Glock 17L Review [Hands-On Tested]
We hands-on test the Glock 17L to find out if this longer version of the G17 stacks up to the original or falls short of perfection.
Retired LEO. SWAT Commander. POST/NLEFIA/USCCA Instructor. Former FFL. Gun Writer 10+ years
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Glock G17L Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very Accurate
- Superb reliability
- Well-balanced
Cons
- Glock trigger
- Mediocre ergonomics
The Bottom Line
The Glock 17L follows in the footsteps of Glock's popular and reliable G17 but adds a bit more length and a lighter trigger. While it certainly performs it suffers from the same issues as Glock's other models -- a meh trigger and mediocre ergonomics.
Specs & Features
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-auto
- Capacity: 17+1
- Overall Length: 9.53”
- Barrel Length: 6.02”
- Width: 1.3”
- Height: 5.47”
- Weight: 26.63 oz.
- Comes with: Plastic case, three 17-round magazines (Blue label tested), magazine loader backstraps, cleaning rod, owner’s manual, gun lock
Features
- Optics Ready (Glock MOS)
- Long sight radius
- Extended slide stop
The G17L is a bit of a rare bird coming from the Austrian manufacturer of “Perfection.” In a world where some companies offer several trim packages of the same gun, a particularly specialized model coming from Glock is a bit different.
It is strikingly long, even longer than the G34, and is supposed to have a lighter-weight trigger designed for competition. We got a Gen 5 one in for testing, and we’ll share our thoughts with you below.
Table of Contents
How We Tested The G17L
For this review, we tested the Glock G17L with iron sights and a Vortex Defender ST Red Dot for accuracy. In total, we shot over 500 rounds -- opting for 10-round groups at 7 yards along with a variety of shooting positions.
We used 500 rounds of ammunition, including practice ammo (AAC 115gr FMJ) and defensive ammo (124gr Hornady Critical Duty).
As for my experience, I have shot since childhood but began to seriously delve into guns during my law enforcement career. I worked in law enforcement for over two decades where I received continued training for my roles in SWAT and as a POST-certified handgun instructor.
Background
The G17L is one of Glock's somewhat rare efforts to create a specialized firearm with a specific purpose. Sure, the G34 long slide has been around for a while, but by comparison, the G17L is more intentional.
It features a longer barrel, and the slide has been tooled to make it lighter and more balanced. According to Glock, the trigger has a lighter pull weight than the standard issue.
Who Is It For?
The G17L's extended sight radius and improved accuracy make it suitable for just about anyone. It could easily serve as a home or vehicle defender.
However, the attributes that make it so effective would distinctly make it a challenge to carry concealed. At a 9.5-inch overall length, it wouldn't be impossible, but it would be difficult to tuck away.
Ergonomics: Fit & Feel
The Gen 5 version of the Glock 17 L is still very similar to the Glock family, though the finger grooves of the previous generation are gone from the grip. It is still blocky in nature and lacking in beaver tail unless you use one of the included backstraps.
A nice undercut on the trigger guard helps shooters establish a high grip, and even the front of the guard has serrations. An accessory rail adorns the front of the frame, and it is pushed back far enough so you can still reach the controls of any light you install.
There is a slight flaring at the magwell and some beveling near the top to aid the thumb reaching the magazine release. Unlike my Gen 5 G17, there is no finger groove hewn from the front of the grip to assist with stuck magazines.
Magazines are Gen 5 17-round capacity with round indicators and an orange follower. They inserted easily and dropped free when I mashed the release.
On the slide, I appreciated the serrations, both front and rear. Having options for slide manipulation is important, particularly when you are running a red dot.
In addition, sights were standard fare for Glock, polymer, a white dot up front and a white U in the rear. I could not view them through the Vortex Defender ST I had installed for the review.
Controls
Pressing the trigger took me back in time and while it’s not my favorite, I’ve learned to focus on shooting to trigger reset. Otherwise, the pull feels very long, and I tend to jerk through, dropping my shots in the process.
Although information on the G17L indicates a lighter trigger pull for competition, ours tested an average 5 lbs. on a Lyman Digital gauge. Granted, the safety mechanism on the trigger makes it difficult to get a clean trigger pull.
I also don’t care for how the trigger safety device continues to stick out once you press the trigger. I got used to it (again) but prefer a smoother melding where the safety device melts flush with the trigger bow.
Releasing the magazine takes some effort, even for my 2X-sized hands. While I can reach it with my thumb, I can’t press it hard enough to release it without breaking my established grip.
One thing I appreciated was the slight bump of an extension on the slide stop/release. Compared to the flatter version of previous models, this one was easy to hit while still being high enough to not hit by accident.
How Does the G17L Shoot?
Looking at the extremely long slide, you might expect it to be a bit heavy toward the muzzle. That’s absolutely not the case, as the gun is well-balanced.
After shooting a few rounds without adding the extended beavertail backstrap, I had some slide bite and quickly corrected the ergos for my hand. Most folks won’t experience this issue, but the web of my gun hand creeps up over the back of the backstrap and gets lit up by the back of the slide.
Once I started shooting, I was impressed with how the G17L performed. Despite lightening, there is more slide mass in that length, but a good grip and stiff wrists helped mitigate the muzzle flip.
Accuracy testing was one area where the G17L truly shined. Shooting 10-shot groups at 7 yards, I first lined up with AAC 115gr and then Hornady Critical Duty 124gr.
The AAC was very nearly a 1-inch group, though I dropped a shot rushing through the long-feeling trigger pull. The Hornady was almost the same, averaging just over an inch, with one shot dropped as well.
It brings me back to an issue I’ve had with Glock triggers. While the Gen 5 triggers are better by far, I still think they take away from some of the potential accuracy.
It’s important to shoot to reset in Glocks, taking up that initial slack before breaking the shot. Rushing through invariably causes the odd dropped shot due to anticipation.
Regardless, the G17L is very accurate, almost in spite of the trigger. Using the Defender red dot, I was able to hit anything I wanted—at distances of 50 and even 100 yards—if I was mindful of the trigger.
Reliability was absolutely sound. Over the course of 500 rounds, shooting standard FMJ and defensive ammo, there were zero issues. Glock holds a reputation for dependability, and in my experience, it’s well-earned.
9mm Ammo in Stock
Why is the G17L Unique?
As noted, the G17L is a purpose-driven handgun designed for competition. Glock doesn’t make many specialized models.
Sure, they hit every size category. But the design and intent behind this handgun make it somewhat unique.
| Glock 17 | Glock 17L | Glock 24 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm | 9mm | .40 cal |
| Overall Length | 8.03" | 9.53" | 9.57" |
| Barrel Length | 4.49" | 6.02" | 6.02" |
| Width | 1.26" | 1.30" | 1.30" |
| Height | 5.47" | 5.47" | 5.47" |
| Weight (w/loaded mag) | 32.28 oz | 33.86 oz | 38.45 oz |
| Capacity | 17 | 17 | 15 |
By The Numbers
Reliability 5/5
True to reputation, the G17L ran smoothly through 500 rounds during testing on a hot summer day.
Ergonomics 3/5
In my opinion, the G17L is similar to all other Glocks in this category. Ergonomics are okay and you can work with them, but there are better options.
Accuracy 5/5
Nine shots in a one-inch hole at seven yards is very accurate.
Customization 5/5
There are few after-markets as large as those supporting Glock. Whether you want to upgrade or just accessorize, you’ll have plenty options.
Value 4/5
Being one of the lowest-priced competition guns in the category (low $700s), the G17L represents a great value, though you may want to upgrade a few things to get it ready.
Overall 4.5/5
Upgrades for G17L
Although I’m not used to having a barrel longer than a full-sized weapon light, the Surefire X300 is still the way to go. If you intend to use the G17L for defensive purposes, positive ID is a requirement, and the X300 can greatly assist with this.
For sighting, the Defender-ST from Vortex is a great option, but you might want to consider the Defender XL for competition. Either way, they’ve proven reliable and effective during our testing.
ShellShock Protection offers some outstanding kits that provide both ear and eye protection while you’re at the range.
Final Verdict
The G17L is a tack driver that is one of the most affordable in its class. If you can work with the ergonomics and learn how to run the trigger, you can be competitive.
Where the handgun shines brightly is in two categories: reliability and accuracy. Over the years of carrying Glocks on duty, I learned if you do your part, they will do theirs.
Will you be picking up a Glock 17L and hitting the competition circuit? Let us know in the comments below. For more "perfection," check out our list of the Best Glocks.