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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?
Link Posted: 1/31/2017 9:36:31 PM EDT
[#1]
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.
Link Posted: 1/31/2017 9:46:40 PM EDT
[#2]
G17
Link Posted: 1/31/2017 10:30:13 PM EDT
[#3]
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
Link Posted: 1/31/2017 10:43:22 PM EDT
[#4]
Unless you are surrounded by 21's and can then share mags in a problem, go with the 17.

...then, buy a 21 later.
Link Posted: 1/31/2017 11:44:07 PM EDT
[#5]
How the hell do the lawyers let you pick your own duty weapon?
Link Posted: 2/1/2017 12:21:37 AM EDT
[#6]
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Quoted:
How the hell do the lawyers let you pick your own duty weapon?
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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.
Link Posted: 2/1/2017 12:33:12 AM EDT
[#7]
You know the answer already.

Two questions.

What is the issued pistol?

What are most of the other officers carrying?
Link Posted: 2/1/2017 12:37:18 AM EDT
[#8]
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.
Link Posted: 2/1/2017 12:58:28 AM EDT
[#9]
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Quoted:
You know the answer already.

Two questions.

What is the issued pistol?
There is no issued pistol. We buy our own.

What are most of the other officers carrying?

Mostly Glock 17's with a few 21's and a couple of sigs.
View Quote
Link Posted: 2/1/2017 11:55:16 AM EDT
[#10]
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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.
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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.
Link Posted: 2/1/2017 12:31:03 PM EDT
[#11]
17 is the way.  and you have trained with it more.
Link Posted: 2/1/2017 9:50:11 PM EDT
[#12]
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.
Link Posted: 2/1/2017 10:14:36 PM EDT
[#13]
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.
Link Posted: 2/1/2017 10:45:47 PM EDT
[#14]
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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.
Link Posted: 2/1/2017 10:49:40 PM EDT
[#15]
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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
Link Posted: 2/2/2017 11:16:55 PM EDT
[#16]
G17 in a nanosecond.
Link Posted: 2/3/2017 3:25:49 PM EDT
[#17]
17 or 34
Link Posted: 2/3/2017 11:32:01 PM EDT
[#18]
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!)
Link Posted: 2/4/2017 1:04:58 AM EDT
[#19]
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.
Link Posted: 2/4/2017 7:18:46 AM EDT
[#20]
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
Link Posted: 2/4/2017 11:25:03 PM EDT
[#21]
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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
Link Posted: 2/5/2017 11:21:42 AM EDT
[#22]
You may want to try a H&K VP9 before buying a Glock 17.
Link Posted: 2/5/2017 3:13:05 PM EDT
[#23]
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.
Link Posted: 2/5/2017 8:28:26 PM EDT
[#24]
Link Posted: 2/7/2017 6:27:54 PM EDT
[#25]
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Quoted:
You may want to try a H&K VP9 before buying a Glock 17.
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I would check the availability of duty holsters before picking up a VP9.
Link Posted: 2/15/2017 12:25:45 AM EDT
[#26]
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
Link Posted: 2/15/2017 12:34:11 AM EDT
[#27]
I VOTED THE RED COLOR ANSWER.
Link Posted: 2/15/2017 12:47:46 AM EDT
[#28]
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.
Link Posted: 2/19/2017 6:41:51 AM EDT
[#29]
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
Link Posted: 2/20/2017 1:44:12 AM EDT
[#30]
I'm issued a 21 but I'd carry my 17 if I could.
Link Posted: 2/20/2017 2:20:28 AM EDT
[#31]
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Quoted:
How the hell do the lawyers let you pick your own duty weapon?
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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-
Link Posted: 2/27/2017 12:13:48 AM EDT
[#32]
As stated by others, G17 for ammo cost savings and capacity.
Link Posted: 3/1/2017 7:59:14 AM EDT
[#33]
G17
Link Posted: 3/2/2017 11:36:12 PM EDT
[#34]
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.
Link Posted: 3/15/2017 7:32:07 AM EDT
[#35]
Glock 17
Link Posted: 3/15/2017 4:20:56 PM EDT
[#36]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
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


Big agencies as well do. A lot of them.
Link Posted: 3/16/2017 9:21:03 PM EDT
[#37]
Carry whatever your shift partners are carrying, same mags and ammo.
Link Posted: 3/22/2017 7:55:23 PM EDT
[#38]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
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
Even as big as Dallas PD is we could private purchase selected handguns from a list. DPD does issue a handgun, the DAK Sig P226
Link Posted: 3/22/2017 8:01:16 PM EDT
[#39]
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.
Link Posted: 4/22/2017 11:05:57 PM EDT
[#40]
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Quoted:


I would check the availability of duty holsters before picking up a VP9.
View Quote
I was able to get a holster from Safariland easily when I switched to a VP9...TWO YEARS AGO. I think now, in 2017, it shouldn't be an issue.
Link Posted: 4/22/2017 11:08:42 PM EDT
[#41]
G17 all day.
Link Posted: 4/25/2017 11:15:22 PM EDT
[#42]
Link Posted: 4/27/2017 9:54:31 PM EDT
[#43]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
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.
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Even if you can handle .45 well you'll most likely handle 9mm even better. 
Link Posted: 4/30/2017 2:16:24 PM EDT
[#44]
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Quoted:
How the hell do the lawyers let you pick your own duty weapon?
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Easy we have an approved list of weapons, you can select based off that list.

I carry a Gen4 G17 by far the most popular choice here.
Link Posted: 5/1/2017 1:28:48 AM EDT
[#45]
I have and love both.
I recommend the 17 with +2 mag plates.
Link Posted: 5/2/2017 3:55:41 PM EDT
[#46]
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Quoted:
I have and love both.

I recommend the 17 with +2 mag plates.
View Quote
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.
Link Posted: 5/7/2017 7:26:20 AM EDT
[#47]
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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
Not to mention Magpul has 21 rd mags out now for Glock.
Link Posted: 5/7/2017 7:55:53 PM EDT
[#48]
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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
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Quoted:
Quoted:
I have and love both.

I recommend the 17 with +2 mag plates.
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.
I found some old +2 factory Glock exenders a while back. Put them on my mags and quickly remembered why I removed them more than 15 years ago. Unless you want to practice malfunction clearance they have no place on a duty gun. There are better more reliable products out there if you want more rounds. Personally I would add another magazine or two to get the extra rounds.
Link Posted: 6/27/2017 12:55:32 PM EDT
[#49]
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.
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