Difference between G34 and G17

[Evan_O]

I asked this on another forum but thought I would get your opinions on M4Carbine.
It appears that those using the Glock 9mm full size either have a strong preference for the G34 or the G17. What are your thoughts on these two models? My way of thinking is with a light attached your still going to have to clear the light when clearing leather so why not have a slightly longer slide? I’m thinking of on duty use not as a ccw. So for those of you that have or have experienced both what are your thoughts.

[Robb Jensen]

I've shot both very extensively and I can shoot each as accurately as the other. The longer sight radius of the the G34 (to me) doesn't really allow me to shoot more accurately. Everyone is different so what I experience is totally different than other people. I prefer using a G17.

The G17 and G34 use the same recoil spring (actually the G17/G17L/G22/G24/G31/G34 and G35 all use the same recoil spring). The G34 slide is .9oz heavier than that of the G17. I find that these two things make the G34 run a little slower since it's out of battery for a longer period of time. The bad thing I find is that the G34 muzzle flips a little bit more (heavier slide = more rearward momentum, thus more flip) Some people can't tell the difference. On a competition gun this can be fixed by going to a lighter rate recoil spring (15lbs) and a heavier than plastic (stainless or tungsten) guide rod which is what I did when I used a G34 for USPSA Production division. (don't do this on a defensive gun, tungsten is brittle and a lighter spring makes the gun less inherently reliable)

A pistol mounted light would accomplish the same thing as it would add forward non-reciprocating weight to the frames dustcover and allow for less frame flex and thus a higher cyclic rate making it cycle faster and flatter with less muzzle flip.

Because I grip very high on the gun I typically have the problem of the striker on a G34/35 rub across the web of my hand (sometimes it cuts), I don't get this from a G17/G22/G31 nor on larger wider frames like on the G20 and G21 (even less of a chance on a G21SF because your hand is slightly more forward on the gun). I know many people get the striker track from the smaller Glocks like the G19/23/32.

[Sam]

The longer sight radius of the the G34 (to me) doesn't really allow me to shoot more accurately. Everyone is different so what I experience is totally different than other people. I prefer using a G17.

The bad thing I find is that the G34 muzzle flips a little bit more (heavier slide = more rearward momentum, thus more flip) Some people can't tell the difference.


So I'm not the only one with this experience. My answer is very similar to yours in a similar thread on the 10-8 forum :)

[markm]

Well... my experience is with the G24 vs the G22...

I agree with Gotm4 in that I didn't realize any noticeable accuracy gain from the much longer sight radius. But recoil and muzzle flip was noteably less on the long slide. It was like the increased mass of the long slide really tamed the 40 caliber cartridge.

[onmilo]

I have Model 34, 19, and 26.
The 34 is the same overall size as the 1911 which was my weapon of choice for many years.

The 34 is the best choice for weapon light use because it sets the lights lens behind the muzzle instead of in front of it and this protects the lens and bulb from shock and powder residue.

I don't find the muzzle of the model 34 to flip more than a model 17 but I do find perceived recoil to give a more pronounced backward push.

The longer sight radius allows more precise aiming at longer distances.
You will notice the improvement at ranges of 50 to 100 meters.
For practical distances of 3 to 25 meters the longer sight radius will offer no real advantage.

[markm]

The longer sight radius allows more precise aiming at longer distances.
You will notice the improvement at ranges of 50 to 100 meters.
For practical distances of 3 to 25 meters the longer sight radius will offer no real advantage.

I've found that a narrower front sight will accomplish the same thing.

[S&WM&PAR15T]

Owning the Glock 17, 17L, 19 & 34 I can honestly say my favorite is the 17L. However my daily carry is the 19. If you are going to carry daily in uniform I'd go with the 17.

[Robb Jensen]

I've found that a narrower front sight will accomplish the same thing.

Exactly. I use a Dawson fiber optic front on my Glock 17 which is .105" wide with Warren Tactical rear sight.

[onmilo]

A narrower sight should indeed work but I don't own a Model 17 and have no plans to buy one to find out.
I have MMC adjustable tritium sights on my 34 and it is still a better platform for mounting a weapon light on.

[Evan_O]

Owning the Glock 17, 17L, 19 & 34 I can honestly say my favorite is the 17L. However my daily carry is the 19. If you are going to carry daily in uniform I'd go with the 17.

What is your thought process here sir? Why exactly do you feel the 17?

[Robb Jensen]

To be able to see the difference between the G34 and G17 requires shooting at a certain level of skill. What I've seen time and time again as shooters get better (faster and more accurate) they'll move on to smaller guns. I know a couple of people that shoot Glock 19s in USPSA and IDPA and do very well at the Master level. I've seen MANY new shooters start with G34s and then move to G17 and experience the same thing I have. YMMV.

[onmilo]

I guess that is why I also own two Glock 26 pistols!:D

[Robb Jensen]

I guess that is why I also own two Glock 26 pistols!:D


I can shoot the plate racks at the GSSF matches faster with my G26 than I can my G17. :D

For those that want to know I weighed a bunch of slides today here's the results. I believe Glock has lightened the G34s since it first came out. I could have sworn I weighed a G34 slide last year that was around 13.5ozs.

Glock Slide weights

9mm
G34 13.00oz
G17 12.69oz
G19 12.43oz
G26 11.55oz

.357SIG
G31 13.60oz
G32 12.79oz
G33 11.72oz

.40
G35 14.93oz
G22 13.64oz
G23 12.90oz
G27 11.75oz

.45 ACP
G21 16.66oz
G30 15.58oz
G36 12.39oz

10mm
G20 17.34oz



SIG slide weights

226 .40S&W 13.44oz
226 9mm 11.76oz
229 357SIG 13.70oz
229 9mm 12.52oz