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So how much better is a G34 over a G17 for competition?

32K views 64 replies 18 participants last post by  ede 
#1 ·
I am interested in buying a hand gun and setting it up specifically for competition (IDPA or USPSA in the Chicago area). I don't care if it is used or not. In fact, I may prefer used because it is going to get beaten up anyway. From my initial searches, there are loads of reasonable priced G17 everywhere. G34's seem less available for a similar price point.

My questions are;
  1. does the inch or so difference in barrel length make a notable improvement in the shootability of the G34 over the G17?
  2. If I guy a G17, will it be competitive with all the G34s out there in the IDPA USPSA world.
  3. What can be done to make a G17 stand on par with the G34s?
I know that the shooter makes the difference. These questions are related only to the hardware.
 
#46 ·
I've played with both at home and am quicker to first shot and transitions with the 17. This was from a BladeTech holster not a race holster. I see no advantage to the 34 and for me it's a handicap. I suspect most people have never really evaluated both to see which works better. The 19 works well too but I quit using it because it got hot too fast.
 
#48 ·
I finally found a Glock for competition. I'm planning on doing some IDPA competition shooting and want to start with SSP (Stock Service Pistol), and Production in USPSA. I do Kydex holster work with a local gun store near me. Last week I stopped in the store and talked with one of the owners. I let him know I was looking for a G34 or G17 for competition. He pulled a G17 Gen 4 from the wall and said, check this out and tell me what you think. I said sweet looking G17, what do these new Gen 4s go for? He said this is not new, it is used with full kit (Glock box, 3 17 round mags, reloader, Paperwork, etc). He made me an offer that was hard to refuse. I was able to get it for $400.00 bucks clear Tax, Fees, and all.

Picking it up today. Ordered a connector kit, Blade Tech holster, and Dawson Competition sights.
 
#65 ·
I'm sorry for the very late reply, I must of missed the alert. I did my testing on a steel 5TG (original) set up I had at home. I used the near pair and far pair of targets. I don't remember now it was many years ago. I know I was shooting SS in '09 so it was before that. The difference was for me really insignificant but consistently better with the 17/22 size gun. For a GM of M wanting to save every bit of time it would of been a big advantage. I know it wasn't truely scientic test, I first noticed the difference on my plates with maybe a .20 difference between guns. I'll also add there may of been some bias on my part because I wasn't a huge fan of the 34/35 but both of mine were mostly free from GSSF.
Sorry I don't have my results to give you hard numbers.
 
#50 ·
I finally found a Glock for competition. I'm planning on doing some IDPA competition shooting and want to start with SSP (Stock Service Pistol), and Production in USPSA. I do Kydex holster work with a local gun store near me. Last week I stopped in the store and talked with one of the owners. I let him know I was looking for a G34 or G17 for competition. He pulled a G17 Gen 4 from the wall and said, check this out and tell me what you think. I said sweet looking G17, what do these new Gen 4s go for? He said this is not new, it is used with full kit (Glock box, 3 17 round mags, reloader, Paperwork, etc). He made me an offer that was hard to refuse. I was able to get it for $400.00 bucks clear Tax, Fees, and all.

Picking it up today. Ordered a connector kit, Blade Tech holster, and Dawson Competition sights.
Congrats, I was going to tell you to look at this kit that is a pretty good deal.

http://benstoegerproshop.com/bsps-b...e-pouches-double-alpha-academy-daa-belt-deal/

You got a good setup as well!
 
#51 ·
Congrats, I was going to tell you to look at this kit that is a pretty good deal.

http://benstoegerproshop.com/bsps-b...e-pouches-double-alpha-academy-daa-belt-deal/

You got a good setup as well!
Thanks for the link. Really nice looking kit. That setup is for USPSA, right? Can I use it for IDPA?

BTW, The G17 is perfect. I gave it a white glove cleaning, installed the Ghost connector and spring kit, and installed the small beaver tail. Feels really great in the hand. Ran about 200 rounds through it and it shoots perfectly. It points well. Getting lots of dry fire with it in order to get a feel for the longer frame and enhanced trigger pull.
 
#52 ·
It doesn't specifically state that rig is legal for IDPA. The holster offset looks to be too far for out, and you can only have 2 mag pouches on your belt in IDPA. You sure as hell as a newbie need to go out and spend $270 without even shooting your first match. Save your money for shooting lessons and get a $25 BladeTech Revolution holster, Wilderness belt and Fobus double mag pouch.

Lots of holster rules in IDPA. Diesel, do you actually shoot IDPA?
 
#58 ·
With new shooters I generally recommend they load their mags full and shoot Limited minor.
With out worrying about so many mag changes you can concentrate on getting your feet wet and focus on keeping the gun pointed in the right direction.
Use the cheapest gear you can beg or borrow when starting out. You currently have no clue what works for you or what you like.
The difference between the 17 and the 34 is null in the games we play until you are at the very top. And then it is pretty much still null. 40 oz production guns ( All Tangfos) have won Production nats the last 6 years so I don't think you are gonna see a difference on transitions between a 17 and a 34 either.
The best money you will spend is a class from a local M or GM shooter.
USPSA is 99% software, 1 % Hardware.
 
#60 ·
I bought this extremely nice, like new condition, used Glock 17 from my local gun store. This will be my competition firearm. Already installed competition sights and reduced recoil spring. Developing minor PF loads for the games.
[/IMG] View attachment 345617
It will take you as far as you will want to go. Many a GM made with a Glock in their hands.
 
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