Glock 34 Vs 17. Which of the Big Glocks is Better? [2023]
Glock 17 vs 34. Battle Of The Big Glocks
If you want a big 9mm Glock, should you get the Glock 34 vs Glock 17? Both are excellent pistols, without doubt, but does the extra 0.8 inches of barrel make enough of a difference?
It depends a whole lot on what you're going to use it for.
When making a decision between the Glock 34 and other models such as the Glock 17 or Glock 19, it's imperative to contemplate their distinct applications. A firearm, like any other instrument, has specific optimal uses. In this context, the Glock 34 excels in certain uses but may not in others. Always factor in your intended use.
Glock 34
The Glock 34 is intended to be the target/competition variant of the full-size Glock 9mm, sharing the frame with the 17 but having a longer barrel, slide and sight radius. Barrel length is increased to 5.31 inches, which also increases sight radius to about 7.5 inches, and overall length to 8.82 inches. Weight increases to 23.1 ounces, but all other specifications remain the same as the Glock 17.
The trigger is slightly lighter than the stock 17, at just under 5 lbs. Standard ammunition capacity is 17 rounds, though it will run extended magazines up to 33 rounds, if so desired.
Both the Glock 34 and Glock 17 are available in Gen 3 or Gen 5 configuration. While both were offered as Gen 4 guns, the Gen 4 Glocks are only sold to law enforcement. Gen 5 guns add Glock's modular backstraps, revised internals along with frames, slides and barrels, as well as MOS models that are milled for optics. The Glock 17 MOS, however, has been replaced with the Glock 47.
While the Glock 34 was intended as a competition pistol (which it excelled at; Dave Sevigny and Bob Vogel have won national championships with one) it also found a certain niche in law enforcement, along with the Glock 35 in .40 S&W. The extra barrel helps tame muzzle rise a little bit, but another reason some shooters prefer them over a 17 has to do with sight alignment. Some people find they have to fight the front sight a little
The Glock 17 is one of the all-time great handguns. They are accurate enough for government work. Very, very few are ever lemons...though even Glocks have been recalled, so don't drink too much of the Kool-Aid...so you can definitely count on one to work. Aftermarket support is incredible, and a lot of cops and civilian carriers trust their lives to one.
The standard barrel length is 4.47 inches, which brings dimensions to overall length of 8.03 inches, standing 5.47 inches tall and 1.26 inches wide for the standard model. You can also order the 17 Gen4 with or without the MOS package and get modular backstraps. The Gen5 - with the Glock Marksman Barrel and wider slide - can also be had, of course.
Compared to the Glock 34, the 17 has the same ammunition capacity as the full-sized Glock 9mm pistols all share the same magazine. All parts save the barrel and slide are the same as well. The base model's weight is 22.05 ounces unloaded, so the Glock 17 is relatively light for a full-size handgun.
Since the Glock 17 is so much more common, you can expect to part with a little less at the gunshop. Glock doesn't advertise MSRP, but you can expect to get into a 17 for about $500 in many cases; a Glock 34 will probably run closer to $600.
Glock 34 (Gen 3/Gen4) Glock 17 (Gen3/Gen4) Capacity 17+1 17+1 Barrel Length 5.31 inches 4.49 inches Dimensions (LxHxW in inches) 8.82x5.47x1.30 7.95x5.47x1.26 Sight Radius (est.) 7.5 inches 6.45 inches Unloaded Weight 23.1 oz 22.05 oz Estimated Price $550 - $650 $450 - $550 While keeping in mind a few important factors, consider the following. Glock won't tell you what a Glock 34 costs. They don't publish MSRP, but set a Minimum Advertised Price for dealers. This restricts dealers and retailers from advertising the Glock 34 below a specific price point. Therefore, Glock 34 and 17 prices will vary. But we digress. Second, don't get too hung up on the figure of the sight radius measurement for a Glock 34 vs. 17. For one, people measure it differently (rear of the rear sight to rear of the front, front of the rear sight to rear of the front, etc.) and for two, it only matters as a reference (the Glock 34's is longer) and if you use iron sights. Red dot shooters don't need to worry! Sight radius also varies depending on what sights you're measuring. You can buy Glock 9mm pistols with standard Glock polymer sights, Glock steel sights, or even some distributor specials with aftermarket sights such as TruGlo sets and so on and those will all be different. So, while there's the estimate that appears on Glock's website, your mileage shall vary, just like the sticker price. Ultimately, the on-paper battle of Glock 34 vs Glock 17 comes down to what your intended purpose for the gun is. Both are great pistols, no doubt about it. If you want a big Glock 9mm, these are two of the models to have if you aren't after one of the Baby Glocks. However, there are a few things that one is better at than the other. What are the key differences between the Glock 17 and Glock 34? To start with, the Glock 17 is smaller and lighter than the Glock 34. The Glock 34 also has a longer barrel, making it more accurate over longer distances. Additionally, the Glock 34 has a slightly higher magazine capacity than the Glock 17. Finally, the Glock 34 has a slightly different grip shape, which some shooters find more comfortable. The Glock 34 is one of the best guns for when you don't give a darn about concealment. It's one of the best competition platforms out there, full stop. It's one of the best home defense pistols you could have. A number of SWAT teams issue them to their officers, so it is a good fighting pistol. A few outliers carry them on the daily...but most people won't. However, the Glock 17 is the better all-arounder. A lot of people compete with them too, and you can trick it out just as much and add anything your heart desires. Though it is a service pistol through and through, it's just slim enough and just light enough to be decent for concealed carry IF you want to CCW a full-size pistol. Some people, after all, won't conceal or carry anything smaller. Then again, the Glock 19 or Glock 26 are much better for that. Ergonomically, there's not much difference though the 17 has an ever so slightly narrower frame (1.26 inches vs 1.3 inches) which on paper is basically negligible but might make a difference when you handle it. You'll have to figure that out for yourself. Ultimately, it's up to you. Handle both, shoot both if possible. You'll probably find one you like better, but very few people will find either hard to be very accurate with. You should get the one you like the most and are best with, but you'll probably know which is better suited to the application you have in mind. While you're here, we've got the best holsters on the planet for both Glock models and many more. Check Out Our Glock 17 Holsters! About The Author
Glock 34 Vs Glock 17: What Will You Use It For?
Glock 17 vs 34 - Primary Differences That Matter
