G17 is just a G19 you dress for

I hear the argument, and the sight radius point is solid geometry. But I want to push back honest—the G17 frame length creates a real draw path problem if you're running AIWB, which is where I live.

I've carried both. G19 clears the waistband faster because the grip is shorter. With a G17, that extra inch of frame means the gun sits deeper in the holster, and your draw stroke has to travel further before you get purchase on the grip. Not impossible. Just measurably slower, and slower matters.

If you're carrying 3:30 or 4 o'clock, appendix carry, that frame length starts fighting your draw geometry—especially if you're built compact or have a shorter reach. The gun wants to stay seated longer.

The capacity argument is fine. The sight radius is real. But "dress how you want then pick the gun" assumes your carry position doesn't constrain your gun choice. For a lot of people doing serious AIWB work, the G19 isn't a compromise. It's the right tool.

Honest question back: are you appendix carrying the G17, or strictly strong-side? Because the math changes depending on where it lives. If it's a 3:30 duty-style carry, yeah, the frame length is less of an issue. But AIWB shifts the whole calculation.

Southpaw's right about draw geometry, but the holster does most of that work for you. For AIWB with a G17, you need a holster engineered around that full-size grip length—and they exist.

Here's the real breakdown:

1. **Claw and wedge placement matter more than frame length.** A quality AIWB holster (Tenicor Velo, JM Custom Kydex AIWB Pro) positions the claw high enough that the gun rides where your hand naturally finds it. The extra inch of frame doesn't meaningfully change your draw stroke if the holster does its job.

2. **Trigger guard access is the actual constraint.** You need enough clearance to get a solid grip before the holster presents. Full-size requires that geometry to be *precise*. Get it wrong and you're fighting the gun. Get it right and the draw is clean.

3. **Appendix carry with G17 works better on people with actual barrel room.** If you're compact-framed or have a short reach, Southpaw's point lands harder. The G19 genuinely gives you better ergonomics in that case.

For AIWB with a G17: pick a holster designed for full-size appendix (not a duty-converted strongside model). Expect to pay for it—good ones run $120–160. Where the G19 wins: if your frame or carry style can't accommodate the extra length without printing or discomfort, it's the right call.

Where a properly-built G17 holster wins: sight radius, capacity, and the gun doesn't have to live in a compromise position.

Both of you are working real problems, but I'm going to come at this from duty carry because that's where I live.

In the department, we went G17 full-stop. Not because of sight radius—that's not nothing, but it's not the driver. We went G17 because retention, low-light draws, and qualification standards all favor the full-size platform. A duty holster is engineered around that grip length. Your draw stroke is trained on it. Your muscle memory lives there. And when you're running a duty belt with a proper retention holster—Level 2 or better—the extra inch of frame isn't a liability. It's expected geometry.

Civilian AIWB is a different animal, and Southpaw's not wrong. That's appendix-specific math. But if you're carrying on a duty belt, strong-side or 3-30, the G17 frame length is actually your friend. The gun sits where it's supposed to. The holster was built for it.

Where I'd push back on the OP's original take: civilian and duty carry are not interchangeable problems. If you're doing serious AIWB work—which is a valid choice—then Holster Notes is right: get a holster that's actually engineered for full-size appendix. Don't bodge a duty-style holster and wonder why the draw feels wrong.

But if you're carrying strongside like most of us, the G17 isn't a dressing problem. It's the standard tool. That's not "overrated." That's just how it works in the field.

Look. I'm not going to pretend the G17 doesn't work. Bluegrass carries one for duty. Holster Notes found the right holsters. Southpaw asked the right questions about draw geometry. Fine.

But here's what I'm hearing: you all need the *right setup* to make the G17 work. The OP needs to dress right. You need to pick a holster engineered for full-size appendix—not a converted duty rig. You need to understand your draw path. You need actual barrel room.

The G19 doesn't require any of that. Drop it in a $40 Blackhawk holster, wear whatever you want, draw it, and it works. You don't have to think about claw placement or holster geometry or whether your frame allows for the extra inch. It just goes.

I'm not saying the G17 is wrong. I'm saying the G19 is simpler. And simpler is usually right, especially when you're the one carrying it every day and the one who has to train on it and the one who has to draw it when it matters.

The G17 works *if you do the work*. The G19 works if you buy it.