Glock 17l Vs Glock 34 Comparison

The Glock 17L and Glock 34 are two popular pistols from the renowned Austrian firearms manufacturer, Glock. Both models have gained a significant following among firearms enthusiasts, competitive shooters, and law enforcement agencies. In this article, we will delve into the details of each model, comparing their features, advantages, and disadvantages to help you decide which one suits your needs best.

The Glock 17L, introduced in the 1980s, was designed as a competition-oriented variant of the original Glock 17. It features a longer slide and barrel, which provides a longer sight radius and potentially improved accuracy. On the other hand, the Glock 34, released in 1998, was specifically designed for competitive shooting sports, such as IDPA and IPSC. It also boasts a longer slide and barrel, similar to the Glock 17L, but with some distinct differences in its design and features.

When it comes to choosing between the Glock 17L and Glock 34, it's essential to consider your intended use, personal preferences, and the characteristics of each model. Both pistols are known for their reliability, durability, and ease of maintenance, which are hallmarks of the Glock brand. However, there are some key differences that set them apart, and understanding these differences is crucial to making an informed decision.

Glock 17L Overview

The Glock 17L is a full-size pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. It features a 6.02-inch barrel and a 8.85-inch overall length, making it slightly longer than the standard Glock 17. The extended slide and barrel provide a longer sight radius, which can improve accuracy, especially at longer ranges. The Glock 17L also has a reputation for being extremely reliable and durable, with a reputation for withstanding heavy use and harsh environments.

One of the primary advantages of the Glock 17L is its accuracy potential. The longer barrel and sight radius make it an excellent choice for competitive shooters and those who require a high degree of precision. Additionally, the Glock 17L is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, including sights, triggers, and holsters, making it a versatile platform for customization.

Glock 34 Overview

The Glock 34 is also a full-size pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. It features a 5.32-inch barrel and a 8.15-inch overall length, making it slightly shorter than the Glock 17L. The Glock 34 was designed specifically for competitive shooting sports and features a number of enhancements, including a lighter trigger pull, a redesigned recoil system, and an enlarged reversible magazine catch.

One of the primary advantages of the Glock 34 is its ergonomic design. The pistol features a redesigned grip and frame, which provides a more comfortable fit for shooters with smaller hands. Additionally, the Glock 34 has a reputation for being extremely accurate and reliable, making it an excellent choice for competitive shooters and law enforcement agencies.

Key Differences

When comparing the Glock 17L and Glock 34, there are several key differences to consider. Here are some of the most significant differences:

Barrel length: The Glock 17L has a 6.02-inch barrel, while the Glock 34 has a 5.32-inch barrel.
Sight radius: The Glock 17L has a longer sight radius due to its extended slide and barrel.
Trigger pull: The Glock 34 has a lighter trigger pull, which can improve accuracy and speed.
Ergonomics: The Glock 34 has a redesigned grip and frame, which provides a more comfortable fit for shooters with smaller hands.
Magazine capacity: Both pistols have a standard magazine capacity of 17 rounds.

Comparison of Features

In terms of features, both pistols are similar, but there are some notable differences. Here are some of the key features to compare:

Caliber: Both pistols are chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum.
Action: Both pistols feature a safe-action trigger system, which provides a consistent trigger pull and prevents accidental discharges.
Magazine capacity: Both pistols have a standard magazine capacity of 17 rounds.
Sights: Both pistols feature fixed sights, but the Glock 34 has a more pronounced sight picture due to its redesigned rear sight.
Materials: Both pistols are constructed from high-strength polymer, with a steel slide and barrel.

Accessories and Customization

Both pistols are highly customizable, with a wide range of aftermarket accessories available. Here are some of the most popular accessories:

Sights: Both pistols can be equipped with aftermarket sights, including night sights, fiber-optic sights, and adjustable sights.
Triggers: Both pistols can be equipped with aftermarket triggers, including competition triggers and trigger kits.
Holsters: Both pistols can be equipped with a wide range of holsters, including duty holsters, competition holsters, and concealment holsters.
Slides: Both pistols can be equipped with aftermarket slides, including ported slides and slides with custom finishes.

Shooting Performance

In terms of shooting performance, both pistols are highly accurate and reliable. However, the Glock 17L has a reputation for being slightly more accurate due to its longer barrel and sight radius. The Glock 34, on the other hand, is known for its lighter trigger pull and faster reset, making it an excellent choice for competitive shooters.

Here are some key statistics to compare:

Accuracy: The Glock 17L has a reputation for being highly accurate, with some shooters achieving sub-2-inch groups at 25 yards.
Reliability: Both pistols are highly reliable, with a reputation for withstanding heavy use and harsh environments.
Trigger pull: The Glock 34 has a lighter trigger pull, with an average weight of 4.5 pounds.
Reset: The Glock 34 has a faster reset, with an average reset distance of 0.15 inches.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Both pistols are relatively easy to maintain and upkeep, with a simple design and few moving parts. Here are some key maintenance tasks to consider:

Cleaning: Both pistols should be cleaned regularly to prevent corrosion and wear.
Lubrication: Both pistols require lubrication to prevent wear and corrosion.
Inspection: Both pistols should be inspected regularly to identify any potential issues or wear.

Conclusion and Recommendation

In conclusion, both the Glock 17L and Glock 34 are excellent pistols that offer a range of features and benefits. The Glock 17L is an excellent choice for those who require a high degree of accuracy and a longer sight radius, while the Glock 34 is an excellent choice for competitive shooters who require a lighter trigger pull and faster reset.

Ultimately, the choice between the Glock 17L and Glock 34 will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a pistol with a longer barrel and sight radius, the Glock 17L may be the better choice. If you're looking for a pistol with a lighter trigger pull and faster reset, the Glock 34 may be the better choice.

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive comparison of the Glock 17L and Glock 34, and has helped you make an informed decision about which pistol is right for you.

Glock 17L and Glock 34 Image Gallery

What is the main difference between the Glock 17L and Glock 34?

The main difference between the Glock 17L and Glock 34 is the barrel length and sight radius. The Glock 17L has a longer barrel and sight radius, while the Glock 34 has a shorter barrel and sight radius.

Which pistol is more accurate, the Glock 17L or Glock 34?

The Glock 17L is generally considered to be more accurate due to its longer barrel and sight radius. However, the Glock 34 is still a highly accurate pistol and is suitable for competitive shooting sports.

Can I use the same accessories for both the Glock 17L and Glock 34?

Yes, many accessories are compatible with both the Glock 17L and Glock 34, including sights, triggers, and holsters. However, some accessories may be specific to one model or the other, so it's always a good idea to check compatibility before making a purchase.

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive comparison of the Glock 17L and Glock 34, and has helped you make an informed decision about which pistol is right for you. If you have any further questions or comments, please don't hesitate to reach out. Share this article with your friends and family who may be interested in learning more about these two popular pistols.