The circumference is the same at the level of the trigger and the reach to the trigger is the same for G17/19/26/34 and the .40 equivalents.
The biggest difference between the G17 and G19 is where the palm swell hits your hand. If you have wide palms, the palm swell of the G19 is likely to hit you right in the middle of your hand. Some people like that, and some hate it. The palm swell for the G17 will hit lower. If you have narrow palms, it may be too low to lock the gun into your hand as well as a G19.
If you get a grip reduction on both (remove the palm swell), there isn't much difference.
Wait! Did I just talk about Glocks???
I have tried a few times to conform to the Glock 19. I even had special stippling and grip reconfiguration done on one, but still did not like it. I tried a G17 at a shoot with Cory and Erica and liked it, but balked it up to a one-time thing. Well, I recently bought a G17 for my sister and I'm having trouble giving it to her. It fits my hand almost as good at the CZ SP-01. The trigger is good and for one reason, I don't feel like I have to tork my wrists forward like I do with the G19. I just may have to get one, or maybe a G22.
And this is how it starts.
An innocent purchase of a G17 leads inevitably to being one of those guys who has . . . a Bag o' Glocks.
At it's worst, this phenomenon takes the form of carrying a pillowcase filled with half a dozen or more Glock pistols. At some point, you won't be able to leave the house without your Bag o' Glocks.
I have a 19 and 34 and enjoy shooting both, had several 17's and a 22 also. I love Glock's and they way they fit my hand, some don't like the angle of the grip or the hump. Hard to beat a 17, I always want another and drool at the LGS but don't need one with the 34. It's ok Que, embrace the goodness Glock brings.
I have tried a few times to conform to the Glock 19. I even had special stippling and grip reconfiguration done on one, but still did not like it. I tried a G17 at a shoot with Cory and Erica and liked it, but balked it up to a one-time thing. Well, I recently bought a G17 for my sister and I'm having trouble giving it to her. It fits my hand almost as good at the CZ SP-01. The trigger is good and for one reason, I don't feel like I have to tork my wrists forward like I do with the G19. I just may have to get one, or maybe a G22.
I told my sister that I will give her the choice between my PPQ and the Glock 17. Not sure if I'm making a mistake, but looking at this thread, I would rather she had a gun she is comfortable with and I can get another PPQ.
Unless something happens, I will be buying a Glock 17 from Bradis this Saturday.
Get a 4th gen with night sights and I'll trade you even steven for one my 3rd gens.
Heh.