[dgposton]

I know this question has probably been asked numerous times, but...This is going to be my first handgun and I just cannot decide between the Glock 17 and 19. What am I looking for in a gun? 1) Home defense, 2) Fun at the range (accuracy), 3) and possibly concealed carry. I live in Texas, so concealed carry is an option, although at the moment, I have no plan of walking around with a gun in my belt. OK, well maybe it would nice to carry it in my backpack or car from time to time...

In any case, I have rented and shot both guns on 2 occasions at the local gun range, and I still cannot decide. I have medium hands (maybe slightly on the smaller side of medium). My wife, who has small hands, liked the Glock 19 better. However, I am wondering if the Glock 17 might be slightly more accurate given the longer barrel, esp. once I get better at shooting.

I noticed alot of people prefer the Glock 19, why this? I know it is better for concealed carry, but are there other reasons?

Finally, I am thinking about purchasing one of those removable tactical stocks for a Glock 19 / 17. I noticed they sell on ebay for aroun $90. Is this legal? What will happen if I buy one and starting using it at the local gun range? Would I be arrested or fined?

Thanks for the help in advance.

 

[janice6]

The shorter slides are more for frequent use, in and out of the holster, and ccw. The longer slides produce an increased sight radius (distance between the front and rear sights) and they are nicer to shoot at a distance or range for accuracy.

Have to figure what it's for then pick a suitable weapon. (I should have said gun, since a range gun may not be a weapon rather a fun shooter.

 

[sgtlmj]

If you can't afford both, I'd say get the G19, since it will fit your wife's hand as well.

Even if you have no plans to carry now, it makes good sense to at least take a class and get the license. It only takes moments for circumstances to change. Tick off the wrong person, or have some crazy guy follow you home and it's nice to have the option to carry.

As for the stock, it's only legal if you register your Glock as a Short-Barreled-Rifle, and pay $200 to the Feds. If you possess that stock without having the proper paperwork, and you get caught, it's a 10 year felony.

 

[MudTerrain]

I chose the Glock 19 because it is small enough to conceal if you choose, yet still large enough handle and feel "comfortable" in the hand like a fullsize. (Yes, I know some guys CC with a 17).

The difference in barrel length and side radius is negligable. The guns are going to be more accurate than you, you won't even tell the difference. I have shot my 19 @ 75 yards and was presently suprised by the accuracy when I "did my part".

Ultimately it's up to you, both are great, reliable handguns. However, the Glock 19 edges the 17 in my book, just because it's more of a "do it all" handgun.

 

[kelsitone]

:welcome:

If you may carry, I'd recommend the G19. It's comfortable for you and your wife. It's slightly smaller, allowing for easier concealment by most folks. The smaller size will also make it just a bit easier to put in your glove box, in a holster, or in your center console.

And don't worry about accuracy. The G19 is plenty accurate. The 1/2" extra barrel length of the G17 does very very little with regards to accuracy. The extra sight radius is the more important aspect, but still extremely slight. If you're good enough to notice an accuracy difference between the two, you'll be plenty good with a G19. Actually, you'd most likely be one of the best shooters around, unless Sevigny, Miculek, Jarrett, etc. live down the street.

 

[BONNOUGHJ]

can someone post a side by side photo of them.

 

[striker6126]

I prefer the g17 , but I have large hands. Sounds like the g19 may be better for you and the wife.

 

[Magnus2131]

For the range-G17 If your going to carry-G19. Welcome to GT.

 

[Jason607]

Can't go wrong with a G19. The longer barrel on the G17 in 9mm doesn't make much of a difference, but the grip is much more consealable and you only lose 2 rounds, but you still have 15rds, plus you can still put G17 in the G19 or even G18 mags if you are feeling froggy. Also, a G19 will be more accurate than you are, so the accuracy debate is out the window.

Oh yeah, for home defence get a shotgun.

 

[kelsitone]

can someone post a side by side photo of them.

Sure. :wavey:

G17 and G19

G17, G19, and G26

 

[ajstrider]

It is a tough decision, one I couldn't make, so I have them both. In your case, I think the 19 might be a better choice because of the wife. It may be easier to shoot the 17 due to longer sight radius, but that doesn't mean squat if it doesn't fit your hands. Even just throwing a 17 mag in the 19 adds a lot to the grip and makes it fit bigger hands better, without buying the extra add on grip crap. I shoot my 26 with a 17 mag in it too, because when I carry, my 17 mag is my spare mag! But another thing to consider, how often does your wife intend to shoot. It has been my experience that women will get excited about you getting a gun and tell you they are going to shoot, but they might go once or twice and lose interest. That is another thing to consider.

Also, heh, you could buy the 17 for now, and get her a 19 later for a gift, then you have them both. Sneaky little trick!

 

[CharlestonG26]

IMO, the G19 is a fantastic execution of the Glock design. I much prefer it over the G17. It sorta does it all. But, I also tend to prefer Commander size 1911s over Government models.

 

[tango44]

I know this question has probably been asked numerous times, but...This is going to be my first handgun and I just cannot decide between the Glock 17 and 19. What am I looking for in a gun? 1) Home defense, 2) Fun at the range (accuracy), 3) and possibly concealed carry. I live in Texas, so concealed carry is an option, although at the moment, I have no plan of walking around with a gun in my belt. OK, well maybe it would nice to carry it in my backpack or car from time to time...

In any case, I have rented and shot both guns on 2 occasions at the local gun range, and I still cannot decide. I have medium hands (maybe slightly on the smaller side of medium). My wife, who has small hands, liked the Glock 19 better. However, I am wondering if the Glock 17 might be slightly more accurate given the longer barrel, esp. once I get better at shooting.

I noticed alot of people prefer the Glock 19, why this? I know it is better for concealed carry, but are there other reasons?

Finally, I am thinking about purchasing one of those removable tactical stocks for a Glock 19 / 17. I noticed they sell on ebay for aroun $90. Is this legal? What will happen if I buy one and starting using it at the local gun range? Would I be arrested or fined?

Thanks for the help in advance.

Get yourself a G19 you will love it, and avoid problems with that "Tactical Stock" you don't need it, use those $90 to get more mags or night sights.

 

[JASV.17]

I'll vote for the 17. I have stubby little sausage fingers and have no problem handling the 17. I also CC it daily as well in a CompTac CTAC, and I'm 5'7 170lbs.

I'd say get whichever feels better in your hand. The palm swell in the 17 is more noticable than the 19, to me at least. But I like having the little bit exta grip length that the 17 provides.

 

[greatwun]

Have em both!

 

[omaha64]

The G19 is a more versatile weapon in my opinion. It conceals a little better, and for home defense, you can always use the G17 magazines, or if you need it, the 33 rounds mag. As far as accuracy goes, the G19 will be more accurate than many people can ever shoot. I'm also a little bias here because the G19 fits much better in my hand than other Glocks.

Shoot them both and see which feels better in your hands, then make your decision.

 

[Grey_Mana]

G17 has less felt recoil, since has slightly more mass. The G17 fits my hand much better than the 19.

Regarding the stock, I don't know Texas law but in Maryland adding a stock to a pistol doesn't change any of the rules. A firearm is what is started life as: a cut-down rifle becomes a short-barreled rifle, not a pistol. A pistol with a crazy long barrel and a stock is still a pistol, even if it goes beyond 26 inches.

 

[myglock17]

I prefer the G17 grip over the G19. And I have no trouble concealed carrying the G17. There really is not that much difference in the size, it is going to be just which you prefer. You could get a magazine extension so your hand doesn't hang off of the pistol grip, but then you would have a G17 with a shorter overall length. Concealed carry is all about the way you dress to cover the weapon if you go with larger pistols like the G17 or G19.

 

[OrangeJoe]

Following an ages old GT tradition and having closely examined the OP, I will have to say, get a G26.

 

[383HEMI]