Is the Glock 17 really that soft?

Published on March 29, 2026
Duration: 14:29

This video, featuring firearms instructor Ben Stoeger, delves into recoil management and perceived gun 'softness' across various pistol models, including the Glock 17 Gen 6, Glock 47, and Staccato P. Stoeger emphasizes proper grip and locked wrists as crucial for controlling muzzle rise and felt recoil, explaining that perceived 'snappiness' can be due to torque rather than just vertical movement. The discussion highlights that different recoil impulse characteristics contribute to the overall shooting experience, even if muzzle rise is similar.

Quick Summary

Ben Stoeger describes the Glock 17 Gen 6 as 'very, very soft' with minimal muzzle rise, though it can induce more torque in the wrist. He emphasizes that a locked wrist and taut tendons are crucial for managing recoil and perceived 'snappiness' across various firearms.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Recap
  2. 00:44Grip Philosophy: Not Eliminating Movement
  3. 01:29Glock 17 Gen 6: Softness vs. Snappiness
  4. 02:43Managing Recoil with Locked Wrists
  5. 03:15Recoil Spread and Torque
  6. 03:31Glock 17 Gen 6 vs. Staccato P45
  7. 04:14Glock 17 Gen 6 Value Proposition
  8. 04:37HD4 Muzzle Rise and Feel
  9. 05:06HD4 Recoil System
  10. 05:26Gen 6 Glock Surprise & Wrist Lock
  11. 06:17Glock 47 Recoil Impulse
  12. 06:46Beyond Muzzle Rise: Articulating Recoil
  13. 07:04Glock 17 vs. 47: Speed and Feel
  14. 07:30HD4 vs. Glock Recoil Perception
  15. 08:00HD4 vs. Glock 47 Snap
  16. 08:23Support Hand Grip Philosophy
  17. 08:33Grip Connection and Control
  18. 09:23Location & Future Plans
  19. 09:43Eyes vs. Arms in Gun Return
  20. 10:14Zerat Arms Waltz 9 Discussion
  21. 11:02Best 2011 Recommendation
  22. 11:18Excessive Grip Pressure & Trigger Control
  23. 12:14Optimizing Hand Position for Trigger Pull
  24. 13:14Eye Focus in Shooting
  25. 13:35Commentary on Instructor Rambling
  26. 14:09Conclusion & Future Content

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Glock 17 Gen 6 considered a soft-shooting pistol?

Yes, Ben Stoeger describes the Glock 17 Gen 6 as 'very, very soft' in terms of muzzle rise. While it exhibits minimal vertical movement, some shooters might perceive a 'torquey' feel in the wrist due to its spring setup, which is distinct from aggressive muzzle flip.

How does the Glock 17 Gen 6 compare in recoil to the Glock 47?

The Glock 17 Gen 6 has less muzzle rise than the Glock 47. While the 47 offers a more neutral and fast impulse without much torque, the 17 is noted for its overall softness in managing vertical recoil, making it feel less aggressive in that specific aspect.

What is the importance of a locked wrist in managing pistol recoil?

A locked wrist and taut tendons are crucial for effective recoil management. This technique prevents the wrist from breaking during the shot, allowing the entire arm to absorb the impulse and maintain control, thereby reducing perceived snappiness and improving follow-up shot speed.

How does grip pressure affect trigger control and recoil management?

While excessive grip pressure isn't always beneficial, if it helps a shooter pull the trigger straight without disturbing the sight picture, it can be acceptable. The primary goal is to have a grip that prevents the gun from moving excessively in the hand and facilitates a clean trigger press.

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