The barrel and slide are both coated in the complex, giving the platform protection against corrosion and scratches. Let’s talk upgradesĪiding in that resistance to the elements is what the manufacturer terms nDLC finish. My suggestion to rectify this dilemma is drop on a new pair of sights on it the second you bring home that shiny, new Glock or, better yet, buy the Gen 5 with upgraded sights.
Though the G17’s sights were at least centered, unlike the G19 Gen 5 I reviewed, they still make aiming a pain, especially in low light. A standard three dot, white system they just don’t cut it. My only complaint about the stock Gen 5 is the same one you’ll find in all of my Glock reviews – those sights. The Glock’s refusal to quit even amid moisture, mud, dirt and grime almost makes you angry – almost. I made sure to throw it around, get her dirty and run some of the grainiest, nastiest ammo I could throw her able body and surprisingly - she went pew every time. The Gen 5 doesn’t disappoint, delivering the same bit of consistency. That is, after all, Glock’s hold over the industry – its undeniable reliability. Throw that plastic fantastic on the ground or roll it in some mud and rest assured that she’ll continue slinging lead down range.
The Gen 5 series is outfitted with the Glock Marksman Barrel, or GMB. Where I pointed was relatively where I hit. Every time I pulled the trigger, it went bang. My range experience was what I’ve come to expect when taking Gaston Glock’s legendary name to the range. However, accuracy is subjective and without advanced tools designed to test the merits of the accuracy claim, I must simply fall back to my own observations which stand – not any perceivable difference between the G17 Gen 4 and Gen 5 models under my testing conditions. Not to risk the ire Glock fans in the comments, it’s worth noting that my observation doesn’t mean the Gen 5 barrel isn’t an improvement over previous models. I shot about the same as I do with the Glock 17 Gen 4. The GMB boasts new barrel rifling, which the gun maker says improves accuracy.
Glock outfitted the latest generation with its proprietary Glock Marksman Barrel, or GMB. While we’re on the topic of accuracy, it’s worth mentioning that Glock is, well, Glock and the pistol performs as one would expect. While shooting, I noted that I readjusted my grip less often between shots leading to overall better accuracy. The simple, but effective flat grip allows for a more natural grasp the gun. As said shooter sporting child-like palms and digits, I have to say the removal of the finger grooves is one of the better improvements over previous generations. This construction aims to put the Glock in more hands, making it more accessible to shooters with smaller hands. Chambered in the ubiquitous 9mm, the entire Gen 5 series opts for a slight ergonomics redesign with Glock removing the finger grooves seen on the Gen 3 and Gen 4 series pistols. Tipping scales at 25-ounces with an empty mag, the G17 weighs slightly more than its sister G19 Gen 5.
Featuring a barrel length of 4.49-inches on an overall 7.95-inch length frame, the G17 brings a longer sight radius to the table which, theoretically, translates to slightly better accuracy for most shooters. While the G19 touts a 15-round capacity, the G17 slides in two more cartridges putting its overall capacity up to 17 rounds in the standard mag. The G17 is the full-size brother to the G19, packing more rounds and a bigger frame. The Gen 5 series takes an updated approach to the famed Glock design.