Glock G17, G19, & G26 9mm Pistol Comparison
The following information is designed to provide you with a quick concise comparison of the Glock 17 (standard), 19 (compact), and 26 (subcompact). We have consolidated both images and specifications for the Glock 9mm models in an effort to help you make a more informed decision on which pistol best suits your needs. There are multiple factors to consider when comparing the three, but quite often the focus eventually comes back to concealability versus capacity and accuracy.
In the versus argument above it is the G17 standard size 9mm that stands out as most unique. That is not to say you should necessarily get the Glock 17. It is unique because it serves a different purpose than the 19 and 26. It is a larger framed pistol that is not ideally suited for concealed carry. With that in mind, if you are not concerned about the concealment option then you should choose the 17 because it is going to give you better accuracy and a larger standard capacity. Glock’s website notes that the Glock 17 is the most widely used pistol by law enforcement in the world because of that added capacity.
If you are looking for something with a concealed carry option you might find yourself at the point were a lot of people hit the 9mm compact or subcompact impasse. It is very common for people to get stuck trying to decide between the Glock 19 and 26. The two models are both such great guns that I can’t imagine you would be disappointed even if you decided which one to get with the flip of a coin. The compact vs subcompact discussion can really get messy if you toss the .40 caliber models into the equation. For the sake of this post we will just say that the 9mm vs .40 caliber argument is like discussing which motor oil is best on a motorcycle forum and for that reason we will only discuss the 9mm options in this comparison. We will be following up this 9mm comparison with one on Glock’s three .40 cal options.
Regardless of which model you choose it is important to know that you are purchasing a great pistol either way. They are insanely reliable and probably the easiest gun to field strip or to completely tear down with just a simple punch tool. Worst case scenario is that you buy one and decide that you want the other one and then just end up having to purchase both models and that’s not a bad thing because a Glock will hold it’s value and last forever (based on the average shooter).
How these pistols are alike: 1- All three models come with the standard trigger connector which creates a 5.5 lb trigger pull. 2- They all are built on the same Glock foundation of simplicity, reliability, and safety. 3- They are all available in GEN 4.
One difference that is not easily seen in the images is that the G17 and G19 have tactical rail mounts where the G26 subcompact does not. If that is a deal breaker for you then your decision just got a bit easier.
I personally have a standard, compact, and subcompact and like all three of them. It would be hard to tell someone which model they should purchase without knowing their specific needs, but this is the way I look at it. If you are going to concealed carry on your person go with the subcompact G26. If you are mostly carrying in your vehicle and sometimes on yourself then the compact G19 might be best. If you intend to keep the pistol in your house for home defense go ahead and get the standard G17.
Comparison data on the Glock 17, 19, and 26 9mm Pistols:
| GLOCK 9MM PISTOLS |
GLOCK G17 |
GLOCK G19 |
GLOCK G26 |
| LENGTH (inches) |
8.03 |
7.36 |
6.54 |
| HEIGHT (inches) |
5.43 |
5.04 |
4.17 |
| WIDTH (inches) |
1.18 |
1.18 |
1.18 |
| CAPACITY(standard – optional) |
17 19/33 |
15 17/19/33 |
10 12/15/17/19/33 |
| WEIGHT (ounces unloaded) |
22.22 |
21.16 |
19.75 |
Comparison data on the GEN 4 Glock 17, 19, and 26 9mm Pistols:
| GLOCK 9MM PISTOLS |
GEN4 17 |
GEN4 19 |
GEN4 26 |
| LENGTH (inches) |
7.95 |
7.28 |
6.42 |
| HEIGHT (inches) |
5.43 |
5.00 |
4.17 |
| WIDTH (inches) |
1.18 |
1.18 |
1.18 |
| CAPACITY(standard – optional) |
17 19/33 |
15 17/19/33 |
10 12/15/17/19/33 |
| WEIGHT (ounces unloaded) |
22.05 |
20.99 |
19.75 |
Comparison images of the 9mm Glock 17, 19, and 26 Pistols:
Links to Glock and the G17, G19, & G26:
GLOCK Table Showing All Pistols
I would like to thank those of you that requested this comparison. It was hard to imagine why we hadn’t set this one up. It is obvious that each model from the 17 through the 26 progressively get smaller, but it makes it a lot easier to see that progression with a simple image overlay as opposed to getting weird looks at the gun shop when you try stacking them on each other to determine the difference in size.
