Glock 34 or 41 (MOS)

[sequins]

Hello friends,

I'm considering whether I would rather get a 9mm Glock 34 MOS, or a 45acp Glock 41 MOS.

As you can imagine I intend to mount a dot on either of my choices, but the use from there slightly diverges.

If I go for the 34 I'll probably also go for a can and an aftermarket barrel, maybe a light/laser, and use it for HD as well as the range. Cans and barrels are expensive so if I go this route I'm probably delaying my next handgun to finish the build first.

If I go for the 41 I'll just do the dot and use it at the range, no light or can or anything like that.

I currently have a 1911 and a Glock 30, but I only really shoot the 1911 at the range and have retired the 30 for a 26 so I basically only have the 1911 for range 45 guns. I reload 45 (and 9mm, but that's less of a consideration with current prices) and want to have another gun to shoot in that caliber, and the 41 with the dot would be a sweet shooter and a great contrast to the 1911.

I think both are great options and I'm struggling to choose, so what say you?

 

[Pat Riot]

I love the 34 but I think you answered your own question.

the 41 with the dot would be a sweet shooter

 

[jmr40]

9mm costs half as much to shoot. Both poke holes in paper just the same. With the best loads there is no difference in performance in a SD situation. I'd buy the 34 and use the 1911 as a range toy.

 

[sequins]

9mm costs half as much to shoot. Both poke holes in paper just the same. With the best loads there is no difference in performance in a SD situation. I'd buy the 34 and use the 1911 as a range toy.

This is indeed the prevailing wisdom behind the 34. Indeed it too would be a sweet shooter and a phenomenal, best in class HD weapon with 33+1, a dot, a suppressor, and a light/laser combo. I mean that's hard to beat.

On the other hand 45 reloads for the price of 9mm, and it would sure be fun to have a companion for the 1911 that substantially spices things up vs. stock irons.

 

[Tinman357]

I had the same delimma. I went with the 41. Light, and a can for HD. Buddy of mine did the exact same with the 34. You cant go wrong with eirher. But I just prefer the .45.

I know that doesn't help much, but after handling both, extensively, the 34 does have a distinct adantage with the 33 round stick.

 

[P5 Guy]

Glock's model 34.

 

[vba]

I reload so my pick is the G41, though I have both the G34 and G41.

Of the two the G41 is my favorite, it could be yours if you have larger hands.

 

[Riomouse911]

I carry a Glock 34 on duty every day; so due to familiarity, 17+1 on board and a grip size that fits my hand well, that would be my pick.

I wouldn't do the can for ND/SD despite the sound reduction qualities. The G 34 is fairly large, and with the attached silencer it'll be awfully long an cumbersome to wield one-handed as you're holding a telephone calling 911 or a flashlight, etc. in a HD situation. ...but that's just my opinion. On the other hand, the light/laser makes perfect sense on a SD/HD gun .

Whichever you choose you will have a very reliable gun for your purposes.

Stay safe.

 

[uzimon]

Get the 40 with a 7" match bbl.
Shoot out to 100 yards

 

[peacemaker45]

I guess I'm not seeing why the 41 couldn't wear a can and all the rest, and be good for HD, too?

As you've worded the question, it seems like the 34 would check more boxes, but I think the 41 would do as well, and make a bigger hole. (But then, I like a 45.)

 

[Coal Dragger]

No real opinion on the 41 vs 34, I would suggest planning on running an aftermarket adapter plate though. Better yet buy a non MOS gun and have the slide custom milled.

The Glock MOS plates have a less than stellar reputation for coming loose and shearing screws.

 

[Peakbagger46]

9mm costs half as much to shoot. Both poke holes in paper just the same. With the best loads there is no difference in performance in a SD situation. I'd buy the 34 and use the 1911 as a range toy.

No difference using the best loads for defense? Seriously?? What 9mm load expands to .75” like a .45 gold dot?

Lots of valid arguments can (and have been) made for the 9mm for this application, but let’s leave blowing smoke for the enjoyment of cigars. I’m no .45acp fanboy, but this 9mm hyperbole needs to stop.

 

[Peakbagger46]

And yes, if you’re running a reflex sight there is a lot to be said for going with the 9, faster recovery and not losing the dot for quick defensive shooting.

 

[sequins]

No difference using the best loads for defense? Seriously?? What 9mm load expands to .75” like a .45 gold dot?

Lots of valid arguments can (and have been) made for the 9mm for this application, but let’s leave blowing smoke for the enjoyment of cigars. I’m no .45acp fanboy, but this 9mm hyperbole needs to stop.

I've seen the 45 gold dots expand to 0.91" in gel, it's beautiful. 9mm gets the job done as well though and 13+1 < 33+1.

As for milling the slide I dont want to be married to my optic, as I predict the gun will outlast any dots on the market

I appreciate everyone's thoughts

 

[IdaD]

No difference using the best loads for defense? Seriously?? What 9mm load expands to .75” like a .45 gold dot?

Lots of valid arguments can (and have been) made for the 9mm for this application, but let’s leave blowing smoke for the enjoyment of cigars. I’m no .45acp fanboy, but this 9mm hyperbole needs to stop.

A few 9mm loads in the Lucky Gunner gel tests matched the 45 Gold Dot loads in expansion and each of them also penetrated as much or more. My preferred 9mm load is a 124 grain standard pressure HST which didn't expand as much at .61" but it penetrated 4-5 inches more than the various 45 Gold Dot loads. So you sacrifice a tenth of an inch of expansion to get 30% greater penetration. Now the reality check: defensive loads in the main duty calibers are all designed to pass the same tests and for the most part they perform similarly enough that other factors are far more significant than terminal performance.

OP I'd go with the 34. Cheaper ammo means more fun.