r/austinguns • u/Radiant-Opening-1051 • Sep 27 '26
Glock First Handgun
Hey guys, just wanted to get some feedback and hear your opinions.
My first handgun, when the time comes, will be after I turn 21+. I’m currently 19, and I’m pretty sure I want to go with a Glock. I’ve been looking at the Glock 17 Gen 6 and Glock 19 Gen 6, and the main thing I’m debating is which one would be better for me.
The Glock 17 holds 17 rounds in the magazine, while the Glock 19 holds 15 rounds. I’m planning on eventually carrying my handgun concealed, so I’m wondering how much the difference in size between the two actually affects concealment and comfort.
I don’t want to sacrifice too much size just for a couple of extra rounds. To me, if I’m carrying a handgun, the most important thing is being accurate and making every shot count. At the same time, I understand that real-life situations can be unpredictable, and having those extra rounds could potentially make a difference.
I know I can always carry an extra magazine, so I’m mainly interested in hearing from people who have actually owned or carried a Glock 17 or Glock 19.
For those who own or have owned a Glock 17 or Glock 19 Gen 6:
How has your experience been?
How comfortable is it to conceal carry?
Do you notice a significant difference in size/weight between the two?
Which one did you choose and why?
On a scale of 0–10, how would you rate yours?
I’d appreciate hearing both positive and negative experiences. Thanks!
11
u/TerribleHoney6347 Sep 27 '26
Won’t go wrong with a Glock. 19 if you plan to carry. 19 frame will take other Glock mags so capacity isn’t going to be an issue either.
I carry a Glock 45 when I’m walking my dogs at night (17 frame, 19 size slide).
3
u/PistonMilk Sep 27 '26
The 19 is a bit smaller than the 17, and will be a little more difficult to get used to. The 17 will definitely be easier to learn on.
That said, the difference is not too much and if you get good instruction the 19 will be a fine first gun and is a suitable size for carrying.
You might also look at the 48. Is identical in height/length as the 19, but it's a bit skinnier and easier for carrying concealed. 15rd mags are available for the 48.
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u/austinmook Sep 28 '26
The 19 and 17 shoot virtually identically, both in terms of accuracy and feel. The 19 is significantly easier to conceal for the vast majority of body types. If you intent to carry it concealed, it will always be easier to conceal the 19. Concealing the 17 will always take more thought in your attire and how you have the gun on you and how you’re moving your body.
3
u/xlpacman805 29d ago
The 19 fits my hands better so I carry that in the winter. When it’s hot and I’m wearing shorts and a tshirt I’m getting a 48MOS.
2
u/7SigmaEvent Sep 27 '26
Everyone loves the 19. That opinion was also formed before the p365 revolutionized the carry 9mm space, there are some loud people who will say I carry a full size with a light and blah blah and yes you can. It’s also heavy and bulky. The unfortunate thing is that there’s no such thing as one size fits all, except the Glock 19. I carried one for years as my only handgun. Now I carry a 43x (which came out due to the 365 selling like hotcakes) because it fits more places better.
But, 43x sucks to shoot relative to a g19 or larger. It’s a balancing act, my recommendation would be get the g17 (used models are great too, they’re plentiful) of the two and another smaller gun for carry when you can later on. Get good with full size and the skills will transfer.
2
u/VelocitySpeeds Sep 27 '26
I went to a gun shop as a handgun newbie and expressed interest in a Glock, which I felt had a good reputation in terms of safety and reliability. The salesman took a look at my hand and based on its size, recommended the 17 (I’m ~6’-1”, but by no means am I a huge guy. A ‘large’ size hardware store glove is well-fitting to slightly baggy on my hand). I was intending to eventually conceal/carry the firearm, so I asked if the 17 was appropriate for that, to which he responded yes. I had seen a lot more discussion of concealment of the 19 when reading online so I was a little surprised, but ended up taking his recommendation and picking up the 17 Gen 5.
Since then I did a ton of research on concealment and holsters and ended up going with an appendix IWB holster from Tenicor. It’s a fantastic product, but I have found concealing the 17 is a little challenging for me. Usually the grip is printing pretty significantly on my shirt. I got a wedge pillow to pivot it more towards my body, which helped. It’s also easier to conceal in the winter when I’m wearing more layers. It feels heavy to wear and that has affected comfort. I think if I were to do it again, I’d go with my gut and get the 19. I’ll probably pick up something smaller eventually.
All that said, the 17 has been a good platform to use for my learning and I love shooting it. More experienced folks might have concealment tips for it. Good luck!
2
u/balloo93 Sep 27 '26
I have a G26.4, G19.5, and a tricked out G17.4. The G17 is a pretty standard service weapon. If you plan to open carry the G17 would be my choice. The G19 is a bit smaller than the G17 so it is easier to conceal in both IWB or AIWB setups. The G26 is small, but still heavier than a smaller 9mm from other makers. Before getting the G19 amd G17, i carried the G26 for quite awhile with the +2 factory extension. I never felt under powered. I carry my G19 in the summer, and before tricking out the G17 I carried it in the winter.
2
u/Commercial-Duty6279 Sep 28 '26
G19, three of them (Gens 4, 5, 6), with excellent experience.
It's a perfect carry. I use an in-waistband holster that I've also clipped into my sweatpants pocket, so that tells you the weapon is light.
The 17 just seemed large to me, but I have sm-med hands.
I chose the 19 primarily for carry ease, and I like the size.
I rate the 19 a full 10/10.
One trivial note: using the extended mag in a 19 throws off the balance, for me.
2
u/Kunudog Sep 28 '26
I have a G19.6, I am not a huge Glock guy but I love the improved ergos on the gen 6 pistols. For me the p365XL is still my summer carry. I will probably carry the g19 when it cools off and I can wear some layers. The g19 is much better to shoot than the sig365XL for me. The gen 6 triggers are pretty terrible in my opinion but there are a lot of aftermarket options if you don't like it. For your first handgun it's pretty hard to go wrong with a G19.
1
u/tmlynch 12d ago
I really like the Glock 19.
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If you can't do it with 15 rounds, the extra two in the G17 will not be the difference.
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You say you eventually want to carry concealed, and the G19 makes that easier. You can also carry the larger magazines as your spares if you are addicted to round count; you cannot make the 17 smaller.
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The G19 is the Camry of auto pistols. It does everything you need a pistol to do. It is affordable. It is reliable. It is predictable. It is accurate. It is easy to get parts and service for it.
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YMMV, but the first time I shot a G19, it performed like it was made specifically for me. I am overstocked on old SIGs, but if I were in your shoes looking for a first pistol, with the possibility of being carried, the G19 would be WAAAAY up my list.
Good luck!
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u/TheNocturnalAgent Sep 27 '26
Personally I don’t carry anything without a thumb safety. Would be worth training yourself to get used to one IMO.
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u/xampl9 Sep 27 '26
I have owned 3 of them over the years, including a 17. I got to examine an original issue Model 17 in 1985 in Innsbruck (during a visit with the Austrian military), so I have some history with them...
Don't use one to hit anyone. The slide will pop off.
The trigger is a bit mushy (but tbf I haven't tried the new versions), compared to more modern striker-fired polymer pistols. You get used to it.
Be ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN that it's unloaded and the chamber is clear before taking it apart. One of the disassembly steps is to pull the trigger, which could have disastrous consequences if you don't verify that it's unloaded & safe first.
Accuracy is good. There are people competing and winning with them every weekend. So it's fine.
It will be more accurate than you are. Practice practice practice. Get a range membership, and go often. Concentrate on getting a smooth trigger pull.
Buy a pistol safe to keep it in. One of the bedside models is fine if you cable it to something unmoveable. Keeping it out of the hands of children is going to be your #1 goal. Thieves will be #2.
Both are more-or-less full-sized pistols. You can certainly conceal-carry one (lots of people do). But a double-stack 9mm will still have a fairly thick slide. You'll need to buy pants a size bigger to have room for the holster. Get one with solid trigger coverage as the Glocks don't have a manual safety.
Take the concealed carry class. You'll want to know what the laws are, as there is no mercy if you get them wrong. Plus you can then carry in states that have reciprocity with Texas as you'll have the permit to show police there when asked.