Choosing the right firearm for competition is crucial. For many, the decision boils down to the Glock 17L and the Glock 34. Both are long-slide variants offering enhanced accuracy and sight radius, but subtle differences make one potentially better suited for your specific needs. This in-depth comparison will help you determine which Glock reigns supreme in the world of competitive shooting.
Understanding the Key Differences: Glock 17L vs. 34
Both pistols share the Glock reliability and robust build quality, but their differences lie in subtle yet significant areas impacting handling and performance:
1. Barrel Length & Overall Size:
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Glock 17L: Features a longer barrel (6.02 inches) than the standard Glock 17, extending the sight radius and potentially improving accuracy. However, its overall size is noticeably larger than the 34. This can impact handling for shooters with smaller hands or those preferring a more compact platform.
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Glock 34: Boasts a 5.31-inch barrel, providing a substantial sight radius advantage over the standard Glock 17, falling somewhere between the standard 17 and the longer 17L. Its more compact size compared to the 17L offers improved maneuverability and potentially faster target acquisition.
2. Weight & Balance:
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Glock 17L: The added barrel length contributes to a heavier overall weight. While this can enhance stability, it might lead to fatigue during extended shooting sessions. The heavier weight also shifts the balance point, which some shooters prefer and some may find less ideal for rapid target transitions.
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Glock 34: Offers a balance between weight and maneuverability. It's lighter than the 17L, reducing fatigue, and possesses a balance point often considered more comfortable for various shooting styles.
3. Sight Radius & Accuracy:
- Both: Both pistols offer significantly increased sight radius compared to their standard counterparts (Glock 17 and Glock 22). This longer sight radius directly translates to improved precision and accuracy potential. The minor difference in barrel length between the two doesn't drastically alter accuracy for most competitive shooters.
4. Handling & Concealed Carry:
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Glock 17L: Its larger size makes the 17L unsuitable for concealed carry and may be less comfortable for shooters with smaller hands during rapid transitions.
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Glock 34: The more compact size of the 34 makes it a much more manageable pistol for various shooting styles. While still too large for comfortable concealed carry, its smaller footprint improves handling over the 17L.
Choosing the Right Glock for Your Competitive Discipline
The "best" Glock (17L or 34) depends heavily on the specific shooting discipline and individual shooter preferences:
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USPSA/IPSC: The Glock 34's balanced size and weight typically make it the favored choice in many USPSA and IPSC divisions. Its maneuverability provides an advantage during dynamic stages requiring rapid target acquisition and transitions.
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Steel Challenge: The slightly longer sight radius of the Glock 17L might offer a marginal advantage, particularly at longer distances, but the 34's speed advantage generally outweighs this small benefit for most.
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Bullseye/Target Shooting: The longer sight radius of both the 17L and 34 offers distinct advantages here. The choice may ultimately come down to individual shooter preference regarding weight and balance.
Conclusion: It's a Matter of Personal Preference
Ultimately, the best Glock (17L or 34) for competition boils down to personal preference. Consider renting or borrowing both pistols to determine which feels better in your hands, better fits your shooting style, and best aligns with the demands of your chosen competitive discipline. Test both extensively and pay close attention to your comfort, accuracy, and speed. Don't let others' opinions dictate your choice – the right pistol is the one that you shoot best with.
