Glock 17 is a great choice for range shooting, CCW carry and home defense. It can shoot steel, brass and even some meme hype ammo with metronomic consistency. When it first came on the scene, the polymer framed Glock 17 was met with blistering attacks from traditionalists who insisted only steel frames could stand up to repeated use over time.
Reliability
The Glock 17 is a very reliable pistol. This is why it’s the sidearm of so many law enforcement officers and security professionals. It is easy to maintain, requiring only a little routine cleaning and lubrication. The pistol is also surprisingly durable. It passed a battery of torture tests from the Austrian Army and Miami Police Department and has a reputation for being almost indestructible.
The frame and magazine body are made of a special polymer invented by Gaston Glock that is more resilient than steel alloys. This polymer resists shock, caustic liquids and temperature extremes that would warm or rust steel frames.
The gun’s reliability is backed by a wide range of accessories and extended magazines. The magazine capacity is impressive and the sights are excellent. The Gen5 model features a trigger with a rolling break that is very responsive. This is a good thing from a live fire perspective, but some shooters prefer a crisper break.
Accuracy
Glocks are known for being incredibly accurate, especially in comparison to other modern pistols. This is due to the fact that they have a longer barrel that helps stabilize the bullet for better precision. The Gen 5 models feature Glock’s Marksman Barrel for even more accuracy. Accuracy ultimately depends on the shooter, though. Good shooting fundamentals like sight alignment, stance, grip and trigger pull are essential for getting on target and staying there.
G17s are the standard for full sized polymer frame 9mm handguns, and they’re widely used by law enforcement agencies, military units, and private citizens around the world. They’re durable, reliable, and fairly ergonomic.
It’s no wonder that they have become so popular over the years. In short, the Glock 17 is a great choice for first time gun owners, as well as those looking for a do everything pistol that will serve them reliably. And it’s worth noting that Glocks are relatively easy to repair and maintain as well.
Performance
The Glock 17 doesn’t shoot like a CZ 75 but it’s pretty accurate for a duty-style pistol. This makes it a great option for home defense and target shooting. The factory sights are functional but if you want to up your accuracy, upgrade to night sights or fiber optics. The Gen 4 and Gen 5 Glocks also come with a precision-machined slide mounting system for popular red dot optics.
The original Glock 17 put polymer frame striker-fired handguns on the map. It’s the pistol all other polymer framed handguns are measured against. It isn’t the most reliable pistol out there but it doesn’t fail, even when it gets covered in dust and mud.
Grip
Glock pistols have a very natural feel in the hand and they point, aim and shoot well. The gun is also a great choice for concealed carry. It is a duty-sized firearm and can be carried in the appendix, IWB or OWB positions. It is easy to conceal with a good quality holster and clothing that won’t print.
The Glock 17 uses the same frame as the G22, so most of the accessories that fit one will fit the other. This includes holsters, sights and other accessories. The magazine release on the Glock 17 is ambidextrous for right or left-handed shooters and it has a flared mag-well to allow for faster reloads.
What’s Next?
The grip on the Glock 17 has a molded texture that provides an excellent hold in most hands. It is also easy to modify the size of the grip using the included backstraps. You can even add a Beavertail to the gun for competition shooting.