G17 vs G34 vs G35

[Joe D]

Tried a little experiment the other day. I see a lot of posts as to which gun should I buy, G17 vs G34 vs G35? I took my G35 and two 9mm top ends (G17 & G34) to our range. I set up three targets at 12 yds about 8 feet apart. I figured this is about the average distance most IDPA targets are shot. No movement involved, just draw and put two shots on each target. I fired 12 six round strings with each top end. I tossed the worst and best from each group.
The G35 was shot with a 180 gr bullet and the 9mms with a 147. Both were loaded to a 128-130 PF.
I used the same bottom end to remove any trigger variation. I also used the same 10# recoil spring for each. I added up the times and points dropped for each top end.
There was less than .25 sec difference in all three. There was little if any difference in the draw times with each. The G35 was a little softer shooting. The G17 had a little less muzzle flip than the G34.

[Tiel Raptor]

I can reload my G35 so its softer and easier controled than my G17.

Jerry

[Steve Koski]

Cool test Joe.

What type of 10 lb spring and rod are you using?

Does the spring have enough oomph to put the gun into battery slowly, or does it rely on slide velocity to lock up? (I can't remember the name of the function test.)

[FESTUS]

Very Good Experiment...how about the same test with a plate rack...8" plate ..row of (6) at 11 yards. And lets say either GSSF or USPSA targets at 5,10,15,20 and 25 yards...two shots each with time and points given for anything but A and B hits :supergrin:

[Joe D]

I did a small side test with the G17 vs G34 at 25 yds. There was little if any difference in the score.
Tiel, that's what I have been saying for years. Most just can't seem to believe that a G35 is softer. There is not a huge difference, but there is one. A G35 shooting a 180 at a 128 pf is dramatically softer than a G34 shooting 115 Blazer.
Festus, I also shot a few rounds at the plate rack to warm up before the test. I really could not tell much difference.

[FESTUS]

Joe D ...thanks...what I'm looking for is recovery time...I use to shoot the .40 and felt the recoil was softer but I found my recovery time slower....now that was 2 years ago and I now may be a better shooter and am evaluating different directions. I had all the .40's and long slides as well as the longer slide 9's and have opted for the 17 frame because of recovery time and balance.....BUT I am still searching and I know my past evaluations were skewed because I did not line up all three models and evaluate them side by side. If I listen to another contingency of shooters...there going to say the .45 GAP shoots softer yet...does it offer a better recovery time??? I am taking a little liberty in saying that accuracy is presumed....and that speed/acquistion from target to target .... is what gives you the edge....I GOT Ta KNOW...:shocked: :thumbsup: :supergrin:

[Joe D]

The GAP might work. It is a little difficult to get a G21 to function at a 128-130 pf. It can be done but you really have to get the recoil spring just right. The GAP uses the same heavy slide. I would play around with one except for the high cost of GAP brass.
A G21 shooting a 200 gr SWC at 650 fps is very soft. It's even softer than a .40.

[GRR]

The GAP will run at minor power factor. I use a 13# ISMI recoil spring with a couple of coils cut off. However, when the mag is loaded with 10 rounds + 1 in the chamber, there is not enough recoil to pull the first round out of the mag. Ten rounds in the mag is very tight. I've tried trimming the follower, changing the spring, but so far I can't get that first round to feed without loading major. With 9 rounds in the mag it runs fine. 3.2gr Titegroup, Berry's 230gr plated RN, OAL 1.13 gives me a PF of around 140. Shoots extremely soft.

[FESTUS]

Ohhhh...fantastic information...I have been able only to shoot GSSF because I just had two hips replaced and now earlier this year a double laprascopic hernia repair....I am chomping at the bit to broaden my horizons by shooting steel plates and later USPSA Production...I will consider more as time permits with job and commitments..I've seen some of our fellow team mates prosper with more shooting time and more participation in the shooting sports and their progress has been amazing to say the least.....Keep feeding this sponge more information...thanks again.:thumbsup:

[Bren]

Originally posted by Joe D
I did a small side test with the G17 vs G34 at 25 yds. There was little if any difference in the score.
Tiel, that's what I have been saying for years. Most just can't seem to believe that a G35 is softer. There is not a huge difference, but there is one. A G35 shooting a 180 at a 128 pf is dramatically softer than a G34 shooting 115 Blazer.
Festus, I also shot a few rounds at the plate rack to warm up before the test. I really could not tell much difference.
Anybody who understands reloading and ballistics a little has to udnerstand that the .40 is softer and the 230 gr. .45 much softer still at the same power factor. I have a bunch of 115 gr. 9mm loaded to about a 110-115 PF that my wife and I have shot thousands of rounds of without a malfunction, but a 147 gr. bullet loaded to 135 PF doesn't have enough kick to operate the gun in my wife's hands (works 100% for me, but about 5% for her). It's the factory ammo guys who really need the 9mm.

[Joe D]

Bren, have you tried a lighter weight recoil spring for her?