GLOCK G17 GEN 3

Posted May 19, 2023

When it comes to reliability, safety, and accuracy, the Glock G17 GEN3 is one of the foremost handguns on the market. First developed in 1982, this gun has seen many improvements over the years, making it a go-to firearm for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and responsible gun owners alike. With its reputation for being almost indestructible, this compact and lightweight gun offers the perfect balance of weapon control and redundancy for a number of personal and professional shooting needs.

The Glock G17 Gen 3 is a striker-fired, semi-automatic handgun made by Glock. It is chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum (9mm Luger) and is the most widely used law enforcement sidearm in the world. The G17 also comes in various models, including the GEN3, GEN4, and GEN5 series. For this review, we will focus on the GEN3 as it is widely regarded as the go-to handgun for those looking for reliable and affordable firearms.

When comparing handguns, the G17 GEN3 stands out for its reliability. Glock firearms enjoy a reputation for being extremely reliable and dependable. Glock handguns have been extensively tested to ensure that they are able to stay in service in even the most extreme conditions. For example, the U.S. Army tested the Glock 17 in 2014 as part of their Modular Handgun System project. After firing over 300 rounds, many components of the gun, including the slides, were still able to function flawlessly. This is a testament to Glock’s rigorous quality standards and testing protocols to ensure its products can stand up to some of the harshest conditions.

The G17 GEN3 is also lauded for its accuracy. Thanks to its “safe action” trigger, the G17 is highly accurate even if the shooter has a less than perfect grip. Its unique trigger system works by releasing the striker after the trigger is pulled, in a single constant action. This ensures a consistent pull every time, allowing for greater accuracy. Additionally, the “safed” trigger system combined with its uniquely designed Glock Sights allow for quicker target acquisition and follow through.

The G17 GEN3 also features a robust build quality. Its polymer frame is resistant to corrosion and staying lightweight at the same time. Furthermore, its steel slide has been vacuum-coated with a special coating for increased durability and corrosion resistance. This means the G17 GEN3 will remain secure even after extensive firing or exposure to harsh environments.

The G17 GEN3 is also known for its safety features. Its unique trigger system works in tandem with an internal “safe action” safety system. This “safe action” system consists of a trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety. This is designed to ensure that the gun will not fire if dropped and that the drop safety will keep the gun from unintentionally activating. This system adds an extra layer of safety which makes the G17 GEN3 an ideal choice for those who are new to handguns.

The G17 GEN3 is also appealing to gun owners for its ease of maintenance. It is relatively easy to disassemble and clean the gun, meaning that the gun will remain in top condition for years to come. Additionally, the G17 GEN3 is compatible with a range of aftermarket sights, grips, and other accessories, meaning that the user can customize the gun to their own preferences.

Overall, the G17 GEN3 is one of the most popular handguns on the market and it is easy to see why. It is an incredibly reliable and accurate handgun which provides excellent safety features, making it ideal for personal protection and home defense. Its robust build quality and inbuilt safeties make it easy to use and maintain, while its compatibility with various aftermarket accessories allows users to customize the gun to their own preferences. In short, the G17 GEN3 is the perfect choice for those looking for a dependable and versatile handgun.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Reliable – GLOCK G17 GEN 3 is one of the most reliable handguns on the market. It's widely used by militaries and law enforcement around the world, a testament to its dependability.

• Accurate – GLOCK G17 GEN 3 is highly accurate when fired due to its excellent construction and 4.5-inch barrel length.

• Ergonomic – The GLOCK G17 GEN 3 is designed to fit comfortably in the user’s hands, making it easy to use and manage.

• Affordable – The GLOCK G17 GEN 3 is an affordable handgun, with most units selling for well under the $500 price point.

Cons:

• High maintenance – The GLOCK G17 GEN 3 requires regular maintenance and cleaning to operate effectively.

• Limited capacity – This handgun only holds 17 rounds in its magazine, which might not be enough for some users.

• Heavy – The GLOCK G17 GEN 3 is a little on the heavy side, with an unloaded weight of over 25 ounces.

Who Should Buy

The GLOCK G17 GEN 3 is a full-size semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. The pistol was originally produced by the Austrian company GLOCK in 1982 and is the most popular and widely used pistol worldwide.

Who Should Buy:

Professionals who need a reliable and durable firearm for law enforcement, self-defense, or recreational shooting

Civilians looking for a reliable and easy to use self-defense weapon

Who Shouldn't Buy:

People looking for a full-size pistol with more features

People with a limited budget as GLOCK G17 GEN 3 can be fairly expensive

People who need a smaller pistol for concealed carry

Comparisons

	GLOCK G17 GEN 3	Sig Sauer P226	Smith and Wesson M&P 9	Browning Hi-Power
Caliber	9mm	9mm	9mm	9mm
Weight	25.06 oz	34.4 oz	24.25 oz	34.5 oz
Barrel Len	4.49"	4.4"	4.25"	4.6"
Capacity	17+1	15+1	17+1	13+1
Sights	Fixed	SIGLITE	White Dot	Fixed
Price	$500	$900	$550	$650

Features / Specs

• Safe Action System

• 9mm Luger caliber

• 17+1 capacity

• 4.49" barrel

• 7.32" overall length

• 4.88" overall height

• 1.18" overall width

• 20.5 oz. unloaded weight

• Polymer frame

• Tenifer-coated SS slide

• Fixed sights

Popular Accessories

Holsters: Many holster options are available for the GLOCK G17 Gen 3, including concealment, duty, competition, and specialized carry holsters.

Magazines: GLOCK magazines for the G17 Gen3 come in several capacities, including 10, 17, 19, 33, and more.

Lights and Lasers: Flashlights and laser sights are popular accessories for the GLOCK G17 Gen3, and many are available from premium suppliers, including Viridian, Steiner, and Streamlight.

Barrels: Accessories like threaded barrels, suppressor sights, and ported barrels are available for the GLOCK G17 Gen3.

Grips and Plates: Many aftermarket grip options are available for the G17 Gen3, including extended, textured, and colored models. There are also back plates, slide releases, and magwells that can give the G17 Gen3 a customized look.

Accuracy

The GLOCK G17 GEN 3 is renowned for its high accuracy with a 4.5lbs trigger pull and a 5.5 inch barrel length. The GLOCK G17 Gen 3 pistol’s cold hammer-forged steel barrel with hexagonal rifling even further tightens the accuracy of the pistol. Whether used for duty, competition, or training purposes, the GLOCK G17 GEN 3 has proven to deliver superior accuracy shot after shot. In addition, the Glock G17 Gen 3 also features adjustable rear sights, allowing users to easily adjust their point of aim for improved accuracy. As a result, the GLOCK G17 GEN 3 has gained a reputation as one of the most trusted and reliable pistols on the market.