When Was the Glock 17 Gen 5 Released? Complete Guide & Training Tips
Glock 17 Gen 5 Release Date
The Glock 17 Gen 5 was officially released on August 30, 2017, marking a significant evolution in this iconic pistol’s history. Glock simultaneously launched two fifth-generation models in August 2017: the Glock 17 and Glock 19, both chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum.
The Gen 5’s development originated from U.S. Federal Law Enforcement agencies’ requirements for a new service pistol, aimed at meeting the stringent demands of law enforcement. Compared to Gen 4, the Gen 5 features over 20 design improvements, making it one of the most significant upgrades in Glock’s history.
💡 Want to learn more about Glock’s generational evolution? See: Complete Glock Generations Overview
Key Features and Improvements of Gen 5
1. Removal of Finger Grooves
The most noticeable visual change in Gen 5 is the removal of finger grooves from the grip. This modification allows the grip to accommodate a wider variety of hand sizes, addressing what was probably the most criticized feature of Gen 4 pistols. Regardless of hand size, shooters can find a comfortable grip.
2. Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB)
Gen 5 introduces the all-new Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB), featuring:
- Enhanced rifling design: Improves shooting accuracy
- New crown design: Better ballistic stability
- nDLC coating: Enhanced durability and corrosion resistance
This improvement significantly enhances Gen 5’s accuracy performance, particularly noticeable at medium to long distances.
3. nDLC Surface Treatment
Gen 5 features an nDLC (non-crystalline diamond carbon) coating, compared to previous generations’ surface treatment:
- Greater wear resistance
- Improved corrosion resistance
- More durable appearance
4. Ambidextrous Slide Stop
Gen 5 features slide stops on both sides of the slide, making it truly ambidextrous. This improvement is considered one of Gen 5’s most important upgrades because it:
- Makes operation more convenient for left-handed shooters
- Speeds up chambering after magazine changes
- Enhances tactical flexibility
5. Improved Trigger System
Gen 5’s trigger system has been optimized:
- Trigger pull weight reduced by approximately 7%
- Smoother trigger travel
- Clearer reset point
- Overall more fluid feel
These improvements allow shooters to control each shot more precisely.
6. Flared Magazine Well
Gen 5 features a flared magazine well design that:
- Speeds up magazine changes
- Reduces reload errors
- Improves operational efficiency under pressure
This design is particularly helpful for competitive shooting and tactical training.
7. Dimensional and Rail Specification Adjustments
Gen 5 has minor dimensional adjustments:
- Width: Gen 4 is 1.26 inches, Gen 5 is 1.34 inches
- Rail specification: Adopts standard 1913 Picatinny rail
- Easier to mount various tactical accessories
Gen 5 vs Gen 4: Which Should You Choose?
Gen 5 Advantages
✅ More accurate GMB barrel ✅ No finger grooves grip fits more hand sizes ✅ Ambidextrous design ✅ Smoother trigger ✅ More durable nDLC coating ✅ Flared magazine well improves reload speed
Reasons Gen 4 Is Still Worth Considering
✅ Lower price (around $600 vs Gen 5’s $650-730) ✅ Replaceable backstrap system ✅ If finger grooves fit your hand, grip feel might be better ✅ More common accessories and parts
Recommendations
- If budget allows and you want the latest technology: Choose Gen 5
- If you value cost-effectiveness: Gen 4 is still an excellent choice
- Left-handed shooters: Strongly recommend Gen 5
Airsoft Glock 17 Gen 5 Versions
Officially Licensed Versions
Several Umarex officially licensed Glock 17 Gen 5 airsoft versions are available:
VFC/Elite Force Airsoft Version (6mm BBs)
Specifications:
- Magazine capacity: 14-23 rounds (depending on model)
- Muzzle velocity: Approximately 335 FPS (0.20g BBs)
- Power: CO2 or green gas
- Features: Half blowback or full blowback system
Advantages:
- Officially licensed, highly authentic appearance
- Polymer grip + metal slide
- Ambidextrous slide stop (same as real firearm)
- Same disassembly method as real firearm
Umarex BB Gun Version (4.5mm Steel BBs)
Specifications:
- Magazine capacity: 18 rounds
- Muzzle velocity: Approximately 370 FPS
- Power: CO2
- Features: Full metal magazine, full blowback
Usage: Suitable for backyard shooting practice and basic training
Purchase Recommendations
- Training purposes: Choose 6mm airsoft version for more realistic recoil simulation
- Budget considerations: CO2 versions have stable power but higher cartridge costs
- Competition training: Choose full blowback version for operation feel closer to real firearms
Advantages of Training Gen 5 with AirsoftShotTimer
How Gen 5 Design Enhances Training Effectiveness
Gen 5’s multiple improvements make it ideal for training:
1. Ambidextrous Design
Both hands can easily operate the slide stop, allowing practice of:
- Left-right hand switching
- Weak hand operation training
- Multi-angle tactical movements
2. Flared Magazine Well
When training reloads with AirsoftShotTimer:
- More accurate reload time recording
- Reduced error rate
- Faster training progress
Training Target Times:
- Beginner: 3.0-3.5 seconds
- Intermediate: 2.5-3.0 seconds
- Advanced: 2.0-2.5 seconds
- Competition: 1.5-2.0 seconds
3. Improved Trigger System
Lighter trigger pull makes training more efficient:
- Reduces hand fatigue during trigger control training
- Easier to master smooth firing technique
- Improves consistency in rapid fire
Gen 5-Specific Training Drills
Ambidextrous Training
Utilize Gen 5’s ambidextrous features for specialized training:
Training Procedure:
- Fire 5 rounds with dominant hand
- Quick hand switch
- Fire 5 rounds with non-dominant hand
- Record total time and hit rate
Using AirsoftShotTimer:
- Set random delay start signal
- Record complete process time
- Compare dominant vs non-dominant hand performance
Target Times (10 rounds total):
- Beginner: 15-20 seconds
- Intermediate: 12-15 seconds
- Advanced: 10-12 seconds
Quick Chambering Training
Take full advantage of Gen 5’s improved slide stop:
Training Setup:
- Remove magazine (empty chamber)
- Upon signal, insert magazine
- Chamber using slide stop (don’t rack slide)
- Engage target
Recording Points:
- Smoothness of chambering action
- Time from magazine insertion to firing
- Proficiency with left and right side stops
Training Plan Recommendations
Weeks 1-2: Familiarize with Gen 5 Features
Focus:
- Get used to no finger groove grip
- Practice ambidextrous slide stop
- Adapt to trigger feel
- Basic draw and shooting
Training Frequency:
- 2-3 times per week
- 30 minutes per session
Weeks 3-6: Basic Skills Reinforcement
Focus:
- Draw speed training
- Reload training (utilizing flared magazine well)
- Multiple target transitions
- Basic movement shooting
Training Frequency:
- 3-4 times per week
- 45 minutes per session
Weeks 7-12: Advanced Skills Development
Focus:
- Ambidextrous training
- Shooting under pressure
- Cover utilization
- Complex scenario simulation
Training Frequency:
- 4-5 times per week
- 60 minutes per session
Week 13+: Competition-Level Training
Focus:
- IPSC / IDPA competition drills
- Speed and accuracy balance
- Real-world scenario simulation
- Personal weakness reinforcement
💡 For more training techniques, see: Glock 17 Training Guide: Improve Your Shooting Skills with AirsoftShotTimer
Why Gen 5 Pairs Well with AirsoftShotTimer
1. Authentic Operational Experience
Airsoft Gen 5 highly replicates real firearms:
- Same grip angle
- Same trigger feel
- Same control configuration
- Training data directly applicable to real firearms
2. Cost Effectiveness
Training with airsoft versions:
- BB costs far lower than real ammunition
- Can train at home or private locations
- Not restricted by range operating hours
- Allows high-frequency practice
3. Safety
Training in safe environments:
- Reduces training risks
- Can practice dynamic movements like draws
- Suitable for beginners to build foundations
4. Data-Driven Training
AirsoftShotTimer provides:
- Precise time recording
- Progress tracking
- Objective performance evaluation
- Training plan optimization basis
Practical Training Data Reference
Draw-to-Fire Time Standards (Gen 5)
| Level | Target Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 2.5-3.0 sec | Focus on correct technique |
| Intermediate | 1.5-2.0 sec | Begin pursuing speed |
| Advanced | 1.0-1.5 sec | Balance speed and accuracy |
| Competition | <1.0 sec | Professional level |
Bill Drill (Gen 5-Specific Standards)
Leverage Gen 5’s improved trigger and accuracy:
Setup:
- Distance: 7 yards
- Shooting: 6 consecutive shots
- Requirement: All in A-zone
Time Standards:
- Beginner: Within 5.0 seconds
- Intermediate: Within 4.0 seconds
- Advanced: Within 3.0 seconds
- Competition: Within 2.5 seconds
Reload + Continue Shooting
Take full advantage of Gen 5’s flared magazine well:
Procedure:
- Shoot until magazine empty
- Quick reload
- Chamber using slide stop
- Continue shooting
Target Times (complete process):
- Beginner: 3.5-4.0 seconds
- Intermediate: 2.5-3.0 seconds
- Advanced: 2.0-2.5 seconds
- Competition: 1.5-2.0 seconds
Conclusion
Since its release in August 2017, the Glock 17 Gen 5 has proven to be one of the most successful upgrades in Glock’s history. Whether you’re law enforcement, a competitive shooter, or an airsoft enthusiast, Gen 5’s multiple improvements deliver substantial performance enhancements.
Paired with AirsoftShotTimer for systematic training, you can:
✅ Fully leverage Gen 5’s design advantages ✅ Build quantifiable training data ✅ Achieve high-quality training at lower costs ✅ Track and continuously improve shooting skills
Whether you choose real firearms or airsoft versions, the Glock 17 Gen 5 is a worthwhile investment. Start using AirsoftShotTimer to record your training data and witness your continuous improvement!
Begin your Gen 5 training journey and let the data speak!
Related Articles
Glock Series Deep Dive
- Complete Glock Generations Overview - Explore the evolution of Glock generations
- Glock Generations and Models Complete Guide - Detailed specifications and differences across generations
- Glock Numbering System Explained - Understanding Glock model naming conventions
Training Guides
- Glock 17 Training Guide - Improve your Glock 17 shooting skills with AirsoftShotTimer
- IPSC Practical Shooting Training Guide - Production Division competitive shooting training
- IDPA Defensive Shooting Training Guide - SSP Division defensive shooting training