Glock 34?

Dustin Cantrell · May 20, 2012

I've been thinking about buying a double stack semi-auto pistol geared towards competition for a couple months. I'd like something that could be used for all types of matches, whether they be IDPA, USPSA, 3 gun, etc. I've only been shooting for 6 months and have just shot in one IDPA match and one ProAm match. My skill set isn't at the level to where I'd require a 1911/2011 race gun so I don't care to spend a few grand on one. My performance isn't currently limited by the pistol but by my skills.

I've been thinking about a Glock 34 for this purpose. I like to reload lead because it's cheap, so I'd probably eventually add an aftermarket barrel. Install a connector and magwell and stipple it and I'd think I'd have a pistol I wouldn't outgrow for a while. What are you guys' thoughts? What other pistols should I consider?

backer · May 20, 2012

Glock 34
Glock 17
Smith and Wesson M&P Pro
Smith and Wesson M&P9
Springfield XDM 5.25 9mm
Springfield XDM 4.5 9mm
CZ 75 SP01 Shadow 9mm

I shot production with my Glock 22 running minor .40 loads. If you already have a gun just show up and shoot. Don't get caught up in the equipment game and rush to buy something you might not like. I haven't met a person yet that wouldn't let me check out or shoot their gun to see what i liked.

shootingbuff · May 20, 2012

Sounds like a plan. Of course I am biased though. Don't forget about the G35 as well if you are looking at the P/Ts.

backer · May 20, 2012

shootingbuff said:
Sounds like a plan. Of course I am biased though. Don't forget about the G35 as well if you are looking at he P/Ts.

Yeah, I figured i would leave the .40 out because it seems like he was already leaning toward a 9mm.

shootingbuff · May 20, 2012

Better mileage I am thinking with shooting Major or powder puff minor. More options to play with.

Dustin Cantrell · May 20, 2012

backer said:
Glock 34
Glock 17
Smith and Wesson M&P Pro
Smith and Wesson M&P9
Springfield XDM 5.25 9mm
Springfield XDM 4.5 9mm
CZ 75 SP01 Shadow 9mm

I shot production with my Glock 22 running minor .40 loads. If you already have a gun just show up and shoot. Don't get caught up in the equipment game and rush to buy something you might not like. I haven't met a person yet that wouldn't let me check out or shoot their gun to see what i liked.

I will be showing up to shoot this weekend at USSA for the USPSA match. Anybody have a G34 they plan on shooting that wouldn't mind me shooting a stage with it?

What's the difference between a 17L and a 34?

Dustin Cantrell · May 20, 2012

backer said:
Yeah, I figured i would leave the .40 out because it seems like he was already leaning toward a 9mm.

I had thought about a G35 as well. I'm not sure I should even worry about power factor at this point, but I thought about buying a G35 and an aftermarket 9mm barrel for it so I could shoot both .40 and 9mm with it.

shootingbuff · May 20, 2012

Dustin Cantrell said:
I will be showing up to shoot this weekend at USSA for the USPSA match. Anybody have a G34 they plan on shooting that wouldn't mind me shooting a stage with it?

What's the difference between a 17L and a 34?

Basically about an inch on the bbl.

Ksmirk · May 20, 2012

If your gonna reload I'd opt for the G35 this way you never have to worry about getting beat by the major powerfactor, you can load the 40 to minor and I like it better than 9mm OR just get a load that makes PF and run. I'm not saying don't get a 9mm BUT my thinking is you buy the 40 and your done and everything you want to shoot is covered.

I have a friend who shoots production and 9mm let her shoot my G24 and all you could see was a smile and ask if she could have the pistol LOL

For bullets I shoot the Bayou Bullets, a touch higher than lead but not as messy, my Glock has over 2K thru it and have more on the way. Go with the 40 you buy one pistol, one set up on your press, one mess of brass just in my mind a much more simple and economical way to go in the long run. Later,

Kirk

Wall · May 20, 2012

Dustin,
The next time we shoot the same match, I'd be happy to let you shoot my M&P 9Pro.
I'll bring all the gear & you can run it for the whole match.

I think you'll get better mileage out of a .40, there's just more match options in my opinion.
I can shoot .40 in every division, match & power factor as 9mm, I can't say the opposite
The only benefit of the 9 vs .40 is $ savings in ammo

aeropb · May 20, 2012

I'll be at USSA on 5-26-12 if you want to try a G34 or M&P 9 Pro

poopgiggle · May 20, 2012

aeropb said:
I'll be at USSA on 5-26-12 if you want to try a G34 or M&P 9 Pro

I'm going to try to be there Saturday. Can I try your G34?

Dustin Cantrell · May 20, 2012

aeropb said:
I'll be at USSA on 5-26-12 if you want to try a G34 or M&P 9 Pro

If I don't pick one up before then, I'll take you up on that. I'll be the 6'1" guy with a red beard that shoots horribly. Won't be hard to spot.

aeropb · May 20, 2012

See you there

See you there

Dustin Cantrell · May 21, 2012

LGS had a G35 for a great price so it came home with me today. Hope I like it!

Ksmirk · May 21, 2012

For what it's worth I think you made a good decision on the 35 over the 34. Later,

Kirk

Wall · May 21, 2012

Kirk Smith (ksmirk) said:
For what it's worth I think you made a good decision on the 35 over the 34. Later,

Kirk

I agree, congrats on your new gun

Dustin Cantrell · May 21, 2012

Wall said:
I agree, congrats on your new gun

Thanks Tony and Kirk. Tony, will you be there this weekend? I'm interested in a magwell. Also, do you have any mag pouches for Glock mags?

Wall · May 21, 2012

Dustin Cantrell said:
Thanks Tony and Kirk. Tony, will you be there this weekend? I'm interested in a magwell. Also, do you have any mag pouches for Glock mags?

I have CR Speed Pouches, They're adaptable to pretty much everything. Magwell is no problem.
I'm definately going to try to make it up Sunday.
Sat. is OKC Gun Club 3gun, you should try to make it out.

Dustin Cantrell · May 21, 2012

Wall said:
I have CR Speed Pouches, They're adaptable to pretty much everything. Magwell is no problem.
I'm definately going to try to make it up Sunday.
Sat. is OKC Gun Club 3gun, you should try to make it out.

USSA USPSA is Saturday, not Sunday if I'm not mistaken. I've never shot 3 gun. I don't have a shotgun to shoot 3 gun. I have an BCM AR, pistols, but no shotgun after my house was burglarized last year. I'm new to matches, so I don't have much gear. If you have extra stock laying around, you might bring an ICE magwell and a few of those speed pouches with you if you'll be at the USSA USPSA match on Saturday. I might buy. I understand that no magwells are approved for USPSA but the ICE magwell is ok for IDPA and IPSC for production. Is that correct?