I’m diving deep into a comparison of Glock 17 Vs Glock 34. I’ve had the chance to take these two impressive firearms out in the field, putting them through their paces.
My goal is to see which one emerges as the top gun in real-world scenarios. It’s about how these Glocks perform when it really counts.
So, let’s lock and load and see how these two stack up!
| Feature | Glock 17 | Glock 34 |
| Caliber | 9mm Luger | 9mm Luger |
| Barrel Length | 4.49 inches | 5.31 inches |
| Overall Length | 8.03 inches | 8.82 inches |
| Height | 5.47 inches | 5.47 inches |
| Width | 1.26 inches | 1.30 inches |
| Magazine Capacity | Standard 17 rounds | Standard 17 rounds (up to 33) |
| Trigger Pull | 28 N (6.29 pounds) | 24 N (5.39 pounds) |
| Sight Options | Standard and night sights | Adjustable rear, standard and night sights |
| Gen Variations | Gen3, Gen4, Gen5 | Gen3, Gen4, Gen5 |
| Special Features | Modular backstraps (Gen4, Gen5) | Extended slide release, MOS models |
Overview of Glock 17
The Glock 17, often hailed as a classic, is a go-to choice for law enforcement and personal defense.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Length: 8.03 inches
- Height: 5.47 inches
- Width: 1.26 inches
- Barrel Length: 4.49 inches
- Weight (without magazine): 22.22 oz
- Magazine Capacity: Standard 17 rounds
- Trigger Pull: ~5.5 lbs
- Sight Radius: 6.49 inches
- Frame Material: Polymer
- Finish: Gas nitride
Overview of Glock 34
The Glock 34, designed with competition in mind, boasts enhanced accuracy and a longer sight radius.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Barrel Length: 5.31 inches
- Overall Length: 8.82 inches
- Height: 5.47 inches
- Width: 1.30 inches
- Unloaded Weight: 23.10 oz
- Magazine Capacity: Standard 17 rounds (compatible with up to 33 rounds)
- Trigger Pull: 24 N (5.39 pounds)
- Sight Options: Adjustable rear sight, plus standard options
- Additional Features: Extended slide release, optional MOS models for optics
Glock 17 vs Glock 34: A Detailed Comparison
1. Size and Handling
Glock 17
The Glock 17 presents an optimal blend of size and handling. With its more compact frame, featuring a 4.49-inch barrel and a shorter overall length, it caters to a broad spectrum of users, particularly those with smaller hands or those who prioritize ease of carry.
Its lighter weight is a significant advantage for all-day carry, reducing fatigue and enhancing comfort. In practical scenarios, like quick-draw drills or navigating in confined spaces, the Glock 17 demonstrates superior maneuverability.
Its compactness doesn’t impede its performance, maintaining a balance between size and functionality, making it an excellent choice for law enforcement, personal defense, and general shooting enthusiasts.
Glock 34
The Glock 34, distinguished by its extended barrel and slide, is undeniably larger and slightly heavier. This added length, while making it more cumbersome for concealed carry, plays a pivotal role in enhancing its shooting accuracy, particularly at longer ranges.
During extensive field tests, including stationary target shooting and dynamic competitive scenarios, the Glock 34 consistently exhibited improved accuracy, making it a favored choice among competitive shooters who prioritize precision over portability.
Winner
The Glock 17 excels in scenarios where size and ease of handling are paramount, such as everyday carry and quick response situations.
Conversely, for shooting disciplines that demand precision, especially at longer ranges, the Glock 34’s extended dimensions provide a tangible advantage.
2. Accuracy and Performance
Glock 17
The Glock 17 stands out as a reliable and consistent performer. Its 4.49-inch barrel, though shorter than the Glock 34’s, does not significantly compromise accuracy.
This makes it a versatile weapon, suitable for a range of scenarios, from rapid response in close quarters to controlled, precise shots at moderate distances. Its robustness and dependability have been proven in various environments, from the stringent demands of law enforcement operations to the needs of self-defense.
The Glock 17’s consistent performance, even under rapid fire, underscores its suitability for both duty and defensive roles.
Glock 34
In the realm of accuracy and performance, the Glock 34 stands a notch above. Its elongated barrel and enhanced sight radius play a crucial role in achieving superior accuracy, particularly noticeable in long-range shooting scenarios.
This precision is further bolstered by a marginally improved ballistic performance attributable to the longer barrel.
When tested in controlled environments, such as shooting ranges, the Glock 34 consistently delivered closer groupings and demonstrated a marked improvement in shot placement, underlining its status as the preferred choice for competitive shooting and precision-oriented tasks.
Winner
The Glock 34 emerges as the clear winner in this category, especially in settings where precision and long-range accuracy are critical.
3. Versatility and Application
Glock 17
The Glock 17 is a true all-rounder. Its balanced dimensions make it suitable for a variety of roles, from law enforcement and military applications to personal defense and recreational shooting.
Its more compact size compared to the Glock 34 affords it greater versatility, facilitating its use in diverse scenarios such as concealed carry, home defense, and tactical operations.
The Glock 17 adapts seamlessly to different shooting conditions, proving its utility across a broad range of applications.
Glock 34
While the Glock 34 excels in competitive shooting and specific tactical situations, its larger size limits its versatility in everyday scenarios. It might not be the first choice for concealed carry due to its extended dimensions.
However, for stationary home defense setups or range shooting where size is not a constraint, the Glock 34 offers excellent performance.
Its design caters to the needs of users who require precision and accuracy over portability and concealability.
Winner
In the domain of versatility and practical application, the Glock 17 stands out as the more adaptable and user-friendly option, catering to a wider audience with varied needs.
4. Ergonomics and Comfort
Glock 17
The Glock 17 feels just right in the hand. Its grip, balance, and weight distribution are designed for a wide range of shooters.
During my time at the range, I found it comfortable to hold and shoot for extended periods. Its dimensions make it a more natural fit for daily carry, especially if you’re on the move a lot.
Glock 34
The Glock 34, with its longer frame and slide, feels a bit different. It’s a bit front-heavy, which some shooters, including myself, find helps stabilize the gun during rapid fire.
However, for those with smaller hands or less grip strength, it might be a bit too much to handle comfortably over long shooting sessions.
Winner
The Glock 17 wins in terms of universal ergonomics and comfort. It’s just easier to handle for a broader range of shooters and situations.
5. Customization and Accessories
Glock 17
The market is flooded with aftermarket parts for the Glock 17: sights, triggers, barrels, you name it. During my test, I swapped out a few parts and found the process straightforward.
The availability of accessories means you can tailor the Glock 17 to your exact preferences.
Glock 34
The Glock 34, being a bit more niche, has slightly fewer options when it comes to customization.
That said, it’s still a Glock, so there’s no shortage of upgrades and modifications available. I’ve seen some heavily modded Glock 34s at competitions, proving that it’s a flexible platform for those who want to tinker.
Winner
The Glock 17 slightly edges out due to the sheer volume of available aftermarket parts and accessories. It’s just more versatile in terms of customization.
Pros & Cons of Glock 17 Vs Glock 34
Glock 17
Pros
- Compact and lighter, making it easier to carry and handle.
- Versatile for various uses, including law enforcement, self-defense, and concealed carry.
- Wide range of aftermarket parts and accessories available.
- More affordable compared to Glock 34.
- Ideal for shooters with smaller hands.
Cons
- Shorter sight radius compared to Glock 34 slightly less accurate at long distances.
- Standard trigger pull heavier than Glock 34.
- Not as specialized for competition shooting.
Glock 34
Pros
- Longer barrel and slide offer better accuracy and sight radius.
- Lighter trigger pull enhances shooting experience.
- Extended slide release for easy operation.
- Slightly better ballistic performance due to longer barrel.
- Ideal for competitive shooting and tactical use.
Cons
- Larger size can be cumbersome for daily carry or concealed use.
- Slightly more expensive than Glock 17.
- Not as versatile for various shooting applications.
Similarities between Glock 17 & Glock 34
- Both models use the same magazines (17-round standard, with higher capacity options available).
- Available in Generations 3, 4, and 5.
- Similar sight options: plastic, steel, or Glock night sights.
- Both feature a loaded chamber indicator.
- Striker-fired 9mm Luger pistols.
- Similar design aesthetics and build quality.
Differences between Glock 17 & Glock 34
- Glock 17 has a shorter barrel compared to Glock 34.
- Glock 34 has a longer slide and overall length.
- Glock 17 is lighter and more compact.
- Glock 34’s trigger pull is lighter (24 N) compared to Glock 17’s (28 N).
- Glock 34 comes with an adjustable rear sight, unlike Glock 17.
- Glock 34’s extended slide release slightly increases its width.
- Glock 17 is more suited for duty use and concealed carry, while Glock 34 is tailored for competitive shooting.
- Price difference, with Glock 34 generally being more expensive.
- Different ideal use cases due to size and handling characteristics.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing and comparison, it’s time to conclude this Glock 17 vs Glock 34 showdown. Both pistols are exceptional in their own right, each with unique strengths that cater to different shooting preferences and needs.
For me, the Glock 17 emerges as the winner in most comparisons. Its blend of compactness, versatility, and reliability makes it a top choice. It’s a firearm that suits a variety of situations, from everyday carry to tactical applications, without compromising on performance.
The Glock 34 is undoubtedly a superb firearm, especially for competitive shooting, but in terms of overall utility and adaptability, the Glock 17 takes the lead.
FAQ’s
Are Glock 17 and 34 frames the same?
Yes, Glock 17 and Glock 34 share the same frame. Therefore, you can feasibly interchange the barrel and slide assemblies between these models.
What is a Glock 34 good for?
The Glock 34 is highly regarded for its accuracy, making it an excellent choice for competitive shooting and SWAT team use.
Do Glock 17 parts fit Glock 34?
Yes, many parts, including the slide of a Glock 17, can fit onto a Glock 34 frame.
Does the FBI use Glock 17 or 19?
The FBI uses several Glock models, including the Glock 19 Gen 5 and Glock 17 Gen 5.
Is Glock 34 or Glock 17 more accurate?
The Glock 34 is generally more accurate than the Glock 17, primarily due to its longer sight radius, which aids in precise sight alignment, especially at longer distances.
