Special Forces outfitted with G19's, why not G17's?

[EricG]

This thread truly doesnt need a body, but here it is.

There isnt a concern for concealment, why not gain the 2 rounds, extra velocity and sight radius with a 17?

 

[Tynimiller]

Didn't understand it either.

 

[SMiller]

Maybe they are like me and love the G19 and hate the G17. I even have a RTF2 G17 and still hate it.

 

[Sheepdog Gear]

My thinking as well. But, maybe they are becoming more weight conscious? The whole ounces = pounds thing. Considering they'll be using their primary the vast majority of the time, maybe they didn't put much value into the 17.

 

[Gluemanz28]

Doesn't make sense to me either unless when they ran test the 19 did better.

Combat accuracy is what matters in a pistol. If they need longer range accuracy they will be going to their rifle.

I shoot my 1911's more accurate than my Glocks but I carry a 19 daily because of the simplicity of it and combat accuracy is all that I need in close range.

 

[Jim McKalip]

Maybe the 17's were cheaper. Isn't that how the military wound up with the Berettas?

 

[dfcrane]

OP states that there isn't a concern for concealment, but I am not sure that is necessarily true. I do not believe all Special Forces soldier are always in uniform. I think maybe they liked the idea of having one gun that can be used for duty and concealment. HK Mark 23 not so much.

 

[EricG]

OP states that there isn't a concern for concealment, but I am not sure that is necessarily true. I do not believe all Special Forces soldier are always in uniform. I think maybe they liked the idea of having one gun that can be used for duty and concealment. HK Mark 23 not so much.

Great point.

 

[Alamo]

My .02 is that it was just a generally all around better balance of size, weight, capacity, and ergonomics, e.g. it fit more people's hands mo' betta. (And a lot of the SF guys are not particularly big, just lots of "won't quit" and stamina). As noted above, it is probably a secondary/backup weapon the vast majority of the time, so giving up a couple rounds to get a bet balanced package wasn't a big deal (and of course, you can still put a 17 round mag in it if need be). And it was in the system already. As much as they practice and shoot (so I have read), I doubt the sight radius really makes a difference to them.

I have Glock 17 too, and like it, but it is a bigger bulkier gun, plus I have short fingers. The 19 is an excellent size.

 

[Tomahawkman]

OP states that there isn't a concern for concealment, but I am not sure that is necessarily true. I do not believe all Special Forces soldier are always in uniform. I think maybe they liked the idea of having one gun that can be used for duty and concealment. HK Mark 23 not so much.

Agreed, the 19 gives you concealment capabilities without sacrificing performance, If they want capacity using the 19 gives them the option of 15 or 17 round mags.

Possibly a versatility thing.

 

[jagee]

How long have you guys been on INGO?

Clearly the special forces watch YouTube and saw James Yeager saying all guns should be Glock 19's

 

[EricG]

How long have you guys been on INGO?

Clearly the special forces watch YouTube and saw James Yeager saying all guns should be Glock 19's

Ahhh, Ole JY

 

[Dog1]

Also at times, some of our Special Forces does VIP protection details and are dressed in civilian clothes. I would imagine that had an impact on the choosing of the 19 over the 17.

 

[Trigger Time]

If you think aboit the large scope of use for their pistols and that sometimes they need a gun to conceal. Also running them suppressed length and weight become a factor. The 19 fits the overall bill.

 

[01deuce]

OP states that there isn't a concern for concealment, but I am not sure that is necessarily true. I do not believe all Special Forces soldier are always in uniform. I think maybe they liked the idea of having one gun that can be used for duty and concealment. HK Mark 23 not so much.

They switched from the MK 23 to the HK45ct a few years ago.

 

[rhino]

There actually is a frequent need for concealment for those guys, and a G19 is easier to hide. I (and some of the others who read here) know a guy who is a trainer embedded with one of the SF groups. He said they also have G26s for when the concealment is even more important.

 

[cop car]

As everyone said, one pistol for everything. And the round capacity of the G19 is the same as the M9s. Also after owning both, in prefer the 19s grip angle/how it fits in your hand. More natural than the 17.

 

[Sheepdog Gear]

As everyone said, one pistol for everything. And the round capacity of the G19 is the same as the M9s. Also after owning both, in prefer the 19s grip angle/how it fits in your hand. More natural than the 17.

I don't own any Glocks, so that's why I'm asking, but aren't all Glock grip angles the same? Is the G19's grip angle more "1911ish" than the G17? That would interest me if so. (Especially now that some are US made.)

 

[rhino]

I don't own any Glocks, so that's why I'm asking, but aren't all Glock grip angles the same? Is the G19's grip angle more "1911ish" than the G17? That would interest me if so. (Especially now that some are US made.)

The angle is the same on the inside and front strap, but since the grip is shorter, the palm swell hits your hand in a different place. This changes the natural angle at which the gun points for any given person when compared to a G17.

 

[Sheepdog Gear]

The angle is the same on the inside and front strap, but since the grip is shorter, the palm swell hits your hand in a different place. This changes the natural angle at which the gun points for any given person when compared to a G17.

Gotcha. Thanks!