by R.K. Campbell | Contributing Editor
The new pistol is unmistakably Glock.
Much development has gone forward with the Glock 17 during the past few months. The FBI’s specifications for a new pistol to give agents every advantage resulted in the Glock 17M and Glock19M pistols. The changes are more profound than any previous Glock generation. Glock pistols have maintained their reliability while adding improvements such as a light rail and different frame treatments during previous generations.
The beavertail grip insert offers real comfort and control. The textured grip provides good adhesion during firing.
Everyone did not like the RTF, or rough texture frame, and the finger grooves were not compatible with every hand. Despite certain advantages to polygonal rifling the Gen 5 pistol also addresses the need for conventional rifling for more efficient performance with every type of loading. As for the FBI improvements the bottom line is that the FBI wanted a pistol that enabled agents to shoot faster and more accurately in high stress situations. The differences in the new pistol are an improvement over the previous Glock pistols. After evaluation I find that if you own a long serving Glock that meets your needs and performs well, you may not choose to trade in old reliable for the new pistol. If purchasing your first Glock, by all means do not purchase an older model but opt for the Generation 5.
Glock’s new improved magazine funnel makes for rapid magazine changes.
A major change is what Glock calls the Marksman barrel. Glock has gone from polygonal to conventional rifling. This barrel also features a recessed barrel crown. These barrels will not interchange with the older handguns. The pistol is now well suited for use with hard cast lead bullets and economical handloads. The new barrel solves a lot of problems.
There is a fully ambidextrous slide stop. For those that are left handed or tactical shooters that wish to be capable with either hand, this is an important improvement. The magazine release is reversible if desired. The Glock now features a finish labeled nDLC, which is claimed to be even more durable than Tenifer. A strengthening pin added for the .40 caliber handguns has been deleted. Glock has no plans to offer a .40 caliber Generation 5 handgun.
The Glock Generation 5 features an ambidextrous magazine release.
The grip frame offers good abrasion for the hand for a good grip and excellent adhesion when firing. The finger groove grip is no longer part of the picture. The flat style magazine release works well. Another aid to rapid replenishment of the ammunition supply is a flared magazine well. It is well done and unobtrusive.
When shooters decide they need a customized Glock the sights are replaced first and then the grip is modified. Glock sights are easily replaced and with the additional grip inserts and the new style grip of this handgun I do not think we will need grip modification for most shooters. The new style safety plunger is more angled and Glock claims a better trigger action—more on that later. The take down lever has gained a coil spring instead of the old leaf spring. I can detect no difference in operation. The striker and striker opening are now tear-drop shaped. This is supposed to allow greater clearance for material in the firing pin channel. I have examined quite a few handguns during detail strip and powder residue and even brass shavings will accumulate in this area. Good change. A short list of the changes in the pistol include:
- Gen 5 trigger groups are changed and present aftermarket parts do not fit.
- The pistol is supplied with three magazines. Older magazines fit but lack the cut out for left hand operation.
- Some holsters fit, some not as well, due to the ambi slide lock.
- The slide cover isn’t interchangeable with older models
- The bracing pin added to previous models is deleted and not needed in the 9mm pistol.
The pistol has been thoroughly proofed with a variety of loads. In firing over 1,000 rounds of ammunition in bullet weights of 115 to 150 grains including +P and +P+ loads, reliability is spotless. The pistol has never failed to feed, chamber, and fire or eject.
25 yard bench rest accuracy results
Load Velocity 25-Yd group
Fiocchi 115-grain FMJ 1145 fps 3.4”
Fiocchi 147-gr. EXTREMA 909 fps 2.4”
Black Hills 115-gr. EXP 1233 fps 3.0”
Black Hills 124-grain JHP 1102 fps 2.8”
Glock’s recessed barrel crown is a good feature.
For this review I took the pistol to the range with a new set of loads. These included three loads from Black Hills Ammunition and two from Fiocchi USA. I loaded the three supplied 17 round magazines with Fiocchi’s 115-grain FMJ loading to begin. I fired 50 cartridges as rapidly as I could fire and replaced the magazine. The pistol sets well in the hand and control is excellent. I fired at man-sized targets at 7, 10 and 15 yards with excellent results. Next I loaded Fiocchi’s 147-grain EXTREMA XTP. Function with the heavy weight bullet was good. I fired for accuracy attempting head shots and hostage rescue type shots at 10 yards. This combination is plenty accurate for any foreseeable duty. Those preferring penetration on the long side will find much to like in this loading.
The Sideguard IWB holster is ideal for concealed carry.
I next loaded the Black Hills Ammunition EXP in a single magazine. This is the present carry load. At 1,233 fps the EXP is a fast load that demonstrates excellent expansion, yet it is not rated +P. I also fired a magazine of the Black Hills Ammunition 124-grain JHP. At 1,100 fps recoil is mild and accuracy excellent. Finally, I proofed the Black Hills 124-grain +P. At over 1,200 fps this is a load well suited to duty use, with an excellent balance of expansion and penetration. The pistol is reliable and accurate with every load tested, although it prefer some loads to the others for top accuracy.
Carrying the Glock 17
The author tested the Glock 9mm with the TruGlo combat light and found a good combination.
This handgun will be accompanying me on trips and other missions. Testing the pistol this winter I found the Viper (Viperholsters.com) ideal for concealed carry. This holster is comfortable and spreads the weight of the handgun about the shoulders. Those with an aching back with find much relief with this quality shoulder holster. The draw is excellent and when seated or driving much more accessible than a strong side holster.
For concealment under a light shirt in more humid weather the Sideguard (Sideguardholsters.com) inside the waistband holster is ideal. This well-crafted leather holster features dual belt clips. The wings of the holster spread the weight of the light but long Glock about the belt line. The draw is sharp and concealment excellent.
The Glock 17 9mm was a good handgun but with the latest improvements the Glock 17 Generation 5 is truly a refined and capable handgun well worth its cost.
