Get the 17c and add a regular 17 barrel to your collection. Then you have both guns with one extra barrel. I answered this without the IDPA portion of your question in mind.

 

The "C" would not be legal in IDPA.

 

Some believe that the upward vented flash produced by th 17C can take your night vision.

 

The 17 is a *****cat. I see no reason for a compensated barrel. Even with super hot 127gr +p+ Ranger loads.
It may give you faster double taps however. *shrug

Now a gun like the 23 would benefit from being compensated IMHO.

 

Well, I vote G17 - you can't use a C model in IDPA and I've never actually seen anybody use one in law enforcement or security. Personally, I wouldn't own one, but it would probably work OK.

 

Get the 17c and add a regular 17 barrel to your collection. Then you have both guns with one extra barrel.

Might want to check whether that's allowed in IDPA - not sure. Might not be allowed at all or might put you in ESP division.

 

No need for a G17C. just get a regular G17

 

Plenty of c models are in use for police duty. No concern with debris, flash, or firing from retention. That said, only more accomplished shooters are likely to benefit from porting, especially in 9mm.

 

I have a 17 and a 17c. I use the 17c as a range gun. The recoil is the same. but you will notice a little less muzzle rise, so you can maintain a better sight picture while shooting. It is louder than a non compensated pistol. I don't notice any muzzle flash when shooting in low light conditions. There is not a significant difference between the two. I use the standard 17 for carry.

 

I've yet to shoot a regular 17, but I shot a 17C (with some 1100fps JHP reloads) back to back with my 19. The 17C felt like shooting a Five-seveN compared to my 19

 

Get the 17.

Firing a compensated barrel at night is a problem.
Not to mention you can get burnt from firing in a compromised position.

You won't have these problems with a 17.
Plus there are many other good statements made for getting the 17.

 

He won't have those problems with the C model or the non-ported model. Using any commonly available factory ammo, flash from night firing isn't a concern, nor is firing from retention. If fired plenty of courses and quals with c models, including extended night fire and firing from retention with the ports right under my chin. Zero issues. Either gun would be a fine choice.

 

Some believe that the upward vented flash produced by th 17C can take your night vision.

Myth busted on that......


As someone else said, the 9mm Glock is a sweetheart to shoot, you really won't get much benefit from the comp.

The .40, on the other hand, improves quite a bit with a compensated system....

 

Looks like I will look into the G17 a bit more.

I know some of you said a 17c would be illegal for IDPA. I was thinking they would be legal since the G34 and G35 were legal. Now I also thought that the XD was in the SSP class and I was wrong about that

 

Some believe that the upward vented flash produced by th 17C can take your night vision.

Hey Ranger1968...What reference material can I view regarding the myth busting on the Night vision thing. I'm not being sarcastic. I'm just curious because that's the stated reason that the compensated Glock models are not authorized by DEA. DEA has a serious firearms unit that tests firearms and ammunition to ridiculous standards. They typically deal in facts. There are so many authorized pistols to choose from, I wouldn't blame them if they said, "We just can't stock parts for yet another model."

The good news on the testing is that if the gun has a weakness, they'll find it.

 

I would just go for the plain Jane G17

 

Loudshirt,

The G34 and G35 may appear to be compensated due to the cut-out in the slide, but they are not. The cut-out is to reduce slide weight.

 

Get the 17c and add a regular 17 barrel to your collection. Then you have both guns with one extra barrel. I answered this without the IDPA portion of your question in mind.

As he stated, Get the G17C and get you a stock G17 barrel

 

No night vision issues from a c model. If a c model causes you problems, a non ported model will, and an aggressively comped M4 shorty would melt your face.

 

I can not comment on the 9mm, but i do have a G27 and a G23C... The 23C is much easier to rapid fire and stay on target.... The ported barrel takes some getting used to, since there are flames coming out the top of the gun. Once you get used to it though it will not affect your aiming. The 23C also has alot less recoil than the G27. Either way... I love shooting them both!

You should go to your local gun range and rent both of them and see which gun you like better!!

Good luck with your purchase...

 

Looks like I will look into the G17 a bit more.

I know some of you said a 17c would be illegal for IDPA. I was thinking they would be legal since the G34 and G35 were legal. Now I also thought that the XD was in the SSP class and I was wrong about that

17C can't be used in IDPA, GSSF (other than the unlimited division) or even USPSA (other than "open" division) so it isn't much use in any sport where people commonly compete and win with Glocks.

 

The G17 is a nice gun, dont over complicate it.

I blow my nose with more recoil then a G17, no need for compensation IMHO...

 

I have a 17 and a 17c. I use the 17c as a range gun. The recoil is the same. but you will notice a little less muzzle rise, so you can maintain a better sight picture while shooting. It is louder than a non compensated pistol. I don't notice any muzzle flash when shooting in low light conditions. There is not a significant difference between the two. I use the standard 17 for carry.

^^^^^^^^^^^
This for sure!
Other than that, basically the same.

 

17C can't be used in IDPA, GSSF (other than the unlimited division) or even USPSA (other than "open" division) so it isn't much use in any sport where people commonly compete and win with Glocks.

Bren,

What if you swap in a non-compensated barrel?

I have a 23C, and want to start shooting in some sort of matches (I'm planning to join the GSSF this month or next). I want to use my 23C, but I planned on swapping barrels. [/off-topic]

[on-topic]
I say 17. If you were shooting .40 or larger, then I'd say go with the C models, like many have already noted.

 

Shot both, have the 17. Having said that, I can't really tell the two apart. In my book, it's like splitting hairs....aside from one being slightly louder than the other.

DH