The Glock 17 Gen 5 has gained attention for its reliability, user-friendliness, and precision. With a considerable following, it’s no wonder that many opt for this particular handgun. Nevertheless, even well-regarded firearms can be enhanced in terms of performance and accuracy. A crucial component of any handgun is the barrel. In the case of the Glock 17 Gen 5, a barrel upgrade may potentially influence the overall performance and precision of the weapon. Faxon Firearms has prepared a guide about what to expect when it comes to upgrading your barrel.
Glock 17 Gen 5 barrel (bottom) Glock 17 Gen 1-4 barrel (Top)
5 Benefits of Upgrading Your Barrel
Upgrading the barrel of your Glock 17 Gen 5 can offer a range of benefits that can improve its performance and enhance your shooting experience. Here are some of the top benefits you can expect:
Improved accuracy: One of the most significant benefits of upgrading your Glock 17 Gen 5 barrel is improved accuracy. A high-quality barrel will have a tighter bore and more precise rifling, which can help stabilize the bullet and keep it on target. This can be especially beneficial if you’re using your Glock 17 Gen 5 for competitive shooting or self-defense purposes, where accuracy is critical.
Increased range: Another advantage of upgrading your Glock 17 Gen 5 barrel is increased range. A high-quality barrel can improve the bullet’s velocity, allowing it to travel further and hit targets at longer distances. This can be particularly useful for outdoor shooting or hunting.
Enhanced safety features: Some aftermarket barrels for the Glock 17 Gen 5 may come with enhanced safety features, such as improved feed ramps or a tighter chamber. These safety features can improve reliability and reduce the risk of malfunctions or misfires.
Increased Reliability: Aftermarket barrels are often made with higher-quality materials than stock barrels, such as stainless steel or titanium. These materials can be more durable and resistant to wear and tear than a stock barrel, reducing the risk of failure or malfunction. Also, most aftermarket barrels are precision-machined to tighter tolerances, which makes the fit and function more consistent.
Ammunition Compatibility: Another factor that can contribute to increased reliability is the ability of aftermarket barrels to shoot a wider range of ammunition types. The stock barrel of the Glock 17 Gen 5 is designed to handle a specific type of ammunition, and using different types can sometimes lead to jams or malfunctions. However, many aftermarket barrels are designed to handle a wider variety of ammunition types, making them more versatile and reliable in a wider range of situations.
Glock 17 Gen 5 Barrel Differences
The Glock 17 Gen 5 features a switch to Glock 19 locking geometry.
While the Gen 4 and Gen 5 19 barrels have different geometries, the Gen 5 barrels do away with the slope at the barrel hood and instead go to the simple right angles that the 17/34 have always had, similar to most G19 Gen 1-4 aftermarket barrels.
Due to the shared locking block, a Gen 5 17 barrel can theoretically be used in a Gen 5 19.
However, it’s important to note that Gen 1-4 17 barrels are not compatible with a Gen 5 17.
Even though Glock improved the Glock 17 Gen 5 OEM barrels to make them more accurate (hence the name “Marksman Barrel”), there is still room for improvement.
Popular Glock 17 Barrel Options | Faxon Firearms
The optimized match barrels from Faxon Firearms have been redesigned to work better and with Gen 5 guns.
These Glock 17 Gen 5 barrels have been redesigned for improved performance and Gen 5 compatibility. A recessed target crown, a new match chamber, and a stylized barrel hood with engravings for caliber and model are some of the new features.
The proprietary broach-cut 1 in 14” left-hand twist rifling was developed to create the most accurate Glock aftermarket barrel available, and testing confirms a significant increase in accuracy over factory barrels in all standard bullet weights.
Manufactured from 416R stainless steel, which is an ideal material for making match-grade barrels because the material allows for the precise cutting of chambers and rifling, which results in a more accurate barrel.
Faxon Flame Fluting
Glock 17 Gen 5 Barrel Specs
- Handgun Type: G17 Gen 5
- Barrel Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Profile: Flame Fluted, Drop In (Compatible with Gen 5)
- Barrel Material: 416-R Stainless Steel
- Barrel Twist: 1:10
- Muzzle Thread: N/A
- Crown: 11-degree Target Crown
- Rifling Method: Button Rifled, Fully Stress Relieved
- Rifling Type: Conventional
- Inside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride
- Outside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride
Glock 17 Gen 5 Threaded Barrel Specs
- Handgun Type: G17 Gen 5
- Barrel Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Profile: Flame Fluted, Drop In (Compatible with Gen 5)
- Barrel Material: 416-R Stainless Steel
- Barrel Twist: 1:10
- Muzzle Thread: 1/2×28
- Crown: 11-degree Target Crown
- Rifling Method: Button Rifled, Fully Stress Relieved
- Rifling Type: Conventional
- Inside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride
- Outside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride
Tighter lockup and SAMMI specs improve shot to shot accuracy and reliability.
Some of the features highlighted on the Faxon Firearms website to explain why their barrels are superior to those of their competitors are as follows:
- 4150 or 416-R Stainless – When used in firearm barrels, these two types of steel are made for durability, longevity & accuracy.
- 9mm SAAMI Chambers – Superior Accuracy w/ complete SAAMI Compatibility & Boring Reliability.
- Tighter Tolerances – A Drop In barrel with better fitment and a tighter lock-up than competing brands.
- Conventional Rifling – Fully compatible with cast lead bullets.
- 11° Target Crown – This preserves and protects accuracy.
11-degree target crown preserves accuracy and increases barrel life.
Threaded Barrels and Compensators
The threaded barrel and compensator work together to enhance the accuracy and stability of the Glock 17 Gen 5. The compensator shown here for the Glock 17 Gen 5 called EXOS has a unique design with an angled front port and a single chamber.
This design helps to decrease the movement of the muzzle by reducing both the upward and sideward recoil, resulting in improved accuracy from shot to shot.
Muzzle flip reduction is baked into the DNA of Faxon EXOS compensators.
Upgrading your Glock 17 Gen 5 barrel can be a game changer for anyone who wants to take their firearm’s performance to the next level.
With improved accuracy, increased range, reduced recoil and muzzle rise, enhanced safety features, and increased reliability, the benefits of upgrading your barrel are undeniable.
With the right barrel, you can unlock your firearm’s full potential and take your skills to the next level.
Mr. Mazzei has been a member of the Rheinmetall Canada’s executive committee and has headed the Electronic Solutions/C5ISTAR business line since 2016. Prior to joining Rheinmetall Canada, Mr. Mazzei spent more than 25 years with CAE Inc. in various strategic roles, including several years internationally.
