Glock 17 Gen5
Bottomline
The Glock 17 Gen5 delivers solid performance and modern upgrades, but it’s more of an evolution than a revolution.
When it comes to handguns, few names stir up as much debate as Glock. The Glock 17 Gen5 is the latest iteration of a pistol that’s been making waves, and raising eyebrows, since its debut in 1982. Back then, the original Glock 17 turned the firearm world upside down with its polymer frame and stripped-down simplicity. Fast forward to today, the Gen5 promises “upgraded” features, but does it really live up to the hype? Or are we just seeing incremental tweaks dressed up as groundbreaking improvements? Let’s dive into the details and see if this fifth-gen offering earns its place or just rides on Glock’s reputation.
Table of Contents
Bottomline
The Glock 17 Gen5 delivers solid performance and modern upgrades, but it’s more of an evolution than a revolution.
Pros
- Affordable
- No finger grooves on the front strap
- Flared mag well
- Ambidextrous slide-stop lever
- Rounded/de-horned muzzle
- Rear-only slide grip serrations
- Glock Marksman Barrel
- Multiple backstrap frame
- Reversible magazine release catch
- Accessory rail
- Dual recoil spring assembly
Cons
- Prone to slide bite
- The slide lock lever is relatively small
What Customers Say
Good feel in your hand. I own multiple Glocks and I love the accuracy of the Gen5 barrels. I like the color.
Steve M.
Glock 17 Gen5 Specs
Caliber | Capacity | OAL | BBL | Width | Height | Weight |
9mm | 17+1, 19+1, 33+1 | 7.32″ | 4.49″ | 1.34″ | 5.47″ | 23.99 oz. w/empty mag |
Glock 17 Gen5 First Impression
The Glock 17 Gen5 brings a mix of thoughtful updates that we appreciate. Gone are the finger grooves, making the grip more comfortable and accommodating, especially for those with larger hands. The flared and beveled magazine well is another welcome change, allowing for faster and smoother reloads. The trigger also sees a noticeable improvement, offering a smoother pull, a cleaner break, and a more pronounced reset, making follow-up shots quicker and more precise. While you may still want aftermarket triggers, the stock trigger is a big step up from previous generations.
Glock 17 Gen5 Features
Flared Magwell
The Glock 17 Gen5 comes with a flared mag well designed to make magazine changes quicker and easier, especially in high-pressure situations. The slight flare at the bottom helps guide the mag into place smoothly, which is a handy feature. However, it’s not all perfect. Some users feel the factory flare isn’t as pronounced as aftermarket options, so it might not offer a huge advantage during rapid reloads. If you’re into competitive shooting or tactical applications, you might find it a bit lacking and prefer an aftermarket upgrade for a more noticeable edge.
Ambidextrous Slide/Stop Lever
The Glock 17 Gen5 features an ambidextrous slide-stop lever, making it easier for both left- and right-handed shooters to operate the slide release comfortably. It’s a great addition for accessibility and usability. However, not everyone’s a fan. Some shooters have reported accidentally engaging the slide stop during use, especially if their grip naturally places a thumb on the lever. And for those who prefer a more traditional design, a single-sided slide stop might feel simpler and more reliable, with fewer potential issues to worry about.
Rear-only Slide Serrations
The Glock 17 Gen5 sticks with rear-only slide serrations, giving you a textured surface for racking the slide while keeping the gun’s profile sleek and simple. It works fine for most situations, but it’s not without its drawbacks. Some users feel that rear-only serrations limit their grip options, especially in tough conditions or when using specific slide manipulation techniques. If you’re used to full-length serrations, you might find it a bit less versatile and not as confidence-inspiring for quick, secure handling.
Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB)
The Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) in the Gen5 is designed with traditional rifling to boost accuracy, so it’s perfect for target shooting and overall performance. Some shooters swear by the improved precision, but not everyone notices a huge difference compared to earlier models—it might feel more like a subtle upgrade than a game-changer. One thing to keep in mind is that the traditional rifling can cause more lead fouling when using lead bullets, meaning you’ll need to clean it a bit more often than you would with Glock’s older polygonal barrels.
Multiple Interchangeable Backstraps
The Glock 17 Gen5 includes multiple interchangeable backstraps, letting you customize the grip size to suit your hand perfectly. It’s a great feature for improving comfort and ergonomics, especially for shooters with unique hand sizes or preferences. That said, it’s not entirely hassle-free. Some users find it a bit overwhelming to choose the right backstrap, and honestly, the differences between them might feel minor. Plus, if a backstrap isn’t installed correctly, it can shift or loosen during use, which could mess with your grip and overall handling.
Further reading: Ultimate Gun Reviews
Final Thoughts
The Glock 17 Gen5 stays true to Glock’s reputation for reliability while adding some solid upgrades like the improved trigger, beveled mag well, and no finger grooves. But it’s not breaking any new ground. If you’re a Glock fan or looking for a dependable workhorse, it’s a great pick. Just don’t expect it to blow your mind if you’ve already used previous generations. At the end of the day, it’s a Glock—rugged, reliable, and unapologetically practical.
Glock 17 Gen5 Score Card
Ergonomics | We love the multiple backstrap system. | 1.8 |
Trigger | Spongy. | 4.45 |
Accuracy | Sufficiently accurate for self-defense and range shooting. | 4 |
Quality | Excellent construction. | 5 |
Value | Budget-friendly. | 1.51 |
Overall | The Glock 17 Gen5 is rugged, reliable, and unapologetically practical. | 3.35 |