I’ve heard some people around here claim because of the slide relief on the top exposing the barrel and insides, debris can cause problems.
This pistol has a small relief cut on the top, is it still GTG?
I’ll answer the question with a question:
While at rest, is it possible for debris of sufficient volume to induce malfunction to enter the slide assembly of the Beretta?
I woud have no concerns carrying the G34 or G35 for duty use. I find both longer than ideal for EDC.
Considering you can literally see the “wings” of the locking block from the top, I’d say no of course.
For those who consider the G-34/35 unsuitable for LE/duty use for the stated reason, can you provide information on any real world occurrence where this rendered the gun inoperable?
Throw a handful of gravel/pebbles/dirt through the cutout and then shoot it and let us know if it cycles.
The reason why Glock went with the cutouts on the top of the slide was to keep the weight the same as the G17/22 slide. This way, they wouldn’t have to keep a different weight recoil spring in inventory.
A heavier recoil spring could have not only prevented them from having to mill out the 34/35 slide, but it would have probably ameliorated the malfunctions in the G22 with tac light.
But no, Glock decided to come out with Gen 4 pistols instead…
I know guys who run g34s as edc, non duty and entire swat team that runs 35s on duty and no issues.
I carried a 34 off-duty for a while, but I prefer my 17. I know guys on SWAT in my area who carry 35’s with no issues. Guys who inspect and maintain their firearms should have no worries. Although my duty pistol is an M&P45, I would have no hesitation carrying a 34/35 for duty use.
Do you frequently get gravel / pebbles in your weapon? I know a little about low crawling through mud but try to keep the gunk out of my weapon. Your concern about pebbles causing the G34 / G35 to malfunction seems either theoretical / training or a weapon maintenance issue.
I’ve read that Bob Vogel uses a G35 as his LE duty gun, so he must not think it’s too big of a deal… and he probably knows a thing or two about guns.
The G34/G35 and the Beretta are different in their cut outs. You can fit rocks, sticks, loose coins, keys, etc in the Glocks (rather easily). Not true with the Beretta.
Hell, Glock doesn’t even recommend it for duty use so…
http://us.glock.com/products/all
If you think I don’t know what I am talking about, then at least listen to someone that does: https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=125727&highlight=34
C4
Its totally irrational to assume the gun cant be dropped or fall into the dirt or mud. Yes its unlikely in most cases, but not impossible and if you have the chance to eliminate it why wouldn’t you. Did you crawl through the mud with a g34/35??? A fully sealed m4 is different from a open flock.
Grant,
As a gun related retailer have you ever seen a “Plug” which covers this cut out? Reason being last year at a local gun show a Glock parts vender was selling a very light weight aluminum snap in plugs for those who carry the 34/35 as a duty gun.
The vender had a G-34 slide and a few samples and the plug seemed to snap very security (Press Fit) into the cut out. The cost was $20.00 something and the finish was only slightly darker then the Glock slide.
I don’t remember the vender name or recall any manufacturers labeling on the plug.
I have not.
C4
Again, any real world instances you can point to where it was an issue?
I could see where this would be a legitimate concern for mil use, but the officer on the street rarely rolls around in the gravel with their gun.
I’m not necessarily stumping for the 34 as a duty gun. My agency issues the 21C and I use my own personal 21SF instead. But, I do have a blue label G-34 that came with a 3.5# connector, on agency letterhead. I’d never disagree with the LAV on practical concerns either, I’d just like to know if there’s ever been a recorded instance where it actually happened?
Seems like it would be low on the list of concerns overall.
Grant, you silly pants, you don’t have to post a link to Larry’s opinion, because your opinion is usually his also. :sarcastic:
I think we know Glock dosent recomend it for duty because of lawyers. People also point out that Glock call’s it a slide lock, but then also make a factory extended slide lock for some crazy reason.
Kentucky State Police use them. I don’t know any however so I can’t ask how they feel about them. I saw a couple of them in a chinese restaurant a couple of weeks ago and it looked like they had the old saddle pistols strapped to their hips.
They actually don’t call it a slide lock. They refer to the take down button as the slide lock. What you are referring to is the “Slide Stop”…according to glock.
Thats a pretty cool idea. I’d want it more than a press fit though. With the velocity the slide cycles…
In my ten years as an LEO and Operator I have always carried my 34 with no issues. I have done plenty of water ops with it. But of course when you start talking about getting mud (depending on the amount) in the slide there will always be a chance of a malfunction. That’s why I always harp on my team mates to make sure pre and post operation there primary and secondary is always maintained (proper lube). I totally agree with what LAV says about the 34 but that depends in the environment that you will be operating in.