Is the Glock 17 Too Big for Concealed Carry?

The Glock 17 is the original Glock pistol and the model that started the successful family of Austrian-made semi-automatic pistols that every gun owner knows. Although many Glocks belong to product families specifically developed for concealed carrying (CC), the Glock 17 is a full-size pistol with military heritage, which many gun owners consider unsuitable for CC applications.

Find out whether the Glock 17 is suitable for concealed carrying and how to CC a Glock 17 effectively.

Glock 17 Dimensions and Specifications

The Glock 17 is the founding member of Glock’s “Standard” pistols line, first introduced to the U.S. civilian market in 1986. It is a full-size handgun chambered in 9x19mm with a standard magazine capacity of 17 rounds.

Here are the Glock 17’s dimensions:

• Chambering: 9x19mm
• Capacity: 17 rounds (standard magazine)
• Barrel length: 4.49”
• Overall length: 8.03”
• Height: 5.47” with a standard-capacity magazine inserted
• Weight: 24.87 oz. (1.56 lbs.) with an empty, standard-capacity magazine inserted

Other 9mm pistols of similar sizes and capacities include the Beretta 92FS, the Smith & Wesson M&P9, the Springfield XDM, the CZ 75, the Heckler & Koch P30, and the SIG Sauer M17.

Handguns like the Glock 17 are called full-size because they are primarily designed for open carrying, prioritizing capacity, accuracy, and shooting comfort at the expense of size and weight. Consequently, many gun owners consider full-size pistols unsuitable for concealed carrying because of these traits.

Is the Glock 17 Too Big to Conceal?

According to GunGenius.com, in 2021, the Glock 19 was the top-selling handgun in America. The G19 is a mid-sized, compact version of the Glock 17, featuring a slightly shorter barrel (4.02” instead of 4.49”) and height (5.04” instead of 5.47”). All other aspects are identical; same caliber, width, and profile.

Countless gun publications and hundreds of thousands of Americans consider the Glock 19 one of the best concealed carrying pistols on the market, despite dimensional differences of less than 0.5” with the Glock 17 in two critical factors for concealability.

In other words, while this means the G17 requires a little more thought to conceal it effectively, it is by no means impossible.

Why the Right Equipment Matters

Smaller, lighter guns are always easier to hide than larger, heavier ones. While this is generally good advice when choosing a handgun for CC purposes, it doesn’t mean that full-size pistols are impossible to conceal.

Choosing the right gear and cover garments can help a gun owner conceal even a large handgun like the Glock 17.

Essential Gear Considerations

Before considering any type of handgun or holster for concealment, it is crucial to ensure you have access to a robust, high-quality gun belt. The belt is the platform you’ll use to carry your holster, gun, and optional spare magazines. Don’t press a standard dress belt into gun-carrying service; it is not designed to support the weight of a firearm, causing your pants to sag and wearing your belt out.

Regardless of the type of pistol holster you wish to carry, it is critical to ensure you select a model that is compatible with your chosen handgun.

Glock pistols are known for their external similarities, and many models have identical or near-identical dimensions, allowing holsters compatible with one specific model to fit certain others reliably.

For example, a holster compatible with the Glock 17 will also fit the Glock 22 and the Glock 31 because all three handguns have identical external dimensions.

The Best Glock 17 Holsters for Concealed Carrying

Choosing the right type of holster for your intended applications is essential. While the standard concealed carry holster option is the traditional Inside the Waistband holster (IWB), it may not be a suitable type of holster for the Glock 17.

IWB carry involves carrying a handgun inside the waistband with a shirt tucked over the pistol. With a full-sized Glock 17, classic strong-side carry may cause your gun to print heavily, ruining its concealability.

Instead, consider these two options: holsters for appendix IWB carry (AIWB) and OWB carry holsters.

Attaining Maximum Concealment: Appendix Glock 17 IWB Holsters

One of the most popular CC methods used by today’s gun owners is the appendix carry position. When appendix-carrying, the shooter’s gun holster is located in front of their bodies (12 o’clock position).

In contrast, a classic strong-side carry position puts the gun and holster over the hip, on the side corresponding to the dominant hand. For example, right-handed shooters carry on the right hip (3 o’clock).

Appendix carry has many advantages over traditional hip carry. It exploits the natural profile of the body to enhance concealment, making it much easier to conceal-carry full-size pistols such as the Glock 17. It is also easier to draw quickly from the appendix position, as most people tend to keep their hands ahead of their bodies instead of their sides.

If this carry position is for you, choose a dedicated AIWB holster such as the Incognito Concealment Flex. This 2-piece Kydex holster is designed explicitly for appendix carrying, featuring 2 belt clips, adjustable retention, and two Kydex shells; one for your handgun and the other for a single spare magazine.

The Alternative Approach: Glock 17 OWB Concealment Holster

While appendix carry is a popular carry method, it isn’t without drawbacks. This carry position causes the muzzle of your gun to point at the shooter’s crotch or one of their thighs. Combined with the fact that Glock pistols lack traditional safety levers, it is easy to imagine why many shooters might not find it safe or comfortable.

Fortunately, you don’t even need to go IWB to conceal-carry the Glock 17 pistol safely and effectively. The traditional outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster may be the best and most comfortable choice in the right conditions.

An OWB holster rides on the outside of your pants, like a police or military duty holster. OWB holsters tend to be more comfortable than their IWB equivalents because they don’t force your gun holster to ride between the pants and your body.

While it means you cannot tuck OWB holsters under your shirt like with an IWB holster, the right cover garments, such as a jacket, a coat, or even an oversized shirt, are all you need to keep your weapon hidden from view.

If you’re interested in OWB concealed carry, opt for a purpose-designed concealment holster such as the Incognito Concealment Venture. This Kydex holster is fully adjustable and configurable, allowing you to adjust the holster’s ride height and cant angle to further optimize your Glock 17’s concealability.

Find the Perfect G17 Holster at Incognito Concealment

Incognito Concealment was founded by dedicated gun owners and Second Amendment enthusiasts with one mission: to help American citizens find the best gun holsters and gear they need to exercise their rights efficiently.

To show our customers that we stand by our holsters, Incognito Concealment offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty on every product in the catalog. For more information, call us at (586) 333-4240.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you conceal carry a Glock 17?

It is possible to conceal carry a Glock 17, but there are several considerations if attempting to do so.

The Glock 17 is a full-sized 9mm handgun, which means its physical dimensions (length, height, and width) are larger than those of compact or subcompact handguns.

The Glock 17 may be reasonably concealed with the right equipment and attire for individuals with larger frames or those accustomed to carrying larger firearms. However, for individuals with smaller frames or those new to concealed carry, the Glock 17 might feel bulky or noticeable, both to the wearer and potentially to observers.

An important consideration is the climate and typical attire of the individual. In colder climates or during cooler seasons where wearing layers or jackets is the norm, concealing a full-sized handgun like the Glock 17 becomes more manageable.

However, in warmer climates where light and minimal clothing is worn, effectively concealing a larger firearm without "printing" (the visible outline of the gun under clothing) can be more challenging.

The method of carry also plays a pivotal role. While inside-the-waistband (IWB) carry is the most common for concealed carry, some might opt for shoulder, ankle, or even off-body carry (like in a bag or purse) to better suit their needs and comfort levels.

2. How to conceal carry a Glock 17?

Concealing a Glock 17 effectively typically requires a combination of a good-quality holster, strategic positioning, and suitable clothing. Here are some general steps and considerations:

Holster Selection

Invest in a high-quality inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster, which can help to tuck the firearm closer to your body. Hybrid holsters that combine a leather backing with a Kydex shell can be comfortable for many users and provide a stable platform for the firearm.

Positioning

The position of the firearm on your body can affect how easily it can be concealed. The most common positions for concealed carry are appendix carry (front of the body) and 4-5 o'clock position (just behind the hip). Your best position will depend on your body type, comfort, and daily activities.

Clothing Choice

Wear patterns or darker colors to help break up the outline of the gun, reducing "printing" (the visible outline of the firearm under clothing). Loose-fitting shirts or jackets can also help conceal the gun better. An untucked shirt can provide additional concealment.

Additional Tips

Consider carrying the Glock 17 with a magazine that doesn't have an extended base pad, as this can reduce the overall profile. Regularly practice drawing and holstering your weapon to ensure you can do so safely and efficiently from a concealed position.

3. Is Glock 17 a good EDC(Everyday Carry)?

The Glock 17 is a reliable, durable, and accurate firearm, which has made it popular among law enforcement and military units worldwide. Its reputation for reliability under various conditions does make it an appealing choice for an EDC. However, as an EDC, it's essential to weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks:

Benefits

High Capacity

The Glock 17 offers a higher round capacity than many compact or subcompact handguns.

Reliability

It's known for its reliability and consistent performance, which is crucial for an EDC.

Familiarity

For those who train with a Glock 17 or use it professionally, carrying the same model daily can provide consistency in handling and operation.

Drawbacks

Size

As a full-sized handgun, the Glock 17 can be more challenging to conceal, especially for individuals with smaller frames or those who wear tighter clothing.

Weight

Being larger, it's also heavier than many compact options, which might be a consideration for all-day carry.

The Glock 17 can be an excellent EDC for those who prioritize its capacity and reliability and are prepared to adjust its size and weight. However, individual preferences, body type, and daily routine significantly determine the best EDC for any person. Some might find compact models like the Glock 19 or Glock 43 more practical for everyday carry due to their smaller size.