Glock 17, 19, 34-Compare

[Steve-O]

I will say this, the G19 is the only pistol I have ever wanted multiples of. It is a total keeper. For me, the G19 is the perfect pistol.

[RedFord150]

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

Not a threadjack if we are all on the same topic ;-)...

[sd1023x]

Have a 17L and 26, so I know where your desire for the 34 comes from. To whet your appetite, here is ballistics by the inch....

http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/9mmluger.html

To my friend who wanted a handgun for defense but wasn't an 'enthusiast' (so he had no intention to buy multiple guns), I recommended a G19. The barrel length lost to the 17 is acceptable to the reduction in size enhancing its concealability.

Of all my handguns, the 26 spends the most time as the HD piece, because of its size mostly and handiness.

If you are going to build a collection so therefore sometime in the future you are going to get a compact or subcompact piece, then hell yeah, go for the G34! Why not, if your gonna go with G17, an almost extra inch of barrel is not that much more and there is a benefit.

[esskay]

BTW, 9/40 conversions are available for all three models.

Your plan to go try out all three is a solid plan, should allow you to determine which you like best, and you can't really go wrong with any of them.

Of course, the best thing to do would be to get one of each!

[BamBam-31]

This is just my experience: I shoot my G17 quite a bit. USPSA shoots, regular ASR range shoots, it does it all. I can shoot it at speed or slowfire, and it serves both purposes well. Bought a G34 because I thought, "Well, if I love the G17, then there's even more to love with the G34!" Turns out, I'm so tuned to my G17 that my G34 never made it out of the safe. It was just different enough that I didn't shoot it as well at speed (the sights just didn't track the same), and it just wasn't as accurate for me slowfire, either. Ended up selling the G34. The G17 is just "that" gun for me.

Also own a G19. My first ever gun. Love it to death and will never sell it, but I do find the grip a bit more comfortable on my G17. Still, it's an accurate and reliable gun, a truly awesome compact 9mm pistol.

[Quiet]

If it's for range use, get the Glock 34.

[Black Majik]

One thing to keep in mind, something I haven't seen mentioned yet is the difference in the frame. The G17 and G34 will share the same frame. On 3rd gen Glocks, the finger groove spacing will be different between the fullsize and compact frames. The G19 will have shorter spacing on the finger grooves. Since I have skinny fingers, I find the G19 to be more comfortable since it doesn't spread out my fingers like the G17/G34 frame does. However, I'm a sucker for longer sight radius so I shoot a G34 the most.

I've always wanted a G19 frame with a G34 slide.

[m1aowner]

Have the 34 and like it, but HATE the stock adjustable sights....GARBAGE, it doesn't need it. One of these days I'll put some standard fixed on it.

I'd say go with whatever you can get the best price on if money is a factor.

[cqbdude]

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.

The conversion is just the barrel. The lone wolf barrel replaces the G35 .40 barrel. You would need a G17 magazine.

For the G23, a 9mm conversion barrel will replace the .40 barrel so you can shoot 9mm, basically turning it into a G19, so you would need a G19 magazine as well.

[cqbdude]

I actually don't like Glocks...well let me clarify ...I hate the triggers on Glocks..

I love 1911's. But they are apples and oranges..

And I don't want to start a flame war either..

I'm just answering your question.

Why do I have all these Glocks then?

Cause Glocks serves a different purpose for me..
Glocks are Best Bang for the Buck guns..
They are simple to use..dont have to manipulate safety or decockers.
They go bang when you pull the trigger all the time..
I don't have to clean it as often as my 1911.
I'm able to shoot different calibers easily..like .40 without going broke on conversion.
Its easy to work on..
I don't care if I drop my glock on the cement..
If I happen to shoot someone in self defense , I dont mind if the police
takes it for evidence and keep it for a year.
Everyone has a glock..if I need parts..I can just take yours..LOL
The police are using glocks..so I can ask them for ammo..or ask them for a magazine with ammo in them.

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...