Posted: 2/19/2010 11:19:27 AM EDT
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I was just about set on the G17 but now I’m thinking of the G19. I've read some posts that seem to confirm you can't go wrong with either one but didn’t come up with any comparison between the two. Looking at the specs, the G19's length and line of sight is (only) .47"shorter than the G17 and obviously holds 2 less rounds.
What application would benefit from the G19 over the G17? I'm new to all handguns so please excuse this if it comes across as too newbish - does my perceived minimal differences in size amount to something greater when putting rounds down range or say an IDPA shoot? |
| Both are great. It comes down to which fits you better, including your body size/shape if you're carrying. As you've discovered, there's not a huge difference on paper between the two. The 19 fits be better, so I go with it for that and its slightly smaller size for concealment. |
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If you're going to carry it concealed, the 19 might be better. I've carried the fullsize concealed before in a IWB (inside the waistband) holster and it worked for me just fine (5'9", 200lbs).
I find the full size frame more comfortable to shoot and not all that more uncomfortable to carry. |
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Quoted:
I like the G19 size so much I got a G32 for my primary carry. want to buy another one? 
the G19 is extremely comfortable to carry IWB, i carried a G32 as well, and now I carry a G30SF which is similar in size. I've carried the G17, but i always feel like i'm printing |
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I own both and love both however, if someone asked me to choose 1...G19. I actually shoot my 19 a little better than my 17. I think part of it has to do with the 19 forcing me to get a better grip (due to the smaller dimensions) and possibly the shorter slide cycling faster for quicker follow up shots. The 19 is also easier to conceal and feels very comfortable while carrying. As far as line of sight and length, that shouldn't affect your ability to be effective at putting rounds on target. You can also use 17 mags in your 19...they will just protrude from the bottom a bit. A lot of people carry a 19 size mag in the gun and 17 mags as reload mags (theory being in a gun fight, if you have to reload....you don't really care what you look like at that point)
Being a new pistol shooter and potential GLOCK owner, you have shown wisdom in seeking guidance and doing your homework. I think the 19 would be a great choice for you and would allow you to complete any mission of your choosing be it home defense, training, plinking, carry, etc. Shoot both...side by side with different load types of ammo and then decide. My .02 Stay safe |
| I have owned both G17's and G19's and currently own 2 G19's. For me, the G19 seems to point better. I don't know how or why but the G19's sights just seem to line up more naturally than the G17's. Anyway, both are extremely reliable, time tested sidearms. You can't go wrong with either one. |
| I have a 2nd Gen 17 and a 3rd Gen 19. My everyday carry gun is the 19. My 17 is somewhat my BOB pistol. All of my reloads are in 17 magazines, which fit fine in the 19. I also have a G34 with a TLR1 attached as my bedside gun. For all around use, I prefer the 19. |
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Quoted:
I was just about set on the G17 but now I’m thinking of the G19. I've read some posts that seem to confirm you can't go wrong with either one but didn’t come up with any comparison between the two. Looking at the specs, the G19's length and line of sight is (only) .47"shorter than the G17 and obviously holds 2 less rounds. What application would benefit from the G19 over the G17? I'm new to all handguns so please excuse this if it comes across as too newbish - does my perceived minimal differences in size amount to something greater when putting rounds down range or say an IDPA shoot? Ok you asked so... If your planning to shoot IDPA and do CCW with the same pistol get a G19... If your plannling to shoot IDPA and not need to conceal it much or often... get a G17 If you have sweaty hands and you live in a hot state... get an RTF2 for IDPA you'll thank me later. I use my G17rtf2 for home sidearm,GSSF,IDPA I use it to shoot everything from Stock to Enhanced to unlimited classes and I did all of it under $1000. Yes I have seen Glocks fly out of peoples hands on a fast draw... it happens but nobody has even heard of that happening with the RTF2. Trained guys... just got a bit of sweaty right before the draw and they were pushing for a great run time. |
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I got the 17. The 19 shot fine for me but my hands were overlapping the finger groves. The bigger grip of the 17 fit like a glove. I had the same problem and I'm only 5'11" 165lbs so when I got a glock the 3rd Gen 19 didn't feel right in my hand. This is the same reason I went with a 17 originally... but now when I shoot a G19 my grip on it is perfect because it like disappears. I'm almost deadset on the G19rtf2 because having the 17 version told me no matter what I will have the ability to grip my weapon. The regular Gen3 rtf finish points are quite large compared to the ver2 and the rest of the grip seemed slippery to me... but hey this is FL so I gotta test everything for sweat/oil and the rougher one loves my hand lol. 
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