six pounds is a well-balanced weight.
Width
There are length and height differences, which we will address below, but width is the same. Both measure about an inch and a quarter wide, making them a comfortable fit for most hands. The trigger distance (the distance from the front of the trigger to the back of the grip) is essentially the same; although the G19 has a slightly shorter grip, they feel very similar in the hand. (The difference is minuscule: 0.03 inches)
Compatible Parts
Because the G17 and G19 share many of the same features, they also have interchangeable parts. The trigger assembly, slide stop (but not the slide itself), the magazine catch, and many of the springs and pins are completely interchangeable.
What are the Differences?
Size
The main differences are in the dimensions. The GLOCK 19 has a smaller profile than the 17, with a shorter height and length.
The G17 is just over eight inches in length, while the G19 is less than seven and a half inches. The height of the G19 is also smaller; it’s just over five inches high while the G17 is almost five and a half. A half-inch difference (roughly speaking) doesn’t sound significant, but if you are using the pistol for concealed carry, the slightly smaller profile creates easier, more comfortable concealment.
This is especially true in warm weather. Concealing a weapon is more difficult in light teeshirts and shorts, so “printing” is more likely. The G17 is not impossible to conceal, but many prefer the smaller, compact package of the G19.
Capacity
The G19 is smaller, which brings its own set of advantages, but it also means two fewer cartridges in a standard magazine. (Of course, you can purchase larger magazines, but then you lose the compact advantage.) In a self-defense situation, two extra rounds could make a life-or-death difference.
Performance
Frankly, it would be easy to place performance in the similarities, not the differences, as both of these handguns provide exceptional results. However, the Glock 17, thanks to a slightly longer barrel, has a slight advantage in accuracy, especially when used at longer distances. Because of this, it’s generally considered a better option for precision shooting and use as a duty sidearm.
That doesn’t mean the smaller G19 is widely inaccurate; it still maintains reliable performance and accuracy, making it a popular choice for personal defense.
Making the Choice: G17 vs G19?
Considering these are the two oldest GLOCK models, the differences have been discussed, debated, and pondered for decades. But there’s a little fact that’s usually overlooked: they have more similarities than differences. Size and capacity are the only two significant differences, and these differences are not massive.
If you are prioritizing concealment, the G19 is probably your best option. However, the G17, with a slightly longer barrel, is preferred for duty carry and accuracy. Also, if you have larger hands, you may prefer the G17, while shooters with smaller hands may prefer the G19. The best practice, frankly, is to try both to see which you prefer.
Advantages of the GLOCK 17:
- Two more rounds in a standard Glock 17 magazine
- Longer barrel is considered more precise
- Bigger frame is better for larger hands
Advantages of the GLOCK 19:
- Smaller size is ideal for concealment
- Some may prefer the smaller grip for shooting comfort
Both of these popular handguns load the perfectly balanced 9mm Luger, so stop by our online store and place your order for affordable self-defense and target loads today!
