The Question:

In my business, there is one question that we hear at least once a day:

“If you had to choose just one, would you select the Glock 17 or the Glock 19?”

We’re asked this question so often, because we offer both of them for sale in our retail store, as well as on our website: www.glockstore.com.

What makes this question even more interesting is that the Glock 17 and Glock 19 cost exactly the same price.

The Gen 3 Glock 17 and Gen 3 Glock 19 both cost $499.00 where the Gen4 Glock 17 and Gen4 Glock 19 both cost $547.00. We consider these to be the lowest prices available and, in fact, they are the lowest price that the Glock factory will allow us to advertise and sell these handguns.

And, yes, GlockStore can, and does, offer Glock handguns for sale over the internet but that is the subject of a future blog.

Now, back to the question, which is best, or more accurately, which Glock would you choose, Glock 17 or Glock 19? Here are some interesting facts that will help clarify my position.The Glock 17 is now thought to be the most popular handgun ever produced. There are more Glock 17 handguns in use worldwide than any other handgun ever produced. This is due to the fact that many countries use the Glock 17 as their preferred service handgun in both their military and law enforcement communities.

It’s easy to understand why. The Glock 17 is simple to operate, easy to understand, easy to maintain, soft shooting and extremely accurate with a very natural point of aim. Additionally, the Glock 17 is relatively inexpensive and there are only 27 parts inside the gun itself. Therefore, it’s not only less expensive to purchase but also less expensive to manage the parts and pieces for maintenance. Finally, the Glock handgun routinely beats all other handguns in accuracy and reliability testing performed by the various military and law enforcement agencies worldwide.

It’s no wonder that the Glock 17 is the most popular handgun ever produced and why Gaston Glock is considered to be an innovator, genius and, most certainly a billionaire!

OK, so the above paragraphs make a strong statement for the Glock 17… basically, case closed! Right?

Well, hold on. Now, let’s explore the Glock 19, considered to be the most popular handgun in the United States.More Glock 19’s are sold in the USA than any other handgun… including the Glock 17! This is no small feat when you consider that the Glock 17 is a preferred handgun for Law Enforcement agencies nationwide. And, what makes this even more interesting, the Glock 19 shares all of the same attributes of the Glock 17. In fact, these handguns share many of the same exact parts… the only difference is that the Glock 19 is slightly smaller. It is considered the Compact Size Glock where the Glock 17 is considered the Full-Size Glock. It, too, is considered to be simple to operate, easy to understand, easy to maintain, soft shooting and extremely accurate with a very natural point of aim!

The Glock 19 has been the handgun of choice for our very own US ARMY Rangers and was recently selected by the US NAVY SEALS as their preferred concealed carry weapon. You are in good company when you own a Glock 19!
So, whether at the shows, on the phone, in emails or in our retail store, when someone asks the question, “Which Glock would you buy” I reply with a follow up question: “What is the main purpose for this handgun?”

The Answer:

If the gun is for self-defense or casual shooting, plinking, target shooting and competition, I would typically recommend the Glock 17. The longer barrel will provide a longer sight radius, which will, in turn, be more accurate for most shooters.

If the gun is for self-defense and concealed carry, to be carried on your body or concealed in a purse, I will recommend the Glock 19.

To be honest, you can’t go wrong with either of these guns. It really comes down to personal preference.

Most people really love the way the Glock 19 feels in their hands. It is smaller but not too small, well balanced and in the “free states” holds 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Some people, however, will pick up the Glock 17 and say they like it a lot better… especially those with larger hands. And, then, some will argue that the Glock 17 also holds more ammo… 17 rounds of 9mm vs. the Glock 19’s 15 rounds.

When our customers start to think about how they are going to use the Glock, that’s when they start to crystalize their thoughts on which would work best. Most people in the USA will purchase a handgun for self-defense and home-defense and will also consider concealed carry. Based on that alone, it’s easy to see why the Glock 19 is the most popular handgun in this country and will most likely continue to be.

As mentioned above, you really can’t go wrong with either the Glock 17 or Glock 19 but if I were forced to chose just one, I would select the Glock 19!

Lenny Magill
CEO/Founder
www.GlockStore.com