I’m a professional shooter, and I’ve spent quality time with the Glock 34 Vs Glock 21.
Both are fantastic guns but a bit different, yet both have their charm. So, I took them both out to the field to see what they were made of. Let’s dive in and see how they stack up against each other.
| Feature | Glock 34 | Glock 21 |
| Caliber | 9x19mm | .45 Auto |
| Magazine Capacity | Standard 17 (Options up to 33) | Standard 13 (Option: 10) |
| Barrel Length | 5.31 inches | 4.61 inches |
| Weight (Empty Mag.) | 25.93 oz | 29.28 oz |
| Trigger Pull | 24 N | 28 N |
| Overall Length | 8.82 inches | 8.07 inches |
Overview of Glock 34
The Glock 34 is a sleek beast, a true marksman’s choice. It’s built for precision and has a rep for being a top pick in competitions.
Specs
- Caliber: 9x19mm
- Magazine Capacity: Standard 17 rounds (Options: 19, 24, 31, 33, 10)
- Barrel Length: 5.31 inches
- Weight With Empty Magazine: 25.93 oz
- Trigger Pull: 24 N (approx. 5.39 pounds)
- Overall Length: 8.82 inches
- Slide Length: 8.15 inches
- Overall Width: 1.30 inches
- Slide Width: 1.0 inch
- Height (Including Magazine): 5.47 inches
Overview of Glock 21
The Glock 21 is like the sturdy workhorse of handguns. It’s known for its power, reliability, and being a go-to for self-defense.
Specs
- Caliber: .45 Auto
- Magazine Capacity: Standard 13 (Option: 10)
- Barrel Length: 4.61 inches
- Weight With Empty Magazine: 29.28 oz
- Trigger Pull: 28 N (approx. 6.29 pounds)
- Overall Length: 8.07 inches
- Slide Length: 7.60 inches
- Overall Width: 1.34 inches
- Slide Width: 1.12 inches
- Height (Including Magazine): 5.51 inches
Features Comparison: Glock 34 vs Glock 21
1. Accuracy and Handling
Glock 34
The Glock 34 is a sharpshooter’s dream. Its longer barrel and lighter trigger make for an exceptionally stable shooting experience out in the field.
Aiming feels almost effortless, and the recoil? Barely there. The gun almost steadies itself, making each shot accurate and consistent.
Glock 21
The Glock 21, with its heavier .45 Auto rounds, packs more of a punch. This means slightly more recoil compared to the Glock 34. Despite this, its accuracy is impressive, especially for a defensive pistol.
The Modular Back Strap system is a game changer, allowing for a comfortable grip regardless of hand size, which aids in handling and accuracy.
Winner
When it comes to precision and ease of handling, the Glock 34 takes the lead. Its design is more tailored for target shooting, resulting in smoother handling and better accuracy, especially at longer ranges.
Compared to the Glock 21, the Glock 34’s lighter trigger and longer barrel give it a noticeable edge in this department.
2. Ergonomics and User-Friendliness
Glock 34
The Glock 34 is designed with user comfort in mind. The larger magazine release button and adjustable sights are a blessing, making it incredibly user-friendly, especially for competitive shooting.
Its ergonomic design makes long shooting sessions less tiring and more enjoyable.
Glock 21
The Glock 21 stands out with its Modular Back Strap system, which is fantastic for tailoring the grip to individual preferences. The reversible magazine catch is a thoughtful addition, catering to both left and right-handed shooters. These features make the Glock 21 exceptionally accommodating.
Winner
This one’s a tough call, but the Glock 21 narrowly clinches it. The ability to customize the grip size and the ambidextrous magazine release provides an edge in ergonomics and user-friendliness.
Compared to the Glock 34, the Glock 21 is slightly more adaptable to a wider range of shooters, making it a bit more user-friendly overall.
3. Recoil Management
Glock 34
The Glock 34 is a charm when it comes to recoil. Its 9x19mm rounds, combined with the gun’s design, result in minimal kickback.
This makes rapid firing a breeze, as the gun stays pretty steady in your hand. During testing, I noticed how much easier it was to maintain accuracy, even during quick succession shots.
Glock 21
With the Glock 21, you’re dealing with the more powerful .45 Auto rounds, so naturally, there’s a bit more recoil. However, it’s not as much as you’d expect for such a heavy-hitter.
The gun’s design does a good job of absorbing some of that kick. In the field, this meant a bit more effort to steady between shots, but nothing too cumbersome.
Winner
The Glock 34 takes the lead in this category. Its lower recoil, compared to the Glock 21, makes it easier to handle, especially for rapid fire or when precision is crucial.
The reduced kick helps in maintaining better control and accuracy, making it the preferred choice for those who value a steadier shooting experience.
4. Trigger Response and Feel
Glock 34
The trigger on the Glock 34 is quite the performer. It’s light, with a pull of 24 N, allowing for quick and responsive shots.
This was especially noticeable in the field when timing and speed were critical. The trigger’s responsiveness enhances the overall shooting experience, making it ideal for competitive shooting.
Glock 21
The Glock 21 has a heavier trigger pull at 28 N. It gives a bit more resistance, which can be a plus for controlled, deliberate shots, particularly in defensive scenarios. While it’s not as quick as the Glock 34’s trigger, it provides a consistent and reliable response.
Winner
Here, the Glock 34 edges out ahead, especially if you’re looking for speed and responsiveness. Compared to the Glock 21, its lighter trigger pull allows for quicker, more fluid shooting. The Glock 21, while sturdy and reliable, doesn’t quite match up in terms of speed and ease of use in this aspect.
Pros & Cons of Glock 34
Pros
- Superior accuracy due to longer barrel.
- Lighter trigger pull (24 N) enhances shooting speed.
- Higher magazine capacity options (up to 33 rounds).
- Minimal recoil makes for steady shooting.
- Ideal for competitive and target shooting.
Cons
- Larger size might not be ideal for concealed carry compared to Glock 21
Pros & Cons of Glock 21
Pros
- Delivers powerful .45 Auto rounds.
- Modular Back Strap system for customizable grip.
- Reversible magazine catch suits both left and right-handed users.
- Reliable and robust for defensive scenarios.
- Surprisingly light recoil for its caliber.
Cons
- Heavier trigger pull (28 N) than Glock 34.
Similarities Between Glock 34 & Glock 21
- Both are part of the Glock family, ensuring reliability and durability.
- Each model features the Safe Action® system.
- Similar overall ergonomic design.
- Both have options for magazine capacity customization.
- Designed to cater to professional use scenarios.
Differences Between Glock 34 & Glock 21
- Glock 34 is 9x19mm caliber, while Glock 21 is .45 Auto.
- Glock 34 has a lighter trigger pull compared to Glock 21.
- Glock 34 is more suited for competitive shooting; Glock 21 for defense.
- Glock 34 has a longer barrel (5.31 inches) than Glock 21 (4.61 inches).
- Glock 21 has the Modular Back Strap system, absent in Glock 34.
- Glock 34 offers higher magazine capacity options.
- Glock 21 is heavier, especially with a loaded magazine.
- Glock 21’s design includes a reversible magazine catch.
- The overall length and height differ slightly, with Glock 34 being longer.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing and comparison of the Glock 34 and Glock 21, it’s time to wrap things up. Both these guns are exceptional, each excelling in their respective domains.
In the end, my personal choice leans towards the Glock 34. Its versatility, coupled with its superior accuracy and lighter handling, makes it an all-rounder that’s hard to beat.
Whether you’re on the range or in a competition, it’s a gun that won’t let you down. But remember, the best gun is the one that suits your needs and preferences.
FAQ’s
Is the Glock 21 powerful?
Yes, the Glock 21 is powerful, delivering the .45 Auto round with high accuracy and light recoil. Its Modular Back Strap system allows customization to fit any hand size.
What is the Glock 34 used for?
The Glock 34 is primarily used in competitive shooting, being highly accurate for IPSC and other shooting sports. It’s also utilized by many SWAT teams for its precision.
Why is Glock 21 so popular?
The Glock 21 is popular for its blend of Glock’s legendary reliability, suitability for optics, and capacity to handle the .45 ACP round effectively, making it an excellent choice for those preferring a powerful handgun.
Why Glock 34 is the best?
The Glock 34 is highly regarded for its longer barrel and increased accuracy over longer distances, along with a slightly higher magazine capacity and a grip shape that many shooters find comfortable.
