Understanding the Glock 17: A Closer Look
The Glock 17. The name itself resonates within the world of firearms. A foundational pistol, the Glock 17 is a staple of law enforcement agencies worldwide, a beloved choice for target shooters, and a reliable sidearm for countless gun owners. Its reputation is built on rugged dependability, straightforward operation, and a capacity to deliver consistent performance. But what about its suitability for concealed carry? Is the Glock 17, a full-size handgun, a practical choice for those seeking to carry concealed for personal protection? This article will delve into that very question, offering a comprehensive analysis to guide your decision.
Before evaluating the Glock 17’s merits for concealed carry, it’s essential to understand its characteristics. This is a firearm with a legacy.
The Glock 17 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. Its defining features include a polymer frame and a steel slide, a combination that contributes to its overall balance of weight and durability. The polymer frame helps keep the weight manageable, while the steel slide provides the necessary strength to withstand the pressures of firing. The pistol utilizes Glock’s Safe Action system, a series of passive safeties that contribute to ease of use and, when properly trained, safety.
In terms of dimensions, the Glock 17 is a full-size handgun. This is one of the key factors to consider when assessing its suitability for concealed carry. Its barrel length is approximately 4.49 inches, and the overall length of the pistol typically falls around 7.95 inches. The height is about 5.47 inches, and its width measures approximately 1.18 inches. Unloaded, the Glock 17 weighs roughly 22.05 ounces (without a magazine). The magazine holds a generous 17 rounds of ammunition as standard (though extended magazines are available for those seeking increased capacity).
These specifications highlight the essence of the Glock 17: it’s a robust, accurate, and high-capacity firearm. But how do these features translate to the world of concealed carry, a realm where discretion, comfort, and ease of access are paramount?
The Realities of Concealed Carry: Challenges with the Glock 17
Concealed carry is, at its heart, a compromise. It’s a trade-off between personal protection and the constraints imposed by the act of concealing a firearm. With the Glock 17, that compromise is often more pronounced because of its full-size frame. Several challenges must be acknowledged.
The most significant hurdle is undeniably its size. The Glock 17 is a substantial pistol. Its length, height, and overall bulk make it more challenging to conceal than many smaller, more compact handguns. The goal is to ensure it remains unseen and doesn’t print through your clothing, inadvertently revealing its presence to others. Printing refers to the outline of the gun becoming visible through your attire. With a Glock 17, this potential is higher, especially if you choose to carry in a less-than-ideal location or wearing clothes that aren’t appropriate.
The weight of the Glock 17, particularly when loaded with ammunition, also adds to the challenge. While the polymer frame helps mitigate weight, the combined weight of the gun, loaded magazine, and holster can add significant strain, especially during extended periods of wear. This weight factor necessitates careful consideration of both the holster and the carry position.
Finding suitable clothing is another important consideration. The Glock 17’s larger size necessitates strategic choices in attire. The ideal clothing will provide ample coverage without drawing unwanted attention. This might mean wearing looser-fitting shirts or jackets, strategically layered garments, or clothing specifically designed for concealed carry.
Mitigating the Challenges: Strategies for Concealed Carry Success with a Glock 17
The challenges of concealing the Glock 17 are real, but they are not insurmountable. With the right approach and a dedicated effort, successful concealed carry is achievable. The key lies in understanding the challenges and proactively addressing them.
One of the first and most critical steps is choosing the right holster. The holster is the bridge between you and your firearm. A poor-quality holster can make concealed carry uncomfortable, unsafe, and ineffective. High-quality holsters designed for concealed carry are readily available, and they are essential. Consider materials like Kydex, which offers excellent rigidity, or leather, which can conform to the body over time. Select a holster that fully covers the trigger guard, offers a secure retention system, and is compatible with your preferred carry position.
Inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters are popular for their ability to conceal the firearm close to the body. They often require a slightly larger clothing size, but offer exceptional concealment. Appendix carry, a specific type of IWB carry positioned in the front of the waistband, has become increasingly popular. The Glock 17 can be carried in this manner, but requires diligent practice and holster selection to ensure safety and comfort.
Outside-the-waistband (OWB) holsters, while generally less concealable than IWB options, can still be used with proper clothing choices, such as a jacket or a larger, untucked shirt.
Another crucial factor is the selection of proper concealment garments. The goal is to choose clothing that minimizes printing and allows for easy access to the firearm. Loose-fitting shirts, especially those with darker colors or patterns, can help to disguise the outline of the Glock 17. Jackets, vests, and other outer layers provide additional concealment and can be useful in colder climates.
Choosing the correct carry position is important. Experiment with different carry positions such as strong-side, appendix, or cross-draw. The ideal position is the one that balances concealment, comfort, and accessibility. Consider factors like your body type, the type of clothing you typically wear, and your personal preferences.
Most importantly, practice is key. Regular practice at the range is essential, but it’s also good to practice drawing from concealment, presenting the firearm, and re-holstering. Dry fire practice at home can help refine your technique and increase muscle memory. This practice should be done safely, following all gun safety rules.
The Advantages: Why Carry a Glock 17 Concealed?
Despite the challenges, there are compelling reasons to consider the Glock 17 for concealed carry.
The Glock 17 offers a significant advantage: its high capacity. With a standard 17-round magazine, you have a generous supply of ammunition at your disposal. This can be reassuring in a defensive situation.
The Glock platform is well-known for its reliability. Glocks are legendary for their ability to function under demanding conditions. This is a critical factor for any self-defense firearm.
The Glock 17 also offers excellent accuracy potential. The longer sight radius, compared to some smaller pistols, can contribute to improved accuracy, especially at longer ranges.
For those already familiar with the Glock platform, carrying the Glock 17 may offer the advantage of consistency. If you’re proficient with a Glock, the transition to concealed carry will be easier than learning a new platform.
The recoil impulse of the Glock 17, due to its size and weight, can be easier to manage than some smaller handguns. This can lead to quicker follow-up shots and improved accuracy.
Alternatives: Exploring Other Options for Concealed Carry
While the Glock 17 *can* be carried concealed, it’s important to consider alternative options. The market is overflowing with smaller, more easily concealed handguns. These options might offer a better balance of size, weight, and ease of concealment for many individuals.
The Glock 19 is a popular alternative. It offers a shorter barrel and grip than the Glock 17, making it easier to conceal while still maintaining a reasonable magazine capacity. The Glock 43 and 43X series, are even more compact. They are designed specifically for concealed carry, offering a slim profile and ease of concealment. The Glock 48 provides a slightly longer barrel and grip than the 43/43X, but is still significantly more concealable than the 17.
The “best” firearm for concealed carry will vary from person to person. This selection should always consider factors such as skill level, comfort, and personal preferences.
Conclusion: Making the Decision
The Glock 17, a reliable and capable firearm, is not an ideal choice for everyone when it comes to concealed carry. The full-size design presents challenges that must be addressed. The successful use of the Glock 17 for concealed carry requires a commitment to dedicated holster selection, clothing choices, and practice.
If you’re willing to make these adjustments, the Glock 17 can be a viable option. However, you need to take into consideration your body type, local laws, and your willingness to make the necessary adjustments. If ease of concealment is your priority, a smaller firearm might be a better choice.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to carry a Glock 17 concealed is a personal one. Carefully evaluate your needs, and be diligent in your approach to concealed carry, whatever firearm you select. Remember to always follow all local and federal laws regarding concealed carry.
