VIDEO REVIEW
WHY A GLOCK?
The G17 is a clean gun. There is no external conventional safety to catch on clothing. I like that. This gun draws fast with one hand to point quickly at a rattle snake or other varmint that might be menacing my hunting dog or me. Pull out the Glock and squeeze the trigger, it’s that simple.
Now, I like smaller guns too. Often my clothing is light, and the G17 cannot be concealed. I must carry a pocket gun, no question about it. I just do not have the control I like with a pocket .380, .22, or .32 ACP. I love that solid feel of the grip that the Glock offers. I also enjoy the simple yet high visibility sights and the one-hand pointability of the big Glock. Honestly, I don’t notice the bit of extra weight.
Related: 17 Reasons to Love the Glock 17
This particular G17 is an old handgun. I had a friend with one too many pistols and I had one too many shotguns, so we traded. I’m glad I made that trade. The gun must be over 35 years old but does not show its age. Yes, the original guns do not have a Picatinny rail, adjustable grip, nor a way to add a red dot. What it does have are bright-white outlined sights that are quick to acquire. The gun will accept many custom accessories.
CUSTOMIZING The Glock
I have replaced the original Glock 4-inch barrel with a 5-inch Faxon threaded-muzzle barrel. Now I can fit my SilencerCo Hybrid suppressor to the gun for fun and quite practice shooting. It tames the sound to that of an unsuppressed .22!
My choice of magazine is the Magpul PMAG 17. There is nothing wrong with original Glock magazines, I recommend them too, but my experience with Magpul has been excellent. They are well made and don’t jam. I haven’t detected any swelling, despite storing them always loaded. I even have a 50-round drum round on hand for non-stop fun at the range. It’s heavy but well-balanced.
Shooting Up the Range
Shooting my G17 is a simple joy and I believe in shooting my carry-gun often. To stay current, I must practice. Practice includes gripping the pistol, the draw, sighting, and trigger squeeze. Often, I practice at home with a carefully cleared empty gun.
When going live fire, I like to use steel and I’m usually standing less than 15 yards distant. I practice this to remind myself what the gun feels like in my hand, the slide-cycling, and the kick of the recoil. I also fire from the hip and aim by pointing my body. During these simple drills, the G17 points well and functions flawlessly. Although it’s not practical to carry with the suppressor, practicing with it on is easy on my ears and hearing.
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 17+1
Overall Length: 8.03 inches
Barrel Length: 4.49 inches
Weight: 24.87 ounces
Width: 1.26 inches
Height: 5.47 inches
My HOLSTER and Carry Position
My favorite holster is the DeSantis leather small of the back (SOB). With a loaded weight of around 2 pounds, I have 17 rounds at the ready. Yes, other guns are lighter and smaller, but the Glock fills my hand. It gives me the control I need to aim and fire. The DeSantis design allows the gun to remain outside of my belt and is nicely concealable.
Related: Glock 17 - Are Full-Size Carry Guns Too Big?
My light shirt covers it well. On cooler days, I have many clothing options such as hoodies, flannel shirts, and coats that cover it completely. I do not like folks to know I am carrying. Viewing me from my front, there is nothing showing. The SOB position is very comfortable, does not jab me when I sit or stand. The DeSantis has no thumb snap. It allows a fast forward draw with nothing to catch the gun.
Closing THOUGHTS
The G17 does it all for me. If I need to defend my life, I want a big gun and lots of ammo without a need to reload or the need to carry a spare 7-round magazine. Chances are that I will never need it for defense, but I am glad it is there if needed. The G17 is not for everyone, but it works for me.
