Hi, all. I'm looking to purchase a 9mm semi auto for range gun, and was wondering what the best gun would be for around 5-600 dollar price range. Initially I was thinking G34, but with a 25 dollar 3.5lb connector, wouldn't G17 be just as good? How about XD tactical? That seems like a great choice. Is there other guns that might beat G34? I heard sig P210 is great but that's way way out of the price range assuming that i can even find one... Is P226 or P228 more accurate than G34? Kinda hard to believe that claim since it's so much shorter...
G34 versus G17 versus XD 5 for range gun!
- Thread starter Aedrick
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possum
Member
welcme to thr. i would take the xd over the glocks. i aturally shoot them so much better than glocks. for me they point better, feel better, triggers are better, stock 3 dot sights are better than the u shaoe rear of the glock and etc.
if the xd feels good to you i think you should go that route, at least try one out.
if the xd feels good to you i think you should go that route, at least try one out.
CountGlockula
Member
Glocks all the way. Particularly, the G34. I have the G35 and with my Lone Wolf conversion 9mm barrel, it shoots like a G34.
The long slide give great sight distance for accuracy, especially with it's 5.32" barrel.
The receiver/frame of the G34 is the same as the G17 so you can swap. Go try them out!
The long slide give great sight distance for accuracy, especially with it's 5.32" barrel.
The receiver/frame of the G34 is the same as the G17 so you can swap. Go try them out!
Constantine-p89
Member
Glock all the way.
10-Ring
Member
The 34 is a great range / IDPA / HD gun...I'd go Glock!
For long range accuracy, I would opt for a single action gun. A Browning Hi-Power doesn't have the sight radius of some of the guns you mention, but it does have a more sensative trigger.
I had a similar want a while back and was lucky enough to find a 5" slide for a 3rd Generation S&W. I put it on a 5906 and it's a long range tack driver in single action mode.
I'm not sure what other guns have the long sight radius & single action trigger, but I would opt for both if I could find them.
I had a similar want a while back and was lucky enough to find a 5" slide for a 3rd Generation S&W. I put it on a 5906 and it's a long range tack driver in single action mode.
I'm not sure what other guns have the long sight radius & single action trigger, but I would opt for both if I could find them.
Black Majik
Member
Definitely the G34. The extra sight radius, 3.5# connector and overall shootability exceeds the G17 and XD in my opinion.
Can't beat the short trigger reset on a Glock also!
Can't beat the short trigger reset on a Glock also!
Harley Quinn
Member
I like Glocks myself but for a newbe I'd recommend the xd for its extra safe.
Both are very similar. I like the Glock for all the xtra good barrels and the abilty to shoot a 40 or a 9 or a 357 Sig in the same gun or a 21 that can shoot the 45 or 400 corbon.
Both are very similar. I like the Glock for all the xtra good barrels and the abilty to shoot a 40 or a 9 or a 357 Sig in the same gun or a 21 that can shoot the 45 or 400 corbon.
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I have the G35 with a BarSto 9mm conversion barrel, along with a 3.5 connector, polished contact surfaces and reduced power striker spring, it's as smooth a silk.
However, if your not locked into polymer pistols, take a look at the CZ85 Combat. Mine is a tack driver right out of the box.
However, if your not locked into polymer pistols, take a look at the CZ85 Combat. Mine is a tack driver right out of the box.
ARTJR338WM
Member
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2008
- Messages
- 27
I would vote XD as i own two. I bought the XD over the glock because #1-It fit and felt better in my hand, #2-Gun Tests mag has consistantly given the XD varients their highest ratings time after time often over the Glock. But in all fairnes to the Glock GT mag has always said full sized Glocks were quite good totally reliable, accurate guns.
But the best way is to deside is to hold them both the XD and glock, dry fire them and let your gut deside whats best for you. Side by side if the gun store your at will let you.
When it comes down to a choice between a Glock or a XD it is realy a matter of personal choice. Although I strongly feel the XD with its grip safety has a significant and note worthy safety advantage over the Glock and therefore my gun of choice.
I strongly feel that for the $$$ the XD is the best high capacity polymer framed semi-auto available and without a doubt the XD45 is the best poly framed OR OTHER WISE, high cap .45acp out there, again FOR THE MONEY.
But the best way is to deside is to hold them both the XD and glock, dry fire them and let your gut deside whats best for you. Side by side if the gun store your at will let you.
When it comes down to a choice between a Glock or a XD it is realy a matter of personal choice. Although I strongly feel the XD with its grip safety has a significant and note worthy safety advantage over the Glock and therefore my gun of choice.
I strongly feel that for the $$$ the XD is the best high capacity polymer framed semi-auto available and without a doubt the XD45 is the best poly framed OR OTHER WISE, high cap .45acp out there, again FOR THE MONEY.
weisse52
Member
Go to a range and try all three.....
I have the G17 for IDPA and GSSF. It is a great handgun. The 34 would be that and better.
I have shot the XD and it is a nice piece as well. If this is truly a range gun then any of them would be a great gun.
But, the choice is yours, do not let other people spend your money. IF at all possible give them a try before you buy. What works for me or others may not work for you.
I have the G17 for IDPA and GSSF. It is a great handgun. The 34 would be that and better.
I have shot the XD and it is a nice piece as well. If this is truly a range gun then any of them would be a great gun.
But, the choice is yours, do not let other people spend your money. IF at all possible give them a try before you buy. What works for me or others may not work for you.
Thanks all. I think the Impact gun store at SLC has a range, so I'm thinking I'll go down there and rent the XD and G34 and see which is better to my liking. Of course if there are any more suggestions on the choices or other gun options, keep them coming.
Matt Sutton
Member
- Joined
- Dec 24, 2002
- Messages
- 154
I say get the Glock 34. I know a guy who has a great deal on one.
nitesite
Member
This pretty well sums it up, not only for answering your thread but all the other threads like it where people are asked to make a comparison. In many instances, statements are made to "buy this one over the other one" even though the poster hasn't owned both. Even borrowing one, or renting one one time, is barely enough to make a comparison against one you own and shoot more often.
Now, with all that being said, I'll still go ahead and tell you what I recently decided. Notice I said "... what I recently decided." and am not saying what you should do.
Forty-eight hours ago I traded in my XD-45, which I've shot a lot (I reload quite a bit)...
for a LNIB G34 with 2007 Trijicon H3 night sights...
I confess that since I've never owned both at the same time, I am taking somewhat of a gamble on this. I carry a Glock 29 as a daily sidearm, so I'm not a stranger to Glocks by any means. I may wind up wanting another XD-45. But I know if I get one I'll get the Tactical 5" instead of the Service model.
Good luck with your decision. All I can say is that whatever your choice is, I assure you that your decision is not necessarily a permanent one.
"I'm nitesite, and I approved this message."
Breakdaddy
Member
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2007
- Messages
- 103
XD45 is my vote. I love mine and have had no problems at all from it. I tried to love the Glocks, but they dont fit my hand and have an odd grip angle for me. They are fine pistols though, and if they fit your hand then worth a look.
shooting4fun
Member
Howdy Aedrick, and et al.,
Merry New Year! Welcome to the forum. Let me also have a go at this thread with some additional considerations for you to ponder. First, all of the three are well built pistols, otherwise sales of them would not be so intense. Each of those would generically suit the broad category of a “range” gun. So far the only constraint is your price range. Given the current market climate you might be real close to your limit on picking up a new gun in that range. Your mileage may vary depending on where you are and what retail outlets you have available to you. There will be those who advocate the internet purchase method, just be sure to proceed with care and identify all costs affiliated with that approach.
I would also join in the chorus to advocate that you make an effort to try each of them out before purchasing. Ask about, see if friends have one that you can try or find one of your local shooting clubs < IDPA, USPSA, etc >. Also there are the range rentals where you can have a go at several platforms to give them a test drive.
While they all shoot well < shooter capability + quality of ammo + gun's capability = resulting accuracy > there are differences, it all depends on what level of significance you put on things, they all drive differently.
The G17 & G34 do share the same frame so when you grip either one the grip dimensions will be the same. How they feel both statically and when shooting are very different. The G34 can come with different connectors ( you can specify that when you order ). The issue of sights is also a consideration too. I believe the G34 only comes with adjustable sights where there are several order options with the G17 ( plastic, steel, night sights ). This is not a big deal as it is really easy to change sights as an after purchase option.
The 34 also comes with an extended slide release while the 17 only has a slide stop. Again you can obtain the factory part and install, or there are several after market designs available too.
The XDs are available as just the pistol or as a kit where you get several magazines, holster, and magazine holder too. It depends on what you want. Note: I've never seen one of the kits with a left handed holster, so if you are left handed you need to be aware of this.
The issue of barrel length is another one of those preference things. Some folks really like having that longer sight radius to get the pistol aligned on target. The additional barrel length also translates “sometimes” into some added velocity which may or may not be important depending on the distances that you are shooting ( if shooting under 100 meters you are really going to find it tough to tell ).
A SIG 210 would be really fun for a range gun but yes, the price is substantial. Also so are the cost of the magazines too!
Accuracy of the SIG P226? I can only convey my personal experience. I have a factory refurbished SIG 226 which shoots well. I can consistently print better groups with my P226 over my G17 using ammo from the same box of Winchester White box. However, they are not that much better at 25 yrds. We are talking a fraction of an inch difference at those distances. Again, since you've not established your range criteria only you can assess what you are looking for and what is important.
Ok, some quick background, I use my pistols for fun and serious stuff so they are not just for “range” purposes. So given that I've got some very different needs to address with my pistol platforms your mileage may vary. While I considered purchasing an XD, there were engineering, maintenance, and durability considerations that were just not what I wanted ( this is important as I've got my own criteria ). Depending on the number or volume of rounds you intend to shoot through each pattern you may care to adjust your purchase consideration.
Additionally, I choose to do my own maintenance and gunsmithing so I wanted pistols that would accommodate that. At a minimum I run about 2k annually through shooting matches and a few rounds more for just practicing. Each pistol platform gets a good share of that annual amount.
Just as shopping for all other things figure out just what you are looking to use it for and then look for features that will help you. Test driving is a good thing if you are not in a hurry. Realize that all pistols are machines and some folks take better care of them than others. Each design brings things to the party that could be fun. Again, each of them are well made pistols so even if you don't do a lot of analysis you are still going to be in good shape. I've not seen the generally approved recommendation of “ buy them all! “ issued so let me have a go at that! Good luck in your shopping and acquisition. We'll be looking forward to that range report soon!
Cheers!
Merry New Year! Welcome to the forum. Let me also have a go at this thread with some additional considerations for you to ponder. First, all of the three are well built pistols, otherwise sales of them would not be so intense. Each of those would generically suit the broad category of a “range” gun. So far the only constraint is your price range. Given the current market climate you might be real close to your limit on picking up a new gun in that range. Your mileage may vary depending on where you are and what retail outlets you have available to you. There will be those who advocate the internet purchase method, just be sure to proceed with care and identify all costs affiliated with that approach.
I would also join in the chorus to advocate that you make an effort to try each of them out before purchasing. Ask about, see if friends have one that you can try or find one of your local shooting clubs < IDPA, USPSA, etc >. Also there are the range rentals where you can have a go at several platforms to give them a test drive.
While they all shoot well < shooter capability + quality of ammo + gun's capability = resulting accuracy > there are differences, it all depends on what level of significance you put on things, they all drive differently.
The G17 & G34 do share the same frame so when you grip either one the grip dimensions will be the same. How they feel both statically and when shooting are very different. The G34 can come with different connectors ( you can specify that when you order ). The issue of sights is also a consideration too. I believe the G34 only comes with adjustable sights where there are several order options with the G17 ( plastic, steel, night sights ). This is not a big deal as it is really easy to change sights as an after purchase option.
The 34 also comes with an extended slide release while the 17 only has a slide stop. Again you can obtain the factory part and install, or there are several after market designs available too.
The XDs are available as just the pistol or as a kit where you get several magazines, holster, and magazine holder too. It depends on what you want. Note: I've never seen one of the kits with a left handed holster, so if you are left handed you need to be aware of this.
The issue of barrel length is another one of those preference things. Some folks really like having that longer sight radius to get the pistol aligned on target. The additional barrel length also translates “sometimes” into some added velocity which may or may not be important depending on the distances that you are shooting ( if shooting under 100 meters you are really going to find it tough to tell ).
A SIG 210 would be really fun for a range gun but yes, the price is substantial. Also so are the cost of the magazines too!
Accuracy of the SIG P226? I can only convey my personal experience. I have a factory refurbished SIG 226 which shoots well. I can consistently print better groups with my P226 over my G17 using ammo from the same box of Winchester White box. However, they are not that much better at 25 yrds. We are talking a fraction of an inch difference at those distances. Again, since you've not established your range criteria only you can assess what you are looking for and what is important.
Ok, some quick background, I use my pistols for fun and serious stuff so they are not just for “range” purposes. So given that I've got some very different needs to address with my pistol platforms your mileage may vary. While I considered purchasing an XD, there were engineering, maintenance, and durability considerations that were just not what I wanted ( this is important as I've got my own criteria ). Depending on the number or volume of rounds you intend to shoot through each pattern you may care to adjust your purchase consideration.
Additionally, I choose to do my own maintenance and gunsmithing so I wanted pistols that would accommodate that. At a minimum I run about 2k annually through shooting matches and a few rounds more for just practicing. Each pistol platform gets a good share of that annual amount.
Just as shopping for all other things figure out just what you are looking to use it for and then look for features that will help you. Test driving is a good thing if you are not in a hurry. Realize that all pistols are machines and some folks take better care of them than others. Each design brings things to the party that could be fun. Again, each of them are well made pistols so even if you don't do a lot of analysis you are still going to be in good shape. I've not seen the generally approved recommendation of “ buy them all! “ issued so let me have a go at that! Good luck in your shopping and acquisition. We'll be looking forward to that range report soon!
Cheers!
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