I did a better search on the Glock 17 this time and although it turned up 26 pages worth I did not find what I was looking(of course I didnt troll through every page) for so here goes…
I was on the fence about what 9mm to get and the choices were between a G17 and M&P9.
I left nothing to chance and went for the G17. I am not displeased with the price as I did shop around retail sites and
private party sales for the best deals on BOTH.
So, its a done deal…G17 it is.
The reason for the thread is to find out what I should change from its factory configuration and where I can get it.
I do not know a whole lot about Glock pieces so I would like some assistance(of course mags, ammo, holster etc is a given).
Here are some ideas I had:
Factory plastic sights have to go and I would like to replace them with night sights.
I need an ambi mag release and any other ambi features that can be added(slide release etc)
Solid metal guide rod and applicable spring.
Trigger work.
Weapon light(I have an M6X but its bulky) I can get an M3X for 75.00 and I like how it feels on that gun… its light even with that light
More? Less?
I don’t know a lot about Glocks either, but I’ve known of issues (that coworkers have had) with the ambi mag release pushing against the side of the holster and inadvertently releasing the mag.
I can shoot a G19 all day long without my support engaging the slide lock. However with a G17 I will engage the slide lock by accident on my first Bill Drill with the oem slide lock. I would certainly not use and extended part. But that’s just me. One of the main reasons I keep my G19 or the M&P9 instead of a G17. YMMV
I just did a low-light module at a recent class and I used an M3 on my Glock. I would say it is not adequate. I did the Harris technique with a Surefire Nitrolon and it was a lot brighter. I would say an X200 or X300 is the current standard for a weapon-mounted light.
Warren Tactical sights, one dot front and back, Vickers mag release. extended slide release, butt plug. Done.
You don’t need the metal guide rod and spring.
You don’t need trigger work.
Streamlight TLR-1 light. Better than the X3. Midway USA has them on sale. $92. https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=50379
CDNN has mags for $19.99 btw. http://www.cdnninvestments.com/gl179mm17man.html
I’m particularly fond of the Warren 3 dot night sights as it’s the best night sight picture I’ve ever tried. The front dot is larger and considerably brighter than the rear dots, which leads the front sight to be your natural focus in the dark. The rear dots are subdued and small but useful to instantly get a read on the alignment of the sights.
I need an ambi mag release and any other ambi features that can be added(slide release etc)
Then you bought the wrong gun. You can’t make a Glock ambi. You can make it more lefty friendly with a factory extended slide release and a Vickers mag release, but it will never be ambi like the M&P.
Solid metal guide rod and applicable spring.
Completely unnecessary. The G17 as it comes out of the box is perfectly functional. I would not advise replacing major components with aftermarket stuff off the bat. The Glock spring assemblies are cheap enough that you can replace them easily for the recommended intervals at a low price. (Interval is 5,000 rounds, IIRC)
Trigger work.
Again, unnecessary. You could add a new connector or a NY spring, but the improvement those actions will yield can be described as marginal at best. I would advise sticking to the stock trigger and learning to use it well.
Weapon light(I have an M6X but its bulky) I can get an M3X for 75.00 and I like how it feels on that gun… its light even with that light
More? Less?
My experience with the M3 products has been pretty dismal, so I’d skip that and opt for a Surefire X300 if money is no object or a TLR-1 if money is an object.
Congrats on a wise purchase. Both the M&P 9 and Glock 17 are fine handguns, and either will serve you well. Here’s my 2 cents…
1- Warren Straight 8 night sights. Tried em on a fellow M4C shooter’s M&P 9 C and was so impressed I’m retrofitting all of my defensive handguns with them. They’re that good.
2- Vickers / Tango Down Mag Release.
3- Stock OEM drop in guide rod/spring do just fine on the 17. No real need to change it, IMHO, unless you want a metal one.
4- Stock trigger
5- Surefire X-300 would be my first choice for a tac light, but there are other good ones out there.
Sound input from everyone. I really appreciate it guys!
As you can tell I dont know much about Glocks, only how they work and how to shoot one. In the past I have done well with a G19 despite the grip size.
From what I gathered:
I can not/do not need to make the Glock “ambi” so I need to get over it and make it work(used to ambi controls)
I can get the Vickers/TD extended mag release which should serve me well.
I may not need and extended slide stop/slide release since there is a possiblitiy of an agressive grip driving the thumb into the mechanism and impeding proper function( I have large cup holders:eek:).
I do not need to replace the OEM guide rod and spring with aftermarket gadgets since they are easy to come by and easy to replace if it goes down. Investing in spare OEM parts may be more wise. If I do go the rout of LW solid guide rod and spring it is clearly a personal preference and may or may not be a detriment to the function of the pistol.
I do not need to fool with the OEM trigger out of the gate. It may be more wise for me to run a couple thousand through it and see how it settles before determining where to go. I am considering all the options but have noted that I should shy away from .25 cent errornet jobs. I would like to get better than OEM replacement parts anywhere applicable if there is plastique or cast items that are prone to breakage. I had heard tale from the sand box that ING were breaking parts and the guid rod was one of the main culprits. Albeit, just a tale but it still bleeped on my radar.
I should get the “butt plug” to keep grit out to the internals and it seems the Warren line of sights comes highly regarded. I am weighing them heavily but have not put my nose up to the other offerings out there.
I am also seeing many recommendations for the SF X200/X300 which does not surprise me since the are outstanding units…I just cannot afford one at the moment and an X400 is already on my B-day list;). I have an Insight M6X which has been beat by a few guns including my AR and it has held up just fine so I assume an M3X should be OK for now. I am not referring to the M3/M6 line as they are not the same as the X(xtreme) series and have more ruggedized specs.
They have some killer deals on streamlights and I have entertained them a few times but the X series from Insight has better specs and in some places near same pricing. I am also considering the new Insight WX-150 which looks pretty promising.
I would take an SF X-series anyday, over all the above.
I should of course, get more mags(especially while they are 20.00), a good holster, more ammo and more time on a dynamic range.
Ameriglo lamps are made by Trijicon. Use the “GSSF” coupon code to get I think 25% off your order. I’ve used Ameriglo’s for years and haven’t had any problems.
But If its a Gen 3 (Non RTF), then id recommend a grip texture. The factory Glock grip is slick, especially with wet or sweaty hands. Having your grip textured, will give it a more confident feel and natural point of aim.
I took out my G17 RTF today for the first time since I bought it last week, and it was the most enjoyable pistol I have shot. I liked even more then my 1911 9mm. I found I really liked the way it pointed.
