Law enforcement professionals often enjoy outfitting their gear—guns included—with practical accessories that enhance performance. The Glock 17, a favorite among police, is frequently upgraded with various add-ons that increase its versatility and effectiveness.
In the past, options were limited mostly to holsters. The addition of Picatinny rails, however, brought a significant shift, allowing for weapon-mounted lights. This innovation was a game-changer, as it enabled officers to operate their firearm with both hands-free, a vast improvement over holding a flashlight in one hand and the gun in the other.
Since then, other upgrades have emerged: handgun optics, flat-faced triggers, fiber optic sights, and compensators. Each of these additions has made the Glock 17 even more functional for law enforcement’s varied demands. Though new equipment takes time to reach police forces, each new accessory can greatly impact how officers operate.
As a law enforcement officer, I’ve found some exceptional Glock 17 accessories that I recommend, along with a few that remain on my wish list. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best options for outfitting your Glock 17, with practical insights into what works best on duty.
Streamlight TLR-1 HL
If you draw your gun in the dark, you need a light. During Police Academy firearms training, we practiced shooting center mass on a B27 target on command. It was straightforward until the lights went out, and we were told to shoot again. In the pitch black, some fired blindly while others held back.
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 most of the time, 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 CCW carriers.
My favorite tactical light is the Streamlight TLR-1 HL. 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. It is durable, and because of its popularity, it is easy to find a holster that fits it. The TLR-1 runs on two CR123 batteries which are not hard to find online or at a local store.
One of the best features of the TLR-1 HL is its easy attachment and removal from a handgun without any tools. Nearly every cop I know carries a TLR-1 on their duty gun. The HL version is even brighter, boasting 1,000 lumens of white light. This little tank of light is reasonably priced and fits perfectly on the Glock 17.
Holosun 507 Red Dot
Reflex sights for handguns started slowly but then gained popularity rapidly. Initially, most guns required slide milling for an optic. Now, optic-ready handguns, from full-size to micro and even revolvers, are standard.
For police officers, a pistol-mounted red dot on a Glock 17 is essential. In high-stress situations, it helps officers acquire targets faster and maintain accuracy over longer distances.
The Holosun 507 is reasonably priced but durable enough for duty carry. I’ve been using my Holosun Red Dot for a while, and it meets all of my requirements: battery life, zero-hold, and durability.
Battery Life: It uses a CR1632 battery in a side tray, eliminating the need to remove the optic for battery changes. Rated for 50,000 hours, you can reliably change it once a year without issue.
Durability: The optic maintains zero and withstands the rigors of duty use.
Auto-Awake Mode: This feature turns the optic on when it senses movement, essential in high-pressure situations where officers might forget to manually activate their optics. I’ve been in too many situations where frantic cops couldn’t get their optics turned on in the heat of the moment. Regardless of whether it’s a handgun or rifle, the optic needs to turn on when you pick it up.
Trijicon set the standard for handgun-mounted red dots, but Holosun set a new standard for affordable, durable optics.
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 compatible with the Streamlight TLR-1HL and the Holosun 507 reflex sight. 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.
Besides the benefits of carrying a light and optic with this holster, it has three levels of retention to keep the gun secure. One of these retention levels is the automatic locking system (ALS) which locks the gun in place when it is holstered.
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.
