Choosing between the Glock 17L and the Glock 34 often boils down to barrel length and its impact on accuracy and performance. Both are popular choices among competitive shooters and law enforcement, but their differences are significant enough to warrant careful consideration. This in-depth comparison will explore the key distinctions, helping you determine which model best suits your needs.
Barrel Length: The Core Difference
The most prominent distinction between the Glock 17L and the Glock 34 lies in their barrel lengths. The Glock 17L boasts a significantly longer barrel, extending beyond the standard Glock 17, while the Glock 34 features a longer barrel than the standard Glock 17, but shorter than the 17L. This seemingly small difference profoundly impacts several aspects of shooting.
Glock 17L Barrel Length: An Extended Advantage?
The Glock 17L's extended barrel offers several potential advantages:
- Increased Velocity: A longer barrel allows for more complete propellant burn, resulting in a higher muzzle velocity. This translates to a flatter trajectory and potentially increased range.
- Improved Accuracy: The longer sight radius contributes to enhanced precision, particularly at longer distances. The bullet has more time to stabilize before leaving the barrel, minimizing inconsistencies.
- Reduced Recoil: While counterintuitive, some shooters report slightly reduced felt recoil due to the more complete powder burn.
Glock 34 Barrel Length: The Balance of Power
The Glock 34 strikes a balance between the compactness of the Glock 17 and the extended barrel of the 17L. Its longer barrel still offers advantages over the standard Glock 17:
- Improved Accuracy: The longer sight radius still improves accuracy over the standard 17.
- Increased Velocity: While not as dramatic as the 17L, the longer barrel does contribute to increased velocity over the standard 17.
- Maneuverability: Despite the longer barrel, the Glock 34 retains superior maneuverability compared to the 17L, making it a versatile choice for various applications.
Beyond Barrel Length: Other Key Considerations
While barrel length is the primary differentiator, other factors influence the choice between these two models:
- Overall Length: The Glock 17L is considerably longer than the Glock 34, affecting concealability and handling.
- Weight: The 17L's longer barrel adds weight, impacting how it feels in hand and during extended shooting sessions.
- Intended Use: The Glock 34's balanced design makes it ideal for competition shooting (USPSA, IPSC), while the 17L might appeal to those prioritizing maximum velocity and accuracy at longer ranges.
Choosing the Right Glock: 17L or 34?
The "better" Glock depends entirely on the shooter's priorities and intended use. The table below summarizes the key differences:
| Feature | Glock 17L | Glock 34 |
|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | Longest | Longer than Glock 17 |
| Overall Length | Longest | Longer than Glock 17 |
| Weight | Heaviest | Heavier than Glock 17 |
| Velocity | Highest | Higher than Glock 17 |
| Accuracy | Potentially Highest | Higher than Glock 17 |
| Concealability | Lowest | Higher than Glock 17L |
| Maneuverability | Lowest | Higher than Glock 17L |
| Ideal Use | Long-range accuracy, hunting | Competition shooting, law enforcement |
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to handle both firearms, if possible, and consider your individual needs and shooting style. Renting both models at a range is highly recommended before making a significant investment. This hands-on experience will give you the clearest understanding of which Glock best fits your requirements.
