Beretta M9 vs Glock 17: How Do They Compare?
If you’re looking for a quality firearm for self-defense, the Beretta M9 and the Glock 17 are both solid options. Both have been widely trusted by law enforcement and police and are known for their reliability.
So, what is the difference between the Beretta M9 vs Glock 17?
The Glock 17 and Beretta M9 are both durable duty pistols chambered in 9mm. The Glock 17’s polymer frame is lighter than the larger Beretta M9’s aluminum one, and has a higher 17-round capacity than the M9’s 15 rounds.
In this article, we’ll compare the specs and features of these two pistols to help you narrow it down to the best option for you.
Beretta M9

The Beretta M9 is the military variation of the 92FS. It features an open-top slide with a large ejection port to increase the pistol’s reliability.
This double/single-action gun is built with an aluminum frame and polymer grip panels. Chambered in 9mm, the M9 comes standard with a 15-round magazine. Additional extended magazine options up to 20 rounds can also be found for the M9.
This combat pistol is capable of functioning in extreme temperatures and is durable enough to perform reliably after being dropped or exposed to the elements, making it a great tactical option for military, police, and personal use.
Easy to use and known for its consistency, reliability, and accuracy, this Beretta pistol is a great option for anyone looking for a concealable EDC gun.
If you’re looking for a Beretta M9 holster, check out our selection of IWB, OWB, and pocket carry styles to customize one for your carry setup.
Glock 17

Trusted by military and law enforcement personnel around the world, the Glock 17 has a reputation for superior reliability and high capacity with minimal bulk and weight. It has all the markers of an excellent self-defense weapon, and, like all Glocks, can easily be customized to your preferences.
The G17 features Glock’s Safe Action trigger system, making it a safe, fast, and user-friendly option. Built with a high-strength nylon-based polymer, this durable firearm is also chambered in 9mm and boasts an impressive 17-round capacity with aftermarket options of up to 30 rounds.
Although it’s considered a standard-sized pistol, the Glock 17 is lightweight enough to be comfortable during everyday carry yet large enough to comfortably grip and shoot.
If you’re looking for a Glock 17 holster, check out our selection of Kydex IWB, OWB, and pocket carry holsters.
Glock 17 vs Beretta M9: Specs
Beretta M9 vs Glock 17: Size & Capacity
Both the Beretta M9 and the Glock 17 are chambered in 9mm, but that’s where their similarities end. The standard-sized G17 weighs 23.63 ounces and measures 5.47 inches tall, 1.34 inches wide, and 7.95 inches long with a barrel length of 4.49 inches. The M9, on the other hand, weighs 33.3 ounces and measures 5.4 inches tall, 1.5 inches wide, and 8.5 inches long with a barrel length of 4.9 inches.
Despite the M9 being noticeably larger than the G17, it has a slightly smaller capacity at 15 rounds compared to the Glock’s 17 rounds. Extended magazines are, of course, available for both models.
Glock 17 vs Beretta M9: Frame, Slide & Barrel
The Glock 17 is equipped with Glock’s Marksman Barrel, which has enhanced rifling for improved accuracy. It’s made of high-strength nylon-based polymer and comes with interchangeable backstraps so you can customize it to your hand size. The G17 does not come out of the box with an accessory rail, though aftermarket options are available.
The Beretta M9 has an aluminum frame with a 1.3-inch synthetic grip. All of its parts were designed to be interchangeable for easy maintenance. It features an open-top slide with a Bruniton coating designed to provide superior sweat and corrosion resistance.
Beretta M9 vs Glock 17: Sights & Optics
The M9 has a standard iron sight dot/bar system with a 6.1-inch sight radius and a squared-off rear sight. The Glock 17 comes with the manufacturer’s standard plastic sights. Neither gun model comes optics-ready, but if that’s a dealbreaker for you, the MOS version of the Glock 17 does and may be a good alternative.
Glock 17 vs Beretta M9: Controls
Safety
The M9 features a reversible magazine release, ambidextrous safety-decocker, and a firing pin block that provides drop protection.
The G17 features Glock’s Safe Action Trigger System, which is made up of three independent mechanical safeties that disengage as the trigger is pulled and re-engage as it is released, also providing drop safety.

Trigger
In addition to the features of the Safe Action system, the trigger on the Glock 17 has a pull weight of 6.3 pounds and a distance of 2.83 inches. The M9’s trigger guard is squared off and features a firing pin block to prevent the firing pin from moving without the trigger being pulled.
Which is Right For Me?
If you’re choosing between the Beretta M9 vs Glock 17, the best one for you will come down to personal preference. The Glock 17 is a bit smaller than the Beretta M9 and comes standard with a larger round capacity, which might make it a bit better for everyday carry. No matter which you choose, you’ll need a quality holster to go with it.
Looking for a reliable, custom-fit holster? Visit our Holsters by Gun Model page to find Kydex holsters tailored to your firearm. Plus, explore our Resources Page for gear recommendations, concealed carry guides, and exclusive content to elevate your carry system.
