In the world of Glock firearms, the 34 and 17 models tend to be hot commodities. Why, might you ask? Each model rapidly gained popularity after their releases because of their durability, reliability, and versatility. The Glock 17 became a common choice for law enforcement agencies and civilian firearm owners because of its lightweight design and high capacity, while the Glock 34 quickly found its niche in competitive shooting circles across the globe because of its precision engineering.
Now, when you look at the Glock 34 vs. the Glock 17, which is the better choice? Let’s break down the two.
The Origins of the Glock 17
To kick off the Glock 17 vs. 34 debate, let’s first look back to the introduction of each model, starting with the Glock 17. It’s a firearm that is often the kickstarter for debate, as it is often compared to the Glock 19. The 17th patent filed by Gaston Glock hit the market in 1982, initially designed as an innovative firearm for military and law enforcement. Due to the extensive use of polymer in its construction, which had its skeptics, the Glock 17 soon gained widespread acceptance due to its performance and durability.
One of the biggest selling points of the Glock 17 vs. the Glock 34 is its impressive 17-round magazine capacity. This has its perks, for obvious reasons. Whether you’re using the firearm for home defense, concealed carry, or the shooting range, the extra few rounds can go a long way. Now, we mentioned that the Glock 17 had a polymer construction. It was this innovation, coupled with high-strength plastics, that allow the Glock 17 to be all parts lightweight (which is a huge plus in our books), durable, and even resistant to corrosion. There is even a Glock 17L version which features a longer barrel for increased shooting accuracy and velocity.
For those who like to crunch the numbers, you’ll find a specs chart from ShootingRangePrague.com below.
The Origins of the Glock 34
Next up in the Glock 34 vs. 17 debate, you guessed it. Released in 1998, the Glock 34 represented a long-slide variant of the Glock 17. What does this mean? The Glock 34 shares the same frame as the Glock 17, however it features a longer slide, barrel, and sight radius. Other than the Glock 34’s 5.31 inch barrel length, 7.5 inch sight radius, and the overall length of 8.82 inches, the specs are more or less the same as the Glock 17. The Glock’s 34’s magazine capacity also offers shooters the same 17 rounds. These features are what make the Glock 34 an excellent choice for those in competitive shooting competitions or even just a day out at the shooting range.
In essence, the Glock 34 is a distinct blend of Glock’s renowned reliability and specialized features for precision shooting. The Glock 34 vs. the 17 offers a model that excels in the competitive arena while still retaining the core attributes that make Glock pistols a staple in the firearms world. Oh, and it’s cool enough for John Wick, so make of that what you will.
The Glock 34 vs. Glock 17: Which is Better?
Well, it’s a hard question to answer if we’re being honest. The public relations-style answer would tell you that both have their pros and cons, which is true, but it really comes down to what you ultimately want to use your firearm for. If you’re someone such as a first-time buyer who’s looking for a solid 9mm firearm to use for self defense, you’ll probably want to choose the Glock 17 or 17L. Now, if you’re an experienced shooter looking to step up your competitive shooting game, odds are the Glock 34 will suit your style better vs. the 17. The Glock 34’s barrel length and capacity are what make that possible. So, think wisely when making your final decision.
Aftermarket Customizations
If you’re like us, once you’ve purchased your Glock 34 or 17, you’ll probably want to give it a new look. You came to the right place. At Zaffiri Precision, we specialize in producing high-quality parts for Glock models such as the 34 and 17. You want a sleek slide for your Glock 17? We got ‘em. A gold barrel to make your Glock 34 stand out against the competition? No problem. We even wrote out a gift guide if you’re shopping for a friend or loved one to do the hard work for you. And best of all? All of our products are Made in America with durable materials such as 17.4 stainless steel at our Largo, FL facility.
@johnnyglocks and @zaffiri.precision
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Glock 34 better than a Glock 17?
If you’re looking for a competitive shooting edge, a Glock 34 would be a better option vs. a Glock 17.
Is the Glock 34 more accurate than a Glock 17?
The Glock 34’s longer barrel length can help shooters achieve better accuracy compared to a Glock 17.
Are Glock 17s and 34s the same?
Not quite, however the Glock 34 and 17 share an almost identical frame. The biggest difference with a Glock 34 vs. a 17 is the longer barrel length, sight radius, and overall length.
How many shots does a Glock 34 hold?
The Glock 34’s standard capacity is for 17 9mm rounds.