6 replies to this topic

[Pete Rindal]

I don't know much about the Glock's but I'm getting close to buying one. I'm just trying to learn a little more about them right now. I'll be shooting the IDPA and I've been told numerous times that a 17 or 34 would be great for stock class. I'm just curious as to the difference between the two.

[DBChaffin]

Pete,  I would suggest you try and shoot both the 17 and 34 before you decide.  You can check out
http://www.glock.com
for the official specs.  The 34 has a little bit longer slide and barrel, a 3.5lb. connector installed, and an extended magazine release.  Look around on here for recommendations by others as to what they would shoot in the class you are interested in.  Maybe you can rent then two models and shoot them side by side?  At least handle them and see which feels better?  Good luck.

[cpty1]

The 17 and/or 34 is a great gun for either SSP or ESP IDPA divisions.  DB is dead on IMO with renting both guns if possible as some people do much prefer one over the other.  The 17 and 34 are basically the same gun with the exception that the 34 comes with a 3.5# connector, extended mag and slide release, and obviously has a longer barrel and sight radius.  I personally like the 34 best for those very reasons.  However, there are some who prefer the 17 because  they feel that since target range at most matches is short the 17 is quicker target to target and they don't need the extra sight radius which makes longer shots a bit easier for some.  There are also those in IDPA who prefer to shoot what they carry, so obviously the 17 conceals and carries more easily than the 34 for a smaller framed individual.  Depends on your purpose and motive for shooting IDPA as well as personal preference.

[bluemeanie]

 My $.02, and that's a markup. Based on my experience with modifying a G22 for competition and realizing I was making it like a very expensive G35, you will probably be happier from the jump with the competition model.

[Mark Perez]

Go to a match and see if the guys will let you shoot theirs.Most shooters are happy to help someone out by letting them test fire personal guns.

[Deaf Smith]

I, strangly enough, consider the Glock 34 a far better house gun than a competition gun. With the extra barrel length, and a plus 2 magazine, one has basicly a .357 20 shot pistol using such as Triton or Cor-Bon ammo. Add the M3 tactical light underneath, night sights, and it becomes one heck of a weapon (yes, I own one set up that way and have never shot it in competition).

Now for IDPA, I shoot a Glock 17. Good enough. Now if the ranges were longer....

Deaf

[JZELEK]

If your just going to buy the gun for competition and home defence buy the G34. Its longer site radius,barrel and weight are a big plus. the only thing the G17 has over the G34 is that it can be concealed easier. I used a G34 to make master last year in SSP.
P.S. Its also the gun David Sevigny used  to win the IDPA nationals!

(Edited by JZELEK at 5:14 am on Mar. 4, 2002)