By Robert Sadowski
In the same way the G17 changed the rules for combat handguns for the military and law enforcement, the GLOCK G17L changed competition pistols. The G17L’s edge wasn’t in bullseye shooting events. It ruled in action-pistol competitions, where speed, consistency, reliability and accuracy are needed.
The G17L was so good at what it did, that the rules were changed to exclude the G17L. This caused the pistol to become a rarity and one of the least produced GLOCK pistols. Many think the G17L was discontinued but the company produces it in low numbers. In fact, GLOCK brought out the Gen5 version of the G17L back in May
History of the GLOCK G17L
Basically, the GLOCK G17L uses a G17 frame incorporated with a longer 6.02-inch barrel and slide. The G17L also featured a 3.5-pound trigger and an extended slide stop. Some early G17L models had compensators, as GLOCK experimented with different styles of ported barrels. These comped G17L guns are rare. Another interesting feature of the early G17L was the cutout in the top of the slide to better manage slide mass as the pistol cycled.
GLOCK introduced the G17 to the U.S. in 1986. Within two years, GLOCK saw a need for a similar gun for competition. That gun was the G17L Gen1, which debuted in 1988. Many action-pistol shooters back then didn’t even notice that GLOCK offered a competition pistol until they started to shoot against it. The “L” in G17L stood for long slide.
In the early 1990s, the GLOCK G17L started to win competitions. As GLOCK rolled out its second-generationpistols, this included the G17L Gen2. Both Gen1 and Gen2 G17L guns had limited production since GLOCK was concentrating on filling orders for the G17. In 1995, GLOCK introduced Gen3 pistols and the G17L Gen3 followed in 1998. By then the rules were changing in IDPA, USPSA and IPSC.
These governing bodies in action-pistol shooting created a Production division to entice more shooters to the sport using a basic, stock pistol. This is when the box rule came into effect and virtually knocked the G17L out of the Production division. The G17L did not fit inside the box with inside dimensions of 8 15/16-incheslong x 60 inches wide x 1 5/8-inches deep.
While the box excluded the G17L and G24, the 40 S&W version of the 17L, for USPSA Production division, these pistols are legal in Limited, Limited 10 and Open divisions. In IDPA, the G17L is not allowed, and in IPSC sanctioned shoots the G17L is good to go in Standard and Open divisions. The G34 was GLOCK’s solution for a Production division gun, but that’s different story.
GLOCK never produced a G17L Gen4 variant. GLOCK fans have been patiently waiting for another G17L. They won’t be disappointed with this G17L given the full Gen5 and MOS treatment.
GLOCK Gl17L Gen5 MOS Overview
The G17L has all the GLOCK Gen5 features, such as enhanced trigger, ambidextrous slide release levers, GLOCK Marksman Barrel and front grip strap minus the finger grooves. It also has enlarged magazine floor plate and flared magazine well. The top of the slide is cut for GLOCK MOS adapter plates that are compatible with a range of red-dot optics. A medium and a large backstrap are include, along with three magazines in the clam shell box.
G17L Gen3 VS G17L Gen5
What’s different from the G17L Gen5 and the G17L Gen3—the first and second generations as well—is how GLOCK lightened the slide. On early generations, GLOCK put the G17L lightening cuts on the inside of the slide. The top of the slide has a 2.3-inch cutout, too. The G17L Gen5 does not have a cutout in the top of the slide. Lightening cuts are made under the MOS plate.
What’s also new is the G17L Gen5 uses a polymer nose ring instead of one machined out of the slide metal. This saves on machining and material costs, while lightening the slide.
GLOCK Gl17L Gen5 MOS Hands On
I ran the G17L for both accuracy and speed. For the accuracy portion, I set the targets at 25 yards with a rest. Ammo included Remington UMC with a 115-grain FMJ bullet, Armscor with a 124-grain FMJ and Atlanta Arms with a 147-grain FMJ. My best five-shot group measured 1.15 inches with the Remington rounds; the Armscor and Atlanta ammo had best groups of 2.19 and 3.04 inches, respectively. Average accuracy across all ammo was 2.5 inches.
The longer 6-inch barrel had slightly higher muzzle velocity/energy compared to GLOCK’s standard size pistols with a 4.4-inch barrel. This was expected. The trigger pull measured 5.1 pounds, which isn’t great, but it was consistent.
Light, 115-grain bullets were snappier compared to the 124- and 147-grain ammo. Changing to speed shooting, I used paper plates to simulate GLOCK’s GSSF Glock The Plates stage. Plates are usually 8 to 10 feet, but I placed mine at 10 yards and fired for speed.
There is a difference in how this new GLOCK Long Slide cycles; the slide pulses feel a lot less. There was less muzzle flip than GLOCKs with shorter barrels and the extended sight radius helps with accuracy. I was able to consistently hit the 8-inch paper plates at the top edge of my speed.
The G17L Gen5 is a fun gun to shoot. What would I change? The iron sights for one, with the magazine catch coming in second. In early generations, the magazine catch was much taller. If I was to run the G17L Gen5 in competitions where a magazine reload is timed, I’d invest in a taller magazine catch.
Is The GLOCK G17L Worth It?
The G17L Gen5 ran 100 percent with different bullets weights and gave good accuracy with them all. Even though the slide is long compared to standard and compact size GLOCKs, it is fast on target and cycles nice with minimal muzzle flip. It’s clear the GLOCK G17L is even easier to handle now that it has become a Gen5 model.
Related Article: GLOCK 35 vs Staccato XL: Comparing 2 Competition Handguns
