There is no doubt that the internationally successful GLOCK pistols with their low weight and high firepower, coupled with easy handling and maximum reliability, were groundbreaking for modern service pistol construction. In retrospect, this also applies to the GLOCK 17L. In 1988, it was the first polymer pistol with a 6"/153" mm barrel and a correspondingly generous sight radius. Today, when polymer service pistols are the standard, many manufacturers also have versions with longer 5"/127 mm or 6"/152 mm barrels in their product portfolio, which are intended to appeal to the sporting clientele with favourable prices thanks to the manufacturing process.
Popular models include, for example, veterans such as the Heckler & Koch USP Expert or Elite models as well as more recent candidates such as the Walther Q5 Match, Canik Rival or SIG Sauer P320 X-Five. An increased sight radius is desirable for longer, more sporting distances and the front weight also benefits the firing behaviour somewhat. However, the GLOCK G17L is not the only pistol from GLOCK with an extra-long barrel. With the GLOCK G24, the manufacturer offers a sister model in .40 S&W, which is a real rarity on the shooting ranges. By contrast, the G34/35 models in 9mm Luger/.40 S&W, which appeared at the end of the 1990s, were somewhat more widespread. With a barrel length of 135 mm, they are well-proportioned sports tools, positioned between the G17/G22 and G17L/G24.
The technology of the GLOCK G17L Gen5 MOS polymer pistol
The longest GLOCK in 9mm Luger has a niche existence compared to the company's bestsellers, which is perhaps why it was never transferred to the fourth generation. So we were all the more excited when we learnt that GLOCK has now done some work and brought the long target version up to the latest state of the art. As a result, the latest pistol also has the typical features of the Gen5:
- GLOCK Marksman Barrel (GMB) for improved accuracy
- Slide stop on both sides
- Extended but flat magazine release
- Wear-resistant, durable nDLC coating
- Grip with aggressive RTF surface texture without finger grooves
- MOS version
In addition, the model designation MOS (Modular Optic System) indicates that the slide of this 9x19 longslide is factory ready for mounting a mini red dot sight. With the four adapter plates included, the most popular red dot sights currently available on the market can be fitted. With the GLOCK G17L Gen5 MOS, the weight-reducing cuts near the muzzle on the top of the slide of the first model is a thing of the past.
GLOCK G17L Gen5 MOS Technical specifications and price
| Model: | GLOCK G17L Gen5 MOS |
Caliber: | 9mm Luger |
Magazine Capacity: | 17 rounds |
Frame: | Polymer with steel inserts |
Slide: | Steel, black nDLC finished |
Barrel Length, Barrel Profile: | 153 mm, GLOCK Marksman Barrel |
Sight Radius: | 210 mm |
| Rear Sight: | 4.3 mm, with white, non-luminescent outline |
Safety: | Trigger safety, automatic drop firing pin safety |
Trigger, Pull Weight: | Safe Action; average value: 2,370 g |
Weight: | 718 g incl. magazine |
Dimensions (LxWxH): | 229x33x139 mm |
Extras: | Hard case with one spare magazine, 2x backstraps, loading aid, cleaning kit |
Price: | 1,043 euro |
* Average of 5 measurements with the Lyman trigger pull gauge. | |
GLOCK G17L: a modified recoil spring nose cup ensures secure function and saves weight
In order to adjust the slide weight and thus the kinematics for 100% functional reliability, the G17L Gen5 utilises a design trick that is not visible at first glance. The nose cup for the dual recoil spring is no longer an integral part of the slide, but a polymer piece that is inserted into the front slide guide. As with the former slide cut of the G17L Gen1-3, this also saves weight.
Incidentally, all components apart from the slide and barrel are compatible with a conventional G17 Gen5, which also applies to the countless retrofit tuning parts. The trigger qualities of the Gen5 are undoubtedly better than its predecessors. We measured a trigger pull weight of around 2,400 grams for our test gun. However, if you want to use the gun for sporting purposes, you should definitely invest around 110 euros in the GLOCK performance trigger – it's worth it. In terms of sights, however, it is still a long way from sporting use, as it only has a side-driftable rear sight with a corresponding front sight. Here at least the aftermarket offers enough sights, including a few with micrometer adjustment. The Swiss mathematician and ballistics expert Beat Kneubuehl has already summarised in figures what the gain in sight radius brings in theory: 20 mm more or less sight radius increases or decreases the grouping size by 14% – at least in theory. 20 mm is also pretty much exactly the difference in sight radius between a GLOCK G34 and a G17L.
Accuracy test of the GLOCK G17L Gen5 MOS
For the accuracy test with seven 9mm ammunition types with bullet weights from 95 to 147 grains, , despite the long sight radius of a full 210 mm we chose a red dot sight in the form of the Leupold Delta PointPro, which impresses with a very clean dot and parallax-free adjustment at the 25-m range.
We achieved the best result from the sandbag rest with a "good & cheap" cartridge in the form of the S&B 124-Grain FMJ, which produced 40 mm from two averaged 5-shot groups. Four out of seven loads were under 50 mm, which we were quite satisfied with considering the service pistol trigger.
There were no malfunctions during the test.
Our test conclusion: the GLOCK G17L shows a sporty approach, but needs to be further developed
With the G17L Gen5 MOS, GLOCK has once again teased out more sight radius and accuracy, but in our opinion a factory-fitted adjustable rear sight is missing for sporting use. Of course, you can make use of the extensive accessories market in this respect or, in the corresponding disciplines/free classes, opt for a red dot sight. The recommended retail price for the GLOCK G17L Gen5 MOS is €1,043. In any case, the new model is an enrichment to the range.
Further information is available from the manufacturer at www.eu.glock.com.
