I've had the great privilege of handling a wide range of weapons in my lifetime. Among them, Glock pistols have always stood out for their reliability, design, and performance. Today, I'll be sharing my first-hand experiences and insights in order to compare two popular Glock models: the Glock 47 vs 17.
Both are full-size, 9mm semi-automatic pistols, and while they share many similarities, there are key differences that set them apart.
WHAT ARE THESE GLOCKS LIKE?
The Glock 47, a relatively new addition to Glock's lineup, was initially developed for the United States Customs and Border Protection. It's very similar to the Glock 17 in terms of size and weight, but it features a shorter dust cover, which allows for the interchangeability of parts with the Glock 19 Gen5 or Glock 45 Gen5 slide assembly—a welcome feature for many Glock fans.
On the other hand, the Glock 17, a legacy model with a longer history and wider use, offers more durability and parts availability. It's renowned for its reliability and shootability, making it a favorite among many law enforcement agencies and civilian users alike.
PURPOSE OF THE COMPARISON
The purpose of this comparison is to provide a detailed, hands-on review of the Glock 47 and Glock 17, highlighting their features, performance, and user experiences. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or a novice looking to purchase your first Glock, this comparison will offer valuable insights to help you make an informed decision. So, let's dive in and explore these two remarkable firearms.
GLOCK 47 VS 17: HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT
THE ORIGIN OF GLOCK 47
The Glock 47, abbreviated as G47, is an Austrian pistol that was developed in the late 2010s. It was initially designed for exclusive use by the United States Customs and Border Protection.
The Glock 47 was part of an $85 million contract, as the agency wanted to retire the H&K P2000 and replace it with a series of Glocks. The G47 is not an entirely new creation—it was made by combining features from several of Glock’s most-used pistols, including the Glock 17, Glock 19, and Glock 45.
The Glock 47 uses a 4.5-inch barrel, which is the same length found on the original Glock 17. The longer slide allows for a longer barrel and greater accuracy.
THE LEGACY OF GLOCK 17
The Glock 17, also known as the G17, is a 9mm Luger handgun that has earned the trust of military and law enforcement personnel worldwide due to its unparalleled reliability, ideal magazine capacity (a popular number: 17 rounds in the standard magazine) and its lightweight design.
The Glock 17 remains the most produced model of the brand. The arrival of Gen 5 brought several notable improvements over the previous generation (including serrations on the front of the slide), the new GMB 'Glock Marksman Barrel’ designed for greater accuracy than the previous generation, and a flared magwell for easier mag change.
The Glock 17 has a long-standing legacy and continues to be a favorite among many due to its reliability and performance.
GLOCK 47 VS 17 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Before we explore the main features of the two Glocks, let's have a quick look at the main specs of the Glock 47 and Glock 17, shall we?
|
|
Glock 47 |
Glock 17 |
|
Caliber |
9x19mm (9mm Luger) |
9x19mm (9mm Luger) |
|
Action |
Striker Single-Action (SA) |
Striker Single-Action (SA) |
| Weight (no mag) |
23.21 oz |
22.05 oz |
|
Overall Width |
1.34 inch |
1.26 inch |
|
Overall Length |
7.95 inch |
8.03 inch |
|
Barrel Length |
4.49 inch |
4.49 inch |
|
Magazine |
Double stack |
Double stack |
|
Mag Capacity |
17+1 rounds (standard mag) |
17+1 rounds (standard mag) |
| Safety | Safe Action® |
Safe Action® |
| MSRP | $620.00 |
$599.00 |
Glock 17 VS 47 - Size Chart
Source: handgunhero.com
Size-wise, both Glock 17 (on the left) and Glock 47 (on the right) are nearly identical. The G47 is a tiny tad shorter, but its counterpart is slightly lighter. To decide which one is better, we'll have to dive deeper into the similarities and differences in their design and main features.
GLOCK 17 VS 47: SIMILARITIES IN DESIGN AND FEATURES
Both the Glock 47 and Glock 17 share a number of design features that are characteristic of Glock's line of pistols.
They are both full-sized, 9mm semi-automatic pistols with a standard magazine capacity of 17 rounds. Both models feature Glock's "Safe Action" trigger system, which is renowned for its safety, ease of use, and quick response in critical situations.
The overall dimensions of the two pistols are also quite similar. The Glock 47 and Glock 17 both have a barrel length of 4.49 inches and an overall length of 7.95 inches. The width of the Glock 47 is 1.34 inches, while the Glock 17 is slightly narrower at 1.26 inches. The height, including the magazine, is the same for both models at 5.47 inches.
DIFFERENCES IN DESIGN AND FEATURES
Despite these similarities, you'll find key differences in the design and features of the Glock 47 and Glock 17. The Glock 47 has a shortened dust cover compared to the Glock 17, which allows it to maintain parts compatibility with the Glock 17 Gen5 MOS, Glock 19 Gen5 MOS, and Glock 45 MOS. This design difference allows users to switch up slide lengths and frame heights to make their ideal configuration.
Conversely, the Glock 17 is recognized for its extended dust cover, durability, and readily available parts. The fifth generation of the Glock 17 has done away with the finger grooves, allowing for more versatility, while still providing the option to easily modify its grip using different back straps.
A widened mag-well and a cutout at the front of the frame provide the user with increased speed during reloading when every second counts.
MODULARITY: A KEY FEATURE OF GLOCK 47
One of the things I love—a standout feature of the Glock 47—is its modularity. The Glock 47's frame is capable of accepting a Glock 19 slide, and the Glock 47's slide will fit onto a Glock 19 frame. This level of modularity allows users to customize their firearms to suit their specific needs and preferences.
Furthermore, the Glock 47 is equipped with Glock's Modular Optic System (MOS), a feature that includes a slide that has been milled to be compatible with a variety of adapter plates. These plates can accommodate most of the micro red-dot sights available in the market today.
This feature enhances the versatility of the Glock 47, allowing users to easily equip their firearm with a variety of optic systems.
In the end, while the Glock 47 and Glock 17 share many similarities in design and features, the Glock 47's modularity sets it apart, offering users a higher level of customization and flexibility.
GLOCK 47 VS 17: PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING
TRIGGER PULL, RECOIL, AND ACCURACY
When it comes to trigger pull, recoil, and accuracy, both the Glock 47 and Glock 17 have their unique characteristics. The Glock 47, with its 26 N trigger pull, offers a smooth and consistent trigger action. The recoil is manageable, and the accuracy is impressive.
Personally, I've found that the Glock 47's edge on accuracy is particularly noticeable at longer distances, thanks to its 4.49-inch barrel. The Glock 47's trigger reset is also quick and tactile, which is a feature I've always appreciated in Glock pistols.
The Glock 17, on the other hand, has a slightly heavier trigger pull at 28 N. However, this doesn't detract from the shooting experience. The recoil is minimal, making it easy to maintain control and deliver accurate shots. The Glock 17's accuracy is also commendable, and I've had no problem hitting targets at 100 yards.
WEIGHT AND HANDLING: GLOCK 47 VS GLOCK 17
In terms of weight and handling, the Glock 47 and Glock 17 offer slightly different experiences. The Glock 47, weighing 972 g (34.29 oz) with a loaded magazine, feels solid and well-balanced in the hand.
The shortened dust cover and the modularity of the Glock 47 contribute to its comfortable handling. The ability to interchange parts with the Glock 19 Gen5 or Glock 45 Gen5 slide assembly allows for a customized fit, enhancing the handling experience.
The Glock 17, weighing slightly less at 915 g (32.28 oz) with a loaded magazine, is also comfortable to handle. Despite its lighter weight, the Glock 17 doesn't compromise on stability or control.
The removal of finger grooves in the Gen5 model offers more versatility in grip, and the flared mag-well facilitates easier and quicker magazine changes. These features, combined with the Glock 17's proven reliability, make it a pleasure to handle.
GLOCK 47 VS GLOCK 17: WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?
Choosing between the Glock 47 and Glock 17 is not going to be an easy choice for most shooters. Both pistols offer excellent reliability, performance, and handling characteristics, but they each have their unique features.
If you value modularity and the ability to customize your firearm, the Glock 47 may be the better choice. Its compatibility with parts from the Glock 19 Gen5 and Glock 45 Gen5 allows for a high level of customization, and its shortened dust cover contributes to comfortable handling.
On the other hand, if you prefer a pistol with a proven track record and wide parts availability, the Glock 17 may be the better fit. Its long-standing legacy, combined with its reliability and performance, make it a favorite among many law enforcement agencies and civilian users alike.
GLOCK 47 VS 17: FINAL THOUGHTS
Whether you choose the Glock 47 or Glock 17, both are excellent firearms that deliver in terms of performance, reliability, and handling. As a seasoned firearms enthusiast, I can attest to the quality and capabilities of both these pistols.
Remember, pairing your chosen firearm with the right holster is crucial for safety and ease of use. Whether you need a Glock 17 holster or a Glock 47 holster, make sure to choose one that offers a secure fit, easy access, and comfortable carry.
In the end, the choice between the Glock 47 and Glock 17 will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Whichever you end up choosing, you can be confident that you're getting a high-quality firearm that will serve you well.