If you want a GLOCK 9mm but don't want one that's too little (G26 or G43) or too huge (G34), then these are your options. And indeed, many individuals, both novice and expert shooters, ponder which handgun to buy, leading to articles like these. Actually, you should acquire a 1911. No way! Both GLOCKs are fine handguns, but one may be more suited to certain tasks than the other. A lot of paper can be punched with the G17 and G19. Whatever you think of Gaston Glock, he produced excellent handguns. The GLOCK 17 is a service/duty or the full-size handgun. The GLOCK 19 is a Goldilocks pistol. Big enough for duty, yet tiny and light enough for covert carry. The 17 was designed as a service handgun, whereas the GLOCK 19, a smaller version, was designed for use by plainclothes policemen.