G17 vs G19 Compatibility: What's Interchangeable?

Our GLOCK 17 and GLOCK 19-compatible parts kits are some of the most popular gun kits we sell. And we get loads of customers asking about whether specific parts -- GLOCK slides, most of all -- are interchangeable between these two platforms. Let's cover G17 and G19 parts compatibility.

Slide Parts Compatibility

A lot of folks are interested in swapping upper components between these two platforms. Let's clear up which parts can be swapped, and which are unique to each pistol.

Will a G17 slide fit a G19 frame?

Yes, but only for Gen 5 pistols. Since you're installing a longer slide on a shorter frame, you will also need a spacer (sometimes called a "dust cover extension") to fill the gap between the slide and end of the shorter frame. You'll also need an aftermarket "long-slide" barrel.

Will a G19 slide fit a G17 frame?

No. Although the G19 slide will physically attach to the frame, it will not cycle properly to eject and chamber rounds. This is because the G17's front slide rails are situated further forward than the G19.

In addition to the rail incompatibility, the front of the G17 frame would stick out past the tip of the G19 slide; it would need to be cut back to fit.

What other G17 and G19 slide parts are the same?

Only the barrel, guide rod, and spring are unique to each pistol. All other G17 and G19 slide components are the same, including the:

• Firing pin
• Firing pin spring
• Firing pin spring cup
• Firing pin safety
• Firing pin safety spring
• 9mm Extractor
• Extractor depressor plunger
• Extractor depressor plunger spring
• Channel liner
• Spacer Sleeve
• Steel cover plate

Frame Parts Compatibility

Like their slides, the G17 and G19 frames share almost all the same internal components, with just a few key differences.

Which G17 and G19 frame parts are interchangeable?

The following components are interchangeable between both pistols. Note that this only applies for current (Gen 5) pistols:

• Connector
• Slide Lock Release
• Locking Block Pin
• Magazine Release
• Magazine Release Spring
• Slide Lock
• Slide Lock Spring
• Trigger Mech Housing
• Trigger Housing Pin
• Trigger Housing Ejector
• Trigger Pin
• Trigger Spring
• Trigger 
• Trigger Bar

The following components are unique to each pistol and are not interchangeable. Note that this only applies for current (Gen 5) pistols:

• Locking Block
• Slide Lock Spring

Other Differences & Similarities

At a glance, the G17 and G19 look identical. So, let's clear up the other physical differences (and similarities) between the two most popular GLOCK models.

The G19 is more compact

The GLOCK 19 is, essentially, a compact G17. Its slide measures 6.85" long -- approximately 0.5" shorter than the G17's, which measures 7.32". The G19's also more stout, with an overall height of 5.04" compared to the G17's height of 5.47".

The G19's barrel measures 4.02" long, while the G17's barrel measures 4.49" long. Both pistols are the same width, measuring 1.26" side to side.

The G17 holds more rounds

The G17's longer grip allows it to hold 17 rounds, while the G19 holds 15 rounds. The G19 can, however, accept  extended magazines that come with a longer, molded baseplate. The plate doubles as an extended grip and allows it to hold 17 rounds.

The G17 is heavier, too

Not surprisingly, its extra magazine capacity and longer barrel and slide make the G17 about 10% heavier than the G19 -- it weighs 33.3 ounces (2.01 lbs) compared to the G19's 31 ounces (1.94 lbs).

Both pistols are 9mm only

Although plenty of GLOCK models offer various calibers, the G17 and G19 both chamber 9x19mm.

(Ready to build or upgrade?)

Now you've got a warm n' fuzzy on G17 vs G19 parts compatibility, you can shop for the right parts more easily. We've got frame and slide kits available now, for both models.