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Through
our contact in Finland we were able to test and review the
Glock 17 Pro pistol. The Glock 17 Pro has been somewhat a
myth in the Glock community and it's existance has been questioned
several times in forums such as Glocktalk.com.
We can assure to all of you that such a gun really exists.
In fact in addition to the Glock 17 Pro there is also a G
19 Pro model for sale. Both of these models are sold only
in Finland and the model itself is a result of a close co-operation
of the finnish distributor of Glock and Glock Austria. Our
sources tell us that model called Glock 17 "Oval"
may also be available for purcahse in the future. Apparently
the "Oval" model is a basic G 17 with the Pro model
oval shaped magazine release.
Let's get to the point. The Glock 17 Pro model is basicly
a standard G 17 spiced up with aftermarket factory components
that is then sold as package named the G 17 Pro.
The differences in the Pro comparered to the regualar
model are as follows:
- Glock factory tritium night sights
- Glock factory threaded barrel, about 1/1" longer than
the stadard one
- Factory marine spring cups
- Factory modified magazine release
- Extended slide release, (factory standard in newer models)
- Extended +2 mazine base plates
- Glock factory gun pouch
- 3,5 lbs connector
The gun we tested with the older generation frame meaning
it only had one pin retaining the locking block to the frame.
The currently sold G 17's have two pins holding the locking
block making them similar to earlier Glock 22 (40 S&W)
frames. Although the never "3 pin Glocks" also have
different shape locking block than the ones with only the
one pin. The newer currently sold Pro models are based on
the 3 pin frame . (there is one more pin in all glocks the
back of the frame holding the firing mechanism in place).
This particular gun being 2 years old is also part of the
infamous E-series that have experienced some problems with
cracking frame rails on the receiver. Comparing the E-series
Pro model and new G 17 one can clearly see the difference
in the length of the frame rails on the back of the gun. According
to our knowledge, in addition of the frame rail dimension
being different there was also some mistakes that were made
in the manufacturing process of he E-series frame rails. Aa
far as we know the issues that the E-series guns had, have
since been resolved on currenently sold Glocks. For those
of you that wish to explore the E-series issue further, we
recommend a visit to Glocktalk.com.
As all of the components are factory parts there were no problems
in fitting or function of the gun. The gun functioned flawlessy
as one would expect a G 17 to do. Unfortunately we were not
able to test the gun with the
B&T impuls II silencer.
Shooting:
The gun was tested using standard military ball ammo mainly
because there was no reason to assume that the Pro would behave
any different from a standard G 17 as far as cartridge feeding
is conserned. Accuracy was no better or worse than with a
standard G 17. The average group size was identical to a standard
model 17 being shot at the same time for comparison. The marine
spring cups don't really make a difference, and arguably one
will rarely encounter a situation where they will prove to
be usefull... The magazine release is maybe the best feature
in the gun, and therefore producing an oval model seems justified.
Hopefully Glock will someday make all their guns with this
kind of magazine release. Sights are excellent but nothing
that hasn't been seen before. For testing we used an Uncle
Mikes kydex holster and the extended length of the barrel
didn't produce any problems with that particular holster.
However holsters designed to G 17 that aren't open at the
bottom may prove to be problem with the G 17 Pro. We also
tested the Pro with the Glock weapon mounted tactical light
and although the ligh died on us the weapon functioned flawlesly.
The Good & Bad
+ Magazine release, way better than the standard one
+ Sights, better and more durable than factory standard sights
(won't round of in use)
+ Added magazine capacity, allthough the +2 magazines just
don't feel right somehow when one is used to the standard
magazines
+ Silencer option
- The non-standard magazine release hole in the frame will
not accept standard aftermarket parts
- Threaded "oversize" barrel may be a problem with
some holsters
If you are in the market for a full size Glock, this one is
certainly worth considering if you can get it. |
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