Questions G34 vs. G17 for competition

[HKevolution]

Hey Guys, I'm trying to decide between a G34 or G17, Primary use IDPA.

1. We know the G34 is a 1911 length slide, can anyone relate whether the extra length truly adds much to your ability shooting competition over a standard lenght G17.

2. If so, is the improvement worth the extra cost?

3. Can a 3.5 lbs trigger be installed in the G17?

4. I asked this before but can't find my thread back. Does anyone know anywhere someone can buy TFO front sights only. (Not the front and back set)

5. Anything other thoughts in regard to the G17 vs G34.

Note:
I'm staying G17/G34 for cost of ammo

Thank you

[ab4ka]

Nothing to installing a 3.5 connector on a G17. As to the rest of your questions, I honestly don't know. I thought I had a done deal for a G34 at a local shop but apparently it has fallen through, or I'd have told you myself:crying:

[CCV]

I have both, and like both.

If I could only have one, it would be the G17.

[G19AR15]

Hey Guys, I'm trying to decide between a G34 or G17, Primary use IDPA.

1. We know the G34 is a 1911 length slide, can anyone relate whether the extra length truly adds much to your ability shooting competition over a standard lenght G17.
IMHO...no. The increased sighting plane of the G34 is a slight advantage over the G17, but do most of us shoot well enough to realize this difference? I think not. My G17 shoots up to my own capabilities, so it's all I need.

2. If so, is the improvement worth the extra cost?
See above

3. Can a 3.5 lbs trigger be installed in the G17?
Yes. I did this to mine with the stock trigger spring and LOVE it.

4. I asked this before but can't find my thread back. Does anyone know anywhere someone can buy TFO front sights only. (Not the front and back set)
Yes...I put the adjustable rear and FO front on my G17 from Dawson. They were reccommended by Clem on this board, who also installed them for me. Thanks Clem!!!
http://www.dawsonprecision.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=21F0000-1094593468

5. Anything other thoughts in regard to the G17 vs G34.
It's your money, get whichever your more confident with. The extra length of the G34 won't hurt you, but it just may not be necessary.
Note:
I'm staying G17/G34 for cost of ammo
Smart man. Cheaper ammo = more shooting time!
Thank you

Have fun shopping!

[dsmw5142]

I have both, and like both.


+1.... but I would opt for the 34. The longer sight radius helps, but the biggest thing is the balance and pointability of the G34 for me. It is a subjective decision and you can't really decide until you handle both. If your on a budget, the 17 will be more than adequate for IDPA and can be fixed up like the 34: extended controls, 3.5 connector etc...

[DannyR]

For IDPA and USPSA Production Category, the G34 is ideal. For GSSF, the G17 is most popular. Any G17 can be fitted with a 3.5# connector, extended slide stop lever, extended magazine release and adjustable sights.

[omaha64]

TFO front sight for G17 is ok, but may be a problem for the G34. The G34 slide has a slot close to the front sight. TFO front sight may just hang over this opening.

[Glock Dave]

I have both and prefer the G17 for IDPA. The targets are not that far where the extra sight radius is really needed. And for me the 17 transitions faster. The 34 feels front heavy to me. Others will have different opinions. Go to a gun store and handle both and see which one feels right to you. I don't particularly like the TFO front sight. It is extremely long. It greatly shortens the sight radius on both guns and definately does hang way over the cutout on the 34's slide. I didn't care for that.

[vafish]

I went through the same thing a couple of years ago.

In the end I found a used 2nd Gen G17 for a little over $300. Couldn't find a G34 for less than $550.

I didn't think the G34 was worth that much more.

I put a Lone Wolf 3.5 connector in my G17 and shoot it in USPSA matches.

[SilverState]

If I didn't own either, i.e. starting from scratch, and I was buying a pistol specifically for idpa, I would buy the 34. However, if, like me, you already have a 17, it is not much of a difference...

[ecmills]

Don't use TFOs for IDPA. If you shoot the gun a lot, their failure rate is too high. (Seen 3 sets fail personally).

They also aren't a great sight picture for shooting fast. A set of Sevigny Competition sights (with a F.O. front if you're of bifocal age, or all-black if you're younger) are a great choice. Dawson and Henie make good Glock sights too.

I prefer the 34, but the 17 will also serve you very well. Sights, grip tape, a half-dozen magazines, and a lot of ammo downrange will serve you better than any other modifications. I'd choose the gun by price, personally. A good deal on a 34 would find me in a 34, otherwise it will be a VERY long time before the 34/17 choice will actually affect your shooting.

[GMAN40]

Go with the G17! The G34 is nice but not woth an extra $100. Use the extra $100 on ammo and practice.:whistling:

[HKevolution]

I can actually buy a 3.5 lb connector from Glock correct?

The factory is 1/2 mile from house so it's easy to stop by, they've been great everytime I've stopped.

OK, I'm leaning pretty hard toward the 17. It's sight radius is actually longer than the Sig 226, which I shoot very well but I'm tired of dealing with DA/SA.
Going to have to sell something but I think the 17 for competition will serve me well.

[JMS]

Considered a 17L ??

[samuse]

Oh man! Theres an OD 17 in the firearm listings. If I didn't just buy a 35, it would be on its way to my house!

[ede]

i've used the standard size glocks along with the long slides at the same match in different classes, or divisions and the standard size glocks have gave me better scores.

[SlickGlock]

Why do you think GSSF allows 34 (and other long-slide Glocks) only in Competition, Unlimited, and Master-Stock divisions? Probably, because it would give a "competitive advantage". Do not know about you, but I want as much advantege as possible.

[HKevolution]

Considered a 17L ??

Not really, don't like the look of that particular model.

[9mmdude]

I have both and prefer the 17.

[Glock Dave]

The 17L is not legal for IDPA. And I know that GSSF has their own rules but my best score ever in GSSF was with my 17, not my 34. I also score better in IDPA with the 17.

[CCV]

Why do you think GSSF allows 34 (and other long-slide Glocks) only in Competition, Unlimited, and Master-Stock divisions? Probably, because it would give a "competitive advantage". Do not know about you, but I want as much advantege as possible.

I don't think the G34 is legal for Master Stock.

[SlickGlock]

I don't think the G34 is legal for Master Stock.
You are correct. Sorry, my bad.

[rtk]

I had a 34 (I know, I'm sorry) and ended up trading it off on a 17. For me, I could just get it on target faster and my scores improved.

[dsmw5142]

I can actually buy a 3.5 lb connector from Glock correct?

You can ask, but I don't think so. I am an armorer and that is one of two parts (the other is maritime spring cups) that the factory will not sell us.

Glock OEM "-" connectors, of course, are available all over the internet. Personally, I prefer the Scherer 3.5 connectors, which can be purchased right now from Midwayusa.com for like, $8.