1,000 Round Snapshot: Glock gen4 Model 34 (now: 3,469)

[ST911]

Make: Glock
Model: gen4 G34
Serial#: YMZ###, test fired 02/05/2015
On the web: https://us.glock.com/products/model/g34gen4

Dates: 07/25/2015 - 08/19/2015

Modifications: Ameriglo I-Dot Pro sights. Removed OEM extended slide stop lever and installed standard lever.

Other: #3600-1 trigger with trigger bar, #30274 ejector, dot (.) connector, no MBS marking on frame.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/g34YMZ/IMG_0910.jpg

Ammunition Used:

493rds BHA 115 FMJ
50rds BHA 115 TAC XP
10rds BHA 124 JHP-XTP
50rds BHA 124 JHP-XTP +P
40rds BHA 147 JHP-XTP

115rds Speer Lawman 115 TMJ
100rds Speer Lawman 124 TMJ
50rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ

211rds Federal AE 147 FMJ-FP
50rds Federal 147 HST

50rds Magtech 115 FMJ

Total: 1,219

After unboxing the gun was wiped out and lubricated with Machine Gunners Lube (MGL), and shot the ammo above without additional cleaning or maintenance. There were no malfunctions. Magazines used were exclusively four Magpul PMAG 17 GL9s.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/g34YMZ/IMG_0917.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/g34YMZ/IMG_0912.jpg

I-Dot Pros were installed and shot for zero. Two 25yd groups of ten rounds with duty ammo measured 4.41” and 4.84” standing unsupported (pictured). Various 25yd five round groups with other loads shot ~3” standing unsupported. The sights now have a mostly imperceptible bump to the right and are on target for windage. Hits out to 100yds were easy centered on target with good trigger control.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/g34YMZ/BHA%20TAC%20XP%20groups%20G34%2020150726%20%201.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/g34YMZ/BHA%20TAC%20XP%20groups%20G34%2020150726%202.jpg

Ejection was strong with the loads listed with the exception of the Federal American Eagle 147gr FMJ. That load is a particularly soft shooter and ejection was likewise nearer to the shooter and more variable in direction.

Duty and CCW holsters were ordered, with the latter arriving first. EGA Custom (www.egacustom.com) did this rig for me. I particularly like the extra clearance at the trigger guard, which is greater in the hand than perceivable in the photo.

http://www.egacustom.com/index.php/holsters/sword-holster.html
http://www.egacustom.com/index.php/pouches/single-pouch.html

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/g34YMZ/IMG_0915.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/g34YMZ/IMG_0916.jpg

I shot a stack of drills including the FAM TPC (pass), Rangemaster handgun core skills test (125-140), FASTs (low to mid 5 sec), LAV’s 666 drill (mid 4s). In most drills, I found that I pretty consistently gained anywhere between .25-.50 second over my G17 and G19 with equivalent sights and carry configurations. In par time exercises (qual courses, etc) time was little different but group sizes on target were smaller than G17 and G19. Already carrying a G17, I found virtually no difference in portability with the G34.

1,219 rounds without PM isn’t a big feat for a service grade gun with decent ammunition. A gun that wouldn’t have made it to 1k rounds without issue would be unsatisfactory for my purposes. Still, this offers a snapshot of what this gun does for me particularly, and reasonable expectations of an additional quantity of this model.

I don’t plan continuing updates to this thread, but will add any noteworthy thoughts or experiences as pertinent.

[Rekkr870]

Cool and informative update, I'm thinking about picking up a 34 myself. How do you like the GL9 magazines? Also, how does the Glock 34 carry compared to the 17? I'm speaking only about CCW carry.

[ST911]

How do you like the GL9 magazines?

I like them very much. 100% functional. The mags used in this thread have a lot more rounds on each then discussed here. Not just another aftermarket doo-dad, these actually bring something to the table. The worst I can say is that they're a little annoying to use when you need specific load outs (think match stages).


Also, how does the Glock 34 carry compared to the 17? I'm speaking only about CCW carry.

Slightly longer OWB, so watch your cover garment fit.

[samuse]

Good to see that it's working well. Kudos to ya for keeping such a good log. I always have intentions to, but wind up keeping a rough estimate of how many cases I shoot.

I have a Gen4 19 that was made in January of '15 and it's been excellent through about 3K so far. A good half of that was shot with an X300U attached. Been wiped out a couple of times and lubed with Slip 2000.

Hopefully they have these things working like they should.....

[Kevin P]

I have been wanting to pick up a gen4 17 but have always considered getting a gen 4 34 instead.

[click boom]

I have been wanting to pick up a gen4 17 but have always considered getting a gen 4 34 instead.

I have both, recommend it!

[1911-A1]

I love my G34. I shoot it much better than all my other Glocks. I wish I could carry it AIWB, but it's just too long.

[ST911]

UPDATE

Now at 2,139 rounds. No malfunctions through the loads listed below, in both OEM and pmags. The G34 continues to CCW as easily as a G17. On my Safariland 6390 duty holster, I went back to a mid-ride belt shank from my preferred low ride for comfort while sitting. A little holster wear is apparent from the ALS.

Ammunition Used:

783rds BHA 115 FMJ
50rds BHA 115 TAC XP
10rds BHA 124 JHP-XTP
50rds BHA 124 JHP-XTP +P
40rds BHA 147 JHP-XTP

115rds Speer Lawman 115 TMJ
250rds Speer Lawman 124 TMJ
50rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ

50rds Federal 100gr RHT
441rds Federal AE 147 FMJ-FP
50rds Federal 147 HST
150rds Federal 147 JHP 9MS

50rds Magtech 115 FMJ

50rds Rem UMC 115 FMJ

[brickboy240]

...and no brass to face.

Great!

That was a very informative report....thanks!

[Eurodriver]

Thanks for this thread. Especially WRT holsters. I'll be picking one up.

[ShooterM4]

My G34 is my favorite Glock. I molded the trigger guard a bit to fit my fat monster fingers and it shoots like a dream. I can put grapefruit sized groups into targets as fast as I can pull the trigger. Love it.

[ST911]

UPDATE

Now at 3,469 rounds without malfunction.

Ammunition Used:

1312rds BHA 115 FMJ
50rds BHA 115 TAC XP
53rds BHA 124 JHP-XTP
50rds BHA 124 JHP-XTP +P
40rds BHA 147 JHP-XTP

115rds Speer Lawman 115 TMJ
386rds Speer Lawman 124 TMJ
100rds Speer Lawman 147 TMJ

50rds Federal 100gr RHT
213rds Federal AE 115 FMJ (Aluminum)
800rds Federal AE 147 FMJ-FP
50rds Federal 147 HST
150rds Federal 147 JHP 9MS

50rds Magtech 115 FMJ

50rds Rem UMC 115 FMJ

[yoni]

Glock 34 is my favorite Glock pistol for sure. I love the way it balances in my hand and also the way the front of the slide looks compared to a Glock 17.

[sidewaysil80]

Great job on the documentation! I absolutely love my Glock 34, its a dedicated IDPA SSP and USPSA Production gun so I haven't really "torture tested" it nor rely on it for personal defense. BUT, I couldn't be happier with how soft it shoots and reliable its been.

[jerrysimons]

That's for this thread. Excellent report. I have had my eye on a G34 forever. Looking at the MOS G34 from the factory, how does it make sense that the slide requires the lightening cut for reciprocating mass and reliability with 9mm loads but that the gun is able to accept say a 1oz trijicon RMR mounted to the slide?

[Hwikek]

The Glock 34 is definitely a nice pistol. It's easily my favorite Glock to shoot just wish I owned one.

[DirectTo]

Looking at the MOS G34 from the factory, how does it make sense that the slide requires the lightening cut for reciprocating mass and reliability with 9mm loads but that the gun is able to accept say a 1oz trijicon RMR mounted to the slide?
The cut in the stock G34 slide reduces slide weight to equal the G17 in order to use the same recoil spring, etc. An RMR installation would remove metal for the mounting location which would somewhat offset the additional weight.