The Glock 17 is already a renowned and reliable firearm, favored by law enforcement, military personnel and civilian shooters. Its simplicity, durability and ease of use have made it a staple in the shooting community.
However, as with any tool, there’s always room for improvement. Whether you’re looking to refine your accuracy, improve your grip or simply personalize your Glock 17 to better suit your preferences, there are several modifications available that can take your firearm to the next level. Here are our Top 5 picks for upgrades that can enhance the performance of your Glock 17.
1. Upgraded Sights
Why It’s Important
The factory sights on a Glock 17 are functional, but they can be significantly improved upon. Upgraded sights, such as night sights or fiber optic sights, offer enhanced visibility and precision, especially in low-light conditions. This is particularly beneficial for those using their Glock for self-defense or nighttime shooting.
How It Helps
Night sights typically use tritium inserts that glow in the dark, ensuring your sights are visible when you need them most. Fiber optic sights, on the other hand, gather ambient light and provide a bright, easy-to-use aiming point in daylight. Both options offer quicker target acquisition and better accuracy, which can be critical in high-pressure situations,
Considerations
When choosing upgraded sights, consider your primary shooting environment. If you often shoot in low-light conditions or rely on your Glock for home defense, night sights might be the best choice. For those who shoot primarily in daytime or on the range, fiber optic sights could offer a better experience.
2. Extended Magazine Release
Why It’s Important
The standard magazine release on the Glock 17 is designed for universal use, but it may not be ideal for every shooter. An extended magazine release allows for quicker and easier magazine changes, which can be crucial in competitive shooting or defensive scenarios where every second counts.
How It Helps
An extended magazine release increased the surface area and accessibility of the release button, making it easier to engage without altering your grip. This can reduce the time it takes to perform a magazine change, allowing you to stay focused on your target and maintain your rhythm during shooting.
Considerations
Before upgrading, ensure the extended magazine release doesn’t interfere with your shooting style or cause accidental releases. It’s important to test the new release with your grip to ensure it enhances your performance without compromising control.
3. Trigger Upgrade
Why It’s Important
The Glock’s stock trigger is known for its reliability, but some shooters find it a bit heavy or inconsistent. A trigger upgrade can provide a smoother, lighter pull, which can lead to more accurate and consistent shooting.
How It Helps
A lighter trigger pull reduces the effort needed to fire the weapon, allowing for quicker follow-up shots and reducing the likelihood of pulling your shots off target. A smoother trigger can also improve accuracy by minimizing the disruption of your sight alignment during the trigger pull.
Considerations
When upgrading your trigger, balance the need for a lighter pull with the importance of safety, particularly if you carry your Glock for self-defense. Some aftermarket triggers can be adjusted for pull weight, which allows you to strike the perfect balance between performance and safety.
4. Grip Enhancements
Why It’s Important
A secure grip is essential for accurate shooting, especially under stress. While the Glock 17’s factory grip is well-designed, adding enhancements such as grip tape, stippling or an aftermarket grip sleeve can provide additional control and comfort.
How It Helps
Enhanced grips increase friction between your hand and the firearm, reducing the chance of slippage, especially in wet or sweaty conditions. This is particularly beneficial during rapid-fire scenarios or when shooting in adverse weather conditions. A more secure grip translates to better control, reduced recoil and improved accuracy.
Considerations
Grip enhancements are highly personal, so it’s important to choose an option that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your shooting style. If you opt for permanent modifications such as stippling, be aware these changes are irreversible, so it’s wise to test out different options before committing.
5. Barrel Upgrade
Why It’s Important
The barrel is the heart of your firearm, and upgrading it can offer several benefits, including improved accuracy, better compatibility with different types of ammunition and increased longevity. Aftermarket barrels can also be threaded to accommodate suppressors or compensators.
How It Helps
A match-grade barrel is designed with tighter tolerances than the factory barrel, which can lead to improved accuracy. Threaded barrels allow for the attachment of suppressors, which reduce noise and muzzle flash, or compensators, which help to reduce recoil and muzzle rise. Both options can enhance your shooting experience, whether you’re on the range or in a tactical situation.
Considerations
When selecting a barrel upgrade, consider your intended use. If you’re looking to enhance accuracy for competition, a match-grade barrel is a great choice. If you plan to use your Glock for tactical applications, a threaded barrel with a suppressor or compensator might be more beneficial.
How AimHi Can Help
Upgrading your Glock 17 is a fantastic way to personalize your firearm and enhance its performance to better suit your needs. Whether you looking to improve accuracy, speed up your reloads or simply make your Glock more comfortable to shoot, these five upgrades offer proven benefits that can make a real difference in the way you shoot.
At AimHi Family Firearms Center, we offer a wide range of Glock upgrades and accessories to help you get the most out of your firearm. Browse our online inventory or visit us in-store to speak with our knowledgeable staff, available to help you take the first step toward customizing your weapon of choice.