Glock 17, 19, 34-Compare

[RedFord150]

I have been debating the purchase of a Glock 9mm for awhile. I was fairly convinced that a 19 would be my best choice. I figured the 10 round limit in CA kind of negated the advantage of a 17. I do not have large hands.
A friend of mine is LEO and a 'Glock Lover'. He carries a 35 (.40S&W) on duty.
My friend suggested that I look at the 34 (9mm brother of 35) because the longer barrel is a huge advantage. Personally, I thought 4" vs 5" was not that major.
This is mostly a range and HD gun. I do not carry. Comfort and accuracy is more important than size.
I know we have a lot of Glock fans on this board. Have any of you shot all 3 extensively?
If you were in my shoes, would you choose the 17, 19, or 34?
BTW, this is my first 'plastic' gun. All of my previous experience is metal guns, except for a few 'loaner' opportunities many years ago.
Thank you.

[Untamed1972]

the 34 is basically the 17 with a .83in longer barrel and factory 4.5# trigger pull as opposed to a 5.5 on the 17.

[SuperSet]

For the best value, I'd go with the G35. You can shoot both 9mm and .40 with a Lone Wolf barrel, ejector and extractor. You can shoot this gun for Competition, Plinking and HD (it's authorized for LAPD carry). It does everything that the G17 and G19 can do and comes out of the box with a 3.5lb disconnector, longer slide for better sight radius and heavier slide so the sights return to zero faster.
If it's too big for you, I wouldn't hesitate to get the G17. Excellent all-around gun.

[Spaceghost]

I love my 34, my 17 pretty much gathers dust since I got it.

[Greg-Dawg]

Shot all three and now own all Glock Fo-tays.

Fo-tays just work well with me.

[SJgunguy24]

The 17 and 34 use the same frame with the 19 being just a bit shorter as the grip is concerned.
The major difference is sight radius, the more you have the more accurate the gun should shoot. I say should because everybody is different, also with the longer sight radius you have more barrel with the 34 than with the 17 or 19. Velocity isn't effected too much but some like big velocity numbers.
I own a 17 and a 26.

[cqbdude]

For the use that you are describing, I would recommend either the G34 or the G35.
I personally have a G35, but I turned it into a G34 by buying a 9mm conversion barrel for it.
The 9mm in a G35 is a joy to shoot with a conversion barrel from Lone Wolf.
Its very accurate.

BTW..I also have a G17 , G19, G23 and a G27. and a .22 conversion kit for the G23.

[SJgunguy24]

For the use that you are describing, I would recommend either the G34 or the G35.
I personally have a G35, but I turned it into a G34 by buying a 9mm conversion barrel for it.
The 9mm in a G35 is a joy to shoot with a conversion barrel from Lone Wolf.
Its very accurate.

BTW..I also have a G17 , G19, G23 and a G27. and a .22 conversion kit for the G23.

Is your conversion a complete upper? If so it'll slide on the 19 frame.
The 17,22,31,34 and 35 all use the same frame, same with the 19,23,and 32. The sub compacts are the same way.

[RedFord150]

...The 9mm in a G35 is a joy to shoot with a conversion barrel from Lone Wolf.
Its very accurate.

BTW..I also have a G17 , G19, G23 and a G27. and a .22 conversion kit for the G23.

Soooo, you apparently like Glocks...

JK ;-) Glad to see your insights. I just read up on the conversion you describe. Lone Wolf recommends the use of G17 mags for reliable feeding in 9mm. Another add says the .40 mags can be used for 9mm conversion. I can get the G19 for $470 plus fees on GB. The G35 is $599. The Lone Wolf conversion barrel is around $100. Mags are $20 each. $739 plus fees basically gets me 2 guns with 2 mags in each caliber. I would own the 34 and 35. 9mm and .40S&W on same frame. An extra $269 is the bottom line. Definitely something to think about.
I'll be taking a range trip this weekend to rent all 3. Looks like I have some good options...

[sammy]

I have the 19 and 34. They both have around 3000 rounds through them. At 15 yards the 34 groups about 1/2" tighter than the 19. I perfer the feel of the 19 but the factory connector in the 19 makes the 34 easier to shoot. I am located in the East Bay and you are welcome to shoot both if you are in the area. PM me if interested, Sammy

[RedFord150]

I have the 19 and 34...I am located in the East Bay and you are welcome to shoot both if you are in the area. PM me if interested, Sammy

Thank you very much for the offer. I am in LA area. Sounds like you are near SF.
The indoor range I go to has all 3 in rental inventory. I will be taking a trip there within a week or 2. I think I will try all 3. Before talking to my LEO friend, I was only thinking of 17 or 19. I never really thought about the 34 or 35 with conversion. I was really surprised to see how many Calgunners are recommending the 34/35.
Thanks again.

[neanyoe]

Sammy, I myself am asking the same question that redford is. Also located in the East Bay, Hayward..I too am debating which glock to buy for my christmas present If you were heading to a range, milpitas/chabot/livermore sometime this weekend or the next few coming.. would it be a bother if I met up with you? Say I bought the ammo or something.. so far, im leaning towards the 19 but there are soo many options!! if possible, PM me?

[neanyoe]

redford, let me know which way you go! the 19 felt better in my not so gigantic hands too. ..sorry i didnt mean to threadjack

[Gryff]

I've shot all three. Personally, I never cared much for the feel of the G19 despite how many people love it. My preference is the G34 because I like the balance of the longer barrel, but the G17 isn't too bad. If the gun is for target shooting and home defense, I would go with the full-size frame and get the G17 or 34. Just pick the one that feels best to you.

[toopercentmlk]

Had a 21, always wanted a 34 or 35. or a... 25? why wouldn't they make me a long barrel .45?P!