How Similar Are Glock Models 17 and 26

[GHF]

Besides a CCW, I have a Class G Statewide Firearm License which allows me to be an armed security guard. Here in Florida you have to requalify every year with either a .38 or a 9mm. As we all know, .38 have been largely replaced by at least a 9mm.

I carry a Beretta 9000s in 9mm Type F, and was planning to requalify with it. However, the process assumes that the mags hold at least 12 rounds, and mine have not arrived from Beretta.

I then was offered a Glock 17, and did rather well, clearly passing. Since I had never fired a Glock, it was a first-time affair, and I found the trigger a pleasant experience.

My question is this: For those on THR who have (or have had) fired both the 17 and 26 with significant range experience, what are the similarities and differences between these models which you feel impact the firing experience.

My thought is that I might get a 26, especially if I end up with a 17 as a work gun.

 

[aquapong]

I can not compare the 17 and the 26, but I have shot their .40 cousins, the 22 and the 27. I found the 22 quite controllable, while the 27 kicked too hard. Not having that third finger on the grip really messed me up.

 

[Ken Rainey]

They compliment each other very well. I have both and they are very easy to transition between. With the G26 you just let your little finger curl under the grip/magazine and the middle and ring finger will lock the "hump" on the backstrap of the pistol into your palm and it is very controlable - no need for a mag extension for the little finger unless just for personal preference...I prefer mine without it...of course, YMMV. The G26 is an amazing little pistol, easy to use and accurate. If I could only have one Glock, this would be it.

 

[chriswolfe68]

Both are very excellent guns. They shoot smoothly, are very accurate, and require far less maintenance than some other guns. Also, one of the biggest advantages to carrying these is that the little 26 will accepts its big brothers magazines. The 26 for me feels really good with the finger grip extension.

Chris

 

[phorvick]

I have the 17-19-26 and of the three, I am more comfortable shooting the 26 in terms of accuracy, concealment etc. I am a member of the subset of people that are more accurate with the 26 than with the longer sight radiused 17 or 19. With the glasses I wear, it is actually a lot easier for me to have a shshaarp;y focused front sight when the sight radius is a little closer. I would consider selling the 17 or 19, but never the 26.

 

[000Buck]

I had a G17 and G26 at the same time and could shoot the G26 more accurately than the G17 for some reason. I have seen the same thing mentioned in other threads. The G26 is great, the only real thing noticeably different when shooting is the shorter grip. You can get the grip extensions.

 

[Onmilo]

Or you could split the difference and buy a Glock 19 which falls in between the 17 and the 26 in size.

I own one Model 34 long slide and two Model 26 pistols and may break down and buy a Model 19 at some point.

 

[The-Fly]

got a G17 and G26.

G26 has a bit more muzzle flip, but other then that shoots just like the 17. Get a finger extension and your good to go.

 

[benEzra]

My wife has a G26. To me, it looks and feels the same as a G17 in the area your hand grips, and in those areas the dimensions are the same. The slide is shorter in front of the trigger guard, and the grip is shorter. The main internal difference is that the G26 has a double-coil recoil spring like a Seecamp (one spring nested inside another), because a single spring that short would presumably not work reliably. Recoil is a bit snappier, due solely to the G26's reduced length and weight.

You may already be aware of this, but G17 and G19 mags work in a G26, giving you extra capacity in a non-CCW type situation, as well as the ability to use the same spare mags for both a G17/19 and G26. A G17/19 mag also gives your pinky finger a place to rest, but I've found that for me, that doesn't make much difference as far as shooting goes.

My wife is only 5'1" and the G26 was her first handgun, and she shot it well to start with and has only gotten better since. Hers is stock except for aftermarket tritium sights, and a G19 15-round mag for HD (she uses the 10's for carry).