New Glock 17 RTF2
Next month the 9mm Glock 17 will be available with the RTF2 (Rough Textured Frame version #2) frame. The RTF2 frame is often called the “4th Generation” frame.
Glock 17 RTF2
Earlier this year at SHOT Show Glock introduced the RTF2 variant of the Glock 22. From the press release:
The G22 RTF2 has been received with excellent reviews and is one of the top 10 sellers for FY 2010. In addition to the G22 RTF2, GLOCK, Inc. is proud to announce that on May 1, 2009, they will offer the 9×19 G17 RTF2 pistol, as they continue their pursuit to expand their RTF2 series. The G17 RTF2 is the second pistol that GLOCK, Inc. has released with the new rough textured frame and slide serration pattern. The newly designed frame incorporates more than 4,000 raised pyramids on the front, rear and sides of the polymer receiver and has a newly designed crescent shaped serration pattern located at the rear of the slide.
Recently, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was the first local agency in the United States to convert to the G22 RTF2, while at the same time the Louisiana State Police and Louisiana Department of Public Safety purchased 1300 G22 RTF2 and G17 RTF2 pistols, which has made them the first state agency to convert to both RTF2 series of GLOCK pistols.
I don’t know about the ‘RTF’, but if it comes to the worst it can just be ground off with a file.
The fish gill cocking serrations on the other hand are disgusting looking, pointless and do not even look like they would increase utility, nor can they be fixed my the end-user without exorbitant cost. I hope Glock gets their ears yelled off about this silliness so they’ll go back to the old ones.
Love the frame, hate the slide. I think they did this just so you could easily tell the difference between a Gen I-III and a Gen IV.
I like the new frame texture, but the slide serrations just look too… modern (I bet you never thought that I would say that about a glock, did ya ?).
I think the old Glocks look better…
It´s a pistol, not some fancy piece of art. The old slide serrations are less than optimal in my opinion. If this makes them better I don´t care how they look.
They should put serrations on the front of the slide as well.
“I don’t know about the ‘RTF’, but if it comes to the worst it can just be ground off with a file.
The fish gill cocking serrations on the other hand are disgusting looking, pointless and do not even look like they would increase utility, nor can they be fixed my the end-user without exorbitant cost. I hope Glock gets their ears yelled off about this silliness so they’ll go back to the old ones.”
Well I would recommend trying it out first. I do understand the reservations over the newer model. I have shot the RTF 22 and found it to be a nice feeling gun; I am interested in shooting the 17 version. I do think that these newer Glocks will not go over with everyone. I do like the RTF though; I think it will be an improvement over the standard Glock grips which are really slippery.
As for art, function follows form, and the reason so many firearms designs are so similar is because modern firearms have been elevated to a high art.
I will say this about the fish gills, they do seem to “bite” into your fingers when you pull on the slide. That being said, I don’t have arthritis, and I never had trouble grasping a Glock slide before. An Astra 400, now that’s a different story…
Any idea on MSRP for the new G17?
Form should follow function. Not the other way around. That is if you are actually trying to accomplish something with your product.
I believe most handguns today have similar layouts because this is what works best. Not because of how good it looks. I also believe the look of the Glock is appreciated not because it is inherently beautiful but because of how well it has performed the job it was designed for. If the Glock would have been an unreliable crap gun nobody would care for the look of it.
Apparently Gaston Glock thinks the slide could use some extra grip. I don´t know if he has arthritis or not, but I see no point in discriminating against people with lower strength or physical disabilities.
Function follows form, because form is chosen by art. Whenever you hear about “Ergonomics” or “Modern Design” what they’re talking about is they made it look pretty and fell good, then they made it work. That’s how most things are designed. Skyscrapers, cars, everything is designed from the outside in. An ugly girl may be a better cook, smarter, and better in bed, but we all go after the dumb hot chick first.
Also, Arthritic people should use revolvers.
Carl,
Negatory on the front slide serrations. You shouldn’t have your fingers up toward the business end of the gun. Go to The Gun Zone and check out the ‘Negligent Discharge with Serious Personal Injury’ stories. That is what happens when you get in the habit of putting your fingers near the tiger’s mouth.
Matt, well, I disagree.
Josh, point taken. I agree one should never put any part of ones hand or arm in front of the muzzle.
It is however perfectly possible to operate the slide without putting anything in front of the muzzle while gripping the front of it (hand coming from the rear of the gun). Or rather, it would be if it would have been serrated.
The guy in the negligent discharge story did break several common sense rules, and at least a couple of official safety rules:
He put the gun down without emptying it properly.
He picked it up without checking the chamber.
He pulled the trigger with his off hand (while operating the slide lock as I understand it).
He intentionally fired the gun with his hand in front of the muzzle.
I´m not saying it couldn´t happen to me though, and I appreciate the safety reminder.
i checked out the new rtf2 frame at a gun store and i was NOT impressed. i did not like the grip texture, it is very rough and abrasive. i do not like the new fish gill serrations. i am a fan of the old glock design. why change perfection? what we really need is a single stack 9mm or more short frames. heck why not a glock .22LR pistol!!!???
I held a G22 RTF and I was very impressed with the grip and slide serrations ability to hold my hand. I don’t know how comfortable it would be in the long run but still pretty damn good.
I played with one of these at Cabelas. The texture really digs into your skin. Both, the salesman and I agreed that these grips could hurt after shooting for a while.
I guess if you do a lot of yard work and have tough skin on your hands, it may not feel so rough. You could also use gloves.
I understand the purpose, but it felt like they over did it a bit.
I’ve owned the Glock22 RTF for over a month now and I’m pretty much destined to buy either the 17/19 RTF model due to current ammunition costs.
I took advantage of a pre order deal for 479.00 for the 17 rtf,,,, serial #080 kinda cool to get the 80th off the line,, anyway on the topic of the frame, love it except in situations of deep concealment like an inside the waistband holster that pushes the handle close to your skin,,,, AN UNDERSHIRT IS A MUST for situations like that… But considering the recoil of a G17 I have no reason to believe that it would irritate the hand unless improper retention was being used…. The HAlf Moon Serations are awesome if you grab them even lightly to pull the slide the way they are cut it grabs your hand like a dull cheese grater ,, diggs into the skin just enough to guarantee the slide will come back… Great for combat situations where gloves might be used……same can be said for the grip,, great if gloves have to be used…. It is my opinion but I think it is a winner and a great addition to the Glock line,,,,, But I dont think they will remove the other design as a purchase option, just an alternative…
The RTF 22 is my first Glock and I have no problem with the new design as I have never shot one of the other versions.
I got mine at Cabella’s and its the first firearm I have ever bought from a giant retailer. I always buy from local shops but saw this one and sort of had to have it.
This firearm is fine and will do the job it was meant to do. Helping protecting my person and family.
Though still a toss up between this Glock and my Springfield XD40 as I love them both. I may very well get another one just like it if the price is right.
That price being $519 at the time.
I bought a G-17 RTF today and immediately put 100 rounds through it.
I love the new texture on the grip. I have a 19,26, and 34 that all needed the Hogue “slip-on” grip to feel right in my hand. Not this one, the RTF feels great and I am extremely satisfied with the new addition to my Glock collection.
are all the glocks going to the new rtf2 or is it just a new series they are doing?
drew, at the moment just a new series.
I have a question if some one could answer. I just bought a new Glock 22RFT, and I ordered some extended parts from Glock World. Are the Glock 22 parts the same on a G22RTF? The Ex-Magwell looks a little tight. I might have to bang in the brass plug. Any thoughts before I jack up my gun?
I also ordered the slide release, mag release button, 3.5 trigger, the Storm Lake barrel, and Magwell kit. Again I ask for any and all comments. Being new to Glock the ideal of drop in parts is new to me.
As a Marine I grew up on the 1911. Colt Goldcup 1911 Ser70, I love shooting this gun. But the Glock is so much faster and never jams.
Thanks for your time, and Semper fi
Slyter
GySgt USMC
i was wondering if anyone had heard when glock will be releasing the 23 and 27 in the rtf, of if its to far out right now?
I bought the Glock 17RTF as my first gun. I don’t have what I would call tough hands – and I can shoot 200 – 300 rounds without any issues with the grip. It actually is better for longer use than the std grip IMHO.
I like the looks, and I think the slide “gills” work well and look great.
By the way – someone had mentioned that arthritics should shoot revolvers?? Why?? I’ve had arthritis in my hands for about 4 years and shooting the Glock’s a breeze. Operating the slide is quite simple too.
The only drag is that ammo is so tough to come by where I am. I had to go to a gun show to find more than a box of 50 rnds.
I have the 22 RTF and as far as I am aware their is no difference between the new and old version other than the frame and slide. I do feel that the slide gives better grip. I dont think Mr. Glock woke up one morning and said Im going to change (almost) perfection Im sure that a lot of research went into this new design. If you dont like the RTF that is great because you do not have to buy one the old version is still available.
I’ve been a Glock fan for a long time…… I own a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gen glock 17’s and have now aquired a G17 RTF2 and in my oppinion; Glock inc. has fixed all of the major conserns I’ve had with any Glock model. The texture is perfection, they did away with the cut out in the front of the front of the grip, and moderized the sights. Working in retail sales for a Glock distributor has afforded me quite the selection and I feel the Glock pistol platform is the most reliable and affordable on the market today and any effort put forth by the company to enhance their products already legendary performance should not be mocked. I will concied that the so called “Fish Gills” are a little unusuall, however, they perform as advertized! And if you find them to your disliking……. buy one….. then put the slide off of the gen3 in its place.
Thank you, Gaston. Do you have anything else for sale?
change is good dont be afraid people
I’ve picked up a 17 RTF2 and I have to say, it’s not my first Glock and it won’t be my last. I am a huge fan of the Glock pistols and their utter simplicity. No external safety to fumble with, it feeds and shoots reliably.
This grip is fantastic as far as I’m concerned. I like it.
I haven’t carried the 17 concealed as of yet, so that’s going to be the next test. Otherwise, there’s very little to complain about a G17. The 17 is arguably one of the best 9mm firearms on the market today for defensive use.
I liked the RTF2 so much, I went and purchased a second one. I got a price of $425 each on both of them.
Now the reason for a second one is straightforward on two fronts. My son (14) wants to start shooting plates and I want to help him along with a gun with a smooth and consistent trigger pull. In addition, the 9mm is a round with mild recoil. The G17 also experiences light recoil…plus I want him to use the same gun as I do for plates.
I really really like the grip feel of this firearm, even compared to the other Glock models I own. I traded a M9 Beretta on the second G17.
The sights need to be changed as I don’t necessarily like the standard sights on the Glocks, but that’s a matter of choice and personal preference.
J
Sponge-Trigger Square gun.
LOL
I bought a G22 RTF2 about two months ago and I have fired hundreds of rounds through it without a malfunction.
I loved the new grip the first time that I picked it up and I love it more the more I shoot it. My other glocks do slip in my hand when I sweat, but not this one.
For me the new slide serrations function better than the old ones. I didn’t buy my pistol for its looks, I bought it for its reliability and Glock hasn’t let me down yet!
Also, The barrels for the G22 and the G31 are interchangeable. All other parts of each gun are identical so no other modifications are needed, magazines included. I also bought a CONVERSION barrel from Lone Wolf to shoot 9mm. I had to buy new G17 mags to accomadate the 9mm rounds though. (If you own a G22 or G31 you must buy the 9mm conversion barrel. Not the barrel for the G17.)
Long story short, My G22 RTF2 shoots .40, .357 sig, and 9mm.
My G27 also shoots .357 sig and 9mm.