Glock 17 vs 34

[ChiBears]

From users of both, is the 34 a more accurate gun?
Are there any noticable differences between the two besides the longer barrel/slide?...like the trigger better in one than the other?
Also...is an aftermarket barrel needed to receive good groups? Good enough groups for me are about 2" or under at around 20-25 yards.
Thanks for the info...
Sam

 

[AcenJay]

The 34 is meant to be more accurate and has a longer sight radius. The trigger is also lighter because of the 3.5 lb. connector. So yeah, it should be more accurate than the 17.

 

[Shipwreck]

Yes, as said above - longer sight radius and stock lighter trigger. Also, it comes with a longer mag release and bigger slide release. The G34 is my fav Glock

 

[Rob1035]

I have a G34, and love it. Its roughly the size of a 1911, shoots soft, more accurate than I am, great for IDPA

I sort of wish I had a G17 though, might be easier to carry...

 

[bofe954]

If you are not going to carry it, I would say get the 34.

IMO opinion better at the range, better for gun games (IPSC etc), less common so it would be easier to sell for more money if you don't keep it.

The only advantage to the 17 in my mind would be finding a nice used one for $350-$400 which won't happen with a 34 but could happen with 17.

Some people claim that the 17 is better for target transitioning, but I regret not buying a 34.

The 35 is one of the most common competition pistols around, the 22 is not even close, so it seems like a majority of folks prefer the long slide for games.

 

[HighVelocity]

it seems like a majority of folks prefer the long slide for games.

I agree with that statement. But, depending on the game, I may use my 17 instead of my 34. At matches where the max distance is 15 yards or less, my 17 really outshines the 34. Get some 35 yard shots in there and the 34 gets the nod. For me, the 17 feels more balanced than the 34 but each has it's place imho.

If we're talking about IDPA, the 17 will fit in the sizer box with a Glockmeister magwell on it, the 34 will not.

 

[BamBam-31]

Both are plenty accurate. No aftermarket barrel needed. I ditched my 34 cuz it pointed and recoiled a bit differently. Just enough that I didn't like it. My 17 is just peachy.

Lose the OEM sights (Heinie sights and Warren Tacticals are nice), install a triggerkit.com trigger in it, maybe an extended mag release, and you're ready to rock and roll.

 

[Onmilo]

"if you are not going to carry it, I would say get the Glock 34." ***????
The Model 34 is the exact same overall size as a standard 1911.
I don't ever hear anybody not recommending carrying a full size 1911.

There are several good quality holsters that make packing a Model 34 on a day to day basis a distinct probability.

Oh yeah, even fully loaded with 18 rounds of 124 grain ammunition the Model 34 is still lighter than a steel frame 1911 loaded with 8 230 grain cartridges.

A Model 17 is about the same overall size as a Combat Commander so there is a decent size comparison.
Again a Model 17 fully loaded is still lighter than a fully loaded steel frame Combat Commander but not as light as an aluminum frame Commander.

The biggest difference between a 34 and a 17 in my opinion is that a weapon mounted light is better carried and protected by the longer Model 34.
The light won't protrude past the muzzle and this protects the lens and bulb from muzzle flash and blast and prevents powder residue from accumulating on the lens.

 

[robctwo]

I have both. Agree 34 is better for everything but carry.

 

[jlh26oo]

I went with the 34

No, the 34 is no more ("mechanically") accurate than a 17. However, the extra sight radius can help you shoot it more accurately, especially at longer distances. Then again, shooting quickly at 10-12 yards and under, some (me) actually do better with a shorter sight radius. Seems like I can line up the sight picture much more quickly when the sights are a little closer together.

However, if you like the extended controls, the 3.5# connector, and it's not for carry (although yes, it CAN be carried), you'll love the 34. Funny thing is what I like about the 34 over the 17 the most is that it has the "new" contoured slide like the subcompacts and GAP GLOCKS. IMO for what you get over the 17, the price is kind of high though: a) the controls and nicer trigger can be added to a 17 for cheap, so you're paying alot for extra sight radius; and b) in no other "step" from model to model (in the same caliber) do you pay more for longer SR (ie price for 26 = 19 = 17, and there is a bigger difference in 26 to 17 SR than there is from 17 to 34)... anyways, for the money I think you'd ultimately be just as happy w/a 17.

As for accuracy, I think you'd find as much difference in say individual 17's to 17's or 34's to 34's as you would a difference from 17 to 34's across the board, if from a rest (inherent mechanical accuracy) imo, ymmv.

 

[PzGren]

I have two G17s and one G34. The G17 have been fitted also with 3.5 connectors and I find no practical difference between them.
As just posted, one of my G17s is more accurate than the other, go figure.

To get two inch groups at 25 yards you are stretching the average Glock to its limit - or past it.

 

[Bix]

I have a 34 and a 19 and I actually shoot the 19 a bit better - - which, I suspect, is due to the unusually crisp trigger on that particular pistol. I agree with the above posts - inherrent accuracy will be a toss up between a 34 and a 17, though it might be a bit easier to shoot a 34 well.

I also agree that ~2" at 25 yards is asking a lot of the platform. Can a Glock do it? Of course - but that's not really where it shines, and many shooters will have a hard time getting there. If I wanted a bullseye gun, I'd look at a different platform.