I have used both in several types of competition. What I have found is that for high speed matches like USPSA, IDPA and even GSSF, the shorter Glocks are better. The only time I have ever found an advantage to the longer slide was in a law enforcement match with shooting distances out to 50 yards, where the shooting was mainly for accuracy and speed was not a real issue. Sight alignment is more precise, the longer the sight radius, but it is also correspondingly slower.

Several people I know switched to the Glock 34 for IDPA when they first came out, but switched back to the 17 later.

 

The difference is mostly feel and balance. The vast majority of accomplished shooters prefer the 34, and of course all those people would shoot the 17 well too.

My recommendation is to go with the 34 if you have to make a decision without much research.

You could get a second upper from GB, etc. and swap them back and forth without a second FFL transfer. That process would probably teach you as much about shooting in general as it would about the specifics of the two configurations. Both uppers are fairly plentiful as take-off's, due to use of aftermarket slides.

 

I have sort of thought about the option of swapping uppers. What lower works best G34 or G17? Or, does it make a difference at all which lower to use?

 

I am only just starting out. There are a couple of clubs that sponsor matches somewhat in my area. From my research, I can get into a used G17 at a very attractive price and later, pickup a G34 upper. I have other Glocks (G26 and G19), so some internal parts are available to me.

"OE" slide?? would that be Original Equipment?

 

I think the difference is in the noise. The stock G34 has a lighter connector (I think) but everybody I know who shoots IDPA/USPSA/Steel Challenge swaps out the trigger anyway. Glock sights are usually the first thing to go and both guns use the same Dawsons. G34 has a slightly longer sight radius, but other than that, they are remarkably similar. A friend of mine made Master with a G19, so you're already there. It is the archer, not the arrow...

 

Point taken. I am a ways off from replacing triggers. I've replaced the sights on the G19. However, that is my carry gun, and I am not likely to trick it out for competition. I want something that I can setup specifically for the games.

 

Don't disregard the 19; I shoot a 19 better than a 17 or a 34.

wp

 

Sure, I understand. I just don'e want to change parts to make it a better competition gun because it is my carry firearm. Yeah I know, I am just starting. I may suck a little less and for a shorter period with the dedicated gamer gun.

I noticed that on one mentioned the G17L. Looking on Gun Broker and Guns America I saw a couple G17L models. I will have to do a little research on them.

 

i started with a g34 and switched to a g17. out of the holster a little quicker and seems to point a little quicker for me. as far as guts, i think the connector is the only difference between the two and that is easy to swap out if you want to.

 

The G17L is not legal for IDPA, and it would throw you out of Production in USPSA (scored Minor). If you have never shot any competition before than a G17 will work fine. Most shots are 3-15 yards anyway. It's not about gear, it's about shooting abilities. Shooting is 99% shooter, and 1% gear. I sometimes run my Shield from an IWB appendix holster concealed in Limited, but then I have played the game since 1976....

 

Thanks for the words of encouragement.

 

If you're just getting started, a 17 should do you just fine, if cost is a factor. If not, or if you intend to get serious, get the 34. None of the top shooters that use Glocks, will choose a 17 over a 34. The advantages are slight, but they are there. Sight radius, balance, better recoil control, particularly if you reload and can tune you loads. Longer barrel = more velocity, less powder to make minor. I do have both, and shot both.

Shooting is 99% shooter, and 1% gear. I sometimes run my Shield from an IWB appendix holster concealed in Limited, but then I have played the game since 1976....

While it is certainly more shooter than gear, I don't buy the 99 to one ratio as a general statement. For example, I've shot my 35 in limited a few times. My average placement dipped from 5 to 10% versus my average placement with my STI.

However, if you're only comparing a 34 to a 17, then yes 99 to 1 is more appropriate.

 

I know a VERY FEW shooters who prefer G17 but the smart money is on the G34 for IDPA or USPSA.

If you are a handloader and want to get started cheaply, there are .40 caliber guns all over the place as police go back to 9mm. A lightly loaded .40 is a good shooter, but if you are buying ammo it is not the best choice.

 

Agree on the .40. My 35 with minor loads shoots softer than my 34.

 

0%

 

Buck, there you go comparing a Glock to an STI... and on a Glock forum. I think that's a procedural. And of course a 180 gr 40S&W Minor is a softer load. However the OP hasn't starting competition yet, let alone started reloading.

Jim, actually the move is towards CZs in both IDPA and USPSA. They are now ahead of Glocks in numbers based on the results of the Nationals surveys. I don't know if these guys are smart, or have money, but a custom shop CZ trigger is better than any 1911 I ever ran.

So let's have the OP start with a G34 until he makes B Class, then get a CZ75 until he makes Master, then get an STI....

 

Buck, there you go comparing a Glock to an STI... and on a Glock forum. I think that's a procedural.

What rule is that?

Besides, just because it has Glock in it's name, it's not just a Glock forum, unless you are in General Glocking. As the banner says,

Glock Talk
The leading firearms Forum. :smoking:

 

OP, the initial gun cost (and good holster/belt/mag pouches/extra mags/electric ears) is nothing compared to the ongoing cost of shooting competition..... It is, however, way cheaper than golf. Of course in the Chicago winter you switch to indoor Bullseye or bowling. I used to live in Joliet and we shot Bullseye at the Armory. And during the summer, shoot action pistol (even before IPSC) at Oak Park Sportsman in Plainfield. Buddy of mine had a 400 acre farm near Oswego.

 

Well cheaoer until ammo went waaaaay up

 

Jim, I would agree that the G34 was specifically marketed towards IDPA (and just happens to fit the USPSA Production box also) as it started production at nearly the same time IDPA started, but that was 14 years after USPSA started. I remember when the G22 came out in 90, that was the hot ticket for USPSA Limited.

IDPA box 8 ¾” x 6” x 1 5/8”.

USPSA Production box 8 15/16” x 6” x 1 5/8” (tolerance +1/16”, -0”)

IPSC Standard box 225mm x 150mm x 45mm (tolerance of +1 mm, -0 mm)
8.858" x 5.906" x 1.772" + .0394"

We had a couple of our local guys got bumped into Open at the USPSA IPSC Nationals last year because they used the USPSA box to check fit, instead of the IPSC box. And they did the equipment check halfway thru the match at the chono station. We were watching their overall scores and they dropped like rocks after the bump.

 

Jim, I would agree that the G34 was specifically marketed towards IDPA (and just happens to fit the USPSA Production box also) as it started production at nearly the same time IDPA started, but that was 14 years after USPSA started. I remember when the G22 came out in 90, that was the hot ticket for USPSA Limited.

I have shot both disciplines for MANY years. That fraction of an inch provides no benefit to me.

 

Yup, me neither. Never really got used to the timing on the G34, in fact, when I ran the Apple Valley IDPA club for 7 years, I shot many matches with a G26 or a G19.

 

What "timing" on a 34? The slide weight for a 17 and 34 are the same.

 

No, the G17 weights in at 25.06 ounces empty, the G34 is 25.77 ounces empty. Both are the same frame. In competition you can feel that .7 ounces of slide weight during splits, therefore the timing is different.

 

I haven't seen PD tradein G35s but there are plenty of G22s.
As said, the longer gun is generally favored but you can get by with the service model.

 

I had a 19 and got the 34 for USPSA. I didn't think the jump from a 19 to 17 was going to matter much but the benefits from the 19 to 34 would be substantial. I haven't shot it in a match yet but have been practicing to use it in an upcoming match. I dig it so far.

 

In what ways are you finding the G34 beneficial? Can you speak about felt recoil with the longer G34. I recently rented a G17 at my range (There were no G34s for rental). Although I was using very low power factor reloads. I did feel a difference between the G17 rental and my G19 that I brought with me for comparison.

Also what class will you be shooting (Production, Stock Service Pistol, etc?). Is the G34 legal in Production and SSP (Stock Service Pistol)?

 

Diesel will probably know after he shoots his first USPSA, which he hasn't yet. USPSA does not have SSP, that is an IDPA Division. The best fit for a G34 is in the Production Division of USPSA. Both Divisions are scored Minor at 125. The other option is a G35 down loaded to Minor for IDPA SSP and USPSA Production. Softer shooting than a 9mm, and you could load it to Major (165) and shoot USPSA Limited with a 141.25 mm mag extension.

 

I haven't shot in a match yet, still waiting on my RHT Holster. I shoot Production but got the MOS variant for CO at a later time. Main difference compared to G19 is ability to get better grip on draw. Reloads are easier as well. Recoil is less snappy with G34 and feel more confident with longer shots. However transitions and indexing with G19 feels quicker. I'm sure with more trigger time on G34, I'll work those differences out.

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I haven't shot in a match yet, still waiting on my RHT Holster. I shoot Production but got the MOS variant for CO at a later time. Main difference compared to G19 is ability to get better grip on draw. Reloads are easier as well. Recoil is less snappy with G34 and feel more confident with longer shots. However transitions and indexing with G19 feels quicker. I'm sure with more trigger time on G34, I'll work those differences out.

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What is an RHT holster? RHT is short for what? As I am shopping for a competition firearm, I will also need a holster.

 

Red Hill Tactical. Fyi, they are running on a month lead time.

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Go with the BladeTech Black Ice instead. Instant delivery on any Glock. The carbon fiber wrap and knurled tension buttons are just for looks

 

Until any newbie gets at least 2 dozen matches of experience, gun and gear don't add up to any difference at all. A $25 injected molded BladeTech will work just fine, 2 sets of Fobus double mag pouches will work just fine, or even from your pocket. You can run your G19 or even your G26 and you'll do just fine. Best thing is not to wait, and jump in at your nearest match, even if it's just a local action pistol. There is way, way, way more going on after the beeper goes off. Fundamentals are a given (stance, grip, sight picture and trigger control), but then transitions, movement and understanding stage match. USPSA is a winner take all, even if you didn't earn all the points, you get all the points for the stage you won in your Division. So I see it all the time with newbies, they get so zoomed up (un-focused) about every little thing, and walk by a target. Guess what? Now you are 40 points down! 10 points for each mike, 10 points for a procedural of failure to engage, and 10 points down for the 2 Alphas you could have had.

Most USPSA clubs have loaner holsters and pouches, especially if you are running a Glock or 1911. There really is no such thing as a competition firearm, unless you are running USPSA Open Division with a $5,000 STI, it's just a gun you use for competition. Sure you can put other stuff on it, but that will matter little until you get to A Class. My competition G17s are hardly different from my carry G31s. G17s have black on black sights, and a $14 Prizine magwell, G31s have Trijicon night sights and no magwell. Both have G21 mag releases and grip sleeves.

 

Cool, an inexpensive Blade Tech holster will do. I have a double Fobus carrier for Glock mags. So then I can do a competition gun belt later. Now all I need is a USPSA/IDPA legal firearm and a local match.

 

Well, like I said, any Glock will work for USPSA Production or IDPA SSP, less the G17L. If you only have a G19, then jump in. Most shots are only 3-15 yards anyway.

 

Will do. There are two clubs within easy driving range holding matches on the weekends. I plan to go to one of them and try it out. I don't have a proper competition holster, but I plan to use one of my OWB holsters and Fobus double mag carrier.

 

Good for you. Most shooters regret not jumping in sooner than they did.