Difference Between Glock 47 And 17

Glock 47 vs. Glock 17: Decoding the Differences for the Discerning Shooter

The Glock 17 and Glock 47, both chambered in 9mm, represent pinnacle achievements in pistol design, renowned for their reliability, simplicity, and widespread adoption by law enforcement and civilian shooters alike. While sharing a similar aesthetic and operating system, subtle yet significant differences set these two models apart. Understanding these nuances is crucial for choosing the right Glock for your specific needs, whether it be for duty carry, competition, or personal defense. This article delves deep into the features, history, and practical applications of both pistols, equipping you with the knowledge to make an informed decision.

A Brief History: The Evolution of Glock Perfection

To truly appreciate the differences, it's important to understand the historical context. The Glock 17 was the original Glock pistol, designed in the early 1980s by Gaston Glock for the Austrian military. Its innovative polymer frame, simple design, and high magazine capacity revolutionized the firearms industry. It quickly gained popularity worldwide, becoming a standard-issue sidearm for countless law enforcement agencies.

The Glock 47, on the other hand, is a more recent addition to the Glock family. Developed initially for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), it incorporates design elements that enhance durability and performance in demanding operational environments. While retaining the core Glock principles, the G47 represents an evolution, building upon the legacy of the G17 to address specific needs within the law enforcement community.

Unveiling the Key Differences: A Detailed Comparison

While a quick glance might lead one to believe the G47 and G17 are identical, a closer examination reveals several key distinctions:

1. Frame and Slide Interchangeability:

This is arguably the most significant difference between the two models. The Glock 47 features a unique frame design that allows its slide to be directly swapped with the Glock 19 Gen5. This interchangeability provides several advantages:

• Increased Modularity: Law enforcement agencies, in particular, benefit from this modularity. They can equip officers with both G47 and G19 pistols, allowing them to easily switch slides for different operational requirements or personal preferences without needing to purchase entirely new firearms.
• Maintenance Efficiency: Interchangeability simplifies maintenance and parts inventory. Agencies can stock fewer spare parts, as the same parts can be used for both the G47 and G19 Gen5 slides.
• Customization Options: The ability to swap slides opens up further customization options. Shooters can experiment with different slide configurations to find what works best for them.

The Glock 17, in contrast, does not offer this direct slide interchangeability with the Glock 19.

2. Slide Design and Dimensions:

Although visually similar, the slides of the G47 and G17 have subtle dimensional differences:

• Glock 47 Slide: The G47 slide is slightly shorter than the G17 slide, specifically designed to match the length of the Glock 19 Gen5 frame. This ensures a flush fit when the G47 slide is placed on the G19 Gen5 frame.
• Glock 17 Slide: The G17 slide is longer, corresponding to the full-size frame of the Glock 17.

These dimensional differences, though minor, are crucial for ensuring proper function and reliability when interchanging slides.

3. Locking Block:

The locking block is a critical component responsible for locking the slide to the frame during firing. The Glock 47 utilizes a unique locking block design that differs from the Glock 17. This revised design is a direct consequence of the slide interchangeability feature. The G47 locking block is optimized to function reliably with both the G47 slide on the G47 frame and the G47 slide on the G19 Gen5 frame.

The Glock 17, employing its original design, does not utilize this enhanced locking block.

4. Barrel:

Both pistols typically feature Glock's Marksman Barrel, known for its enhanced accuracy. However, the barrels are not interchangeable due to the dimensional differences in the slides and locking blocks. The G47 barrel is specifically designed to work in conjunction with the G47 slide and locking block system, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

5. Intended Purpose and Target Audience:

While both are versatile firearms, their initial intended purposes differ:

• Glock 47: Designed primarily for law enforcement, particularly the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), emphasizing modularity, durability, and ease of maintenance within an organizational context.
• Glock 17: The original Glock pistol, intended as a general-purpose service pistol suitable for military, law enforcement, and civilian use. Its widespread adoption reflects its proven reliability and versatility.

This difference in intended purpose has influenced design choices, such as the slide interchangeability feature of the G47.

6. Availability and Aftermarket Support:

• Glock 17: Due to its longer history and widespread adoption, the Glock 17 enjoys greater availability and a more extensive aftermarket support network. Accessories, parts, and customization options are readily available from numerous manufacturers.
• Glock 47: Being a newer model, the Glock 47 has a slightly smaller aftermarket, though it is rapidly growing. As its popularity increases, more manufacturers are offering accessories and parts specifically designed for the G47.

7. Generation:

It's crucial to note that the G47 is currently only available in the Gen5 configuration. The G17, however, has gone through multiple generations, each with its own set of improvements and features. When comparing the two models, it's essential to specify which generation of the G17 is being considered. For example, a Gen3 G17 will have different features compared to a Gen5 G17.

In a table format:

Digging Deeper: Exploring the Technical Aspects

Beyond the readily apparent differences, several technical aspects contribute to the distinct characteristics of the G47 and G17.

• Polymer Frame: Both pistols utilize Glock's signature polymer frame, which offers several advantages:

  • Lightweight: Polymer frames are significantly lighter than steel frames, reducing overall weight and improving concealability.
  • Durability: Glock's polymer is incredibly durable and resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for harsh environments.
  • Recoil Absorption: Polymer frames flex slightly upon firing, helping to absorb recoil and reduce felt recoil.

• Safe Action System: Both pistols employ Glock's Safe Action System, a unique trigger mechanism that provides three independent safeties:

  • Trigger Safety: A lever in the center of the trigger must be fully depressed to disengage the safety and allow the pistol to fire.
  • Firing Pin Safety: A spring-loaded plunger blocks the firing pin from moving forward unless the trigger is pulled.
  • Drop Safety: A safety mechanism prevents the firing pin from moving forward if the pistol is dropped.

This combination of safeties ensures a high level of safety without the need for a manual safety lever, contributing to Glock's simple and reliable operation.

• Magazine Compatibility: Both the G47 and G17 use the same 9mm Glock magazines, offering high capacity and reliability. This compatibility is a significant advantage for shooters who own multiple Glock 9mm pistols.

• Recoil Spring Assembly: The Gen5 versions of both the G17 and G47 utilize a dual recoil spring assembly, which helps to reduce felt recoil and improve the pistol's lifespan.

Performance on the Range: Subjective Impressions

While the technical specifications provide objective data, the real test of a firearm is its performance on the range. Both the G47 and G17 are known for their accuracy and reliability, but some shooters may perceive subtle differences:

• Recoil Management: Some shooters report that the G47, with its slightly shorter slide, may have a slightly snappier recoil impulse compared to the G17. However, this is subjective and may depend on the shooter's grip, stance, and ammunition selection.
• Balance and Handling: The G17, with its longer slide and barrel, may feel slightly more balanced in the hand for some shooters. However, others may prefer the more compact feel of the G47, especially for concealed carry.
• Accuracy: Both pistols are capable of excellent accuracy. The Glock Marksman Barrel contributes to their inherent accuracy potential.

Ultimately, the best way to determine which pistol performs better for you is to try them both on the range and see which one feels more comfortable and natural in your hand.

Practical Applications: Choosing the Right Glock for Your Needs

The decision between the Glock 47 and Glock 17 depends on your specific needs and priorities:

• Law Enforcement: The Glock 47's slide interchangeability feature makes it an attractive option for law enforcement agencies seeking increased modularity and simplified maintenance. Officers can easily switch between the G47 and G19 Gen5 slides based on their operational requirements.
• Concealed Carry: While both pistols can be concealed carried, the G47, with its slightly shorter slide, may be a bit easier to conceal for some individuals. However, the difference is minimal, and personal preference plays a significant role.
• Home Defense: Both the G47 and G17 are excellent choices for home defense. Their high capacity and reliability make them effective tools for protecting yourself and your family.
• Competition: The G17 is a popular choice for competition shooting, particularly in divisions that allow for full-size pistols. Its longer sight radius and balanced feel can contribute to improved accuracy. The G47 can also be used for competition, but its slightly shorter slide may not be as advantageous for some shooters.
• General-Purpose Use: The Glock 17 remains an excellent general-purpose pistol suitable for a wide range of applications, including target shooting, personal defense, and recreational shooting.

Key Considerations:

• Slide Interchangeability: If slide interchangeability with the Glock 19 Gen5 is a priority, the G47 is the obvious choice.
• Concealment: If concealed carry is a primary concern, the G47 may offer a slight advantage due to its shorter slide.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best pistol is the one that feels most comfortable and natural in your hand. Try both pistols on the range and see which one you prefer.
• Budget: Prices for the G17 and G47 are generally comparable, but availability and local market conditions can influence pricing.

Debunking Common Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

Several myths and misconceptions surround the Glock 47 and Glock 17. Let's debunk a few of them:

• Myth: The Glock 47 is inherently more accurate than the Glock 17. While both pistols are capable of excellent accuracy, there is no inherent accuracy advantage of one over the other. Accuracy depends on factors such as the shooter's skill, ammunition selection, and the condition of the firearm.
• Myth: The Glock 47 is a significant upgrade over the Glock 17. The G47 is not necessarily an "upgrade" but rather a different iteration of the Glock pistol designed to meet specific needs. Its slide interchangeability feature is its primary distinguishing characteristic.
• Myth: The Glock 17 is obsolete now that the Glock 47 is available. The G17 remains a highly relevant and popular pistol. Its proven track record, widespread availability, and extensive aftermarket support ensure its continued popularity.

Conclusion: A Matter of Preference and Purpose

The Glock 47 and Glock 17 are both excellent pistols that offer exceptional reliability, accuracy, and ease of use. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended purpose. If slide interchangeability with the Glock 19 Gen5 is a priority, the G47 is the clear choice. If you're looking for a proven and versatile general-purpose pistol, the G17 remains an excellent option. Regardless of which model you choose, you can be confident that you're investing in a high-quality firearm that will serve you well for years to come. Always remember to practice safe gun handling techniques and seek professional training to maximize your shooting skills. Choosing the right firearm is a personal journey, and the more informed you are, the better equipped you'll be to make the right decision.