Debating a Glock for Competition

[garand4life]

I'm torn between a Glock 17 and 34 for use in competition. Mostly IDPA but in my area most of the competitions aren't sanctioned matches but more practical shooting competitions open to the local gun clubs. They seem to be mostly IDPA styled or similar to IPSC.
I shoot and carry a Glock 26 or 19 so am really debating if I really need the 34 or if a 17 is typically adequate. I have handled a 17 a bit but the 34 seems to add a bit of purpose built flair.

Thoughts?
Go 17 or is it really worth the hassle of tracking down a 34? Is the 5.5" barrel a negative in any way?


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[addict]

For my 2 cents, I say the 17 is better! Not exact comparisons but I draw or shoot faster with the 17 than the 34. Of course I used a Gen 3 34 my first year in USPSA, and a 17 Gen 4 in my third year, so not all may be equal. Most of our targets are within 15 yards, and the shorter slide seems to be faster for me. If you have to take alot of long or partial cover shots, the longer sight radius may help you out.
Either way shouldn't be more than a few % difference in your stage points.

Addict

[garand4life]

That's how I was leaning. I'm glad some one can speak from experience with both. The 34 in my area is hard to find and even online more than what I'd like to invest at this stage.


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[garand4life]

I've never done IPSC. Sounds like fun.


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[TAB]

THe extra length can make a huge diffrence in your accuracy.   no real diffrence in the gun( infact short barrels tend to be more accurate do to less deflection by vibration.)   balance is also huge, if it points better for you, you will be faster.

[Sponsor]

[garand4life]

I'm hearing that there is a different trigger configuration in the 34. I haven't heard what difference there is, only that it has a 'better' trigger. Any ideas?


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[TAB]

BEtter trigger is very subjective..  Even stock classes allow trigger work so its really meaningless.

[ellis4538]

IDPA is more about run what ya brung so I lean to using what I carry.  That being said, I shoot a carry gun and then reshoot ,if time allows, one of my other guns so they see some use also.  USPSA is more competition vs carry except Production.  The longer sr is said to be better and I won't argue that.  On another forum I frequent you can ask the same question and get anything from "Any excuse to buy a new gun" to "I can't tell the difference between the 17 and 34"!  Haven't a clue what would be best for you since what your shooting is a cross between the two.   

FWIW


Richard

[TAB]

The only stock guns i have ever seen at idpa was from leos.

[les snyder]

I shoot a G34 for USPSA competition, but it was set up for 3 gun...it points better than my G17 and has an edge in accuracy at longer distances ( the AMU guys at Ft Benning like to shoot pistols out to 35yards)... which ever you choose, look at 147 grain bullets when you work on groups at 25 yards or farther... for competition you will want one of the lighter competition triggers, and definitely better sights...I like the Gen3 as I play with recoil springs and use a stainless guide rod... the JP extended mag release button is not legal in Production which is a 10 round class...so I shoot Limited Class Minor caliber...I switched to the Glock platform about 7 years ago after shooting a 1911 in .45 for about 25 years for USPSA...regards Les  L747

Heinie Slant Pro rear and Dawson .245" front, .090" wide for old eyes...