Glock pistols are known for their reliability and, thanks to their revolutionary Safe Action trigger, have become a milestone in weapon history. The Glock handgun is generating more and more interest in the USA, as well as other countries. Since we pride ourselves on keeping up with modern trends, we, therefore, consider it necessary to compare the Glock 17 with the Glock 26.
Our Glock 17 vs. Glock 26 review aims to enlighten you on both models. After discussing these wonderful handguns with several people, we noticed that the Glock models are often confused. So, let’s see how these pistols differ and what they were originally designed for.
Afterward, you will be able to make an informed decision on which best meets your needs.
Glock 17
The Glock 17 was designed specifically for the Austrian army. Given its superior reliability and efficiency, the gun was later adopted by the armies of several countries. It has since “migrated” for use with the FBI and the police, and among citizens of countries where private gun ownership is legalized.
Since the pistol was launched in the ’80s, the requirements for weapons have constantly changed, and the company had to periodically make changes to the design to fit the time. In total, there are currently five generations of the Glock 17.
Let us take a closer look at what changed over the generations:
Glock 17 Gen 1
The main consumer of the Glock 17 of the first generation was the Austrian army.
The main difference is visual. The handle does not have recesses for fingers. There is also an absence of grooves on the back and front parts of the handle.
Glock 17 Gen 2
There is ribbing on the front and rear of the handle. This handgun quickly made it to the FBI, Finish police, and some European armies for active use.
Later, more grooves were added to the handle for a better non-slip, improved user comfort, and better aiming.
Glock 17 Gen 3
The Gen 3 added a strip for flashlights or laser pointers. In addition, there were cavities at the top of the handle that allows you to better hold the gun.
Glock 17 Gen 3’s can be found as standard or with a notch on the Rough Textured Frame 2 (RTF 2) handle type. The notch on the RTF 2 enhances grip while holding the pistols with wet hands, or gloves. The only downside is that it causes slight discomfort while wearing the pistol against your body without a holster.
Glock 17 Gen 4
Visually, Glock 17 Gen 4 differs from Gen 3 because of the inscription “Gen 4” on its barrel side. The Glock 17 Gen 4 RTF and RTF 2 both offered enhanced grip, and this time it is treated to make it comfortable under all situations.
One of the differences is the gun sights. On the RTF, the dots are larger than with the RTF 2. Both of them, however, have interchangeable “backs” of the handle. This can make the handle thinner or thicker (front to back), as desired.
In addition, the Glock 17 Gen 4 has an expanded trigger reset and can be used from either side (ambidextrous).
Finally, instead of a single return of the bolt, two springs are put in the rod, which increases the life of each spring and reduces rebound after each shot.
Glock 17 Gen 5
In 2016 the Glock 17 Gen 5 is modified by removing the finger grooves in the front of the handle. This made it comfortable for use by both large, medium, and small handed owners.
It also has a lever to the right side of the slider for the left-handed.
This model is coated with a DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) finish. This is tougher and is more durable than earlier finishes. It is corrosion and scratch resistant, so your gun will look great for decades to come. This finish is exclusive to all Glock Gen 5 handguns.
In summary?
The Glock 17 model is like a base, many Glocks of various calibers have been developed on this base, one of which is the Glock 26.
Glock 26
The Glock 26 is a subcompact pistol based on the Glock 17. It is a trimmed version, even more trimmed than the Glock 19. The barrel of the Glock 26 is 87 mm long, and the base cartridge capacity is 10.
This model was specifically designed for the civilian market, so is a great choice for concealed carrying. The gun is so small, that is easy to carry without ever been noticed.
The Glock 26 also comes in various generations, but the major difference remains that the Glock 26 is smaller than the Glock 17.
Fortunately, a huge variety of tuning kits fit all of these pistols, because they are designed on the same base.
Glock 17 Characteristics
- Caliber: 9 × 19 mm Parabellum.
- Weapon Length, mm: 189.
- Barrel Length, mm: 102.
- Weapon height, mm: 139.
- Weapon thickness, mm: 33.
- Weight without cartridges, g: 704.
- Store capacity, cartridges: 17, 19, 24, 31 or 33.
- Trigger force, kg: 2 – 6.
Glock 26 Characteristics
- Caliber: 9 × 19 mm Parabellum.
- Weapon length, mm: 163.
- Barrel length, mm: 87.
- Weapon height, mm: 106.
- Weapon thickness, mm: 33.
- Weight without cartridges, g: 615.
- Magazine capacity, cartridges: 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 24, 31, 33.
- Trigger force, kg: 2 – 6.
Glock 17 vs. Glock 26 Test
When practicing self-defense and close combat techniques, petroleum jelly is often used to simulate a situation when the handle is covered with blood. Thereby, certain techniques for holding weapons and surface properties of the handle are checked. Techniques that are good at the shooting range are sometimes completely unacceptable in real conditions of use of weapons.
The Results?
When the surface of the handle RTF was covered with a layer of vaseline, the numerous grooves really help the shooter confidently hold the weapon while firing.
However, we believe that an RTF frame with bulging dots (Gen 3) is not the best model for bodyguards that use expensive suits, for example. Its untreated bulging dots could cause excessive wear on the surfaces of the shirt and jacket lining at the point of contact with the weapon.
All models (Gen 3, Gen 4, and Gen 5), perform well in providing a perfect grip and reliable function at all times.
Conclusion
The Glock 26 was developed in 1995, primarily intended for personal use, but has become popular with law enforcement officials as a backup weapon. It is different from the base Glock 17 with its shorter and narrow frame, facilitating easy concealed carrying.
Despite its size, it possesses more than enough power for a weapon of this class.
Because of their small size, however, it is not very convenient for shooting (which is not so important when used for self-defense). The small handle does not support the little finger, which adversely affects the accuracy of shooting. But when using magazines with a capacity of 12 rounds, with a lid with a protruding front part to rest the little finger, retention becomes more stable.
It has a wide range of handle extensions, the largest of which makes the handle and ammunition almost identical to the Glock 17 model.
The capacity of a standard box-like double-row magazine is 10 rounds, but other cartridges can also be used. In addition, it is possible to use 33-round magazines from 9 mm Glock 17 and Glock 18 pistols.
Given this wide range of adaptability to fit many user needs, the Glock 26 is the better weapon of the two models reviewed for most users.