[never_summer]

ive been looking at getting a glock 9mm just to play around with and shoot at the range, and then eventually shoot idpa with it. Who here has a glock 17 and 34, and which would you recommend? Any profound differences in recoil or accuraccy between the two?

[real_name]

I have a G34, which means I have no use for a G17, the reverse however isn't true.

Recoil is not a factor IMO. The decider will likely be cost of the actual gun. You can sometimes get nice deals by buying a G34 that someone has competed with, extra barrel, extra mags, aftermarket sights. These are all things you will buy anyway once you get the gun. There is usually no problem buying a used Glock, they run and run.

[10-Ring]

Welcome to THR! ;)
Between the two guns, I'd go w/ the 34 unless I could find a 17L :D

[never_summer]

whats the main difference between the 17L and 34?
thanks for the welcome

[conan]

Any profound differences in recoil or accuraccy between the two?

None whatsoever! Go by feel between the 2. The 34 comes with the 3.5 pound connector, the 17 the 5 pound. You can easily change it to the 3.5#er however. I like the 19, 26, 17 & the 34, in that order. Hopefully I will aquire a 17Longslide one day.

[real_name]

The G17L barrel is 1/2 inch longer than the G34, I believe the trigger is the same.

[conan]

The 34's barrel is about 3/4 inch longer and has a cut out section on the slide to lighten it. It has the lighter trigger pull as well, although it is no trouble to make the 17 the same pull.

[Waywatcher]

17L is not legal for IPSC, and probably not legal for IDPA although I dont have the rulebook handy.

I use a Glock 19 in IPSC/IDPA competition. Last time I did the IDPA qualifier I used Gold Dot 124 +P and came in just a couple seconds (3, I think) short of Expert. Get a comfortable gun first, dont worry about minute differences in slide and barrel lengths, and perceived 'bonuses' for competition.

[Wedge]

I have a 17 and it is a great gun. Quite accurate, fun to shoot, cheap to shoot. It is a good size and I plan to CCW it as well. I thought it was great stock and have not and will not change anything about it.

The 17 is a great range gun. I am still working on my own shooting but keeping 50 shots in a 5" circle at 15 yards only represents my limitations, not the gun's.

Recoil is extremely managable.

[Jam]

I have a glock 19 and love it shoots great and anything you feed it also in NY were i am no such thing as ccw so all i do is go to the range

good luck and have fun