Glock 17 vs 34...but it's more complicated than that

[NorthernHeat]

I am looking to purchase a new duty weapon (switching from my current M&P 5'' Pro) and have narrowed it down to a Glock 17 and a Glock 34 but there are a couple little things that are hanging me up from making my final decision.

I have been happy with the M&P but the dept is a Glock Dept which means they issue mags, have armorers on hand, and issued some holsters for the Glocks.

My dept issues Gen 4 Glock 17s with Glock night sights so this will be used as a backup duty gun/ off duty/ training gun but of course I cannot do grip modifications, add my preferred sights, ETC to this gun which is my reason for purchasing the personally owned Glock for a primary on duty gun.

I have carried the 34 before and I shot well with it and liked how it handled, but I am wondering if the slightly longer sight radius/ slightly less recoil is worth having to buy different holsters (even though a 17 can be used to fit most 34 holsters) that I would have to if I was just running all 17 length guns.

Do guys think the benefits of the 34/35 length guns make sense to get or does having 2 of the exact same platform (like we discuss on here) make more sense?

...... also I have a couple 19s that could be used if needed and I think they would run better in the 17 length holsters than trying to run a 19 in a 34 length holster.

I also like that with a 17 sized slide with a WML (which this gun will have), the shorter slide of the 17 vs the 34 allows the WML to act as a standoff between the barrel/ slide and any physical resistance pushing against the end of the gun or if the gun gets pressed against something for example if the gun needs to be deployed in a ECQC type event (which we have had quiet a few incidents of lately).

I know these are a lot of SMALL things, but they are keeping me from committing to one.

I put this in Autoloaders instead of LE section because I would like everybody's views.

Thanks guys

[cclaxton]

If you are definitely better with the 34, especially at long distances, then the 34. I would rather have the ability to hit someone at 30 yards than worry about the WML in ECQC event, especially if they have a rifle and you don't. If you don't know how much better with the 34, then range time will answer that for you.
Cody

[JBP55]

I shoot slightly smaller groups at 25 yards with the G34 due to the longer sight radius. Defensive shooting inside 10 yards I prefer the G17.

[KeeFus]

My dept issues Gen 4 Glock 17s with Glock night sights so this will be used as a backup duty gun/ off duty/ training gun but of course I cannot do grip modifications, add my preferred sights, ETC to this gun which is my reason for purchasing the personally owned Glock for a primary on duty gun.


If the department issues G-17's why not just use what they issue? Does your agency not allow you to carry their issued weapon under LEOSA?

Then if given the option and if you do not like the 17 for whatever reason...try a 34.

[NorthernHeat]

With the Texas heat and my preferences for what I want on my handguns, buying my own personal gun to be able to replace sights with what I want and being able to stipple the grip is worth spending the money for me.

The Gen 4s, even with grip tape applied to wherever it will stick to, still slip around in my hand like a bar of soap when it comes to extended shooting sessions in the summer months here in Tx (this is probably because I sweat like nobody's business when shooting).

I would still use the dept issued 17 as a backup to my on duty weapon.

[KeeFus]

With the Texas heat and my preferences for what I want on my handguns, buying my own personal gun to be able to replace sights with what I want and being able to stipple the grip is worth spending the money for me.

The Gen 4s, even with grip tape applied to wherever it will stick to, still slip around in my hand like a bar of soap when it comes to extended shooting sessions in the summer months here in Tx (this is probably because I sweat like nobody's business when shooting).

I would still use the dept issued 17 as a backup to my on duty weapon.

Must be nice to get that type of latitude with weapons you carry at work. We are required to use what we are issued.

Id stick with a 17...I have never bought into the hype of sight radius.

[Chuck Haggard]

We issue 17s here, and some 19s to detectives, but we allow any personal Glock 9mm as a primary duty handgun (yes, even the 26, which some of our narcs use quite a bit).

I've never really noticed better groups from a 34 vs a 17, but maybe I'm doing it wrong. I would second the idea of getting to the range with both guns and seeing if there is a difference for you

If it were me I'd get a replica of the issued duty gun and go from there, maybe later add a 34 for shooting matches or whatever if I wanted the longer pistol.

[John Hearne]

My take is that slightly longer sight radius doesn't make for tighter groups per se. What I find is that the longer barrel/sights make it a bit easier to shoot those same groups. The difference doesn't really become obvious until 15 yards but I've heard others comment that it is there. FWIW, most defensive cartridges are expecting a shorter barrel and become "interesting" when run out of a longer barrel.

[Crow Hunter]

This is going to sound really dumb, and keep in mind that I am just a gun nerd.

The G34 always felt "swoopy" to me for some reason versus the shorter G17/22 or G19/23. The smaller guns always felt like I was "pointing" while the longer G34 always felt like I was pointing something. I also had a G24 and it was enough to be disconcerting to me.

It always sort of felt the same way to me as shooting someone else's shotgun that was too long for me.

I don't know how much it affected my shooting but it always felt "odd" to me.

I would go with whatever you can get the best hits in the shortest times from the positions that you will most likely be shooting in.

Which, to me, if trends are demonstrating a statistically significant increase in potential contact shots and the X300 as a stand off will let you take more than one, I would lean that way personally.

Especially if the handling feels different between the guns to you, like me, and there was a good chance you might be called to using a G17 instead of your G34 for extemporaneous circumstances.

[DocGKR]

There is nothing wrong with a G17--they work great, however, I like a G34 for a duty gun if a dedicated light (particularly the X300U) is always attached.

Likewise I prefer a G19 for CCW/off-duty carry.

You need to shoot them all and determine which works best for YOU.

[Josh Runkle]

I don't know what trigger pull your department issues, but typically a glock 17/19 have a 5.5 lb trigger and the 34 has a 4.5 lb trigger. The difference is significant enough that I can't shoot long distance at speed when switching from one to the other. First, if you do decide to use a 34 and 17 pretty regularly, you should put whatever trigger your department uses in your 34. That way, you at least have the same trigger and grip on both guns. You could look into the 17L instead of the 34.

Secondly, I would be more interested in preparing for an ECQB environment than a 30 yard shot. Either of these can be done with the 19/17/34 they just require different gear and different training. Major factors that have not been discussed are confidence and perceived penalty for a miss. You can go compete all day long and build the "confidence" to take a shot during a competition, but there is no serious penalty for a miss. There aren't possibly unseen bystanders lurking around the targets. I mean, yeah, sure, if a bad guy is standing in a well lit area, with no one around for miles with a solid backstop, I'm sure you would have the confidence to start shooting at him from 30 yards away. But what about when it's on poorly lit street in a neighborhood? Or worse yet, in a crowded area like a mall or college campus? The likelihood that you would need to take a shot at 25-30 yards is slim, the likelihood that you would have the confidence to take that shot when the potential penalties for missing could be so great, make it very, very unlikely that you would ever do so. On the other hand, how often do officers grapple with or become entangled with suspects? While training to shoot 25-30 yards is fun and all, and everyone should learn to do it, you should definitely spend much more time and effort on lifesaving skills than spaceship door-gunner ones.

Third, I would be more focused on using the exact same gun every day, and that includes carrying off duty. For me, I shoot the glock 19 pretty easily at 25 yards. Frankly, I would be interested in something like the 17/19 that I could easily conceal and use the exact same gun every day.

Fourth, the Glock 34 is a competition gun. As such, it was designed with a compensated barrel, as 99% of competitions take place during the day in extremely well lit conditions. If you have ever shot a compensated Glock in the dark, please understand that (ammo dependent) the flash from the compensator can be outrageous. Not only would you loose your night vision, but you would potentially be sending up a firework show of your location. This could easily be fixed by purchasing an aftermarket non-compensated barrel if you only care about longer sight radius.

[Up1911Fan]

Fourth, the Glock 34 is a competition gun. As such, it was designed with a compensated barrel, as 99% of competitions take place during the day in extremely well lit conditions. If you have ever shot a compensated Glock in the dark, please understand that (ammo dependent) the flash from the compensator can be outrageous. Not only would you loose your night vision, but you would potentially be sending up a firework show of your location. This could easily be fixed by purchasing an aftermarket non-compensated barrel if you only care about longer sight radius.

There is absolutely nothing compensated about G34. Do some research before posting such comments. The slide has a cut out to replicate the weight of a G17 slide.

[Kyle Reese]

I don't know what trigger pull your department issues, but typically a glock 17/19 have a 5.5 lb trigger and the 34 has a 4.5 lb trigger. The difference is significant enough that I can't shoot long distance at speed when switching from one to the other. First, if you do decide to use a 34 and 17 pretty regularly, you should put whatever trigger your department uses in your 34. That way, you at least have the same trigger and grip on both guns. You could look into the 17L instead of the 34.

Secondly, I would be more interested in preparing for an ECQB environment than a 30 yard shot. Either of these can be done with the 19/17/34 they just require different gear and different training. Major factors that have not been discussed are confidence and perceived penalty for a miss. You can go compete all day long and build the "confidence" to take a shot during a competition, but there is no serious penalty for a miss. There aren't possibly unseen bystanders lurking around the targets. I mean, yeah, sure, if a bad guy is standing in a well lit area, with no one around for miles with a solid backstop, I'm sure you would have the confidence to start shooting at him from 30 yards away. But what about when it's on poorly lit street in a neighborhood? Or worse yet, in a crowded area like a mall or college campus? The likelihood that you would need to take a shot at 25-30 yards is slim, the likelihood that you would have the confidence to take that shot when the potential penalties for missing could be so great, make it very, very unlikely that you would ever do so. On the other hand, how often do officers grapple with or become entangled with suspects? While training to shoot 25-30 yards is fun and all, and everyone should learn to do it, you should definitely spend much more time and effort on lifesaving skills than spaceship door-gunner ones.

Third, I would be more focused on using the exact same gun every day, and that includes carrying off duty. For me, I shoot the glock 19 pretty easily at 25 yards. Frankly, I would be interested in something like the 17/19 that I could easily conceal and use the exact same gun every day.

Fourth, the Glock 34 is a competition gun. As such, it was designed with a compensated barrel, as 99% of competitions take place during the day in extremely well lit conditions. If you have ever shot a compensated Glock in the dark, please understand that (ammo dependent) the flash from the compensator can be outrageous. Not only would you loose your night vision, but you would potentially be sending up a firework show of your location. This could easily be fixed by purchasing an aftermarket non-compensated barrel if you only care about longer sight radius.
Every G 34 I've ever owned have all come from the factory with a conventional, non ported barrel.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

[Josh Runkle]

There is absolutely nothing compensated about G34. Do some research before posting such comments. The slide has a cut out to replicate the weight of a G17 slide.

My mistake.

[NorthernHeat]

joshrunkle35,

Thank you for your response sir.

The LEO 34s usually come with the 5.5lb trigger from the factory and that is what I would get so the dept 17 and the 34 would have the same trigger.

[Handy]

When the G35/35 came out, quite a few guys at my old IDPA club bought them. 6 months later they were selling them and had gone back to G17/22s. That made an impression, but there was no concrete reason they didn't shoot them better.

I've always wondered if the open slide is such a good idea in dusty areas for a duty gun, but no one seems to think this is an issue.


I still think Glock did its best work with the G17, but all the 9mms are pretty decent. I don't think anyone here is going to have a definitive statement that will clarify this for you. The two guns are more similar than different.

[JonInWA]

I have both, and shoot both well. It really devolves to personal preference, in my opinion. Assess both realistically, (and ideally, in multiple sessions and scenarios) and see which one you do best with. Your eyesight and hand/arm/eye index simply may work subtly (or not so subtly) better with one than another; only you can determine that. If it's a wash, I'd defer to the G17, as could be very slightly easier to carry-depending on your holster choice/options and physiognomy.

In my personal sample size of 2, I kept the G17 pretty much box stock, simply replacing the polymer sights with steel ones, the slide stop with the Glock extended slide stop/release, and added a segment of mountain bike innertube cut to size for slightly improved sweaty-hand-to-grip adhesion. My OEM triggerbar/connector/coil trigger spring must have been manufactured and assembled when the gods were smiling-they provide a beautifully smooth and crisp trigger pull/release/reset, lubricated with TW25B at the key contact points and thousands of rounds downrange and many more thousand dryfire pulls.

My G34 I kept the OEM "minus" connector, but replaced the trigger spring with a NY1, and the sights with a set of Warren Tacticals, and also added a innertube segment to the receiver for grip adhesion. The NY1/"-" connector give a single-stage pull/release and very quick and perceptible reset, at a marginal triggerpull weight increase.

Again, Glocks can be tuned for the better by judicious application/replacement of OEM components with other Glock components; parts match-ups can vary from part-to part, so you can get some surprisingly beneficial results simply by switching thing out and properly lubing.

Best, Jon

[Boxy]

I am not Law Enforcement, but I have shot a lot of IDPA using a G34 and G17. Seems that the G17 clears the holster a bit faster and transitions better from target to target in close. The G34 is a bit more heavy forward and better returns sight picture to target. This is subjective looking in retrospect. I legally carry a G19 for concealment purposes but have found a G17 is about as suitable. I would reccommend getting a friends G34 and a G17 along with shot timer and run some drills to baseline the difference for you if practical. I did this with a G19 and G23 to contrast shot placement under time and determined I shot the G19 more accurately under time drills. El presidente, Bill Drill etc. This is the best forum to hash out such a differentiation in guns.

Best regards in your decision making process and thanks for serving in LE.

[Mike C]

+1 on Boxy's comment about clearing the holster a little faster. I know that out of a duty rig my times for first round on target were just a hair shorter with the 17 it was a fraction of a second but still it bothered me. I believe this was attributed strictly to overall length. Also, when I switched from running a 17 to a 34 I went from a belt height ride to a low ride holster. I know it has a lot to do with body type but I found that when I was running the 34 and I didn't have the offset initially I really had to drive my elbow up on the draw to clear the holster before rotating into a retention position and punching out. The offset did however cause a slight issue with the 34 when getting in and out of the patrol car. I would catch the end of the holster on the seat when getting out of the drivers side. Which didn't happen with my 17. Minor issue though. I wish I could speak to the 19's in the 34 holster but I can't. However I didn't have an issue running the 19's in the 17 sized holster but YMMV. Good luck on your decision. I do hope you are able to take the advice of others and can get out and shoot both side by side with some drills and a duty rig. I am sure it will help you greatly.

[Beat Trash]

There is nothing wrong with a G17--they work great, however, I like a G34 for a duty gun if a dedicated light (particularly the X300U) is always attached.

Likewise I prefer a G19 for CCW/off-duty carry.

You need to shoot them all and determine which works best for YOU.

I think Doc summed it up well. We can all give you our take on the topic, but at the end of the day, what's important is which gun is best for YOU.

Both the Glock 17 and 34 are very capable duty weapons. I owned both at one time. I went and spent an entire day running through ever course my agency had, shooting both the G17 and G34. I found that for me, I did slightly better with the G17. I juzt like the balance of the Glock 17 better. I since sold off the Glock 34.

I would strongly recommend that you go out and shoot a Glock 17 and 34 side by side. Be open minded and honest with your self. You will answer your own question by the time you walk off of the firing line.

[FotoTomas]

Given my druthers I would carry the G34 as my duty pistol. Alas I am stuck with my issued SIG 229R DAK. I have owned several 34's over the years and am looking to bring home a Gen4 G34 as my primary HD pistol, Competition pistol and Hurricane deterrent :) .

I like the longer sight radius and how well the mounted light works with the barrel length. I have several Bianchi holsters that work well with the light attached and the G34 would be my primary pistol for most things. The Gen4 G26 will continue to be my most carried small pistol and a great option for a backup to the G34.

I also would not turn down a G17 or G19 but at this point do not need one for my purposes.

[GJM]

In my experience, a 17 is more reliable across a wider range of ammunition than the 34.

[LSP552]

I carried a Glock 34 in uniform for several years. It is my favorite uniform duty pistol as well as my favorite Glock. I have a 34 and 17 set up identically with 4.5 lb. connectors, Vickers mag releases, Ameriglo Operator sights and factory extended slide stops. For me, the 34 is easier to shoot to the same accuracy at speed. I can be just as as accurate with the 17 but I have to work harder and its generally a bit slower.

I'm 6'3" and carrying a 34 in a duty holster worked fine and was just as comfortable as a 17. There are some who find it a bit long while seated in a unit in the car. That's a function of body type and holster.

I could easily live with a 17 as a duty gun, and have. But for me, the 34 is just a Jedi Light Saber.

Ken

[LSP552]

In my experience, a 17 is more reliable across a wider range of ammunition than the 34.

Reloads or factory GJM?

Mine have been every bit as reliable as my 17s, except with very light reloads. Haven't seen a problem with duty ammo or cheap factory. G34s were fairly popular with LSP as a personally owned duty gun and I've always thought them very reliable.

If I knew I had to start a fight with a pistol, it would be with my old 2 pin 34.

Ken

[GJM]

Reloads or factory GJM?

Mine have been every bit as reliable as my 17s, except with very light reloads. Haven't seen a problem with duty ammo or cheap factory. G34s were fairly popular with LSP as a personally owned duty gun and I've always thought them very reliable.

If I knew I had to start a fight with a pistol, it would be with my old 2 pin 34.

Ken

My wife and I have had 8 of them between us, 2 Gen 4 and the rest Gen 3. Ammo, mostly lighter power factor stuff like Aguila 124 ball that runs reliably in the 17's, is marginal in the 34, especially one hand or with a fast draw that isn't locked up. We have observed this in each of our 34's, Gen 3 and 4. We do a lot of one hand shooting and that is where it is especially evident.

[LSP552]

My wife and I have had 8 of them between us, 2 Gen 4 and the rest Gen 3. Ammo, mostly lighter power factor stuff like Aguila 124 ball that runs reliably in the 17's, is marginal in the 34, especially one hand or with a fast draw that isn't locked up. We have observed this in each of our 34's, Gen 3 and 4. We do a lot of one hand shooting and that is where it is especially evident.

Thanks GJM.

Ken

[JBP55]

My wife and I have had 8 of them between us, 2 Gen 4 and the rest Gen 3. Ammo, mostly lighter power factor stuff like Aguila 124 ball that runs reliably in the 17's, is marginal in the 34, especially one hand or with a fast draw that isn't locked up. We have observed this in each of our 34's, Gen 3 and 4. We do a lot of one hand shooting and that is where it is especially evident.

I have not had any issues with my Gen 4 G17 or Gen 4 G34 shooting with one hand or two. I only shoot factory ammunition.

[JonInWA]

My wife and I have had 8 of them between us, 2 Gen 4 and the rest Gen 3. Ammo, mostly lighter power factor stuff like Aguila 124 ball that runs reliably in the 17's, is marginal in the 34, especially one hand or with a fast draw that isn't locked up. We have observed this in each of our 34's, Gen 3 and 4. We do a lot of one hand shooting and that is where it is especially evident.

That's a new one for me; I've never had any issues with either my Gen 3 G17 or my Gen 3 G34. I've shot the G17 considerably more than the G34, but I've still put probably between 1K to 2K rounds through the G34. My questions are: With what frequency are you replacing the recoil spring assembly on the G34? Ditto regarding the magazine springs, and have you tried replacing the striker spring on your G34?

Best, Jon

[GJM]

That's a new one for me; I've never had any issues with either my Gen 3 G17 or my Gen 3 G34. I've shot the G17 considerably more than the G34, but I've still put probably between 1K to 2K rounds through the G34. My questions are: With what frequency are you replacing the recoil spring assembly on the G34? Ditto regarding the magazine springs, and have you tried replacing the striker spring on your G34?

Best, Jon

Over a multi year period, well north of 50,000 g34 rounds, multiple new 34 samples, tons of Rogers oriented one hand shooting, and regular maintenance. Perhaps Origami will weigh in, although at times he has experienced it with warp speed draws where he isn't locked up when the shot breaks.

We have been shooting with Manny, where we do 2400 rounds in two days, and the same reloads that function a 17 are a real problem in the 34. The 34 needs higher PF stuff than a 17 to run.

[Mr_White]

I don't think you can go wrong either way.

I carried and shot G17s for a few years, and they were great. People always wanted me to try their G34s, which I did, but couldn't really notice a difference. So I was meh about the 34 for a long time.

Eventually, I had some guns coming my way, I tried out someone's G34 (again) and that time felt like I could discern a small difference (in that instance, I shot it pretty accurately at distance.) Since I was already stocked up on 17s, I chose to go with 34s.

Once I shot the 34 just a little more, the difference in the recoil cycle became much more apparent to me. I now definitely prefer the softer recoil I perceive out of the 34.

My GSSF scores from last year are ~12% better with the 34 than the 17. Looking at that a little more closely, the difference was accuracy. I averaged over six times more penalties with the 17 than I shot with the 34. I didn't shoot a lot of penalties with either gun, but still...six times more penalties with the 17. That's an average of eight seconds penalty time with the 17, versus one or two seconds with the 34. I am sure that at least some of that can be attributed to more attunement and familiarity with the 34 during that time. But that's a pretty clear measurement of the difference for me.

I don't have the numbers anywhere handy, but a while back I measured draw times with the 17 vs the 34, prompted by a discussion where people said that they experienced the 17 handling/drawing faster than the 34. The numbers I collected didn't bear that out for myself. There was no difference in time for me. Subjectively, it definitely felt like I could make the 17 move faster, but the timer determined that was a lie.

If I had to bet on which is more reliable, I would bet on the 17, just because it is the gun closest to the original specs and has the most robust track record. In my short experience and not keeping formal track of malfunctions, they seem the same - I consider both very reliable, both have malfunctioned on me, but not very much.

I still don't think you can go wrong either way.

[Chuck Haggard]

I had forgotten about the potential issue with being able to cleanly clear a police duty holster on the draw. I always used my 34s, and 35s, and dedicated SWAT pistols, one on my vest, one on my thigh, both with lights mounted.

[wilco423]

I've been following this thread with great interest. I currently run a TRP on duty, but after shooting a Gen4 G19 for a couple of months, I'm seriously considering switching over almost everything to Glock. The 34's longer, 1911 like sight radius appeals to me, and with a light attached, a 34 is the same length as a 17, so I don't know how much of a difference it would make in that application. An actual difference in reliability might push me to a 17, however.

Thanks for the great discussion!


I always used my 34s, and 35s, and dedicated SWAT pistols, one on my vest, one on my thigh, both with lights mounted.
The ultimate NY reload :)

[Chuck Haggard]

The ultimate NY reload :)


Exactly.

When one is driving a shield a lot of other options aren't available.

[JonInWA]

GJM-Interesting-thanks for the details. If you aren't already doing so, I'd recommend replacing the RSA every 3K rounds, and I'd switch out the striker spring and see if that makes a difference. Since you didn't specify the PF inherent to your reloads, I can't comment (and since I'm not a reloader {I only shoot factory ammunition} I'm not in a knowledgeable position to query about your powder choices, etc that may also be somewhat of a causal factor in your G34 hiccups).

The G34 even with the top slide cut-out and the internal slide lightening cuts weighs some 25 grams more than the G17, but is the same weight as a G22-and all of them in the Gen 3 incarnation utilize the same RSA....

Best, Jon

[JonInWA]

It's also interesting following the IDPA Nationals from year to year, where the Glock G34, followed by the G17 are the leading choices. Since shooting from the draw is an inherent part of the IDPA experience, if in fact the additional length of the G34 caused undue delays, I would expect the proportion of G34 to G17 choice ratio to be reversed. Since the IDPA SSP power factor floor is 125, and since GJM's issues are literally the first I've heard and/or witnessed in a G34, my thought that the main issue GJM is experiencing with his G34 (but not in his G17 with the same ammunition) may have to do with loads that are lighter and do not make a 125 power factor.

I've never experienced, or witnessed ammunition-induced reliability issues in a G34 when using quality factor ammunition (which presumptively generates at least a 125 power factor in a G34).

Best, Jon

[JodyH]

I've always found the 34 to feel "clunkier" when it returns to battery.
It seems to take longer for the front sight to settle than the 17 does.
I tried to like the 34 but always went back to my 17.

[GJM]

It's also interesting following the IDPA Nationals from year to year, where the Glock G34, followed by the G17 are the leading choices. Since shooting from the draw is an inherent part of the IDPA experience, if in fact the additional length of the G34 caused undue delays, I would expect the proportion of G34 to G17 choice ratio to be reversed. Since the IDPA SSP power factor floor is 125, and since GJM's issues are literally the first I've heard and/or witnessed in a G34, my thought that the main issue GJM is experiencing with his G34 (but not in his G17 with the same ammunition) may have to do with loads that are lighter and do not make a 125 power factor.

I've never experienced, or witnessed ammunition-induced reliability issues in a G34 when using quality factor ammunition (which presumptively generates at least a 125 power factor in a G34).

Best, Jon

I shoot reloads infrequently, although I have down at Universal with Manny. I see it mostly with practice ball ammo such as 124 Aguila. It has happened across too many Glock 34 pistols to be coincidence. With limited ammo availability in the bush, my wife carries two Glock 34's and a 17 in her range bag, so she can shoot extended one hand drills without stoppages with Aguila. 147 grain ammo runs fine in her same two Glock 34 pistols.

I have discussed this in detail with someone very much in a position to know about the design, and total mass is important but only one criteria. Distribution of mass is also a factor, as typified by the problems I had with a T1 on an otherwise reliable Glock 17. This person has also observed what I have.

I don't know what the power factor of Aguila is, but I suspect it is light. I would be inclined to use 124+P carry ammo in a 34, based on my experience. A Glock 22/35 is a whole different animal.

[Chuck Haggard]

Exactly what kinds of stoppages are you seeing?

I know what the deal is with the gen 3 G22s (excessive slide velocity), I am curious if the issue with the gen 3 G34s is low slide velocity.

[GJM]

Exactly what kinds of stoppages are you seeing?

I know what the deal is with the gen 3 G22s (excessive slide velocity), I am curious if the issue with the gen 3 G34s is low slide velocity.

I don't have a picture handy, but the fired cartridge is ejected, and the new cartridge is angled up -- always similar stoppages. I do suspect it is low slide velocity, and in a few of the Gen 3 34's we have gone to an after market guide rod and lighter spring which seems to help. Does it also make sense that shooting one hand with lighter ammo, you would have not as strong a total grip, and effectively reduce slight velocity?

[LSP552]

I wonder about the slide velocity thing, only because the weight of the slides are so close in the 17/34, unlike the more substantial difference between the 22/35.

Looking at Glock inc. data, the 3rd and 4th gen 17s are identical in weight but surprisingly the 3rd and 4th gen 34s are not. The difference isn't much, but the 4th gen 34 does weigh a bit more than the 3rd gen, but still less than the difference between the 22/35. The WML issues with the 3rd gen 22s are well documented as Chuck said. The 35s seemed immune to this problem, probably because of the heavier slide difference.

And there is always the chance that Glocks data is incorrect, I didn't put anything on the scale.

http://us.glock.com/products/compare?g1=g34&g2=g34gen4&g3=g17&g4=g17gen4

One more thing in favor of the 34, for me, is the sight radius. At 58 and change, it's just easier to for me to see and track the front sight. In fact, I will be ordering a Milt Sparks Summer Special for the 34. Where my eyes are now, the front is just easier to manage with the longer gun. IWB, the carry difference between a 17 and 34 is nonexistent.

I agree that the 34 may be more sensitive to light loads, mine are with reloads. With duty ammo, even held lightly with one hand, just haven't seen a problem that would make me ignore the shootability, for me.

Ken

[GJM]

One more thing in favor of the 34, for me, is the sight radius. At 58 and change, it's just easier to for me to see and track the front sight.

Of all the Glock pistols, I think the Glock 34 is the easiest to shoot on low prob targets, because of the sight radius, and is the softest recoiling Glock pistol. While some may not note the difference, my wife has run the same courses of fire on steel over and over, and measurably shoots the 34 better than her 17. Definitely want to game a 34. I find the 17 to be easier to carry AIWB (passing on JV joke opportunity here), and at least theoretically more reliable with carry ammo based on our experience with lighter loads, so I most often carry a 17.

[ST911]

I've seen wonky G34s with light loads. IIRC, most were economy 115s, and other handloads that shouldn't reflect on the gun. While not unreliable, the threshold is lower for them vs the G17 and G19. Others covered the particulars. Though, my E-alpha gen3 G34 was GTG with everything I could find.

Like someone else said, the whys are about more than the raw weight.

[Mr_White]

My GSSF scores from last year are ~12% better with the 34 than the 17. Looking at that a little more closely, the difference was accuracy. I averaged over six times more penalties with the 17 than I shot with the 34. I didn't shoot a lot of penalties with either gun, but still...six times more penalties with the 17. That's an average of eight seconds penalty time with the 17, versus one or two seconds with the 34. I am sure that at least some of that can be attributed to more attunement and familiarity with the 34 during that time. But that's a pretty clear measurement of the difference for me.

Had a different experience at GSSF this last weekend, right after posting this.

This time, I shot more accurately with the G17, at least on 5 to Glock. 16.00 flat and clean. With the G34, I had 15.85 + 5 seconds penalty time and 16.49 + 2 seconds penalty time. I did still shoot better on Glock 'M and the Glock the Plates though. Overall scores between two divisions with the 34 and 17 were .73 seconds apart, so nearly identical.


I don't have a picture handy, but the fired cartridge is ejected, and the new cartridge is angled up -- always similar stoppages. I do suspect it is low slide velocity, and in a few of the Gen 3 34's we have gone to an after market guide rod and lighter spring which seems to help. Does it also make sense that shooting one hand with lighter ammo, you would have not as strong a total grip, and effectively reduce slight velocity?

My guns don't malfunction much, but when they do, that is exactly what I see too. Also stovepipes, but even more rarely.

[Chuck Haggard]

A "bolt over base" malf is either bad mags or the slide didn't come back far enough to pick up the base of the round.

Low slide velocity or incomplete slide cycling would be/could be a cause for this. One handed shooting can definitely bleed off slide velocity.