Understanding the Glock 17 Gen 5
Background of the Glock 17
The Glock 17, the original Glock pistol, holds a significant place in firearms history. Introduced in the early nineteen-eighties, it revolutionized the handgun market with its polymer frame, striker-fired design, and high-capacity magazine. The Glock 17’s initial success paved the way for the company’s global dominance, establishing the Glock name as synonymous with durability and dependability. The Glock 17 has served as the foundation for an entire product line and has seen multiple generations of improvements and refinements.
Key Features of the Gen 5 Model
The Gen 5 model, the current iteration of the Glock 17, represents a culmination of these advancements. Glock listened to the feedback of users and incorporated changes to improve the user experience. One of the most noticeable features of the Gen 5 is the ambidextrous slide stop lever, a welcome addition for left-handed shooters or those who prefer to operate the controls with either hand. This enhancement contributes to the pistol’s overall ease of use and control.
The Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) is another key improvement found in the Gen 5. This enhanced barrel design is engineered to provide increased accuracy and tighter shot groupings. The GMB boasts improved rifling designed to enhance bullet stability, resulting in improved performance on the range.
The trigger mechanism received a refresh in the Gen 5, offering a smoother and more consistent pull. While Glock triggers are known for their simplicity, this refinement enhances the overall shooting experience, facilitating more precise shot placement. The result is a trigger pull that is both predictable and manageable, boosting the shooter’s control.
A beveled magazine well is another noteworthy feature of the Glock 17 Gen 5. This subtle yet impactful design change allows for faster and more efficient magazine changes, crucial in high-stress situations or competitive shooting. The bevel guides the magazine smoothly into the gun, which reduces the chances of fumbling during reloads.
Front slide serrations were added to the Gen 5 model, allowing shooters to more easily manipulate the slide for press checks or clearing malfunctions. The front serrations are particularly helpful for those who prefer to grasp the slide forward, a common technique in firearms training and practice.
The Glock 17 Gen 5 maintains the renowned reliability and safety features that have become synonymous with the Glock brand, including its Safe Action system, which incorporates three independent safety mechanisms. Its durability and simple design also ensure easy maintenance and consistent performance under various conditions. The pistol’s overall design and manufacturing processes have created a strong reputation for robustness and dependability.
An Introduction to the Glock 47
The Glock 47, introduced more recently, builds on the established legacy of the Glock family, offering a different approach in the pursuit of firearm excellence. While it retains the core principles of Glock design – reliability, simplicity, and modularity – the Glock 47 brings something a little different to the table.
The Glock 47 is closely related to the Glock 19 series in its design and philosophy. It’s part of a growing trend of compact-slide, full-size-frame pistols, offering a unique blend of features that are advantageous for both concealed carry and duty use. This modularity allows for interesting parts interchangeability with other Glock models, increasing its versatility and appeal.
The Glock 47 shares a similar frame size with the Glock 19 series and has a full-size grip, enhancing its shootability by giving the shooter more to grip. This design approach gives the shooter a full-size grip for better control with a shorter slide, helping with balance and ease of carrying.
Modularity
The modularity is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of the Glock 47. In many ways, it’s a hybrid pistol with a slide designed to fit the Glock 19’s frame, offering impressive part interchangeability among the Glock family. This interchangeability allows owners to adapt their pistol with different configurations to suit their individual needs. The Glock 47’s barrel is also compatible with the Glock 19, enabling additional options for customization and maintenance.
Because the Glock 47 has a shorter slide and barrel than the Glock 17, it offers more versatility and potential for concealed carry. It’s designed to provide a similar shooting experience with a grip size that fits a variety of hands.
The Glock 47, like other Glocks, incorporates the brand’s safe action system, ensuring operational safety while also maintaining a user-friendly design. The balance of safety and handling has made Glock a favored brand.
A Side-by-Side Comparison: Size, Features and Beyond
When considering the Glock 47 versus the Glock 17 Gen 5, a detailed comparison of their characteristics is essential for determining which suits you best.
Size and Dimensions
One of the first factors to consider is the dimensions. The Glock 17 Gen 5 has an overall length of around 8.03 inches, while the Glock 47, due to its shorter slide, measures closer to 7.44 inches. The difference in length can influence the balance and handling characteristics of each pistol. The Glock 47’s shorter slide offers benefits for those seeking a more compact package for easier concealment.
The Glock 17 Gen 5 typically has a slightly heavier weight than the Glock 47 due to its larger slide. The weight difference is slight, but it can affect how each pistol feels in hand.
Ergonomics and Handling
The ergonomics are key in any handgun. Both pistols benefit from the Gen 5’s updated grip texture, which provides a more secure grip, even when wet. The Glock 17 Gen 5, with its longer slide, offers a slightly longer sight radius, which is the distance between the front and rear sights. A longer sight radius can lead to improved accuracy, particularly at longer distances, although the difference in this case will likely only be noticeable to experienced shooters.
Features and Modifications
Modularity and interchangeability set the Glock 47 apart. The ability to swap slides with the Glock 19 offers unmatched flexibility, allowing owners to essentially have two pistols in one. This modularity extends to the barrel compatibility, allowing customization to suit the shooting style and preferences of the owner. The Glock 17 Gen 5, on the other hand, is designed as a more stand-alone pistol, offering reliability and proven performance in its original configuration. The advantages of the Glock 47 in this regard, may be the ability to change the slide/frame configuration and allow the user to explore different shooting methods or conceal carry preferences.
Performance and Accuracy
In terms of performance, both pistols are capable of delivering exceptional accuracy. The Glock 17 Gen 5, with its longer sight radius, may offer a slight advantage at greater distances, though the Glock Marksman Barrel found in both models contributes significantly to their precision. Both guns have excellent triggers, and are very capable in the hands of an experienced shooter. Recoil management is another important consideration. The Glock 17 Gen 5, with its greater weight, might have a slight advantage in mitigating recoil.
Concealment and Carry
The Glock 47’s slightly smaller size makes it a more appealing option for concealed carry. While the Glock 17 Gen 5 can be carried concealed, the Glock 47, with its shorter slide, often presents a more manageable profile for everyday carry, particularly in a concealed carry position.
Compatibility and Parts Availability
The availability of parts and accessories is a crucial factor. Both the Glock 47 and the Glock 17 Gen 5 benefit from a vast aftermarket support, including sights, holsters, lights, and other components. Glock pistols are renowned for the ease of customization.
Price and Value
In terms of value, the Glock 17 Gen 5 and Glock 47 are usually competitively priced, with the price varying slightly depending on retailer and included features. Factors like the included accessories may influence the value. The ability to swap parts with the Glock 19 could make the Glock 47 more valuable for shooters who want versatility. The reliability, durability, and widespread availability of both pistols contribute to their overall value.
Intended Uses: Defining Your Needs
The best Glock for you depends on your intended use. The Glock 17 Gen 5 is an excellent choice for various uses, including home defense, range shooting, and duty carry. Its full-size dimensions and longer sight radius can aid accuracy, making it suitable for a range of activities. The Glock 17 Gen 5 is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a reliable, accurate full size pistol.
The Glock 47, with its greater emphasis on modularity and concealability, excels as a concealed carry pistol. Its compatibility with the Glock 19 frame also allows for easy customization, and offers more versatility. If concealed carry is a priority, the Glock 47 may be the better choice, although the Glock 17 can still be concealed with the right holster and clothing. Its shorter slide and more manageable size also make it suitable for general range use and duty carry, but its main advantage lies in its versatility and concealability.
Making the Right Choice: Which Glock is for You?
Ultimately, the choice between the Glock 47 and the Glock 17 Gen 5 comes down to individual priorities. The Glock 17 Gen 5, a classic, delivers proven performance with a reputation for reliability, making it a dependable choice for a wide range of users. The Glock 47, with its modularity, offers greater flexibility and is an excellent option for those seeking enhanced concealability and customization options.
For those prioritizing concealability, the Glock 47 is the better choice. If you are looking for an all around pistol with good accuracy the Glock 17 Gen 5 is a great choice.
Consider your primary applications, the shooting environment, and the degree to which you desire modularity. Careful thought about these points will help you make an informed decision, and ensure you select the Glock that best fits your requirements and expectations. Both pistols, built on the same foundation of reliability and safety, will deliver the quality experience that has made the Glock a world leader.
