Just about anyone who owns a G17 wants to add some type of accessory to it at some point, right? It’s hard not to outfit your gear with practical upgrades that enhance performance, and your gun is no exception. Happily, the G17 is a favorite among police and gun owners in general, so Glock 17 accessories are available in plenty.
In the past, options were limited mostly to holsters. When the Picatinny rail was added, it caused a significant shift in the accessory world. Remember the days when police would hold their gun in one hand and a light in the other? Or a weird grip that encompassed both the handgun and light? At the time, this innovation was a game-changer and soon became the norm.
Since then, other upgrades have emerged: handgun optics, flat-faced triggers, fiber optic sights, compensators, and more. The Gen 5 Glock 17 MOS offers significantly more options than the original Glock handguns. But choosing the accessories is much more difficult than adding them to your Glock 17.
As a law enforcement officer and firearms enthusiast, I’ve found some great Glock 17 accessories that I like to use. We have so many great products out there, I can’t say there is a specific light, optic, or other accessory that is better than all others. It comes down to how your budget, what you’re using the accessory for, and personal preference.
For example, an upgraded trigger for competition may be different than, say, a trigger for self-defense or law enforcement. In fact, most law enforcement officers will not upgrade their trigger for liability issues.
So, if you are looking for some upgrade options for your Glock 17 MOS, here are some great accessories to consider.
Lights
If you draw your gun in the dark, you need a light. During firearms training in the Police Academy, we practiced shooting center mass on a B27 target on command. It was straightforward and easy, until the lights went out. When we were told to fire with no light, it was a different story.
The lesson was clear: you can’t shoot what you can’t see. Sure, in an emergency, if you can see muzzle flashes, you could aim at the flashes. But in that case, you still have something to focus your aim at. But in general, you need to see what you are firing at, and a tactical light makes this possible. A tactical light is crucial not just for police but also for homeowners and those who carry concealed, but pro tip…wearing a Gadsden Flag shirt or Molon Labe hat while carrying concealed isn’t exactly the best way to be the “gray man.”
Here are some of my favorite WMLs (weapon-mounted lights) on the market today.
Glock GTL II
Did you know Glock made handgun-mounted lights? We can’t really talk about lights for a Glock pistol and not mention Glock’s own WML, can we?
When they released their first one, I thought it was ok, but I didn’t switch to using one. With the release of the GTL II, however, it’s a different story. This light was made just for Glock handguns, so you can’t find a better-fitting light for your Glock.
The GTL II will fit most double-stack Glock pistols, like the Glock 17. I personally think it looks the best on the Glock 19, but that’s for the sake of appearance, not function. It’s also a great choice for the Glock 17, and I’ve found it fits in most of my holsters that were made for the Nightstick TWM-30 or Streamlight TLR HL lights.
If you want a perfect-fitting light for your Glock handgun, this may be the one to try. It’s easy to install and is also affordable. This light runs on one CR123 battery instead of two like the other lights and at 600 lumens, it’s not as bright.
Nightstick TWM 30
A Nightstick wasn’t the first WML I ever used, but it has become one of my favorite brands. Their lights are extremely durable and won’t cost you a gold tooth. They make multiple sizes for everything from larger-framed handguns to small compact lights for your concealed carry pistols. For the Glock 17, the TWM 30 is a great light and will hold up about as good as any other.
It runs on two CR123 batteries and has left and right-side activation switches, so it’s ambidextrous. With 1,200 lumens, it’s also among the brightest lights on the market.
One feature I like about Nightstick lights is their “lock-out” mode. Simply press both switches at the same time for 5 seconds, and the light will lock in the off position. This is perfect for storing the light, so you don’t have to worry about it getting turned on and running down. To unlock the light, press and hold both switches again for 5 seconds.
Check out our full review of the Nightstick TWM-30.
Streamlgiht
The first WML I ever used was the Streamlight TLR-1. Over the years, Streamlight has updated this light while keeping the same overall appearance. The newest version is the TLR-1 HL X. This newest light from Streamlight has several major changes from the original light, making it even better.
First, they changed the toggle switch style to a pressure switch on each side, like Nightstick uses. I didn’t mind the toggle switch, but this style also works great. My favorite change, however, is how the batteries load. Streamlight used a front-loading compartment on this new model, so you do not have to remove the light to change the CR123 batteries.
I’ve used the TLR-1 for more than a decade, and it’s almost like a Timex that just won’t die. I’ve seen them run over, dropped in a lake, and undergo all other kinds of abuse on duty. It’s a great light for the price and easy to find holsters for, just like the Nightstick TWM-30.
Handgun Mounted Optics
Optics made to mount on a handgun were viewed as a little extreme when they first came out. I know plenty of people who swore they would never have such a “silly” looking handgun like those who were mounting optics on top.
Now, most of them have optics on their handguns. And don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with using iron sights either. Some of my handguns still have the old-fashioned type because I like to keep things simple with some guns. But there is no arguing that a handgun-mounted optic helps most people shoot better, faster, and at further distances.
Finding the right optic, however, is a little challenging because of the wide range in prices, quality, and mounting footprint.
Here are some of our favorite handgun-mounted optics available today. Because we have so many great options in red dots, we will just list the specifications.
Vortex Defender ST
I can’t talk about optics without bringing up Vortex. Their products, prices, and no-questions-asked VIP lifetime warranty are just unbelievable.
The Defender ST red dot came along after the successful Defender CCW, which is the smaller version of the ST. While testing this optic, I’ve frozen it, soaked it in water, and baked it in the oven, with no issues.
They provide an MOS adaptor for your Glock 17, so you won’t need to worry about the plate adaptor if you don’t have one already. Several bags of screws are also provided to make sure you have the right ones to mount on your handgun.
It runs on a CR2032 battery, which powers the optic for about 25,000 hours, which isn’t bad at all. It also loads from the top, so you don’t have to remove your optic to change the battery.
Vortex added some “fast-rack” texturing to the front of the optic to give it an aggressive texture for racking your slide with the optic. As you would expect, it has multiple brightness settings and auto on/off.
If you want an optic that is truly guaranteed for a lifetime, go with Vortex.
SwampFox Library II
The Liberty II red dot has a 24 mm lens and uses the RMR footprint. That’s not the largest lens out there, but it’s a good size. It is powered by a CR1632 battery and has an expected run time of 50,000 hours, which is about as good as it gets in the optics world.
An auto shut-off feature helps preserve battery life and eliminates the need to turn it off when not carrying the gun. Swampfox calls this the “Shake N’ Wake” feature, which turns off the optic after four minutes with no movement. When it senses movement, it turns back on the previous setting.
The Liberty II uses the RMR footprint and has multiple reticles to choose from, which is a nice feature to have. Swampfox has been making some impressive optics, and this one would go perfectly on a Glock 17.
C&H Comp Max
If you like larger windows on your optics, the Comp MAX by C&H is a great choice. This optic can be used for competition, duty, or self-defense.
C&H makes great quality optics, and they come with plenty of options as well. With this one, you get three options of reticles, multiple brightness settings, and auto on/off. It runs on a CR2032 battery with a run time of 50,000 hours.
The window on the Comp Max is 35mm wide by 25mm tall. Of course, the most beneficial aspect of a larger window size is the sight picture. C&H used 7075 T6 aluminum for the housing of the optic. This is an industry standard that has proven to hold up well over the years with everything from optics to firearms.
If you want to spend just a little more on an optic made for accuracy at longer distances, this is a perfect choice.
Other Glock 17 Accessories
When it comes to other accessories for your Glock 17, the list will never end. From mag extensions to compensators, triggers, and more, they make it all. Here are some ideas for continuing to upgrade your Glock 17 MOS pistol.
Magazine extension for Glock 17 mags
It’s rare to find a cop who feels they have enough ammo. Practicality dictates what we carry, not desire, because we know how quickly the unexpected can happen. While what’s in your gun is usually enough, there are times when it isn’t. In today’s unpredictable world, extra ammo can be a lifesaver, and magazine extensions increase the amount of ammo you carry on you.
SLR Works makes a +5 round mag extension for the Glock 17, which brings the capacity of each magazine up to 22 rounds. Department policies and mag holder types might restrict the use of extensions on extra mags, but having one in your gun provides five additional shots when needed. Most officers carry two extra magazines on their belt, but balancing ammo with other essential gear is a challenge.
You can buy extended magazines directly from Glock, but a mag extender also increases your gun’s grip length. This extra length helps with quicker mag changes, especially if using a mag pouch. Over the years, I’ve used SLR Rifle Works, Tyrant CNC, and Swamp Fox Wolverine mag extensions for Glock 17. If all three mags are equipped with extensions, an officer’s ammo count increases from 51 to 66.
Extended magazine release
Many people overlook the magazine release, but under adrenaline and stress, even a simple task like pushing a mag release button is harder than it sounds.
This is especially true in the winter when you tend to wear gloves. Cops are out every day of the year in all weather conditions: rain or shine, freezing or sweltering hot. An extended magazine release helps you release that mag without any extra effort during stressful situations.
Tyrant CNC, Zev Technologies, and Tear Drop all make extended mag releases for Glock 17 pistols. This part is easy to install and doesn’t require any specialized tools. However, you’ll need to remove a thin metal spring from inside the magwell during installation. If you’re unsure about this process, it’s advisable to seek assistance from a Glock armorer.
When choosing an extended mag release, consider your holster type. Some leather holsters may cover the magazine release button, potentially affecting the functionality of an extended release.
Glock 17 Duty Holster
The most important accessory for your Glock pistol is the holster that carries it. Over the years, holsters have come under increased scrutiny within the law enforcement world. Incidents involving attempts to disarm officers have underscored the importance of robust holster design.
Modern duty holsters, such as those from Safariland, undergo rigorous testing to ensure they provide multiple levels of retention. These tests validate that the firearm remains securely holstered yet accessible to the officer.
Since my first day out of the Police Academy, I have worn Safariland holsters and continue to trust them to this day.
My newest duty holster is the 7360 RDS ALS/SLS mid-ride duty holster. This holster is available to fit multiple lights, including the compatible Streamlight TLR-1HL, Nightstick TWM-30, and more. You can also order it for standard-size optics like the Holosun 507 or larger ones like the RMR. It even has a cover to protect the optic, which is a huge plus. The optic hood, which can be removed, flips out of the way as you draw the gun from the holster.
For those who want holsters for concealed carry, the INCOG X IWB holster will accommodate a light and optic while keeping your Glock 17 snug against your side.
There are plenty of other holster options for Glock 17 pistols, which is another great reason to own a Glock 17. A durable holster that accommodates the accessories on your gun and keeps it secure is one of the most important accessories to buy for your Glock 17.
Final thoughts
When enhancing a duty gun with accessories, it’s crucial to adhere to department policies, which can vary significantly. Before modifying any firearm, ensure compliance with agency regulations, and rely on a certified Glock armorer for any duty-related upgrades.
These accessories aren’t limited to duty use; they’re equally vital for individuals carrying a Glock 17 for self-defense. Personal preference plays a significant role in choosing from the array of available accessories. The ones mentioned above are among my personal favorites, either currently in use or tried and tested in the past.
If you’re considering enhancements for your Glock 17, explore these options with care and make choices that best suit your needs and circumstances.
