Anyone prefer Glock 17 cut to accept Glock 19 mags over a Glock 19?

[M2CattleCo]

I generally prefer a Glock 17 to a 19, but have been carrying and training with a 19 for the past few years. I've been using a 17 again for a couple of weeks and I'm much more comfortable with it than I am my 19s.

I'm thinking that a cut down 17 might be the better option for me.

[Maple Syrup Actual]

I do. I have a 34, a 17, a 17K and a 19. The 17K (as chopped-to-19-mag-17s are sometimes called, which I bring up because G17K is searchable on a lot of forums and may be helpful to know) is probably my favourite, grip-wise.

Although that gun's had a bunch of work done so I'm not sure now if I like the grip because it's a 17K or because I reshaped it, because I no longer remember what I did to it. I think I might have done a bit of a grip reduction.

But in general I think the hump on the 19 doesn't place the gun as well as the full-sized grip. Part of that is me switching back and forth between guns a lot for work, but part of it's just Glock weirdness.

Pre-gen4 grips are dumb, regardless. Despite that being my preference for guns, nice 1911s aside.

[frankepc]

Don’t really see the reason for that MOD, but before you cut your grip see if you can get a hold of one of the many concealment magwells currently available. SI’, Raven and Agency Arms all make them for the glock 19.

[Gray222]

G19L is good to go

http://i.imgur.com/NW7NhPf.jpg (http://www.vdmsr.com/search?q=g19l)

[warpedcamshaft]

I have a chopped 17... There is a slight measurable advantage for me over a Glock 19. I notice the advantage more at ranges over 15 yards.

If I were to go back and do it again, I'd have a 34 for competition, 2 chopped 17's, and a 26.

Also, I'd get a Glock 7, but they cost more than I make in a month.

[Trajan]

I do. I like mine so much (also coincidentally my first pistol, was chopped later) that I sold my G19 to my little brother when he got his CCW.

Why Glock doesn't make this a factory option I'll never know.

Same frame on a G34 is really neat too.
19s chopped to 26 are also cool.

[Dagga Boy]

As one of the originators of the modification. I did some writing on the "Universal Glock" quite awhile ago. I much prefer this configuration, especially on the finger groove guns where there is more room for middle finger on the 17 than the 19. Also, I find the 19L works great for me for AIWB carry and IWB in general.

[JBP55]

Pass.

[Dagga Boy]

Fairly good older thread:
https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?11159-G17-4-into-G19L

[StraitR]

Fairly good older thread:
https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?11159-G17-4-into-G19L

I barely escaped looking at that thread the first time without chopping my FDE Gen 4 17, now the desire has been rekindled. Knedrgr really did a good job.

[M2CattleCo]

I'm convinced. I think I'm going to pick up another Gen 4 tomorrow at a gun show and cut it down.

[okie john]

I've been using one for a while. There's a lot to be said for it, plus if you ruin one, it's not like you cut up a Mark IV Series 70 Colt or a Registered Magnum.


Okie John

[camsdaddy]

I barely escaped looking at that thread the first time without chopping my FDE Gen 4 17, now the desire has been rekindled. Knedrgr really did a good job.
That is the best looking 17k I have ever seen.

[StraitR]

I've been using one for a while. There's a lot to be said for it, plus if you ruin one, it's not like you cut up a Mark IV Series 70 Colt or a Registered Magnum.


Okie John

True. And unlike those you mentioned, the polymer glocks can be easily fixed by professional plastic surgeons.

Wait...I think I just talked myself into trying this.

[Eli]

This is my daily carry gun, and has been for a few years now....it's my absolute favorite Glock.


http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee95/ceelfi/my%20edc%203.jpg


I liked the concept so much that I got another 17 worked on by a professional polymer melter.....alas, I don't like the custom gun as well as I like the one I did with a band-saw and dremel. I thought that I'd like having a grip reduction, but it just doesn't feel anywhere near as good as the factory one. Apparently I'm one of the few folks that actually prefers the "Glock Hump".

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee95/ceelfi/Jarvis%20Glock%20089.jpg



http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee95/ceelfi/Jarvis%20Glock%20047.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee95/ceelfi/Jarvis%20Glock%20043.jpg

[ldunnmobile]

Cold bore just did one for me. So far I am really liking it. He did an excellent job.

[Dagga Boy]

I've been using one for a while. There's a lot to be said for it, plus if you ruin one, it's not like you cut up a Mark IV Series 70 Colt or a Registered Magnum.


Okie John

The first guns we did in 1995 were actually guns with damaged frames from dog chewing or a stolen gun recovered by LE and returned to owners with damaged frames.....so there was even less chance of ruining something that was a major loss.

[Clay1]

I've also been thinking of chopping a 34 to 19 size. I run the 34 much better than my 19. I should know this, but can I just take a 34 upper and slide it on one of my 19 frames? My perception is no, but can't remember why.

[GJM]

I've also been thinking of chopping a 34 to 19 size. I run the 34 much better than my 19. I should know this, but can I just take a 34 upper and slide it on one of my 19 frames? My perception is no, but can't remember why.

Nope, doesn't fit.

I have a 17 chopped, and like it, but actually prefer a 19 chopped to 26, so I can use standard capacity ten round mags in injun territory.

[StraitR]

Yup, I'm going for it. Be back in a bit.


https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1581/24110205413_f51daf4658_c.jpg

[GJM]

Yup, I'm going for it. Be back in a bit.


https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1581/24110205413_f51daf4658_c.jpg

Good luck! This is almost like reality tv.

[StraitR]

Thanks George. I left myself lots of filing room. Looking like I'll be at this this for a few hours.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1443/24711413346_da8813ba76_c.jpg

[Wendell]

Pass.

It's pertinent to note that both SSP and Production would exclude a '19L'.

An unmolested 19 is good to go.

[warpedcamshaft]

@StraitR

Looks pretty damn good so far...

[StraitR]

Alright, here's what I finished today. I still have about an hour's worth of opening the magwell more and high grit light sanding to clean it all up, but that will have to wait till another day. Anyway, you get the gist. Whew, slow and steady wins the race.

Pics are as good as I can get tonight, but I'll take some better ones once it's done.


With standard glock baseplate.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1459/24714020676_fb65c431b4_c.jpg

Vickers BP
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1559/24646702401_971cb226a8_c.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1662/24444689620_e934973d7e_c.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1543/24113357053_9084a30242_c.jpg

[45dotACP]

That looks damned good StraitR

Sent from my VS876 using Tapatalk

[okie john]

That looks damned good StraitR

Yep.

If you leave that little tail hanging off, you may need to check the clearance between the rear of the floorplate and the frame. Loaded mags will fall free, but empty mags can hang up there...


Okie John

[M2CattleCo]

That does look good StraitR.

I went to the gun show today with full intentions of buying a Gen4 17 to chop but I ended up coming home with a Gen4 34....

The one I want to copy is this one:

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr52/poak-tgo/DF5720E1-057D-4EEF-B9FF-1DC54E817522.jpg

[cjb1911]

Alright, here's what I finished today. I still have about an hour's worth of opening the magwell more and high grit light sanding to clean it all up, but that will have to wait till another day. Anyway, you get the gist. Whew, slow and steady wins the race.

Pics are as good as I can get tonight, but I'll take some better ones once it's done.


With standard glock baseplate.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1459/24714020676_fb65c431b4_c.jpg

Vickers BP
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1559/24646702401_971cb226a8_c.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1662/24444689620_e934973d7e_c.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1543/24113357053_9084a30242_c.jpg

Out of curiosity, what's the advantage of leaving the heal of the grip?

[Tamara]

I still plan to turn that po-po trade-in Glock 37 I bought into a Glock 38L. Just because. :D

[StraitR]

That looks damned good StraitR


Much appreciated.


Yep.

If you leave that little tail hanging off, you may need to check the clearance between the rear of the floorplate and the frame. Loaded mags will fall free, but empty mags can hang up there...


Okie John

Indeed, and taking off material in the rear proved to be one of the most tedious parts of the job. I did all the filing/sanding/fitting with an unloaded mag.


Out of curiosity, what's the advantage of leaving the heal of the grip?

To me, it still feels more like a 17 than a 19 with that heal left on. I guess one advantage is being able to turn it into a big bevel for the mag well. Similar to the concept behind the Wilson Mag Guide (http://shopwilsoncombat.com/Wilson-Combat-Mag-Guide-Beretta-Compact/productinfo/764/) for a Beretta.

[GJM]

Job well done! When are you taking in outside work?

[StraitR]

That does look good StraitR.

I went to the gun show today with full intentions of buying a Gen4 17 to chop but I ended up coming home with a Gen4 34....

The one I want to copy is this one:

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr52/poak-tgo/DF5720E1-057D-4EEF-B9FF-1DC54E817522.jpg

I'd be lying if I didn't say it was a little unnerving at times. I tried to be as cautious as possible and intentionally cut it in a way that forced me to file a considerable amount for fitment. Even still, there was a good 10 minute period that I really believed I had buggered up the cut.

All in all, I'm really glad I did it. I blame/thank Nyeti for digging up and linking knedrgr's 19L thread (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?11159-G17-4-into-G19L), because I wouldn't have done it otherwise.

[okie john]

To me, it still feels more like a 17 than a 19 with that heal left on. I guess one advantage is being able to turn it into a big bevel for the mag well. Similar to the concept behind the Wilson Mag Guide (http://shopwilsoncombat.com/Wilson-Combat-Mag-Guide-Beretta-Compact/productinfo/764/) for a Beretta.

The heel makes it feel like a G17 but hide like a G19. For me, the main advantage of the heel is that it helps prevent G19 blister.


Okie John

[StraitR]

Job well done! When are you taking in outside work?

Thank you. I'm not much of a craftsman. This took me almost four hours, and I'm not even done yet. :p

[LOKNLOD]

I'm a fan of the concept - I chopped a Gen3 17 a while back. I added a little bit of a "speed chute" effect inside the mag well. I like it for reloading, but I know some are not a fan of things that fill the dead space in the back strap. If I did it again i would try to flatten the backstrap somewhat. The shape of the 19 grip is still a little better due to the way the hump is, and this one still has a bit more of the hump. From another thread a couple years ago:


I finally did it. The G17K:
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f392/LOKNLOD/Guns/Projects/Grip%20Chop/G17K.jpg

What became a fun project in conjunction was the magwell mod. Chopping the grip made reloads all the more sensitive to perfect alignment and easy fumbled, but with this in there it's like throwing the proverbial hotdog down a hallway. Visually it could be a little slicker (I think I had some bubbles in the epoxy that made the little pock-marks you see) but functionally it works great and is polished smooth.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f392/LOKNLOD/Guns/Projects/Grip%20Chop/magwell.jpg

[chiral]

Anyone have a rec for a gunsmith in the Dallas area that can do grip work for a gen 3 g17? Thanks!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Dagga Boy]

I had to go back aways in my photo's........but here is likely my favorite of all my "Universal Glocks". Early Gen 3 done by Lane Owens at Cold Bore Customs. I had Lane do a very light texture on the sides that looks factory, maintain the factory borders and then do his next level of texture between the finger grooves and on the back strap. Most folks look at it and think it is a factory gun......which is the idea. If I went back to carrying a Glock, this would be the one.

[SPDGG]

fwiw:

Another +1 on the G17 cut down to a G19, Pretty much fits the all around 1x gun area.

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j122/fkim2003/FTK%20JK%20G17%20G19%20Chop/G17G19CHOPBW2800x600_zpsb1606d62.jpg

Link to additional pics of a G17 Gen3 I finished up a few years back.

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?6186-Glock-grip-chops/page3

[SD]

Excellent work. Looks OEM...
StraitR

[Texaspoff]

I have done a ton of them. 17 to 19 is the most popular followed by the 19 to 26 chop. Leaving the backstrap flush with the magazine base was first seen on Travis Haleys Glocks, best I can recall. I liked the extended back strap so much I developed my own modification of extending the back strap on G19s. Gives your palm just a tad more real estate.

Standard 17 to 19 chop.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff295/Texaspoff/6b253d42-b168-4ccb-a08c-710cfb688b1f_zps6ed90889.jpg

Haley Style Chop
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff295/Texaspoff/IMG_1128.jpg

G19 to G26 Chop
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff295/Texaspoff/DSC_0463.jpg

Extended Back strap 3rd Gen G19's
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff295/Texaspoff/DSC_0002_zps36aa7d62.jpg

Extended Back strap 4th Gen G19
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff295/Texaspoff/DSC_0023_zps2ef4ad96.jpg


TXPO

[StraitR]

Excellent work. Looks OEM...
StraitR

Thanks Steve. Welcome to P-F!

[StraitR]

TXPO - Those look great. The extended backstrap on the 19 is slick. Well done.

[theJanitor]

I only own one glock, and it's a cut G17. I may try and trade the frame in this year for a replacement, and skip the stippling on the next go-round

[Dagga Boy]

"I have done a ton of them. 17 to 19 is the most popular followed by the 19 to 26 chop. Leaving the backstrap flush with the magazine base was first seen on Travis Haleys Glocks, best I can recall. I liked the extended back strap so much I developed my own modification of extending the back strap on G19s. Gives your palm just a tad more real estate."

Sorry, I am going to get a bit pissy on this as I am finding it interesting that this stuff keeps getting attributed to Travis Haley. This was the second G-17 we did in about the 1996 timeframe (it was later textured by Texaspoff, who does great work). We had just gone to the USP full size .45 on our SWAT team and the G26/27's were just released and I liked the protected magazine on both. In case folks forget.....there was a time if you hit Glock mags hard in the rear it could kick the magazine base plate off, especially the "plus" mags. This was my solution to stop the mag base plate from being struck, and to mimic both my issue SWAT and Duty Hk USP45 and new sub compact Glocks. I was carrying AIWB since a shoulder injury in 1988 and the shorter grip was a big appeal.

Don't get me wrong. Travis has done all sorts of cool and neat things, but if he was carrying a chopped Glock in his 2nd year in the USMC....I would be a bit surprised.

[DocGKR]

" Travis has done all sorts of cool and neat things, but if he was carrying a chopped Glock in his 2nd year in the USMC....I would be a bit surprised."

Word.

[Dagga Boy]

Word.

DocGKR is one of the guys from the "enemies list", but would also remember a lot of this stuff was discussed at Tactical Forums a very long time ago. Prior to it becoming a cult of personality, some of the best folks in the industry were on there, and many of the folks who are well retired now were active or just separating from service and it was their first foray into the world of internet gun forums.

[rauchman]

I find this idea very intriguing, especially living in NJ. Some questions...

Is it possible to replicate the G19 hump on the backstrap? I like the G19 hump over the G17 backstrap.
On a Gen4, can the replaceable backstraps still be used?

Thanks, and there is some seriously nice work done on these pistols.

[OnionsAndDragons]

I'm working on the frame of my extra 17 this week...

As to places that hate you, like NJ; my go to would be a G19 gut to G26 length if I were going Glock. You get that reliability of the 10rd Glock mags that work, and extra concealability.

I haven't cut up a Gen4. I'm guessing you'd have to be really careful in planning if you didn't want to have to permanently epoxy the backstrap. I'm sure that folks like Lane and the pro plastic surgeons have some workarounds, though.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[StraitR]

I find this idea very intriguing, especially living in NJ. Some questions...

Is it possible to replicate the G19 hump on the backstrap? I like the G19 hump over the G17 backstrap.
On a Gen4, can the replaceable backstraps still be used?

Thanks, and there is some seriously nice work done on these pistols.

I've never been one to use the backstraps, but if my memory serves me, as long as the lanyard hole is left intact the backstraps should work as designed. You'll probably have to trim to length.

Maybe somebody that uses the backstraps can chime in and confirm. Otherwise, I'll pull some backstraps out tonight and check on my recently cut 17.

[Beat Trash]

DocGKR is one of the guys from the "enemies list", but would also remember a lot of this stuff was discussed at Tactical Forums a very long time ago. Prior to it becoming a cult of personality, some of the best folks in the industry were on there, and many of the folks who are well retired now were active or just separating from service and it was their first foray into the world of internet gun forums.

If Dr. Gary Roberts is now one of the "enemies", than I have no desire to talk with the "Friendlies". He's a Scholar and a Gentleman. And he doesn't say anything unless it's based in fact. It's kind of nice to have a conversation with someone and be able to give the bull shit filter a rest...

Having been a Marine myself (although not Recon, but I did get drunk in a Holiday Inn once) I would have a hard time believing a Marine in year two of his career being authorized to carry a personal firearm of any type.

With that said and in an attempt to get back on topic, the Glock 17 to 19 conversions with the backstop flush to the magazine baseplate shown by Texaspoff looks interesting. I'd like to see more of this guy's work as it looks well done.

I'm sure I could do the same work to one of my Glock 17's with a hacksaw. But I'm also sure the final result of my efforts would look like someone attacked a pistol with a hacksaw...

[theJanitor]

As to places that hate you, like NJ; my go to would be a G19 gut to G26 length if I were going Glock. You get that reliability of the 10rd Glock mags that work, and extra concealability.


and don't forget, you get a light rail. I cut this back in 2012, but a friend wanted it more than I did...

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5156/7210179924_05d0a3b261_z.jpg

[Gray222]

Too much gets attributed to certain people, Haley should not have any such attributions.

[GJM]

I did a deep dive on the history. Darryl may be second, but he certainly wasn't the first to chop a 17.

[Rosco Benson]

I did a deep dive on the history. Darryl may be second, but he certainly wasn't the first to chop a 17.

I think one of the first (at least one of the first to write about it) was a budding holster maker named Gary Brommeland. He was based in Dayton, OH at the time and, IIRC, his article was in Combat Handguns.

He relocated not long after and stuff happened that some of you know about and some don't and I'll just leave it at that.

Rosco

[GJM]

I think one of the first (at least one of the first to write about it) was a budding holster maker named Gary Brommeland. He was based in Dayton, OH at the time and, IIRC, his article was in Combat Handguns.

He relocated not long after and stuff happened that some of you know about and some don't and I'll just leave it at that.

Rosco

He wasn't first either.

[Dagga Boy]

If Dr. Gary Roberts is now one of the "enemies", than I have no desire to talk with the "Friendlies". He's a Scholar and a Gentleman. And he doesn't say anything unless it's based in fact. It's kind of nice to have a conversation with someone and be able to give the bull shit filter a rest...

Having been a Marine myself (although not Recon, but I did get drunk in a Holiday Inn once) I would have a hard time believing a Marine in year two of his career being authorized to carry a personal firearm of any type.

With that said and in an attempt to get back on topic, the Glock 17 to 19 conversions with the backstop flush to the magazine baseplate shown by Texaspoff looks interesting. I'd like to see more of this guy's work as it looks well done.

I'm sure I could do the same work to one of my Glock 17's with a hacksaw. But I'm also sure the final result of my efforts would look like someone attacked a pistol with a hacksaw...

The "enemies list" was a joke for DocGKR.....we are quite good friends, and have ended up on several folks enemies list. The guy who owned Tac forums was one of our shared ones.

We started with a very good gunsmith who refuses to be named because he despises Glocks and never wanted to be associated with Glocks. He did them as a favor because we were close friends. The initial guns were dog and crook abuses victims. I then did a bunch with a guy at work with a belt sander and a dremel......I pointed, my buddy ground as he was very patient and good with tools. We did quite a few. I then found stipplers. Don Ellis stippled and cut some for me when he was doing action jobs. He is still the only guy I will let touch anything inside a Glock for me. Texaspoff.....who I assume is Lane Owens is by far my favorite guy for doing texturing. I started using him many years ago and his work for me on both Glocks and HK's has been great. His frame cutting and texturing on my guns was night and day better than what we were doing in the mid to late nineties.


I did a deep dive on the history. Darryl may be second, but he certainly wasn't the first to chop a 17.

Trust me....I never claimed to be first. The protected magazine, I may have been first, but not on cutting them in general. Even the protected magazine baseplate was a copy of the Glock 26/27, and USP.....all mid 90's creations I mimicked. The reality......the first cut Glock was likely done by a Austrian dog named "Falco" who chewed the bottom off a 17 and a 19 magazine fit........or, being GJM is sounding confident...."Astro's" predecessor who chewed the bottom off of GJM's G-17....;).

This is really not about "credit", it is more about trying to get history correct so we can see why things developed and what motivated folks to do modifications.

[GJM]

I have played with you long enough, so here is the answer. In the early days, Glock just had the 17, 17L and 18. Miami Beach went with the 17 and was interested in a smaller gun for admin types. Glock cut down a number of 17 pistols, including the magazines. It was well received and that led to the 19.

Extra credit -- how did the Glock 18 come about?

[Dagga Boy]

I have played with you long enough, so here is the answer. In the early days, Glock just had the 17, 17L and 18. Miami Beach went with the 17 and was interested in a smaller gun for admin types. Glock cut down a number of 17 pistols, including the magazines. It was well received and that led to the 19.

Extra credit -- how did the Glock 18 come about?

Endurance testing fixture for Glock.

On the cut ones for Miami....I am still betting when Miami asked for a compact 17, an Austrian engineer with a dog named "Falco" raised his hand and had a prototype already made......:o. I do not know why, but dogs love Glocks as chew toys. We saw a bunch of them when I owned my own cop gun shop......and I always bought them cheap...;).

[Texaspoff]

"I have done a ton of them. 17 to 19 is the most popular followed by the 19 to 26 chop. Leaving the backstrap flush with the magazine base was first seen on Travis Haleys Glocks, best I can recall. I liked the extended back strap so much I developed my own modification of extending the back strap on G19s. Gives your palm just a tad more real estate."

Sorry, I am going to get a bit pissy on this as I am finding it interesting that this stuff keeps getting attributed to Travis Haley. This was the second G-17 we did in about the 1996 timeframe (it was later textured by Texaspoff, who does great work). We had just gone to the USP full size .45 on our SWAT team and the G26/27's were just released and I liked the protected magazine on both. In case folks forget.....there was a time if you hit Glock mags hard in the rear it could kick the magazine base plate off, especially the "plus" mags. This was my solution to stop the mag base plate from being struck, and to mimic both my issue SWAT and Duty Hk USP45 and new sub compact Glocks. I was carrying AIWB since a shoulder injury in 1988 and the shorter grip was a big appeal.

Don't get me wrong. Travis has done all sorts of cool and neat things, but if he was carrying a chopped Glock in his 2nd year in the USMC....I would be a bit surprised.

I will definitely stand corrected by Nyeti cause he would be the one who knows for sure. The first one I did was several years ago and was brought to my attention by a customer who said Travis Haley had his done that way. From this day it shall be known as the "Nyeti". chop......:D

TXPO

[Irelander]

I have been tossing the idea of a G17K for a while. Unfortunately I traded my G17Gen3 for a G19Gen3 a few years ago. I have missed that G17 because it fit my hand so well. The finger grooves on the G19 do not fit my hand so I ground them off and gave it a 360 stipple. I like it but I still pine for the feel of the G17 frame. I predict I will have a G17Gen4 or Gen3 within the next year and perform a grip chop on it. My AIWB holsters are for a G17 anyway so it should be a smooth transition.

[Dagga Boy]

I will definitely stand corrected by Nyeti cause he would be the one who knows for sure. The first one I did was several years ago and was brought to my attention by a customer who said Travis Haley had his done that way. From this day it shall be known as the "Nyeti". chop......:D

TXPO

No need.....I always swore I was doomed if stuff started getting named after me. I have a VP 9 project working.....you should be seeing another gun from me soon....:cool:

[okie john]

No need.....I always swore I was doomed if stuff started getting named after me. I have a VP 9 project working.....you should be seeing another gun from me soon....:cool:

I really like my VP9, but it's far from perfect. Definitely looking forward to your take on it.


Okie John

[StraitR]

Another pic I took after I chopped it.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1468/24373081219_62532ccd18_c.jpg

[Dagga Boy]

Boy does that look good....and exactly what Glock should make.

[StraitR]

Boy does that look good....and exactly what Glock should make.

Much appreciated, especially from you given your history with the mod.

And I completely agree, I believe this would sell extremely well. I'm tempted to acquire and cut another 17 just to have a pair.

[Dagga Boy]

Much appreciated, especially from you given your history with the mod.

And I completely agree, I believe this would sell extremely well. I'm tempted to acquire and cut another 17 just to have a pair.

If it was me....I would do a 34 with the light on it as a dedicated light gun, and use the chop for a dedicated concealment gun and both feel and handle the same. That is what I did for several years. Used a 34 with a light as my duty/tactical gun and then went to a near twin with the chopped G19 length grip for off duty and concealed carry. Some of the best shooting I ever did was during that period and I attribute that to being very consistent with what I was shooting....same feel, controls, sights, etc., and a lot of classes and training with just two guns that worked the same.

[hrt4me]

Anyone have a rec for a gunsmith in the Dallas area that can do grip work for a gen 3 g17? Thanks!

Tom McEnroe, dba TxT Customs in Arlington

[StraitR]

If it was me....I would do a 34 with the light on it as a dedicated light gun, and use the chop for a dedicated concealment gun and both feel and handle the same. That is what I did for several years. Used a 34 with a light as my duty/tactical gun and then went to a near twin with the chopped G19 length grip for off duty and concealed carry. Some of the best shooting I ever did was during that period and I attribute that to being very consistent with what I was shooting....same feel, controls, sights, etc., and a lot of classes and training with just two guns that worked the same.

Sounds like a good setup. Would you recommend the same for someone that doesn't need a duty/tactical (I'll even add gaming) gun?

[Dagga Boy]

Sounds like a good setup. Would you recommend the same for someone that doesn't need a duty/tactical (I'll even add gaming) gun?

I like a light on a dedicated home defense gun and for folks tasked with searching for criminals! and general tasks involving hunting for other armed folks. None of those are remotely my goals when carrying concealed and for my primary goal of defending myself. Thus hanging a big light off the front of the gun is a step in the wrong direction. I can get much more efficient carry gear with a non light bearing pistol, and concealment is better. Keep in mind we are cutting that grip to get the gun to print less. If I am getting those benefits, I want all of them, including a more slender profile. The ability to take a light is good for a single gun that serves many roles. For a person running multiples of the same platform, having a dedicated home defense or tactical gun where efficiency with the light and gun is more important than concealment allows for a larger firearm.

Having more than one gun allows for one dedicated to home defense and use as tactical pistol if faced with a scenario of lawlessness or no one coming when 911 is dialed. The other can be wholly dedicated to concealed carry for daily use and carry in that role. It allows for both to be perfectly set up and equipped for their primary role, rather than one trying to do both.

[Gray222]

If it was me....I would do a 34 with the light on it as a dedicated light gun, and use the chop for a dedicated concealment gun and both feel and handle the same. That is what I did for several years. Used a 34 with a light as my duty/tactical gun and then went to a near twin with the chopped G19 length grip for off duty and concealed carry. Some of the best shooting I ever did was during that period and I attribute that to being very consistent with what I was shooting....same feel, controls, sights, etc., and a lot of classes and training with just two guns that worked the same.

go big or go home

http://i.imgur.com/Iz0Hdnc.jpg

[Dagga Boy]

go big or go home

http://i.imgur.com/Iz0Hdnc.jpg

I tried that route. My gen 3 G17L was an abortion. It was really the first "bad" 9mm Glock I got with brass to the face, poor extraction and ejection in general and not particularly accurate. It was a huge disappointment and sold off quickly. Went to a buddy who later sent it to Saliant to be totally reworked. I really wished it had worked....but no luck.

[Irelander]

Another pic I took after I chopped it.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1468/24373081219_62532ccd18_c.jpg

Freakin awesome! Nice work. I am now on the hunt for a G17 to chop.

[Gray222]

I tried that route. My gen 3 G17L was an abortion. It was really the first "bad" 9mm Glock I got with brass to the face, poor extraction and ejection in general and not particularly accurate. It was a huge disappointment and sold off quickly. Went to a buddy who later sent it to Saliant to be totally reworked. I really wished it had worked....but no luck.

Mine's a tack driver, maybe you got the last one made on a Friday?

[Dagga Boy]

Mine's a tack driver, maybe you got the last one made on a Friday?

It was the first Gen. 3 17L I had ever seen and they were rare. Funny story on getting it, but the quote from my wife of "you went to pick up a pizza. You came home with a pizza and a new gun in 30 minutes....that is not normal." indicates how fast the credit card came out when I dropped in the gun shop just for a minute while waiting for the pizza to finish cooking. My 17's have ended up being more accurate than my 17L or 34's. I did have a 24 upper on a G22 that was outstanding.......until the frame ended up in two pieces.

[Gray222]

It was the first Gen. 3 17L I had ever seen and they were rare. Funny story on getting it, but the quote from my wife of "you went to pick up a pizza. You came home with a pizza and a new gun in 30 minutes....that is not normal." indicates how fast the credit card came out when I dropped in the gun shop just for a minute while waiting for the pizza to finish cooking. My 17's have ended up being more accurate than my 17L or 34's. I did have a 24 upper on a G22 that was outstanding.......until the frame ended up in two pieces.

I was on the hunt for a 17L for a while. When they started coming back out my local spot got a RED label 17L and had one 10rnd mag. I was like WTF? I told them to keep everything except the gun and the box, they gave me a good price and I've seen it to be much more accurate than my G34 and any other 9mm glock I had at the time. Of course it has to do with sights.

[StraitR]

I like a light on a dedicated home defense gun and for folks tasked with searching for criminals! and general tasks involving hunting for other armed folks. None of those are remotely my goals when carrying concealed and for my primary goal of defending myself. Thus hanging a big light off the front of the gun is a step in the wrong direction. I can get much more efficient carry gear with a non light bearing pistol, and concealment is better. Keep in mind we are cutting that grip to get the gun to print less. If I am getting those benefits, I want all of them, including a more slender profile. The ability to take a light is good for a single gun that serves many roles. For a person running multiples of the same platform, having a dedicated home defense or tactical gun where efficiency with the light and gun is more important than concealment allows for a larger firearm.

Having more than one gun allows for one dedicated to home defense and use as tactical pistol if faced with a scenario of lawlessness or no one coming when 911 is dialed. The other can be wholly dedicated to concealed carry for daily use and carry in that role. It allows for both to be perfectly set up and equipped for their primary role, rather than one trying to do both.

Makes sense. I have no use for a light on a CC pistol, but when I get home the x300 goes on, as pictured. I guess I was thinking along the lines of 'two = one' and leaving one set up for home, but you make some valid points about having guns in separate roles set up for maximum efficiency. Something for me to think about. Thanks.




Freakin awesome! Nice work. I am now on the hunt for a G17 to chop.

Thanks man.

[Beat Trash]

StraightR, Can you still use the back straps that came with your Glock 17, once the work was done? It looks like you should be able to.

I have hands large enough that I need the large back strap on my Gen4 Glocks. This concept has me thinking...

[StraitR]

StraightR, Can you still use the back straps that came with your Glock 17, once the work was done? It looks like you should be able to.

I have hands large enough that I need the large back strap on my Gen4 Glocks. This concept has me thinking...

Dammit, I knew I was forgetting something last night. I meant to check that for Rauchman. I believe it should work since the lanyard hole is still there, but I'll confirm tonight.

[rauchman]

Dammit, I knew I was forgetting something last night. I meant to check that for Rauchman. I believe it should work since the lanyard hole is still there, but I'll confirm tonight.

Thanks!

[StraitR]

To address the question of backstraps on Gen4. It looks like if you trimmed the backstraps to match, they would no longer work as designed. That's not to say that you couldn't some how figure out how to do it.

Pics > words.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1541/24506866490_f46bb21188_c.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1561/24802395285_3ccd213848_c.jpg

[CS Tactical]

Maybe a G19 backstrap can be made to work?

[StraitR]

Maybe a G19 backstrap can be made to work?

I pulled one out and tried. The 19 backstraps come up pretty short, at least on the longer than a 19 grip profile I chose.

[CS Tactical]

I pulled one out and tried. The 19 backstraps come up pretty short, at least on the longer than a 19 grip profile I chose.


Then either the strap or frame would need adjustment :) That's beyond my skill level or patience haha

[StraitR]

Then either the strap or frame would need adjustment :) That's beyond my skill level or patience haha

Haha, nor do I.

It is worth noting, I do not have the newer style backstraps for either model that extend up to the beavertail. It seems entirely possible that those would work if cut down, similar to the design and fitment of the Grip Force Adapter.

Newer on left, style I have on right.

5781

[Slalom.45]

Gentlemen,
I have been lurking/learning on this sight for some time. This thread has finally made me join as I am wanting to make a 17K out of my 17.

I do have a question. The backstrap/heel of the grip extending down past the mag looks nice. I have to say what I have been looking at is the "bobtail" done by Cold Bore Customs as part of the chop. I am sure you guys know what I mean, but it's like the Bobtail Ed Brown 1911's.

I carry AIWB and it would seem to me that the bobtail would be more comfortable on the ribs when sitting and possibly print less than having the heel hang down past the rear of the mag as shown on many of the guns in this thread. Also, does the bobtail change the feel of the gun in hand much. If anyone has any experience with this I'd appreciate the feed back.

Oh, and hello from South Louisiana....

[JB326]

I once chopped a 23 into a 27, and then re-fitted with a 19 slide. Ever since then I've wanted to chop a 17 as I to think it would be a very ideal pistol. I've followed this thread and a couple of others, and I thought I'd offer a suggestion as far as the backstraps. My current duty gun is a Gen 4 34 that I purchased well before the beavertailed straps were a thing. I don't know why but there was some slop in the fit when I did eventually score a BT strap. It was more of a mental bother than anything else, but it was still a bother. Soooo, I did what any reasonable person would do, I slathered the inside of the strap with JB Weld and clamped it tight to the frame. With that having out as well it did, I already plan to permanently affix the BT before beginning the chop surgery as soon as that time comes.

[StraitR]

Gentlemen,
I have been lurking/learning on this sight for some time. This thread has finally made me join as I am wanting to make a 17K out of my 17.

I do have a question. The backstrap/heel of the grip extending down past the mag looks nice. I have to say what I have been looking at is the "bobtail" done by Cold Bore Customs as part of the chop. I am sure you guys know what I mean, but it's like the Bobtail Ed Brown 1911's.

I carry AIWB and it would seem to me that the bobtail would be more comfortable on the ribs when sitting and possibly print less than having the heel hang down past the rear of the mag as shown on many of the guns in this thread. Also, does the bobtail change the feel of the gun in hand much. If anyone has any experience with this I'd appreciate the feed back.

Oh, and hello from South Louisiana....

First, welcome to P-F.

It's hard to quantify the benefits of a bobtail in that context. Everyone has different opinions on comfort, mostly based on tolerance and body type. IME, bobtails definitely change the feel of the gun in the hand, for better or worse is also subjective. I think it could definitely print less, but again, body type (read: bigger chest than waist) could negate that as well.

[peterb]

For the M&P folks, I just saw this: http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/02/05/atei-releases-hybrid-kit-for-mp-handguns/

Kit for using a full-size slide on a compact frame.

[99superduty]

Anybody done this with glock 22? There's several used ones (gen 3 and 4) in the local shops as it seems everybody is going to 9mm. so I could probably snag one and do a 9mm conversion on it as well as the grip chop. See any issues?

[Dagga Boy]

Anybody done this with glock 22? There's several used ones (gen 3 and 4) in the local shops as it seems everybody is going to 9mm. so I could probably snag one and do a 9mm conversion on it as well as the grip chop. See any issues?

Nope. Should not be an issue. One of the first chops we did was a 23 to take 27 mags. A G22 to G23 would be a non issue, and I actually think the .40's function better with a smaller magazine that is pushing the round stack faster to better keep up with slide speed.

[99superduty]

Thanks! So i chop the grip to take g19 mags and slap in the conversion barrel? Easy day...

[Dagga Boy]

Thanks! So i chop the grip to take g19 mags and slap in the conversion barrel? Easy day...

I believe you need an ejector change as well. Also, I would highly recommend someone like Texaspoff to do the grip reduction.

[OnionsAndDragons]

Best practice is to swap the ejector. May or may not cause you issues, but it can; and the part is cheap.

If you are handy and patient, you can chop it yourself. If not, don't try. Also don't try if you are not in a position to bet $200 on black and not care. There are plenty of shops that do the work well, for less than the cost of a new lower. Or about the same.

If you decide to do it, you want a compact model in hand. Pop your pins and pin them to each other to mark out your boundaries before you do anything else.


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[okie john]

Anybody done this with glock 22? There's several used ones (gen 3 and 4) in the local shops as it seems everybody is going to 9mm. so I could probably snag one and do a 9mm conversion on it as well as the grip chop. See any issues?

I bought a Gen4 G22 already chopped from a guy here. Runs like a champ as a 40, but I haven't tried a conversion barrel.

I think the correct 9mm ejector (30274) is about $8, so at least have it on hand on case the 40 ejector doesn't work. And you might as well get a 357 SIG barrel while you're at it. Never know whether 9x19 will dry up in an election year....


Okie John

[farscott]

I still plan to turn that po-po trade-in Glock 37 I bought into a Glock 38L. Just because. :D

I also have one of the G37 police trade-in guns in which I invested a whopping $300. The thing I noticed about this pistol is it shoots very tight groups compared to other caliber Glocks. By that I mean 1-2" ten-shot groups at twenty-five yards with just about any .45 GAP I have tried. It is my understanding that my experience is not unusual.

I also like the idea of the G38 grip frame. The G38 magazine holds eight rounds, which is comparable to a Colt Commander, but feed and function is better. And I can work on it with just a Glock punch and a pair of needle-nose pliers. That is much easier than fitting 1911 parts. And the ten-round G37 magazines also work just fine.

It really is a shame the .45 GAP is as successful as the 9x23 Winchester.

[VolGrad]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160212/cbbf9e8e9a0aeb63710c6072be6df7d6.jpg

[M2CattleCo]

Finally got around to doing mine today. I still need to taper the mag opening and get some fine grit sand paper after it. What's a good way to make the half circle cut inside the rear of the magwell. That would come in handy if a mag ever got stuck.

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab76/sammuse/17K/IMG_2087_zpsnwbmwpps.jpg

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab76/sammuse/17K/IMG_2092_zpsoyprybpi.jpg

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab76/sammuse/17K/IMG_2090_zpsgbyurc9b.jpg

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab76/sammuse/17K/IMG_2088_zpshizhiphg.jpg

[OnionsAndDragons]

Finally got around to doing mine today. I still need to taper the mag opening and get some fine grit sand paper after it. What's a good way to make the half circle cut inside the rear of the magwell. That would come in handy if a mag ever got stuck.


Dremel tool for high speed dudes.

The right diameter dowel rod and some very rough sandpaper for the rest.


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[StraitR]

Looks good M2C.

For the notches, I'd say a half round bastard file or a dowel with sandpaper, as suggested by O&D. Dremels are great, but aren't the best for detail work.

[Irelander]

What I did for notches on my long gone G26 was to take a quarter and put a line across its mid section. Then I traced out the half quarter on my frame. Then took a dremel sanding disk and ground out the notch. Pretty easy. I finished it with some fine sandpaper. Sorry no pics.

[StraitR]

What I did for notches on my long gone G26 was to take a quarter and put a line across its mid section. Then I traced out the half quarter on my frame. Then took a dremel sanding disk and ground out the notch. Pretty easy. I finished it with some fine sandpaper. Sorry no pics.

I think it really boils down to individual skill. If you're competent with a Dremel, I'd say go for it. I suck at arts n' crafts, so it behooves me to err on the side of caution and use the tool that offers the least amount of damage per mistake. Power tools just ramp up the "oh shit" factor. :cool:

[M2CattleCo]

I wanted to do the half circle cut out in the back of the magwell like it is from the factory. I'll look around for a rotary file that's the right diameter and see if I can get it in there. For now, it's good the way it is. I tapered the magwell and smoothed everything up with some 800 grit.

I also put on some factory Glock night sights as those Warrens tore me up carrying appendix. I love the sight picture, but they stab the Hell out of everything that comes near the rear of the slide.

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab76/sammuse/17K/IMG_2093_zps7b08nm5s.jpg

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab76/sammuse/17K/IMG_2094_zps5hjp1gmk.jpg

[Irelander]

I think it really boils down to individual skill. If you're competent with a Dremel, I'd say go for it. I suck at arts n' crafts, so it behooves me to err on the side of caution and use the tool that offers the least amount of damage per mistake. Power tools just ramp up the "oh shit" factor. :cool:

True. I use a dremel at work almost daily doing mostly very detailed work on plastic and metal but I know that most people don't dremel very often and there is usually a steep learning curve.

EDIT: In my post above I said I used a sanding disk but I meant to say sanding drum.

The right dremel bit for the job can make all the difference.

[StraitR]

^^^^ Concur.

M2C - That magwell really turned out nice, great job. I think I'll finish mine up this weekend.

[Sadmin]

I joined the club- between my fairly stock 17, 17L, 19, and 34- this 17k is my aftermarket canvas.

5983
5984


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[StraitR]

I like.

[EChryst]

So I'm about to do this. Here is my question - the tail that hangs over the magazine to "give it that HK look." Doesn't that pretty much keep the grip at the full 17 length? If the purpose is conceal-ability a la the Glock 19, wouldn't this defeat the purpose of the chop?

[okie john]

So I'm about to do this. Here is my question - the tail that hangs over the magazine to "give it that HK look." Doesn't that pretty much keep the grip at the full 17 length? If the purpose is conceal-ability a la the Glock 19, wouldn't this defeat the purpose of the chop?

Not really.

It only sticks out about as much as the baseplate on a Glock magazine, so you still get the advantage of the shorter grip. I'm at work now, but I'll post a pic of a G17 mag in a gun that's been cut to have that tail when I get home this afternoon. It sticks out a lot farther than you'd think.

If you can't wait for that, then go ahead and make the cut that keeps the tail. If you don't like it, then it takes about 5 minutes with a Dremel to make it go away. Much harder to put it back, though...


Okie John

[EChryst]

Not really.

It only sticks out about as much as the baseplate on a Glock magazine, so you still get the advantage of the shorter grip. I'm at work now, but I'll post a pic of a G17 mag in a gun that's been cut to have that tail when I get home this afternoon. It sticks out a lot farther than you'd think.

If you can't wait for that, then go ahead and make the cut that keeps the tail. If you don't like it, then it takes about 5 minutes with a Dremel to make it go away. Much harder to put it back, though...


Okie John

The frame's not arriving until tomorrow so I'm obsessing over what I want to do. PLEASE, post pictures. I'll really appreciate it. Any comparison pictures (side by side) would be terribly helpful as well.

[OnionsAndDragons]

5993

There ya go. This chop is almost perfectly flush for a standard plate G19 mag, shown with a G17 mag inserted.

You might squeeze a tiny bit more concealability out of bobtailing instead of leaving the HK style tail, but for me this aids in mag insertions.



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[EChryst]

Dude, thats a PERFECT visual explanation of that.


For whatever reason, I was thinking that if you were leaving that HK style tail, you'd literally only chop off the length of the mag plate. I should have done less visualizing and a LOT more measuring.

Thanks! I'm going to start with leaving that on, then go from there.

And you've just let that rear channel open? No fabricated butt plug or anything?

[okie john]

5993

There ya go. This chop is almost perfectly flush for a standard plate G19 mag, shown with a G17 mag inserted.

You might squeeze a tiny bit more concealability out of bobtailing instead of leaving the HK style tail, but for me this aids in mag insertions.


Beat me to it.


Okie John

[OnionsAndDragons]

Haven't decided on if I want to plug it or not. It still needs a good bit of finishing work. I got it to functionally and dimensionally where I wanted it, and have mostly been playing w reloads and adjusting the bevel I put on the tail.

I don't think that a plug is necessary unless I decided to mess with the grip angle. It being a cut 17, what's left of the grip actually fits my hand well. I interface w a 17 pretty well, not as much w the 19 grip. I like to heat and flatten the hump on a 19 a bit for myself.

I'm going to get some more work done in it this week and I'll put up a few progress shots for it.


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[StraitR]

So I'm about to do this. Here is my question - the tail that hangs over the magazine to "give it that HK look." Doesn't that pretty much keep the grip at the full 17 length? If the purpose is conceal-ability a la the Glock 19, wouldn't this defeat the purpose of the chop?

Almost. It doesn't conceal as easily as a 19.

Here is a pic I posted earlier in the thread about the backstraps, but it shows the profile of the 17 prior to chopping. You can always leave the "tail" and see for yourself, then cut it off later if it's not to your liking. Can't ever put it back though. ;)

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1561/24802395285_3ccd213848_c.jpg

[M2CattleCo]

I think leaving the tail on would make it feel better in the hand. I like the extra length of the 17, the 19 just feels fat and cramped up to me. I didn't leave the tail on mine because I wanted max concealment as I have five other fullsize Glock frames if I want the whole thing. The way I cut feels great to me, especially to carry. I carry aiwb almost exclusively and the longer slide keeps the grip tucked in closer.

This gun has been workin'. Man, we need some rain down here!

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab76/sammuse/17K/image_zpsqnewk7x9.jpeg

[newyork]

Is this something a moron like me can do easily or does it take a lot of finesse getting it right?

[okie john]

Is this something a moron like me can do easily or does it take a lot of finesse getting it right?

It's pretty simple. Just use a fresh hacksaw blade. You need some finesse to have the final product LOOK good, but just about anyone can make the cut and re-open the mag well.


Okie John

[StraitR]

Is this something a moron like me can do easily or does it take a lot of finesse getting it right?

Measure twice, cut once. Better yet, measure ten times, cut once. I chose to cut mine long, then use a file/sander to get it to the perfect length. It took more time, but it was basically impossible for me to screw it up by cutting it too short. Can't put material back (easily).

ETA: And truth be told, I tried a hacksaw, but it was taking forever, so I ended up using the saw on my Swisstool. lol

[newyork]

Ugh. Makes me want to bail out on on it.

What are the measurements? Will a Drexel work for the 1st cut?

[StraitR]

Ugh. Makes me want to bail out on on it.

What are the measurements? Will a Drexel work for the 1st cut?

No numerical measurements per se, at least for me. I have a 19 and 17, both with 10-8 rears and Warren fronts. I simply turned them both over on a table and traced the bottom of the 19 against the 17, then cut an 1/8" short of that. 70's James Bond (Roger Moore) approves of my methods, see pic below.



https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1581/24110205413_f51daf4658_c.jpg

[newyork]

Anyone do this with a 34?

[newyork]

Perfect, thank you.

[okie john]

This is the best way that I've found, but it requires having a G19 on hand.


Detail strip the G19 and the G17, then partially re-insert two of the three pins into one of the frames (let's call this Frame A). Leave the pins sticking out of Frame A about 3/8".
Put Frame B beside Frame A so that the pins in Frame A go into the corresponding holes in Frame B. Press the two frames together so that they don't shift in relation to each other.
Scribe a line on the side of the G17 frame.
Separate the two frames, then repeat the process for the other side of the G17.


From there, cut the G17 frame with a fine-bladed hacksaw. The marking process described above will leave the G17 frame a little bit long, so you'll have to make the final cuts with a rasp. Once a G19 magazine seats easily (with enough clearance to seat in case of dirt or debris) you're almost done, but a couple of finishing touches remain.

Someone has already mentioned cutting the half-moon for the grip plug, but you also have to restore the flare to the magazine well so reloads don't hang up. (The stock G17 magazine well is flared, but you just cut that part off.) This is more of a hassle than any other part of the job. Then finish it up with a fine file and/or a Dremel.

The G19 floor plate rides at a different angle than the G17 floor plate, so a cut job leaves an odd-looking angle between the bottom of the factory texturing and the bottom of the frame. Stippling is a great way to cover this up, but that's a different thread.


Okie John

[LOKNLOD]

My method involved sacrificing an old 10rd Clinton G17 mag to the tinker gods.

I inserted the mag into a G19, and marked a cut line. I then took the mag out and cut it down. Then I inserted it back into the target G17, and cut the base of the grip off, again leaving a hair extra. Because I used a hacksaw, the cut wasn't perfect, but by using a flat sanding surface, I could straighten it all up by continuing to sand down to the inserted mag. After that it was real close, and straight, so it was just a matter of cleaning up, smoothing and polishing the mag well bevel. Since I filled the backstrap void with acraglass to make an internal mag well, I had some extra work after that, but I could have stopped there.

Plus I've still got that chopped mag to use as a jig to make more if I want.

[hiro]

Just a quick post to say thanks to this thread and this ("https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?11159-G17-4-into-G19L) thread for the info. Chopped my G17 G4 a couple of weeks ago and am very pleased with the results. Need to fill the back strap as the plug doesn't fit any more but that should be pretty straightforward.

Before
7858
After
7859

[StraitR]

You nailed it. Looks great. Still loving my 17K.

[M2CattleCo]

I still like mine too. I was shooting it yesterday.

[backtrail540]

http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww95/backtrail540/Mobile%20Uploads/20160702_161702_zpsofwc0vqg.jpg (http://s709.photobucket.com/user/backtrail540/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160702_161702_zpsofwc0vqg.jpg.html)

Finally had my 17 chopped. I love it!

[GJM]

Can't remember if I have said this, and too lazy to read all the previous pages, but if shooting iron sights, I would prefer a 17 cut to a 19 butt over a Glock 19 for extra sight radius, but if using a RDS, would prefer the 19 length slide over the chopped 17.

[vandal]

For 20 years I've been a G19 guy. But I recently tried a G17K and found it has less muzzle flip for me vs G19, and I can more easily track the sights in recoil.

Just did my second G17-G17K job. First one didn't turn out as well as I'd hoped -- in trying to get G19 mags to seat I cut too far, and even a little bit short changes my the feel of my little finger on the grip, which reduces my confidence in it. The big mag rip cutouts didn't help in that regard either.

Round two came out absolutely how I had hoped. I removed the finger grooves and undercut the trigger guard. Cut the grip to G17 length (HK cut). Thought I was done when G19 mags seated, but later found that mags with Arredondo extensions did not so had to sand a bit more. (Note: beveling the inside of the cut down mag well allowed Arredondo-extension mags to seat with less overall magwell shortening). Flattened the backstrap a bit using a heat gun and vice, and created a mag funnel in the back using black epoxy putty. Added Grip Force adapter since my grip is otherwise painfully high. Rather than add big mag rip cutouts this time I went with Vickers floor plates, which also provide a little shelf for my big hand. Also applied cut-down G17 Talon rubbery grips. GlockKraft flat tactical trigger, S3F Barrel, HD sights. I might go back and stipple the smooth spots where the finger grooves were, since it's a little strange to have those flat spots on a grip that's otherwise grippy.

I think this is my perfect do-everything gun.

https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7239/27433124403_23056c284f_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HNaW8v)

[JAD]

When I last dallied with Glocks I found that I shoot the 17 much better than the 19, but I don't know enough to know why. If I got a 17 and chopped it, would it be likely to keep whatever characteristic it was that made that true?

[GJM]

When I last dallied with Glocks I found that I shoot the 17 much better than the 19, but I don't know enough to know why. If I got a 17 and chopped it, would it be likely to keep whatever characteristic it was that made that true?

Maybe or maybe not. Yes, if you shoot the 17 better because of longer sight radius or less perceived recoil. No, if you shoot the 17 better because of a full size grip.

For a red dot, I would like a 17 grip and 19 slide.

[JAD]

Because of the type of better I would be surprised if it wasn't in the grip; but I wondered if there is a different set of curves on the 17 than on the 19, that might be preserved. I'll have to get dB to let me shoot one of his.

[okie john]

Because of the type of better I would be surprised if it wasn't in the grip; but I wondered if there is a different set of curves on the 17 than on the 19, that might be preserved. I'll have to get dB to let me shoot one of his.

I've come to think of the G17 and the G19 grips as being two distinctly different animals. You don't really notice the difference until you shoot them a lot, but a pattern of differences emerges over time.


Okie John

[Maple Syrup Actual]

Ugh. Makes me want to bail out on on it.

What are the measurements? Will a Drexel work for the 1st cut?



8925


A) whaaaaaaa....yes

B) the G17k is hotter than making out with 20 years ago Patricia Arquette.

[Totem Polar]

B) the G17k is hotter than making out with 20 years ago Patricia Arquette.

No, no it's not.

I still want to mod my Gen3 17 though.

[knedrgr]

Some good looking 19Ls in this thread.

Here's the current set up on my 19L.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e121/fourstardrift/Guns%20stuff/4D9982D3-0A54-466D-A71F-885264DFE0F9_zpsv2hyqqgk.jpg

[hiro]

Some good looking 19Ls in this thread.

Here's the current set up on my 19L.

:)

How's the 17K shoot with the Zev slide? Shooting as reliably as it was with the stock slide?

[knedrgr]

:)

How's the 17K shoot with the Zev slide? Shooting as reliably as it was with the stock slide?

The Zev upper is a 40. I haven't shot it much with the 40-9 barrel in it, only about 150 rounds of 9mm thru it. Thus far, it's been reliable with 9. I'm mainly competing with the 40 barrel (minor loads) and was having issues feeding. Turned out it I had the 9mm extractor in there.

I'm going to run it in comps, this season, to get the feel for the RDS. Once comfortable, it'll go in the 19L as EDC.

[FNFAN]

the G17k is hotter than making out with 20 years ago Patricia Arquette.


http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b314/Detonics/patricia.jpg

With Summer temperatures, I'll just leave this here as a reminder to hydrate!

[finslayer83]

Trading a spare 19 for a 17 this morning.

I've done the chop before but didn't keep the heel. Going to do it again but keep the heel this time.

Two questions for those with the heel:
1.) how did you measure where to make the cuts? Anyone want to measure the final result?
2.) do the magpul gl9 mags work? I've got a bunch for range work.

[hiro]

Two questions for those with the heel:
1.) how did you measure where to make the cuts? Anyone want to measure the final result?

Most have used a Glock 19 set against the 17 to mark where to cut. I only have the 17 so I taped a magazine to the side of the grip, aligning the feed lips to a 17 mag in the well and marked from there.

2.) do the magpul gl9 mags work? I've got a bunch for range work.

GL9 mags work fine but there's obviously a difference in the shape of the floor plate that needs extra relief cut on the grip. All I did was trial and error, attempt to seat a mag and see where the contact was - file till the fit was good.

[okie john]

I've posted this a couple of places:


The best way to mark where to cut requires having a G19 on hand. Here's how you do it:

1. Detail strip the G19 and the G17, then partially re-insert two of the three pins into one of the frames (let's call this Frame A). Leave the pins sticking out of Frame A about 3/8".
2. Put Frame B beside Frame A so that the pins in Frame A go into the corresponding holes in Frame B. Press the two frames together so that they don't shift in relation to each other.
3. Scribe a line on the side of the G17 frame.
4. Separate the two frames, then repeat the process for the other side of the G17.

From there, cut the G17 frame with a fine-bladed hacksaw. The marking process described above will leave the G17 frame a little bit long, so you'll have to make the final cuts with a rasp. Once a G19 magazine seats easily (with enough clearance to seat in case of dirt or debris) you're almost done, but a couple of finishing touches remain.

To use a grip plug, you have to cut a half-moon. The stock G17 magazine well is flared, but you just cut that part off, so you also have to restore the flare to the magazine well so reloads don't hang up. These two operations are more of a hassle than any other part of the job. Then finish it up with a fine file and/or a Dremel.

The G19 floor plate rides at a different angle than the G17 floor plate, so a cut job leaves an odd-looking angle between the bottom of the factory texturing and the bottom of the frame. Stippling is a great way to cover this up, but that's a different thread.


Okie John

[finslayer83]

Thanks!

Will try and get to cutting this evening.

[finslayer83]

Went on and did it.

Turned out nice and functional. Had to profile a little higher for the GL9 pmags but works nicely with oem as well.

I've got 25+ pmags for range use so figured it was worth it. Carry with OEM.

http://i.imgur.com/m0irAbv.jpg

[StraitR]

Looks great. 👍🏼👍🏼

[okie john]

Looks great.

Yes. Very well done.


Okie John

[Rack]

http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww95/backtrail540/Mobile%20Uploads/20160702_161702_zpsofwc0vqg.jpg (http://s709.photobucket.com/user/backtrail540/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160702_161702_zpsofwc0vqg.jpg.html)

Finally had my 17 chopped. I love it!

Backtrail,

Who cut and stippled your grip? It looks good.

And StraitR - your cut-down work does look just like it should if it came from the factory. It looks great. I had been wanting to cut down a Gen 2 or Gen 3 17, but think the Gen 4 may look and work better for this.

[backtrail540]

Just a local guy. He just does friends and locals. It is good work though.

[finslayer83]

https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8032/29030257181_4022ace43f_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/LeiE4x)DSC_7374 (https://flic.kr/p/LeiE4x) by The Dorsal Fin (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the-dorsal-fin/), on Flickr

https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8232/28488754823_01056ec643_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KpsjgZ)DSC_7372 (https://flic.kr/p/KpsjgZ) by The Dorsal Fin (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the-dorsal-fin/), on Flickr

https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8442/29030257411_7fde9517ec_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/LeiE8v)DSC_7371 (https://flic.kr/p/LeiE8v) by The Dorsal Fin (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the-dorsal-fin/), on Flickr

https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8091/28488755043_e5122a4dbf_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KpsjkM)DSC_7370 (https://flic.kr/p/KpsjkM) by The Dorsal Fin (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the-dorsal-fin/), on Flickr

https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8138/29030257651_474680b2a2_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/LeiEcD)DSC_7368 (https://flic.kr/p/LeiEcD) by The Dorsal Fin (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the-dorsal-fin/), on Flickr

[StraitR]

^^^^^^^ Winning

[Archi]

I cut down my G17 to G19 size but am now interested in putting a magwell on it to keep my palm from getting pinched with reloads. Has anybody done this? I realize you are trimming it down and then adding a little back but humor me... Since all the aftermarket magwells are metal and made for either G19 OR G17 how would I make sure to select the right magwell model but also minimize additional cutting on the grip?

[camsdaddy]

I cut down my G17 to G19 size but am now interested in putting a magwell on it to keep my palm from getting pinched with reloads. Has anybody done this? I realize you are trimming it down and then adding a little back but humor me... Since all the aftermarket magwells are metal and made for either G19 OR G17 how would I make sure to select the right magwell model but also minimize additional cutting on the grip?
Sorta like doing a v6 to v8 conversion and then unhooking two spark plug wires. I think you will return to where you started.

[SLG]

The first guns we did in 1995 were actually guns with damaged frames from dog chewing or a stolen gun recovered by LE and returned to owners with damaged frames.....so there was even less chance of ruining something that was a major loss.

I am just seeing this thread (or can't remember if I ever saw it before), and I believe that Combat Handguns wrote up a chopped 17 several years before that. I don't think I have it anymore, maybe some else here will. I think it came out between 90 and 93. Could be wrong.


eta: Looks like Roscoe remembered as well, and I should have read the whole thread first.

[okie john]

I cut down my G17 to G19 size but am now interested in putting a magwell on it to keep my palm from getting pinched with reloads. Has anybody done this? I realize you are trimming it down and then adding a little back but humor me... Since all the aftermarket magwells are metal and made for either G19 OR G17 how would I make sure to select the right magwell model but also minimize additional cutting on the grip?

This problem will go away if you carry with a G19 mag and use a G17 mag for your reloads.


Okie John

[EChryst]

I'm not sure you can put a magwell on because of the new shape of grip - and if you do, it may not be a great fit.

[camsdaddy]

This problem will go away if you carry with a G19 mag and use a G17 mag for your reloads.


Okie John
Win

[JSGlock34]

Aim Surplus (http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1GLK17CD&utm_source=AIM+Surplus+Main+List&utm_campaign=70deac9ed6-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_01_25&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6870497a6a-70deac9ed6-17906849) has some GEN2 LEO trade-in Glock 17s that have been cut down to take 19 magazines...$349.

https://4b1e874935ea5d25a97e-f099844d0e354c7ab50c55a966be6870.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.c om/product/F1GLK17CD1.jpg
https://4b1e874935ea5d25a97e-f099844d0e354c7ab50c55a966be6870.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.c om/product/F1GLK17CD2.jpg

[Poconnor]

I just ordered one of the AIM surplus chopped 17s. I'll post when it shows up

[ST911]

Aim Surplus (http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1GLK17CD&utm_source=AIM+Surplus+Main+List&utm_campaign=70deac9ed6-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_01_25&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6870497a6a-70deac9ed6-17906849) has some GEN2 LEO trade-in Glock 17s that have been cut down to take 19 magazines...$349.

Gun in the pic, two-alpha serial KV, is Jan 1990. I wonder what the story on these guns is.

[fishing]

Gun in the pic, two-alpha serial KV, is Jan 1990. I wonder what the story on these guns is.

cynical me suspects that these guns had cracking/chipping or other damage around the bottom of the grip.
I seem to recall but cannot find a source of this being an issue with older glocks that saw regularuse.

enter a distributor with a bandsaw and perhaps a dremel (finishing) to go to work on these things.

not a knock against AIM - I am a loyal customer of theirs and the above is speculation.

[Andrew E]

Aim Surplus (http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1GLK17CD&utm_source=AIM+Surplus+Main+List&utm_campaign=70deac9ed6-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_01_25&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6870497a6a-70deac9ed6-17906849) has some GEN2 LEO trade-in Glock 17s that have been cut down to take 19 magazines...$349.

https://4b1e874935ea5d25a97e-f099844d0e354c7ab50c55a966be6870.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.c om/product/F1GLK17CD1.jpg
https://4b1e874935ea5d25a97e-f099844d0e354c7ab50c55a966be6870.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.c om/product/F1GLK17CD2.jpg

Dammit, California. Want.

[Poconnor]

When AIM had the gen 2 17s and 19s I wanted to buy a few for spares and get a 17 to chop the grip but I waited too long. I am assuming that these 17s are police guns that have been rode hard and had grip damage. There is no way around it. Uniformed police guns get banged around in the holster. My old station had a hip level line on the walls and doorways from years of bumps from pistol butts; not to mention guys dropping them and rolling around on the ground in fights. Just imagine what a Glock would look like if a motorcycle officer dropped his bike.

[Trajan]

Gun shop I used to work at got a PD trade in gen 2 with the magwell badly damaged. Turned it into a 19L. Wouldn't surprise me if that is the story.

[Surf]

I have always been skeptical on this modification when it comes to my own uses. I prefer the 19 slide length over the 17 for my mode of concealment. If concealment wasn't the priority then I prefer the 17 frame.

Anyone do this particular 17 to 19 length and do a bobbed tail with a fill?

I would really like to see a 17 frame and a 19 slide.

[Irelander]

I someone got one of those AIM Gen2 G17s cut to G19 grip length and they decide they don't want it, let me know. I may take it off your hands.

[45dotACP]

Hmmm sort of want...

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[JSGlock34]

I would really like to see a 17 frame and a 19 slide.

I'd like to see this combination for 'Roland Special' builds. I prefer the 17 frame over the 19 with magwell.

[Poconnor]

13624I picked up my AIM chopped Glock 17. It's a beater. Looks like they built a jig and used a chop saw. They didn't smooth the cut at all. I'll take it too the range and make sure it's reliable. If it works I'll smooth the edges and put a set of sights on. I like it. I don't know why Glock doesn't make these and a 17 frame with a 19 slide.

[fatdog]

It's a beater. Looks like they built a jig and used a chop saw.

Same here as to condition, my guess was they simply clamped it into a band saw. I am thinking this job was done by whomever took these trades, not the original PD, probably because of cracks at the lanyard loop. Internals were all Gen 1 (black plastic TRS) or early Gen 2 which I promptly replaced with brand new Gen 3 stuff. Put my spare gadget in. Extractor, locking block, slide lock all in good shape. Grip surfaces were as worn as any I have seen, but easily fixed with 3M step tape. Slapped a set of Warrens on top. All in all a nice project gun, headed to the range today.

[navyman8903]

I'm definitely going to say something against the grain. I think cutting a grip frame to accept a lower magazine size, and reducing the length on a grip, thus reducing the contact with your hand, is absolutely ridiculous. I've only seen the guys who do it, put the small mags in for a picture, then end up regretting it weeks, months or years later. To me it represents an inherent laziness as far as training, clothing selection, holster and belt funding/choice/selection. I carried a full size USP 45 when I was younger and dumber. Then moved to an HK45, now a VP9. All you have to do is run the right holster and bet, dressing around it appropriately. I'm quite confident no one has ever said "Thank god my grip is shorter so I can hold less ammo in this gun fight." In fact the only thing I've heard is "I wish I had a bigger gun." I bet you guys lunch that the cut frame guns get shot much less than your other guns. You also ram a full size mag in there more often than not. There is no added benefit in my eyes, it compromises one of the most important areas of the gun, and if you cut too much then you're actually negatively effecting the feed geometry with your grip.

I mean, in the end, do what you do. But I think it is poorly thought out and does nothing but work against you when you need it most. I'll stick to something that I know I can get a sure grip on without mutilating my guns. But hey, now the P320 is out, so you don't have to Joe Bob your Glocks.

[Willard]

I am thinking this job was done by whomever took these trades, not the original PD, probably because of cracks at the lanyard loop.

fatdog (or anyone else) is this a relatively common issue?

[fatdog]

a relatively common issue?

I have encountered a few gen 1 police trades that had a crack from the lanyard loop hole to the base of the butt. That does not impact utility of the gun, but cosmetically would make someone say that gun is cracked. I assume that comes from years of wear and banging into things in police service as cited previously in this thread.

I put about 300 rounds down range and shot a few of my personal benchmarks yesterday. It groups on par with a typical gen 3 G17 for me. From looking at the condition of the barrel, locking block, slide, internals, I am guessing this was one of those guns that got shot 200 rounds a year for qualifications, etc. for its 25 year service life. The serious wear is all external.

[peterb]

I'm definitely going to say something against the grain. I think cutting a grip frame to accept a lower magazine size, and reducing the length on a grip, thus reducing the contact with your hand, is absolutely ridiculous. I've only seen the guys who do it, put the small mags in for a picture, then end up regretting it weeks, months or years later. To me it represents an inherent laziness as far as training, clothing selection, holster and belt funding/choice/selection. I carried a full size USP 45 when I was younger and dumber. Then moved to an HK45, now a VP9. All you have to do is run the right holster and bet, dressing around it appropriately. I'm quite confident no one has ever said "Thank god my grip is shorter so I can hold less ammo in this gun fight." In fact the only thing I've heard is "I wish I had a bigger gun." I bet you guys lunch that the cut frame guns get shot much less than your other guns. You also ram a full size mag in there more often than not. There is no added benefit in my eyes, it compromises one of the most important areas of the gun, and if you cut too much then you're actually negatively effecting the feed geometry with your grip.

I mean, in the end, do what you do. But I think it is poorly thought out and does nothing but work against you when you need it most. I'll stick to something that I know I can get a sure grip on without mutilating my guns. But hey, now the P320 is out, so you don't have to Joe Bob your Glocks.

Could be that some folks have smaller hands, and don't lose a bit of hand contact with a G19 length grip frame. I'm one of them. A G17 grip frame feels oversized to me.

[Nephrology]

Then moved to an HK45, now a VP9. All you have to do is run the right holster and bet, dressing around it appropriately. I'm quite confident no one has ever said "Thank god my grip is shorter so I can hold less ammo in this gun fight."

I am not interested in chopping up my Glocks for other reasons entirely, but fact is the odds of me feeling truly remorseful that I left the house one day with a Glock 19 instead of a Glock 17 are....low.

[navyman8903]

Could be that some folks have smaller hands, and don't lose a bit of hand contact with a G19 length grip frame. I'm one of them. A G17 grip frame feels oversized to me.

Well my question to you honestly and not a "gotcha" question. What will running additional mass over the same size grip offer you? The G19 runs very well and can be employed in multiple situations. IT's definitely big enough to fight with confidently. IF the full size is too large, then the compact should be the natural choice. Chopping a grip on a perfectly balanced pistol will just and you in imbalanced land. Albeit small in some instances. I have seen a G17 chopped to G26 length which I thought was absolutely retarded. But again, buyers market and do what you do. But silly in my opinion, and ruins the gun.

[farscott]

Well my question to you honestly and not a "gotcha" question. What will running additional mass over the same size grip offer you? The G19 runs very well and can be employed in multiple situations. IT's definitely big enough to fight with confidently. IF the full size is too large, then the compact should be the natural choice. Chopping a grip on a perfectly balanced pistol will just and you in imbalanced land. Albeit small in some instances. I have seen a G17 chopped to G26 length which I thought was absolutely retarded. But again, buyers market and do what you do. But silly in my opinion, and ruins the gun.

Simple answer: increased sight radius which helps many shooters (me included) with better precision (smaller groups).

[peterb]

Well my question to you honestly and not a "gotcha" question. What will running additional mass over the same size grip offer you? The G19 runs very well and can be employed in multiple situations. IT's definitely big enough to fight with confidently. IF the full size is too large, then the compact should be the natural choice. Chopping a grip on a perfectly balanced pistol will just and you in imbalanced land. Albeit small in some instances. I have seen a G17 chopped to G26 length which I thought was absolutely retarded. But again, buyers market and do what you do. But silly in my opinion, and ruins the gun.

A fair question. I'd say that "perfectly balanced" is a matter of opinion -- there are plenty of people who think that a gun that's muzzle-heavy points better, while others will think it's less maneuverable. A G34 is proportionally similar to a chopped G17, and I don't see a lot of complaints on how imbalanced they are.
I've also seen comments here from folks who say that the extra length of a G17 makes it easier to keep the grip tucked when carrying it AIWB.
In the early days of the gen4 Glocks the G17 seemed to have far fewer problems than the G19. Some folks feel that the G17 is the gold standard for reliability and prefer it to any of the other models for that reason.
And some folks just like to modify stuff. If we all liked the same things it'd be a dull old world.

[Poconnor]

For me the Glock 19 grip length hits the sweet spot. Long enough to get a good grip for shooting but short enough to help in concealment. Note I said help. I carry IWB and with the casual way I dress it usually doesn't really matter. The 19 is my 98% solution to most situations for carry. The other 2% are either a j frame in my pocket or a ankle holster which could be either a j frame or a Glock 26. I like the Glock 17 best overall of all the glocks for shooting. The only time I put my Glock 26 in a belt holster would be for the range and then It's usually stuck in a 19 or 17 holster

[navyman8903]

Simple answer: increased sight radius which helps many shooters (me included) with better precision (smaller groups).

I do understand that point completely. My counterpoint is there is a point where that becomes too much on top. The G19 cut on a 17 isn't huge, but the rare and also silly example I've seen before the 17 with the 26 cut is past the point of usefulness. I will say a 34 and a 17 run perfect because you can get a full grip on the gun, driving it properly to keep it flat. But I've seen people run guns better than I'll ever be able to. But you also have to assess what level of accuracy a chopped 17 offers you over a G19 in that situation. If the gains are worth it to you sure, but I don't personally see the need for it, or the success in a fight for your life situation. But that's me and I don't expect people to run their lives around my preferences.


A fair question. I'd say that "perfectly balanced" is a matter of opinion -- there are plenty of people who think that a gun that's muzzle-heavy points better, while others will think it's less maneuverable. A G34 is proportionally similar to a chopped G17, and I don't see a lot of complaints on how imbalanced they are.
I've also seen comments here from folks who say that the extra length of a G17 makes it easier to keep the grip tucked when carrying it AIWB.
In the early days of the gen4 Glocks the G17 seemed to have far fewer problems than the G19. Some folks feel that the G17 is the gold standard for reliability and prefer it to any of the other models for that reason.
And some folks just like to modify stuff. If we all liked the same things it'd be a dull old world.

I think the 34, 17L, and 17 run well because there's a level of diminishing returns. Making the grip longer doesn't really benefit the shooter as their hands don't change, and the grip like is "full size." But when you take something and make it shorter it kind of compromises the balance and potential effectiveness. I do concede we all like to tinker and it is a buyer's market. I also agree this is my point of view and no one owes me anything. Just a sticking point for me and it makes the gun less efficient. The gun and mags you bring to the fight is what you'll have, you'll never find a crate of G26 mags, or G19 mags loaded and waiting to be fired without another gun to throw it in that's size appropriate. It's kind of like someone just wanting to do something, and trying to justify it, when it worked fine as a concealed carry piece in the first place.

[El Cid]

I do understand that point completely. My counterpoint is there is a point where that becomes too much on top. The G19 cut on a 17 isn't huge, but the rare and also silly example I've seen before the 17 with the 26 cut is past the point of usefulness. I will say a 34 and a 17 run perfect because you can get a full grip on the gun, driving it properly to keep it flat. But I've seen people run guns better than I'll ever be able to. But you also have to assess what level of accuracy a chopped 17 offers you over a G19 in that situation. If the gains are worth it to you sure, but I don't personally see the need for it, or the success in a fight for your life situation. But that's me and I don't expect people to run their lives around my preferences.



I think the 34, 17L, and 17 run well because there's a level of diminishing returns. Making the grip longer doesn't really benefit the shooter as their hands don't change, and the grip like is "full size." But when you take something and make it shorter it kind of compromises the balance and potential effectiveness. I do concede we all like to tinker and it is a buyer's market. I also agree this is my point of view and no one owes me anything. Just a sticking point for me and it makes the gun less efficient. The gun and mags you bring to the fight is what you'll have, you'll never find a crate of G26 mags, or G19 mags loaded and waiting to be fired without another gun to throw it in that's size appropriate. It's kind of like someone just wanting to do something, and trying to justify it, when it worked fine as a concealed carry piece in the first place.

In addition to sight radius the benefit of increased velocity helps too.

But I think this side discussion is overthinking it. The change in balance will be an non-factor for most shooters in my opinion. And each persons ability to conceal a gun is dependent on a wide variety of factors. Depending on their jobs dressing around the gun can be harder than it sounds. I'm a big guy and used to carry a G21 with X300 concealed every day. But everyone is different, so if cutting the bottom of the grip helps them I'm not losing any sleep over it.

[peterb]

But everyone is different, so if cutting the bottom of the grip helps them I'm not losing any sleep over it.

It's like the discussions about "bobtail" conversions on 1911 grip frames. Some think they make a big difference in concealability, some think they're a hideous abomination, and some think that both of those things are true. But I can't see that it matters unless it's your name on the sales slip.

[Crews]

Anyone do this particular 17 to 19 length and do a bobbed tail with a fill?
.

I am also very interested in seeking input on this.

The only thing that prints when I carry a G19 is the outside corner of the mag baseplate. I'm thinking an "HK" cut might smooth that out some. Can the tail be filled with epoxy and given a round butt treatment? In all my searching I haven't seen an example.


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[4gallonbucket]

Not my photo, but I'm looking for the same thing. Found this on instagram https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170206/65a9ad9cbf1f88aa01055c56b79c70be.jpg

There are also quite a few that leave a little "tail" behind the baseplate. I prefer those.


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[4gallonbucket]

Here's one with a "tail" https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170206/e090c19dd87ed1989b5b1201b7ee0d68.jpg

And another

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170206/ba1ac725a9555271e4b553fe748fd106.jpg


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[Patrin]

Well my question to you honestly and not a "gotcha" question. What will running additional mass over the same size grip offer you? The G19 runs very well and can be employed in multiple situations. IT's definitely big enough to fight with confidently. IF the full size is too large, then the compact should be the natural choice. Chopping a grip on a perfectly balanced pistol will just and you in imbalanced land. Albeit small in some instances. I have seen a G17 chopped to G26 length which I thought was absolutely retarded. But again, buyers market and do what you do. But silly in my opinion, and ruins the gun.

Here's a valid reason....the Glock 17, in it's current generation, runs better then the Glock 19...IOW...less incidence of BTF in the G17 line.

Shorten the grip, same concealability and better reliability. It's the only way I would go back to a Glock from a VP9, and that's after going through 3 Glock 19 Gen 4's that could not be made to work right.

[EChryst]

13736

Does it conceal better than a 17? I'm not sure, I didn't knock off that much length from the grip. What I did do, is epoxied and formed a bobtail to break up the rough edge of the magazine. That helps, but what has really made a difference to me is the location of the "glock hump." It has a different, thinner grip feel to it, which I like. A lot. Plus the "longer slide of the 17" and all that.

[Crews]

13736

Does it conceal better than a 17? I'm not sure, I didn't knock off that much length from the grip. What I did do, is epoxied and formed a bobtail to break up the rough edge of the magazine. That helps, but what has really made a difference to me is the location of the "glock hump." It has a different, thinner grip feel to it, which I like. A lot. Plus the "longer slide of the 17" and all that.

Yep. That's exactly what I was looking for. Did you fill the entire backstrap with epoxy, or just the bottom portion?

Any chance you could post up a picture from the bottom with the mag out?


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[EChryst]

Here's a few.

When I started cutting the backstop a bit higher in the rear, it was exposing the opening of the back of the grip where the grip plug goes. 13738

It may be more apparent here, but without filling it and shaping it, I would have the shape of a beavertail, but I would also have an opening where the grip plug would be.
13739

After filling it with Acraglas and dying it black, I had more material to work with
13740

Heres the generally finished look. It wasn't perfect but I never followed up to even out the speed chute, etc. The "air bubbles" came from the gel not settling or something along those lines as I did it in a cold basement. But its strictly cosmetic, hence the reason I've never really finished it.

13741

13742

Hopefully that helps.

[theJanitor]

Mine has a mini tail, filled with epoxy.

http://i.imgur.com/DfbRfaN.jpg

Echryst, can you stipple the acraglas?

[EChryst]

You can, but it doesn't have the same reaction to the stippling tip. The acraglass wasn't stippled on the bottom of the grip, as I purposely left that part of the grip (slug plug area) long. The acraglass only filled in the hole and gave it a good finished look. However you can see where I ran a drill bit through the frame to serve as anchor points for the acraglas to set in. It's not noticeable unless you're really looking.

13752

[EChryst]

13754

Here's a less potato-ey picture. The angle makes it seem like the front of the magazine base pad is touching the grip. It is not, there's probably 1/16" gap.

[El Cid]

Looks like other brands are catching onto the concept.

https://www.impactguns.com/sig-p320-compact-9mm-15-rd-798681522804.aspx

[Glockman9mm]

2061620617

Finally got the balls to chop mine after thinking about it off and on since seeing this thread last winter. Cut it with a hacksaw, dremeled the mag well, and cleaned up the edges with some Emory cloth. Turned out great. Love how it handles and shoots. It's my bedside gun but wanted to chop it so I'd have another backup carry to my 2 G19's.

[tcba_joe]

Is there any real advantage to a G19L over an RMRed G19 if you're using an optic?

[StraitR]

Is there any real advantage to a G19L over an RMRed G19 if you're using an optic?

Using an optic negates any perceived advantage of longer sight radius.

The recoil impulse is different between 17 and 19, some people like one more than the other. Personal preference.

The rear hump location, finger groove spacing, and overall grip feel is still different between a 19 and cut 17, some people like one more than the other. Personal preference.

[Mobettadefense]

I find that the G19L is just not a nice to shoot for me as I had hoped. My hands are large and the pistol just doesn't sit as well as my G19. I thought I would love it but it is just not quite ideal for me. The concept is solid but slide bite got worse for me after the G19L mod compared to a regular G19 frame...the dimensions are just different on the two frames but I would roll with it if it fit my hands. I have since moved on to the VP9 platform (love it!) but that is another tale.

My G17 to G19 project involved custom work (frame by Damon Young of SSVI)
21211

21210

21212

[tmoore912]

I have joined the Gen 4 17K/19L ranks. I cut it this weekend and worked on the grip a little by removing the finger grooves and backstrap texture to get it ready to stipple. Still shaping the bottom cut, beveling the mag chute, taking off the side texture and undercutting the trigger guard. I may try to figure out a bobtail feature for the end of the grip. I wish Sherer still made their Slug Plugs, bc they were nice and rounded off.

The Grip Force Adapter seems to make the gun point better for me. The G17 length grip usually pointed with the front sight a little high when presenting the gun.

So far I like it, but a work in progress. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180306/6b9ff98a71d8ec25835dbe24149cce6e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180306/6d5bfb3c65cba886220c08b1b9da1563.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180306/1b780e8ac7f99d79412b2f1523c8881e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180306/e2866693456df5a3cd0866449609146e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180306/fe1aba7e9bad3afc30e7ca35f02e5bbf.jpg

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[jandbj]

Please Glock!!!!! Especially since the Gen 5 guns all use the same locking block, thus allowing the use of the longer factory barrel & slide.

24256

I went the Gen4 19 slide on a 26 frame. Same locking block on those two as opposed to 19 & 17 using different ones.

[fatdog]

...
I went the Gen4 19 slide on a 26 frame.

Just curious, what was the sliver looking thing you used to fill the dust cover gap?

[jandbj]

Just curious, what was the sliver looking thing you used to fill the dust cover gap?

https://lonewolfdist.com/Products.aspx?CAT=255

It has since been sprayed black. They really should come that way.

[Andrew E]

This might be a bit too early to ask, but has anyone tried the Brownells 19L barrel and slide?
A bit pricey, but I've been giving them a look lately as a possible option for my 19 that's not permanent alterations.
Just wondering if anyone's had a chance to get hands on one of them and what thoughts are.

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[justcor]

G19L is good to go


http://i.imgur.com/NW7NhPf.jpg (http://www.vdmsr.com/search?q=g19l)

https://i.imgur.com/7wzX329.jpg

[ubervic]

Alright. Been studying this and have decided to do it myself on a well worn G17.3. Do not have a G19 for sizing reference. Can anyone help a brother out with a basic grip trimming dimension or reference?

[Gadfly]

https://lonewolfdist.com/Products.aspx?CAT=255

It has since been sprayed black. They really should come that way.

Link is dead... What was the product called?

[ubervic]

Plan is to get some 19 mags, measure the length differential, grab my Dremel and go to work.

[Doc_Glock]

Plan is to get some 19 mags, measure the length differential, grab my Dremel and go to work.

Just do it. Not hard. A cut down 17 is my favorite carry pistol.

[LOKNLOD]

Plan is to get some 19 mags, measure the length differential, grab my Dremel and go to work.

Do you have a 19 handy?

Buy the cheapest 17 mag possible (I used an old worn out 10-rounder). Insert into the 19. Mark it, and cut it off to 19 length. Insert it into the 17, and use it as an internal guide to cut down the grip.

[Bigghoss]

Plan is to get some 19 mags, measure the length differential, grab my Dremel and go to work.

When I did mine I left the backstrap long. Still feels almost the same as a 17, though it would have the potential to print more than a 19.

I've seen used G23 frames for as low as $100 from Combatarmory.com. That would give you something to compare to. And then if you have a 26 you can try the same thing on a 19.

[Trukinjp13]

I was really looking going down this avenue. But my hand seems to prefer the hump placement on the g19. It also makes sight acquisition faster for me. The g17 I always end up high.


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[SeriousStudent]

Link is dead... What was the product called?

I believe it is this: https://lonewolfdist.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=922564

Lone Wolf Slide Adapter.

[jandbj]

I believe it is this: https://lonewolfdist.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=922564

Lone Wolf Slide Adapter.

Nailed it!

[El Cid]

This might be a bit too early to ask, but has anyone tried the Brownells 19L barrel and slide?
A bit pricey, but I've been giving them a look lately as a possible option for my 19 that's not permanent alterations.
Just wondering if anyone's had a chance to get hands on one of them and what thoughts are.

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I bought one. They are only good for Gen 3’s so initially I ignored them but I recently found a stripped Gen 3 G19 frame for $65. It’s going to get stippled before I put it all together.

https://i.imgur.com/ByAiJn2_d.jpg?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium

[Bigghoss]

I bought one. They are only good for Gen 3’s so initially I ignored them but I recently found a stripped Gen 3 G19 frame for $65. It’s going to get stippled before I put it all together.

https://i.imgur.com/ByAiJn2_d.jpg?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium

I wanted to try out a Rowland Special so I build a 19 using a Brownells slide and Silencerco barrel. The slide seemed nice and all the parts dropped in no problem but I realized that I probably didn't have the skill to see any benefit from it plus I carry a Beretta 92 at work so I've been trying to move to 92's and PX4's for off duty and away from Glocks. So I ended up selling it before I even shot it. I did see the 19L slides and I was tempted to get one of those for the other 19 frame I have sitting around.

[theJanitor]

My 17.3 got chopped by a buddy yesterday. Waiting for my slide to come back from Jagerwerks.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180707/68077a6815f10488b561a8f88d3b8133.jpg


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[ubervic]

My 17.3 got chopped by a buddy yesterday. Waiting for my slide to come back from Jagerwerks.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180707/68077a6815f10488b561a8f88d3b8133.jpg


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More details, please. :cool:

[theJanitor]

More details, please. :cool:

My buddy, Dave, at www.gunfuofficial.com took my 17 frame and gave it a chop to accept 19 mags. Since this will be a RMR-equipped pistol as well as the 23-9mm he did for me earlier, we tried to keep the feel the asme as the smaller gun. Grip texture is called Freddy Kreuger Face.

[theJanitor]

Dave added material above the hump on the 23 to straighten out the backstrap. So he did the same to the cut 17. I haven’t picked it up yet, so I hope the feel is similar
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180707/14782a4abd8b2c4835fca899cce9a0d6.jpg


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[ubervic]

I've been hemming & hawing on chopping my 17.3 grip down to 19 length. I think it's time to do it.

Been studying the print factor when carrying AIWB. I soon realized that the most prominent source of printing is the end of the factory 17 magazine rather than the end of the factory grip itself. This is evident when comparing appearance with mag inserted vs mag removed. Thus, keeping the 'tail' of the factory grip while trimming the rest of the butt of the grip should be ideal. It's probably been stated earlier in this thread, but this should be an effective approach to utilize 19 mags and, therefore, achieve a more sleek profile while retaining the feel and most of the handling characteristics of the factory 17 grip.

Now I just need to decide on taking the plunge myself or paying through the nose for a pro to chop & stipple it...

[Darth_Uno]

I did it myself. Probably not quite as polished as a pro, but perfectly functional. It's not difficult. I opted to cut it flat and give it a slight sweep up to mimic the 19. The tedious part is filing the magwell back in.

[EVP]

There was a thread awhile back about this and people were commenting on baseplates that minimized the printing of the corner of baseplate.

Glocks always printed more easily then other pistols due to the edges.

[Doc_Glock]

I've been hemming & hawing on chopping my 17.3 grip down to 19 length. I think it's time to do it.

Been studying the print factor when carrying AIWB. I soon realized that the most prominent source of printing is the end of the factory 17 magazine rather than the end of the factory grip itself. This is evident when comparing appearance with mag inserted vs mag removed. Thus, keeping the 'tail' of the factory grip while trimming the rest of the butt of the grip should be ideal. It's probably been stated earlier in this thread, but this should be an effective approach to utilize 19 mags and, therefore, achieve a more sleek profile while retaining the feel and most of the handling characteristics of the factory 17 grip.

Now I just need to decide on taking the plunge myself or paying through the nose for a pro to chop & stipple it...

It is easy to do and the chopped 17 has been my preferred carry configuration for a year or more now.

[ubervic]

It is easy to do and the chopped 17 has been my preferred carry configuration for a year or more now.

Remind me whether you chopped your 17 grip entirely or if you left any 'tail'.

[theJanitor]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180808/81576407b36425fb24c404194047a9cd.jpg

Here’s the completed 17. It prints exactly the same as a 19 does.


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[Trukinjp13]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180808/81576407b36425fb24c404194047a9cd.jpg

Here’s the completed 17. It prints exactly the same as a 19 does.


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That looks badass! What was your turn around on that?

[Hot Cereal]

It would be nice if Glock offered it as a factory option. Who did the cut job on that 17 above? It looks really nice and clean.

[Trukinjp13]

It would be nice if Glock offered it as a factory option. Who did the cut job on that 17 above? It looks really nice and clean.

Post #219

[theJanitor]

That looks badass! What was your turn around on that?

That gun was about 10 days from conception to finish (aside from the slide cut that I've inlaid skateboard tape into). Both Dave at gunfuofficial.com and Jagerwerks did their respective parts in less than a week. Add in shipping times, and I had everything back together in well under two weeks

[Doc_Glock]

Remind me whether you chopped your 17 grip entirely or if you left any 'tail'.

I left the tail and am happy I did.