Introduction
The Glock 17 has earned a reputation as a cornerstone in the world of firearms, revered for its dependability, ease of use, and widespread adoption. But with advancements in technology and the growing popularity of red dot sights, Glock introduced the Glock 17 MOS (Modular Optic System). This article will delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Glock 17 MOS versus the classic Glock 17, examining their features, advantages, disadvantages, and ultimately, helping you decide which handgun best suits your needs.
Understanding the Glock 17
The Glock 17 emerged as a groundbreaking firearm, initially designed to meet the requirements of the Austrian Army. Its design philosophy emphasized simplicity, ruggedness, and ease of maintenance. One of the most notable features was its polymer frame, which significantly reduced the overall weight of the handgun while maintaining structural integrity. The “Safe Action” trigger system offered a consistent trigger pull with integrated safety mechanisms, contributing to the gun’s user-friendliness.
Beyond its fundamental design, the Glock 17 has a reputation for being exceptionally reliable. It’s known to function consistently under various conditions, thanks to its robust construction and minimal number of moving parts. Its inherent accuracy allows for accurate shots at typical handgun engagement distances. The Glock 17 is chambered in the popular and effective 9x19mm Parabellum caliber, offering a balance of stopping power and manageable recoil. The magazine capacity generally holds a substantial number of rounds, contributing to its appeal for both defensive and competitive shooting scenarios.
The Glock 17 quickly became a favorite among law enforcement agencies worldwide, thanks to its reliability, simplicity, and straightforward operation. Its ease of maintenance and the availability of spare parts further cemented its popularity. Civilians also embraced the Glock 17 as a reliable and effective self-defense handgun. Its inherent design characteristics made it easy to learn and operate, appealing to both experienced shooters and those new to firearms.
Exploring the Glock 17 MOS
The Glock 17 MOS builds upon the well-established foundation of the standard Glock 17. The most prominent difference is the “MOS” or Modular Optic System. The Glock 17 MOS incorporates a slide cut designed to directly accept a variety of red dot sights. This feature allows shooters to quickly mount an optic without requiring additional modifications or gunsmithing. The modular nature of the system offers flexibility in selecting the right optic for individual preferences.
The advantages of using an RDS on a handgun are numerous. First, RDS provide rapid target acquisition, especially in close quarters and dynamic scenarios. The illuminated dot allows shooters to focus on the target while maintaining situational awareness. Second, RDS can improve accuracy, allowing for more precise shot placement at various distances. Third, RDS are generally less susceptible to ambient light conditions than traditional iron sights, allowing shooters to acquire targets more effectively in low-light environments.
The Glock 17 MOS typically comes with a set of adapter plates, enabling the use of a range of red dot sights from different manufacturers. This flexibility allows for personalized optics setup. The inclusion of these adapter plates removes some of the barriers to optic mounting and allows shooters to transition to the RDS technology quickly. The user-friendly integration of an optic is a significant advantage of the Glock 17 MOS over its iron-sight-only counterpart.
The Glock 17 MOS maintains the same fundamental features as the standard Glock 17, including the polymer frame, Safe Action trigger, and familiar controls. The weight and dimensions are similar, although the MOS slide may have minor weight variations depending on the slide cut and the optic selected.
Differentiating Features in Depth
The critical differentiation between the Glock 17 and Glock 17 MOS is, of course, the integration of the optic-ready slide. This single modification creates the major distinction.
Optic Capability
The standard Glock 17 requires custom slide modifications or the use of aftermarket mounting plates for optic integration. This can be a time-consuming and costly process. The Glock 17 MOS, on the other hand, is ready for optic mounting right out of the box. This immediate compatibility reduces setup time and provides a wide range of optic choices.
Slide and Frame
The frame of both models remains identical. The slide of the MOS version, however, has been modified to accommodate an optic mounting system. The design incorporates a milled-out section to accept the adapter plates and the red dot sight. The MOS slide is generally made from the same quality steel as the standard slide, and this design change is usually negligible in terms of strength and reliability.
Sights
The standard Glock 17 comes with standard iron sights, typically featuring a white-dot front sight and a U-notch rear sight. The MOS version also features iron sights, but with the benefit of co-witnessing, where the iron sights and the red dot can be aligned simultaneously. The co-witnessing feature allows the user to have backup iron sights in case the RDS fails.
Accessories and Customization
Both Glock 17 models enjoy extensive support from the aftermarket, with numerous accessories available. Many common components like magazines, holsters, and trigger upgrades are interchangeable between models. However, the MOS slide allows the user to integrate a variety of red dots and corresponding accessories.
Pricing
The Glock 17 MOS generally costs more than the standard Glock 17. The added manufacturing costs of the MOS slide and the inclusion of adapter plates, plus the added functionality all increase the price. Nevertheless, the ease of optic installation and modern features make the Glock 17 MOS attractive to shooters.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Glock 17
Advantages: (Proven reliability, Simple, familiar platform, Generally lower price, readily available)
Disadvantages: (No direct optic mounting, Requires aftermarket modifications for optics, slower target acquisition versus an RDS)
Glock 17 MOS
Advantages: (Optic-ready, Faster target acquisition with a red dot, potentially increased accuracy, Improved low-light performance, Co-witnessing capability)
Disadvantages: (Generally higher initial price, Requires user adaptation for red dot usage, Potential for red dot sight failure requiring backup, More complicated maintenance)
Choosing the Right Glock 17 for You
Your intended use will play a significant role in choosing the appropriate Glock 17. Consider the scenarios below:
Concealed Carry
The Glock 17 MOS can be suitable for concealed carry, but its larger size may present a challenge for some. Proper holster selection is essential. Some may find the larger slide of the Glock 17 MOS more challenging to conceal effectively.
Home Defense
Both Glock 17 models are well-suited for home defense. The Glock 17 MOS offers the advantage of rapid target acquisition in low-light environments. The standard Glock 17, if paired with a good flashlight, offers similar defense capabilities.
Competition
The Glock 17 MOS is a good fit for many shooting competitions, especially those favoring red dot sights. Its ease of optic integration provides a significant advantage. The standard Glock 17 can be used in some competitions but would require more work.
Recreational Shooting
Both Glock 17 models are suitable for recreational shooting. The Glock 17 MOS provides a modern, feature-rich platform for enjoying target practice.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. If you prioritize simplicity, cost, and the familiarity of iron sights, the standard Glock 17 remains an excellent choice. If you are eager to embrace red dot sight technology and gain its advantages, the Glock 17 MOS is a superior option.
Conclusion
The Glock 17 and Glock 17 MOS represent excellent choices for any shooter. The standard Glock 17 provides a proven platform of reliability and ease of use. The Glock 17 MOS modernizes the platform with a slide cut optimized for easy red dot sight integration. The choice between them depends on your individual preferences, and the benefits of using optics. Assess your requirements and choose the model that suits your needs.
Final thoughts
The firearms market is continuously evolving. The Glock 17 MOS represents a progressive step in this evolution. The availability of the MOS system continues to attract new and existing gun owners. The choice is now yours.
