Advice on chopping down a Glock 17 grip.

[Derek33]

To preface my question, in attempt to avoid the big “why” discussion. - I live in MA where the only way to own a magazine capable of holding more than 10 rounds is if they are made before the ban in 1994. Therefor, most pre ban mags are hard to find and expensive.

I have a much larger collection of Glock 19 mags than 17 mags. Cutting my 17 to allow 19 mags is a no brainer.

Anyway.

I was curious if any of those who have made this modification have tried installing a Glock 19 magwell. I’m wondering if it’s worth the effort of modifying the magwell or grip to get them to mate up without just throwing away the 100 bucks they cost for futile efforts.

Besides the magwell, any other advice or tips from those who have done this?

Thanks,
Derek


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[joeg26er]

How about putting up a WTT want to trade and exchange your G19 prebans for G17 prebans?

I am not sure it is worth the huge ding in resale and risk of mucking up your G17 - no offense meant if you are an experienced Glocksmith.

[.XL]

Cold Bore Customs

https://g.co/kgs/E1JsAZ

[1168]

Its a semi common mod on Kahrs, I would google about that, and see what the basic technique looks like. Should be a similar process.

A 19/17 hybrid would be a neat gun.

[contax_shooter]

Get a Polymer80 frame.

[Todd.K]

Depending on how you feel working with plastic, it can be a super easy job. Never used a magwell, can't help you there.

I would rather just cut it short and try to open a little bit of magwell with a heat gun, again if you are comfortable working with plastic. Practice with the cut off piece first.

[misfit47]

Why not sell the 17 and but another 19?

[CPM]

How do thy know when a magazine was manufactured?

[17K]

I've done a bunch of 17-19 chops (my username) and I don't think a 19 magwell will fit as the hump is different.

I think it makes a great concealed carry pistol and every one I've done has had a happy owner.

[chuckman]

I did it. To me, the Glock 17 is the perfect gun. I put my 19 against it, used a pen to mark the 19 grip length, used my hacksaw. Now it's the perfect shooting AND CC gun. And I get to use my 17 and 19 mags.

[RHINOWSO]

"Good Luck" is the only advice I can give.

[1911-A1]

I epoxied a $20 polymer magpul magwell onto my chopped G17. If you take your time and plan your cuts it's a really nice addition and it feel great in your hand. It really looks stock, in my opinion.

[Derek33]

I appreciate all of the contributions towards my answer.

To answer a few questions thus far.


Get a Polymer80 frame.

I don’t have much experience with the polymer 80 frames. Is there a polymer frame
That accepts 19 mags and a gen4 17 slide?


Why not sell the 17 and but another 19?

Ultimately this would be best. However I put a fair amount of money into parts into my 17 that can’t be swapped to a 19. Barrel and slide particularly. I stipples the frame, too. Selling this and trying to rebuilt a similar 19 would end up costing me.


How do thy know when a magazine was manufactured?

This is kind of a grey area. Essentially it comes down to the orientation of the markings on the magazine. When Glock start including the text “for law enforcement only” during the awb in 94 it caused the location of the caliber to be moved. Anything prior to that moved text is considered pre-ban (“unofficially”).

To elaborate a bit more. I have a fair amount of g17 mags and 19 mags. However, my goal is to make all my handguns capable of accepting all of my magazines. That flexibility seems worth it.

The work is something I am capable I stippled and modified Glock frames in the past. Also made my own holsters, too. I’ll attach pics below.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171205/f3a28c1c6b259c93c59f8c77ccf3c09f.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171205/01dc613d129120bfe69ae2ca65530e55.jpg


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[Texaspoff]

I have done a ton of them as well. Take your time and no one will be able to tell it isn't factory.

https://i.imgur.com/n1ANp3R.jpg

TXPO