The Glock 17, the cornerstone of Glock pistols, offers a range of form factors inspired by its full-sized design. Glock produces five form factors based on the original Glock 17, each tailored to specific needs. The ‘Standard’ models serve as full-sized duty firearms with large magazine capacities, while the ‘Compact’ models offer reduced magazine capacity and lighter weight without compromising grip length.
Welcome to the world of pistols. At Capital Shooting Range, our goal is to provide the most comprehensive information, and there is no better place to start than with the legendary Glock 17. Whether you’re a first-time shooter or a seasoned enthusiast, this full-sized pistol is a favorite at our range and a must-try for your Budapest shooting experience.
A Deep Dive into the History of the Glock
The Glock 17’s story is one of innovation and disruption. It’s a modern legend that started with a seemingly unlikely beginning.
The Birth of a Polymer Revolution
The Glock 17’s story began in the early 1980s when the Austrian military was looking for a new service pistol. They issued a list of 17 criteria, which included being self-loading, having a minimum magazine capacity of 8 rounds, and being resistant to a drop test. Austrian engineer Gaston Glock, who was an expert in advanced synthetic polymers but had no background in firearms design, took on the challenge. Using his expertise, he developed a pistol that utilized a lightweight yet incredibly durable polymer frame. This was a radical departure from the traditional all-metal handguns of the era, which were often heavy and prone to corrosion.
Did You Know?
Glock’s founder, Gaston Glock, had no prior experience designing firearms when he created the Glock 17. He was an engineer with expertise in advanced polymers, which became the key to his revolutionary design.
Winning the Austrian Military Contract
In 1982, the Glock 17 was submitted for the Austrian military trials. It outperformed its competitors from established firearms manufacturers in a series of rigorous tests. Its design proved to be exceptionally reliable, simple to use, and easy to maintain. It was also easier to field-strip and clean. The pistol’s designation as “17” comes from the fact that it was Glock’s 17th patent. The Glock 17’s victory in these trials cemented its place in firearms history and laid the foundation for its global success.
Fun Fact:
The name “Glock 17” isn’t random. It’s named after the 17th patent Gaston Glock filed, not its magazine capacity.
Global Adoption and Commercial Success
After its initial success, the Glock 17 quickly gained popularity beyond Austria, particularly among law enforcement agencies and civilian shooters in the United States. Its simplicity, high capacity, and the revolutionary “Safe Action” trigger system made it a preferred choice for professionals and private citizens alike. The use of a polymer frame and striker-fired system set a new industry standard, leading to many other manufacturers creating similar designs. Today, the Glock 17 remains one of the most widely used and respected pistols in the world, with a reputation for being a true “safe bet”.
Did You Know?
The Glock 17 is so reliable that it has a reputation for being able to fire while submerged in water, and it has been the subject of numerous “torture tests” online.
The Founder: Gaston Glock
The founder and inventor of GLOCK, Gaston Glock (1929-2023), was a man of diverse business ventures before he revolutionized the firearms industry. An Austrian engineer with a background in advanced synthetic polymers, he started his first company in 1963, initially producing curtain rods and knives for the military. His lack of prior firearms experience, which he saw as an advantage, allowed him to approach the design of a new service pistol with a fresh perspective, free from preconceived notions. His expertise in plastics and injection molding became the foundation of his company’s success.
Did You Know?
Before designing the Glock 17, Gaston Glock’s company had a military contract to produce field knives and entrenching tools. His expertise in polymer handles for these tools laid the groundwork for his revolutionary polymer-framed pistol.
In the late 1970s, Glock heard about the Austrian military’s search for a new service pistol. Recognizing a significant opportunity, he gathered a team of firearms experts to design a handgun from scratch. He famously worked on the prototype in his garage and, according to a popular anecdote, tested the prototypes with his left hand in case they blew up, so he could still draw with his right. This meticulous and unconventional approach led to the development of the Glock 17, which, with its simple design and polymer frame, won the military contract and set a new standard for modern handguns.
Did You Know?
Gaston Glock developed the Glock 17 as his 17th patent, which is where the pistol got its name. He also patented a variety of other polymer products before designing his first firearm.
Key Features That Define the Glock 17
The Glock 17’s design is a masterclass in simplicity and efficiency. Its reputation is built on a few core features:
Did You Know?
The Glock 17 has only 34 parts, making it exceptionally easy to field strip, clean, and maintain compared to many other pistols that have over 50 parts.
- Polymer Frame: The polymer frame makes the pistol exceptionally lightweight yet durable, resisting corrosion and rough handling.
- “Safe Action” System: This unique trigger system eliminates the need for a manual safety. It uses three internal safeties that automatically disengage as the trigger is pulled, making it both simple and secure to operate.
- High Magazine Capacity: The standard Glock 17 magazine holds 17 rounds of 9x19mm ammunition, providing a significant advantage in capacity over many competitors.
- Low Bore Axis: The design places the barrel low in the frame, which helps reduce muzzle flip. This allows for faster and more accurate follow-up shots.
- Interchangeable Backstraps: Modern versions allow users to customize the grip to fit their hand size, improving comfort and control.
Glock’s Form Factors: A Pistol for Every Purpose
The Glock 17’s success led to a family of pistols, each with a specific purpose. This diverse lineup is what makes the brand so popular.
Did You Know?
The Glock 19 is often considered the most popular and versatile Glock model, perfectly balancing the size of the Glock 17 with a more compact frame for concealed carry.
Below is a table breaking down the different form factors based on the Glock 17 design:
| Form Factor | Example Models | Key Features & Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Glock 17 | Full-sized duty firearm with a large magazine capacity. Ideal for military, law enforcement, and target shooting. |
| Compact | Glock 19 | A smaller version of the Glock 17 that offers a balance of firepower and a more concealable size. Excellent for all-around use. |
| Subcompact | Glock 26, Glock 43 | Designed for deep concealment, these models feature shorter grips and barrels. Perfect for everyday concealed carry. |
| Short Frame (SF) | Glock 21SF | Features a reduced grip circumference for shooters with smaller hands. Originally developed for U.S. military trials. |
| Competition | Glock 34 | Models with extended barrels and slides designed to maximize accuracy for sport shooting. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Glock 17 (FAQ)
Did You Know?
Glocks are so easy to disassemble and maintain that a complete field strip can be done in a matter of seconds without any tools.
What makes the Glock 17 so popular?
The Glock 17 is popular for its simplicity, reliability, and high magazine capacity. Its polymer frame makes it lightweight, and the “Safe Action” trigger system ensures safety without complicating the firearm’s operation.
Is the Glock 17 a good choice for beginners?
Yes, it is. The Glock 17 is an excellent choice for new shooters due to its ease of use, manageable recoil, and renowned reliability.
What’s the difference between a Glock 17 and a Glock 19?
The Glock 17 is a full-sized pistol with a 4.49-inch barrel and 17-round capacity, while the Glock 19 is a compact version with a shorter barrel and a 15-round capacity.
What is the magazine capacity of the Glock 17?
The standard magazine for the Glock 17 holds 17 rounds of 9x19mm ammunition, though extended magazines are also available.
Does the Glock 17 have a manual safety?
No. The G17 relies on its internal “Safe Action” system with three automatic safeties that are only disengaged by pulling the trigger.
What kind of ammunition does the Glock 17 use?
The G17 is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, also known as 9mm Luger.
How reliable is the Glock 17?
The G17 is renowned for its exceptional reliability. It is designed to function with minimal maintenance and performs well in harsh conditions, making it a favorite of military and law enforcement.
What does the “SF” in some Glock models stand for?
“SF” stands for “Short Frame”. These models have a reduced grip circumference, which makes them more comfortable for shooters with smaller hands.
Can you customize a Glock 17?
Yes! The G17 has a large aftermarket community, so you can easily customize almost any part, including sights, grips, and barrels.
What are Glock’s “Gen” numbers?
“Gen” refers to the different generations of Glock pistols. Each generation, such as Gen3, Gen4, and Gen5, includes slight improvements and design changes. For example, the Gen5 models have a flared magazine well and an updated trigger.
