User Panel
Posted: 1/31/2017 9:21:42 PM EDT
I am completely stuck on my decision for which pistol to carry. I have decided on a Glock but I cannot decide on the 17 or the 21. Before the academy I had never been a Glock guy I mostly shot 1911's and my FNX. We shot glock 17's in the academy and I shot the piss out of it. But that is where I am stuck. I love 45 but now I have a lot of trigger time with the 17 and am extremely confident with it. I know with more range time I can get to the same level with the 21. My head has been swimming with capacity, time in the fight, stopping power, follow up splits and recoil bla bla bla...
All things considered what would you or have you chose and why? |
|
You already know the answer, the capacity and low recoil of the 17 is why it is nearly unbeatable as a duty gun. It's combat accurate, dead nuts reliable, and youll be using taxpayer funded quality ammunition. Go Glock 9mm.
|
|
I will be perfectly content if I retire with the same G21 and TLR1HL that's in my holster right now. I'm hoping since we just transitioned to gen 4 from gen 3 a bit ago that it's a sign we are sticking with the 21 for a while. That's just personal preference though, I can't say I'd feel undergunned with the 17, just really love my 21
|
|
Unless you are surrounded by 21's and can then share mags in a problem, go with the 17.
...then, buy a 21 later. |
|
How the hell do the lawyers let you pick your own duty weapon?
|
|
Quoted:
How the hell do the lawyers let you pick your own duty weapon? View Quote Smaller agencies that don't issue weapons often let guys buy off a list of approved brands. I've even seen small part time agencies that don't care what it is, as long as you show up and qual with it, you're golden. |
|
You know the answer already.
Two questions. What is the issued pistol? What are most of the other officers carrying? |
|
How often do you practice shooting? If it's only the once a year qual, then go Glock 17. If you're like me and shoot once a week, then go Glock 21. Another thing to consider the weight on your belt. The Glock 17 will be lighter than the 21. Honestly I could go either way, you can't really go wrong. An old cop friend of mine carried the Glock 17 when they first came out in the 80's and has recently switched to the Glock 21 and loves the upgrade. So take that for what it's worth. I think most people can't handle the 45acp very well, but most can shoot a 9mm well. If you can shoot the larger caliber well, then go for it. If not, then stick with 9mm. I would stick with whatever makes you feel confident in the end.
|
|
|
Quoted:
Smaller agencies that don't issue weapons often let guys buy off a list of approved brands. I've even seen small part time agencies that don't care what it is, as long as you show up and qual with it, you're golden. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
How the hell do the lawyers let you pick your own duty weapon? Smaller agencies that don't issue weapons often let guys buy off a list of approved brands. I've even seen small part time agencies that don't care what it is, as long as you show up and qual with it, you're golden. I work for a large agency and we can pick our own weapon. We can pretty much use any reputable brand in 9mm, 40, 45, or 357 Sig. |
|
I chose a 1911, because I shoot it better than anything else. Some of our guys carry Glock 17s, but I'm not a big fan of 9mm for duty. One of our guys has shot two people with his 17 over the past 6 weeks and the results were less than spectacular.
|
|
G17. Ammo is cheaper so you can afford to shoot more (doubt your agency will provide enough practice ammo).
All my agency's shootings with the 9mm have shown that the 9mm is plenty adequate. |
|
Quoted:
G17. Ammo is cheaper so you can afford to shoot more (doubt your agency will provide enough practice ammo). All my agency's shootings with the 9mm have shown that the 9mm is plenty adequate. View Quote I should have mentioned in the OP that I reload. Ammo cost is actually about the only thing I am not factoring in this decision. I agree that there are studies galore that say the 9mm is adequate I have just always had that nagging thought in the back of my head that .45 was better. I am definitely starting to lean towards the 17. |
|
Quoted:
I should have mentioned in the OP that I reload. Ammo cost is actually about the only thing I am not factoring in this decision. I agree that there are studies galore that say the 9mm is adequate I have just always had that nagging thought in the back of my head that .45 was better. I am definitely starting to lean towards the 17. View Quote If ammo costs are not a concern and you are comfortable with your abilities shooting the 21 I see absolutely no reason not to go with it personally, but again, it's personal preference |
|
Either is good. My agency just issued Gen4s, so I have a brand new G21.
On my dollar, I'd probably go G17. Save a bit of cash, buy more ammo and accessories (33 round mags yo!) |
|
Thank you for all of your input everyone.
I am going to go pick up a Gen4 17 tomorrow. I may buy a 21 later down the road if I still feel the desire. |
|
G-17. I say this and I'm a 1911 guy but are agency is transitioning to G-17's from Sig 220 this year. I'm not much of a fan of the 17 but due to using them while teaching at the academy I'm getting to like them more but a G-34 is the cats arse.
Dan |
|
Quoted:
G-17. I say this and I'm a 1911 guy but are agency is transitioning to G-17's from Sig 220 this year. I'm not much of a fan of the 17 but due to using them while teaching at the academy I'm getting to like them more but a G-34 is the cats arse. Dan View Quote I just got my G34 today! Can't wait to qualify with it |
|
ive been carrying a model 22 for 21 years (gen 2, 3 and now 4) . i wish we would go with the 17 when we get a new one, assuming we get one before I retire. At one point I wanted us to go with a 21 but the 17 feels better to me.
plus we now have issued back up model 43's and i hate having two different kinds of ammo. |
|
I voted 21. Why? Its my favorite glock to shoot and I shoot it as well as my 17.
|
|
|
So the 17 is spanking the 21 so far. But you may also look at the 34.
Advantages -Cheap ammo $.20 vs $.38 -Cheap mags(I get my 17 rd glock mags $20 OTD) -Capacity -Weight -Holster availability, go Safariland excellent customer service |
|
I carry both.
Practicing with a shot timer, my times are nearly identical, with only a tiny lean towards faster times with the G21. That being said, the 17 is my choice for around town. I carry the 21 at the ranch because CCI Snake Shot rounds won't cycle from the mags on a 9mm, and I take the 21 when I go to the mountains. If I were to be a cop, only open carrying, and looking at the wide array of possibilities where I might need to take a shot, plus having two spare mags on my belt, I would carry the G21. Hence why I say that I carry both. |
|
I would go with the 17, you could get up to speed with the 21 also buts its heavy and less rounds . 17 all the way
|
|
Quoted:
How the hell do the lawyers let you pick your own duty weapon? View Quote We have issued duty guns and still can pick from a list of approved guns if you want to carry your own. Pretty much the same way the majority of dept's will allow an officer to carry a personally owned AR or Shotgun. J- |
|
As stated by others, G17 for ammo cost savings and capacity.
|
|
I'm issued a 21sf. Am waiting for annul quals to come around again. Will be switching to the 17. Lighter to carry around all day... more ammo... fits my hand better... shoot it like a champ. No question.
|
|
|
Carry whatever your shift partners are carrying, same mags and ammo.
|
|
Quoted:
Smaller agencies that don't issue weapons often let guys buy off a list of approved brands. I've even seen small part time agencies that don't care what it is, as long as you show up and qual with it, you're golden. View Quote |
|
OP I'd go with the 17 for simply the extra rounds and faster follow up. I'm sure you're aware of the incident in downtown Dallas last summer with the 5 officers killed. In a situation like that you want as many rounds as you can carry. Of course that was a rare event, but those officers who went to work that evening had no idea what lay ahead for them.
|
|
|
Quoted:
I voted 21. Why? Its my favorite glock to shoot and I shoot it as well as my 17. View Quote A G21 was my first Austrian; changed to a G17 to become compatible with some other Arfcommers, but I missed it. HH6 bought it back for me for a Xmas present. Get the one you shoot the best. |
|
Quoted:
How often do you practice shooting? If it's only the once a year qual, then go Glock 17. If you're like me and shoot once a week, then go Glock 21. Another thing to consider the weight on your belt. The Glock 17 will be lighter than the 21. Honestly I could go either way, you can't really go wrong. An old cop friend of mine carried the Glock 17 when they first came out in the 80's and has recently switched to the Glock 21 and loves the upgrade. So take that for what it's worth. I think most people can't handle the 45acp very well, but most can shoot a 9mm well. If you can shoot the larger caliber well, then go for it. If not, then stick with 9mm. I would stick with whatever makes you feel confident in the end. View Quote |
|
|
Quoted:
I have and love both. I recommend the 17 with +2 mag plates. View Quote I even took them off of my 33 round 9mm mags. It only took once for me to learn. If two rounds makes the difference between life and death, it was your time to go. |
|
Quoted:
Why the +2 plates... you want his magazines to forcibly disassemble themselves at the worst possible moment and get him killed? I even took them off of my 33 round 9mm mags. It only took once for me to learn. If two rounds makes the difference between life and death, it was your time to go. View Quote |
|
Quoted:
Why the +2 plates... you want his magazines to forcibly disassemble themselves at the worst possible moment and get him killed? I even took them off of my 33 round 9mm mags. It only took once for me to learn. If two rounds makes the difference between life and death, it was your time to go. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
I have and love both. I recommend the 17 with +2 mag plates. I even took them off of my 33 round 9mm mags. It only took once for me to learn. If two rounds makes the difference between life and death, it was your time to go. |
|
I own both. The 21 just for sports.
With the 17 you have everything you need. Flat shooting, faster back on target, more ammo, cheaper ammo... My PD is changing to the VP9 or the P320 soon. I shot both before and the VP9 feels like a .40 cal. Glock22. No more to say. |
|
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.