Glock 17 vs 34

[artherd]

I recently held a G17 and G34 in one sitting. I liked both, but really liked that the 34 felt no heavier or bulkier than the 17, and pointed extremely well.

And the 34 had a countoured slide in front (easier to 'feed' into a holster, heh.) That I'd want to put on a 17.
And the 34 had a better slide release that I'd want to put on a 17.
And the 34 is still a twinge smaller than a 1911.

But I'd like the trigger to be firmer for everywhere-carry (8lbs would be nice even, though I'd take the 17's 5.5lbs.)

Since I intend to mount an M6 light anyway, what would the 17 offer me that the 34 wouldn't?

Is the reliability of the 34 in any way of a concern over the 17 in a life-threatening CCW situation? I know that no Glock exactly sucks, but does the 34 really have the same "beat the living *snot* out of it, or just care for it and carry it for years and years, and it will NOT let you down" reliability of the 17?






How the heck did I go from this to considering a 19 or 17 a week ago?
Is there really any solution but to buy every gun that Glock makes?

 

[artherd]

One more question, exacyly what parts differ between the 17 and the 34?

Is the 34 just a 17 (with factory lighter trigger/mag-release/slide-release) with a longer but mass-identical slide, and longer barrel?

Can I put a 17 slide/rod/etc on my 34? Will that make it a 17?

Can I use the maratime spring cup for the 17 on the 34? (hey, just weighing my options )

 

[Lightsped]

The G34 has a 3.5 lb competition trigger, extended slide release, extended slide lock lever, and Glock adjustable sights. Of course it also has the longer competition slide and barrel. Beyond that, the guns are the same.

 

[cratz2]

So... from reading your post, it's kind of hard to tell exactly what you liked about the G34... It seems you definately liked the appearance of the slide beveling, but I think that's more to add a slight advantage to presentation or holstering and as you mention to keep the same overall weight of the slide with it being longer... The G34 comes with what I consider to be a better trigger. Actually, I like the Ghost Rocket on one of the lesser Glocks just as much.

If you're going to be carrying concealed, the 17 seems to be larger than I find ideal and the G34 is a bit bigger than that. I'd really consider the G19 (or even the G26) with the Ghost Rocket and the extended slide stop if you so desire.

And an Agrip.

 

[gabeodog]

I love my G-17. So tat is where my loyalty is.

 

[Longbow]

I've been in this situation sometime ago...

I kept the G17
There's alot of good points on the G34 like you said, but there's really nothing a G34 that a G17 can't do. Velocity increase from it's longer barrel is neglegible, plus the open top design can allow debris, mud, snow and/or sand to come inside the slide/barrel area and impede its function. I know it sounds far fetch, but you'll never know where you might end up using it, ya know. Go with the G17!

I love my G-17. So tat is where my loyalty is.

Ditto!

 

[Brass Balls]

Last year I was in the market for a 9mm Glock to use strictly for range use. I rented the 17, 19 and 34. The 17 and 34 felt pretty close and if I had any aspirations of carrying it I probably would have chosen the 19 but I ended up buying the 34. It just feels better while shooting it than the other two.

I've put nearly 8k rounds through the 34 since I bought it and it hasn't had one single problem. I also used it for a pistol class and it worked great and the 9mm's lighter recoil was really welcome at the end of 500 round days.

Now I may have to buy another one because I took my wife to the range yesterday and of the handguns she tried she liked the 34 the best so that gun will now stay in the bedroom safe for her.

 

[artherd]

Longbow- you bring up a good point about the open slide. It'd be nice if it were just partially indented like the BACK of the G18's slide, which is still sealed against the elements in the rear.

I do like the 34 from the perspective of being able to mount a light to it, and not have hot gasses constantly blasting my light (If I'm going to carry with a light, I will practice with it mounted as well.)

 

[Sulaco]

Why would you ruin a Glock by putting an 8 pound connector in it? I use the 3.5 pound connector's and lightened trigger springs in all of my carry guns. If you are worried about ND's and AD's, you shouldn't be carrying a gun.

 

[Rich357]

The Glock 34 gives you a longer sight raidus and a little more velocity (longer barrel). Have the G34, G17, G19 and G26. Sometimes I prefer the G17 and sometimes I prefer the G34. The G19 is a fine pistol but unlike the other three 9mm Glocks it has a slightly smaller first finger notch (the one just below the trigger guard). This may or may not be the best fit for your hand.

A friend has used his G34 in several classes at Thunder Ranch. It has taken a lot of hard use in these classes. It still looks surprisingly good. He has several thousand rounds through it and loves his G34.

Why not go with the G34? If at some time you feel like changing the extended controls for the standard ones it is an easy job for a Glock gunsmith. The same goes for the different Glock triggers/connectors. You could buy a G17 upper assembly and slip it on your G34 frame but it may not be cost effective given the difference in cost between a G17 upper and a complete G17.

Down the road you may want to add a G26. Glocks can be habit forming.

Good luck,
Rich

 

[JohnKSa]

Things to think about.

1. The plastic adjustable Glock sight is unsuitable for carry IMO. Replace it with something sturdier.
2. The lightening hole in the front of the 34 slide is going to let crud get into the gun. If you're going to use this gun make sure the holster covers the hole well or it's going to fill up with fuzz, dust, whatever you're snacking on, etc.
3. Some folks have had trouble with the light on the dustcover rail causing function problems.

 

[artherd]

Thanks everyone. I just ordered my G34 with fixed night-sights!

In 10 days (Ah, the PRK.) I will let everyone know how it shoots.

Best!
Ben.