Glock 17 vs Glock 34: Win! Win!

Gaston Glock began producing his famous polymer pistols in the early 1980s and the guns have done nothing but gain popularity since. The first model he produced was the Glock 17, a full-sized handgun that has gone on to enjoy many upgrades and enhancements as the years have gone by. It just might be the most well-loved, full-sized Glock out there—or is it? There’s the Glock 34 to consider, another full-sized gun with some dimension differences that makes it a favorite of many shooters. Which is better? Its the Glock 17 vs Glock 34! We’re going to compare the two guns and let you know which one we think is the winner.

Spec Comparison – Glock 17 vs Glock 34

The Glock 17

The Glock 17 can trace its history back a bit further, considering it is the original Glock model. Gaston Glock, the founder of the company, designed it when he had no previous experience designing firearms. One thing that made the Glock 17 unique was its striker fired mechanism, which was new for its time. It hit the market in 1982 and inspired a line of polymer, striker-fired handguns that continues to expand today. And while it got its start in Austria, it now enjoys global use. Today, the Glock 17 has five generations of enhanced features behind it and likely more to come.

Models and Variations of the Glock 17

The Glock 17 is available in the Gen 3, 4 and 5. Both the Gen 4 and 5 are available with the MOS option. There is also the long slide version of the Glock 17, the Glock 17L. While you may think this is a Glock 34, it actually has a longer, 6 inch barrel.

The Glock 34

They launched the Glock 34 in 1998 with its purpose being a competition version of the famed Glock 17. They designed it with features meant to make it competition ready right out of the box. The Glock 34 has the distinction of being the first pistol Glock created specifically for competitive shooters and it certainly gained a following. They made it to be an accurate, precise gun that delivered reliable performance and a comfortable shooting experience. According to many gun owners, it does what it promised to do. The Glock 34 continues to make appearances on the silver screen—it was used by Keanu Reeves in John Wick 4. 

The Glock 34 is a popular competition handgun for many shooters and has remained as such for over 25 years. There are custom versions of the gun available, taking the guesswork out of what features you might want to enhance. There are various parts available for specific upgrades as well. And if you’re running the MOS model, you can put whatever red dot you please on it with no need to visit a gunsmith first.

Models and Variations of the Glock 34

The Glock 34 is available in generation 3, 4 and 5. Both the Gen 4 and 5 are available with the MOS option.

Glock 17 vs. Glock 34 Comparison

The Glock 34 and Glock 17 are both chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. And perhaps because the Glock 34 was designed in the image of the Glock 17, they have many other features in common. For example, the two models have matching overall heights of 5.47 inches (with a standard magazine inserted). Also, they each have a standard capacity of 17 rounds. Each model also has a generation available with finger grooves, because that was the norm for Glocks in past generations. 

The pistols share similarities, such as being full-sized and having the Glock SAFE Action System. They were also initially released in flat black. These are reliable, durable guns created to be used hard—just for different purposes, which brings us to their differences.

The Main Differences

Perhaps the first thing you notice when comparing the Glock 34 and the Glock 17 is the barrel length. Because they made the Glock 34 for competitive shooting rather than defensive use, it has a longer barrel. This means the Glock 34 is a full-sized handgun with a long slide, while the Glock 17 is simply a standard full-sized handgun. The fact that one is a competition pistol, and they make the other for law enforcement, shouldn’t be forgotten.

Barrel length differs by approximately three-quarters of an inch. That additional length gives the Glock 34 the ability to achieve greater precision and delivers just a bit more out of the ballistics of the 9mm round. Of course, it also means the Glock 34 is a bit too long for comfortable carry. It’s not that it cannot be carried, only that it would be more challenging (and if you intend to carry concealed, you’re not likely to want to do that with the Glock 34). The shorter barrel of the Glock 17 makes it a bit easier to maneuver and carry.

Overall length is different as well due to the longer barrel of the Glock 34. The Glock 34 is 8.82 inches long while the Glock 17 is 8.03 inches in length. That’s a significant difference when it comes to carry guns. That extra length is far more likely to dig into your leg or cause printing. Even open carry wouldn’t be ideal with the Glock 34 because that extra length is simply inconvenient for daily carry. The Glock 17 is still a full-sized gun, which means it’s not as easy to carry as more compact models, but it’s possible to carry it—and even conceal it. It might surprise you what you can conceal with the right holster and belt combo.

Customization comes into play with the Glock 34 versus the Glock 17. Thanks to the age and overall use of the Glock 17, there are a lot more aftermarket parts for it. When it comes to trying to upgrade or alter parts on the Glock 34, you might find yourself stuck. For the ultimate in parts and customization, you want the Glock 17.

Weight matters, too, even when it appears to be a negligible amount. The Glock 34 weighs more than an ounce more than the Glock 17, and most of that weight is likely from the extra metal in the slide and barrel. Does that mean it’s front heavy? You’d have to shoot it to decide. Regardless, the Glock 34 is a heavier gun, and there are times when an extra ounce gets frustrating. The Glock 17 is no lightweight, but it does manage to remain a bit more trim than the competition-bound Glock 34. Extra weight can help soak up some recoil as well.

The Glock 34 and Glock 17 are both full-sized guns, but with different purposes. Comparing them can be a bit like apples and oranges, but we’re going to do it, anyway. So, which one’s better?

Shared Glock 17 and 34 Features

1 Backstraps

Interchangeable back straps so the grip size can be adjusted to fit the user’s hand size.

2 Optics Ready

Both the 17 and 34 are available with the optics ready, MOS cut slide for mounting red dots.

3 Magazine Well

Flared magazine well for easier magazine changes.

4 Slide Stop

Ambidextrous slide stop so gun can be operated by either the right or left hand.

5 Finger Grooves

Polymer grip without finger grooves which is preferred by many shooters.

6 Glock Marksman Barrell

Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) with polygonal rifling and adherence to strict specifications for greater accuracy on target.

7 Trigger Upgrade

Trigger spring enhancements for a better feel and resistance to harder use.

8 Accessory Rail

For these duty size handguns, the ability to mount a light is critical.

9 Front Slide Serrations

The Gen 5’s have front slide serrations for extra texture for slide manipulation.

Glock 17 vs Glock 34 – Our Grades

When to pick the Glock 17

The obvious time to choose the Glock 17 is when you want a full-sized handgun for self-defense use. We can use it for open carry, concealed carry, home defense, or as a truck gun. You can even use the Glock 17 as a defensive gun for pests and varmints while hunting. It is a truly versatile pistol and has the widespread use to back it.

This was literally the first handgun Gaston Glock patented and produced and while that first generation might have had its rough spots, the later generations are excellent. If you prefer finger grooves, you can simply find a used model from a prior generation; if you like the smooth feel a finger groove free frame, go for a Gen 5. There are endless customization options on the market as well thanks to the popularity of the gun. Although we can’t prove it, there’s probably not another Glock out there with more parts available for it than the Glock 17.

While the Glock 17 stands out for defensive use and has seen extensive use as a duty gun for countless law enforcement agencies, we can use it for more than carry. It’s a nice option for home defense. Its full-sized frame means the barrel is longer than what you find on a compact Glock and the frame is large enough to provide a firm grip for most people. And it works for self-defense against four-legged varmints and predators. If you want to utilize a larger gun for introducing newcomers to the shooting world, the Glock 17 could be used for teaching, too.

When to choose a Glock 34

Are you a competition shooter or thinking about getting into that particular shooting sport? Then the Glock 34 could be perfect for you. Thanks to its widespread competition use, there are lots of competition friendly features and parts being available. This popularity and cool factor has led to its use in Hollywood as well, like in John Wick 4. The Glock 34’s longer barrel and streamlined design make it ideal for competition. Thanks to the existence of both a Gen 5 Glock 34 and an MOS model—meaning it’s optics ready—there has never been a better time to get your hands on one of these guns.

Of course, just because the Glock 34 was originally made for competition use doesn’t mean it can’t be used for self-defense at all. While the dimensions of the Glock 34 aren’t exactly conducive to carry, the gun remains useful for home defense or even used as a truck gun. If you want a little more precision out of your 9mm and don’t plan to make a habit of carrying it, the Glock 34 could certainly work for defensive purposes.

There’s a Gen 5 MOS version of the Glock 34 available, which means it has all the enhanced parts of a Gen 5 with the addition of being optics ready. This model has a removable plate so we can use it with a red dot sight or left with iron sights.

And the Winner Is?

In this case, one model of Glock isn’t technically better than the other, not in a broad sense. They made the Glock 34 for competition and excels at it while they made the Glock 17 for law enforcement and does great as a defensive handgun. Speaking in general terms, the Glock 17 is the more versatile handgun, so if pressed to choose one it would be the Glock 17. Thanks to availability of parts and production numbers, the Glock 17 simply offers greater options than the Glock 34. However, the Glock 34 is the competition gun the Glock 17 could never be.

If you’re sticking to competition shooting, go with the Glock 34. Its longer barrel and streamlined features do a lot to recommend it for precision on shooting stages. It’s also more affordably priced than many competition guns, making it a favorite among many brand new competitive shooters. And if you wanted to use it for home defense, you could. Nothing’s stopping you.

The good news, this is a win win, you cannot go wrong. However, the winner, is the Glock 34! The Glock 17 is not a good candidate for concealed carry, so nothing is lost on the 34. If you are going to have to OWB or off body carry, why not go with the longer slide? Tell me how I am wrong in the comments section! Which Glock is your favorite?

Upgrades and Accessories for your Glock 22 and Glock 23

If you are going to upgrade your Glock start with upgrading the sights. For handguns you will want to gather spare magazines, maybe some extended capacity ones also. You should also think about adding a weapon light and a red dot.

Upgrades and Accessories for Glock

Magazine – Glock 17/34 Glock 17/34 Factory Magazine		17 round capacity 9mm Polymer covered steel	Check Price
Magazine – Extended Capacity Glock 24 Round Factory Magazine		24 round capacity 9mm Polymer covered steel Why not?	Check Price
Weapon Light – Budget Streamlight TLR-1 HL		1,000 Lumens Mounts to Glock style and Picatinny rails	Buy on Amazon
Weapon Light SureFire X300		1,000 Lumens Waterproof	Buy on Amazon
Red Dot Trijicon RMR Type 2		6.5 MOA dot 8 brightness settings Impact resistant housing	Buy on Amazon

Important Links and Videos

Here are some links to the Glock website for each model discussed today and the owners manuals.

• G17 by Glock
• G23 by Glock
• Glock Owners Manuals

Here is a video how to care for you Glock pistol.