I'd opt for another 34. That's what I shoot in competition too. This year I'm strongly considering duplicating my existing setup but with a red-dot of some sort on it. Will have same Vogel trigger and Zev barrel, but different sights. The matches I shoot are run-and-gun and rules are simple, at least one centerfire handgun. It's pretty much open class, but you have to run with it for 5k, 10k or 15k distances, so weight matters. Depending on the event's obstacles and targets I could swap guns with no other gear changes.

 

I'd opt for another 34. That's what I should in competition too. This year I'm strongly considering duplicating my existing setup but with a red-dot of some sort on it. Will have same Vogel trigger and Zev barrel, but different sights. The matches I shoot are run-and-gun and rules are simple, at least one centerfire handgun. It's pretty much open class, but you have to run with it for 5k, 10k or 15k distances, so weight matters. Depending on the event's obstacles and targets I could swap guns with no other gear changes.

Once you go red dot you'll never look back~ I "used" to make fun of guys who ran red dot optics, called them cheaters, etc but now I've seen the light... Red Dot ROCKS! It's the future and soon, very soon all pistols will come with red dot optics installed, mounted or MOS type system.

 

There is no difference between a G17 and a G34 in USPSA Carry Optics because the dot is target focused. Yes, there is a small difference if swing time, but consider most shots in USPSA matches are between less than 3 yards and out to 15 yards. No difference in hitting steel. What's your current classification and Division?

 

There's a pretty big difference in price, esp if you're able to buy at blue label or GSSF discount...so if it's strictly a back-up gun for if the 34 is down, the 17 might make more sense.

 

What is a run and gun 10K?

 

It’s a running biathlon (as opposed to the Olympic skiing version) where you run a certain distance (some are 5K, 10K and 20K) and have both pistol and rifle shooting stages in between. They often include physical obstacles, such as climbing walls/fences, crawling under barbed wire or through mud-filled culverts, lugging 45 lb jugs a certain distance, etc. You also have to carry all your gear, including ammo, water, first aid kits, etc. throughout the run. It not only helps you test your endurance, but also your gear and firearms under certain conditions. It’s a lot of fun! Try one if you get a chance.

 

Great minds think alike! I did my first run n gun 10K two months ago with my 34. I agree the OP should get another 34. It’s such a great pistol for competitions. Plus, the OP is already used to its longer barrel length and weight, even if it is only a slight, almost imperceptible difference from a 17. But you can’t go wrong either way.

Well, I've been leaning heavily on another G34, but I want something to fill somewhat of a dual-purpose platform. G34 is GREAT for competitions, LOVE IT! However, the G17 fills the gap between duty carry, dual-purpose training platform, a slightly longer sight radius, it's just the perfect balance in between. Since I already own a few other competition pistols such as the CZ Shadow 2, Sig 320 X5, STI's, that gap has been filled a bit. Even though I shoot other pistol platforms my main go to war pistols are Glock's. But with that being said, I don't neglect to train on different platforms either. The model that I live by is to be good at one thing but be as proficient on others.

 

I certainly understand. I debated between a 17 and a 34 when looking for my first Glock. The 17 is definitely no slouch and would still be a great choice.

 

Here’s a better description from the WTF Biathlon:

https://www.wtfbiathlon.com/biathlon

The course I ran was almost 7 miles of mostly mud, making it that much more difficult. A lot of the shooters looked to be in great shape, many were young in their 20’s and 30’s. The Texas A&M shooting team even sent their own team.

I thought I was in decent shape for a 52 year old, having trained by jogging 6 to 7 miles with 20 lbs in my backpack, but it seriously kicked my butt. I hate jogging/running with a passion. I find it extremely boring. But training for it actually motivated me to the point where I lost about 10 lbs.

The pistol shooting stages were difficult for me. I DNF’ed everyone. A few skilled marksmen aced them. Despite my lack of pistol skills, my 34 was a champ. The course was a wet, rainy, muddy mess the day of the event. Mud got everywhere on me and on my gear, especially from the crawling obstacles. It also got banged up on the chainlink and tree climbing obstacles. Mud also got on the slide, magwell and mags, but the 34 never jammed or malfunctioned once. It ate it all up. I saw a few others having trouble with their handguns, but don’t know what they were running. Was really impressed with my 34 after putting it through that test. I’d like to eventually test it out in hot, dry dusty conditions (maybe the Pecos Run n Gun in West TX?) and see how it performs.

One of the cool things about these run n gun biathlons is that you get to see how your firearms and gear perform under certain conditions other than in the comfort of a shaded shooting bench at a nice clean range.

 

Here’s a better description from the WTF Biathlon:

https://www.wtfbiathlon.com/biathlon

The course I ran was almost 7 miles of mostly mud, making it that much more difficult. A lot of the shooters looked to be in great shape, many were young in their 20’s and 30’s. The Texas A&M shooting team even sent their own team.

I thought I was in decent shape for a 52 year old, having trained by jogging 6 to 7 miles with 20 lbs in my backpack, but it seriously kicked my butt. I hate jogging/running with a passion. I find it extremely boring. But training for it actually motivated me to the point where I lost about 10 lbs.

The pistol shooting stages were difficult for me. I DNF’ed everyone. A few skilled marksmen aced them. Despite my lack of pistol skills, my 34 was a champ. The course was a wet, rainy, muddy mess the day of the event. Mud got everywhere on me and on my gear, especially from the crawling obstacles. It also got banged up on the chainlink and tree climbing obstacles. Mud also got on the slide, magwell and mags, but the 34 never jammed or malfunctioned once. It ate it all up. I saw a few others having trouble with their handguns, but don’t know what they were running. Was really impressed with my 34 after putting it through that test. I’d like to eventually test it out in hot, dry dusty conditions (maybe the Pecos Run n Gun in West TX?) and see how it performs.

One of the cool things about these run n gun biathlons is that you get to see how your firearms and gear perform under certain conditions other than in the comfort of a shaded shooting bench at a nice clean range.

Thanks for the info, this is great!

 

Thanks for the info, this is great!

Forgot to add that you don’t have to run the event if you don’t want to. A lot of folks walk it. I jogged through mine. Hoping to be able to run a little faster next year.

 

Oh, and I also plan to use the G34 again, too, but I woukdn’t hesitate to use a G17, either, if I had one.

 

34 all the way. I'm not sure what advantage the 17 would have over it for your intended purpose.

 

equi, looks allot like the old SOF matches, also like the ITRC matches. I'll stay behind with a M4 and some grenades to cover you guys...

https://www.dlsports.com/gallery_itrc_01.html

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsG9EjQjIpI

 

Very cool 9x45! Looks like those guys were sprinting on some those stages, too.

 

Forgot to add that you don’t have to run the event if you don’t want to. A lot of folks walk it. I jogged through mine. Hoping to be able to run a little faster next year.

Will they let you drive between shooting positions? That's the only way I'd ever do it. :drink:

 

I’ll be devils advocate. Drop a 17 in the mud. Pick it up and shoot it. Drop a 34 in the mud and mud gets in the top slide window could have issues.

 

Drop your gun in a competition match and you are DQ'd. Don't drop your gun.

 

I’ll be devils advocate. Drop a 17 in the mud. Pick it up and shoot it. Drop a 34 in the mud and mud gets in the top slide window could have issues.

That’s a good point I hadn’t thought about. I didn’t drop mine in the mud, but I had to crawl through mud and got completely caked in it. I used one of those USGI nylon holsters with a cover flap that protected it somewhat from getting mud in it. The slide was only a little bit dirty. But my mags got real muddy. Even so, slamming dirty mags in it never stopped or jammed it. That impressed me.

 

I’ll be devils advocate. Drop a 17 in the mud. Pick it up and shoot it. Drop a 34 in the mud and mud gets in the top slide window could have issues.

If you were to buy a Glock 34 today, the Gen 5 is the way to go. Much better accuracy. Not that I think the slot matters, see below, but the Gen 5 doesn’t have one.

Drop your gun in a competition match and you are DQ'd. Don't drop your gun.

I fell in the mud at an IDPA match, falling on the gun in hand. Gun was a Glock 34 Gen 4. I retained the gun and kept it pointed safely downrange, finger off the trigger throughout the incident. Got up, finished the stage. Two stages were in that pit, so I reloaded and shot the next stage. Gun shot without incident. There was a lot of mud splatter back into the face.

 

I am also not a fair weather only G34 shooter.

If you were to buy a Glock 34 today, the Gen 5 is the way to go. Much better accuracy. Not that I think the slot matters, see below, but the Gen 5 doesn’t have one.



I fell in the mud at an IDPA match, falling on the gun in hand. Gun was a Glock 34 Gen 4. I retained the gun and kept it pointed safely downrange, finger off the trigger throughout the incident. Got up, finished the stage. Two stages were in that pit, so I reloaded and shot the next stage. Gun shot without incident. There was a lot of mud splatter back into the face.

 

Buck, I've been there, and done that. It looks really cool on a video.

 

…….

 

Huh?

 

I had the same dilemma recently. My G34 full race G34 went down & had to go to my Gunsmith in TX.
I still had shooting to do and I pulled a G17 with XS Big Dots out of the safe and run it.
I was honestly surprised at how well I was able to run the 17 with irons after having been running RD’s for about 4 years.

Well I also decided I couldn’t have my primary competition gun go down & after lots of thought today I ordered a Gen5 34 FS & my current Gen3 34 will become my backup once the Gen5 is built.

So at least in my case I chose 34.

When you make your decision update us!

 

Glocks need gunsmiths now? What a world.

 

I suppose you machined your own slide to run an optic. I moved from a FF3 to an SRO.

 

War, you running Carry Optics with your G34?