In my mind the choice was between the 34 as a game-only gun versus the 17 as something I could also carry.
I like it… Never seen a that before…
Would go nice with my Blazer that has Ghost Flames on it…
I have a G17 and had a G34. I ended up selling the G34 when I picked up an M&P 9 Pro and discovered that I do much better with that than the G34.
Some considerations on carrying the G34:
– When I carried it in a Galco Fletch holster that was originally designed for the G17, the barrel poked out a little far and made me sit slightly higher on my gun side while driving.
– It did fine carrying IWB.
– There is the consideration of the big hole in the top of the slide. While highly unlikely, there is a non-zero risk of FOD getting in there compared to the G17.
– In retrospect, I believe that my front sight was too short. I consistently shot high with it using sights that were designed for the G17’s shorter slide.
– The G34 comes with an extended (really a G21) mag release and slide stop. I ditched the extended slide stop for a stock one to prevent riding the stop and preventing lock open. A Vickers mag release is superior to the blocky stock one.
Not trying to talk you into or out of it…just my two cents from experience.
I have a 19, 17 and a 34. I like to carry the 19 but my favorite is the 17. Even as a competition weapon I would chose the 17 over say the 34.
YMMV
What makes you prefer the 17 over the 34? Just curious
New guy with his opening post here…for CCW purposes it is going to be hard to beat the G17. Considering that the frame is the same for both the 17 and 34, that slightly extended barrel length may come into play for you. YMMV. I choose to carry a G22 and am very pleased.
However, being that you are getting a new pistol, I am certain that either way, you will be most satisfied with your purchase.
I don’t know for sure, but he probably doesn’t like the compensated barrel and slide.
He’s an IP, he may be worried about stuff getting in there, and hot gasses hitting his face when shooting from the hip in CQC.
Or hell maybe he just doesn’t like the trigger or something
The 34 isn’t compensated. There are no ports on the barrel unless you have a G34C (which I’ve never seen, but might exist somewhere). The hole in the slide is for mass distribution.
I never really found extra barrel length to be much of an issue when carried IWB. It’s the butt of the gun I had issues with and since the frames are the same size between 17 and 34, I don’t think there’s a reason not to do it save for the holster problems which would probably push me towards the 17 personally.
Whether barrel length will come into play depends upon your method of carry, and issues most commonly come about when you are sitting down. I have a friend that carries in front of, or just inside his hip bone. When ever I’ve tried that, with anything other than a pocket pistol, it pokes me when I sit down.
I generally carry behind my right hip, I guess you could call it the kidney area. There, even with the gun canted, a longer barrel can hit the seat of a vehicle. Carrying on the side of the hip probably provides the most amount of leeway, but if you have car seats, where the sides of the seat are angled up for ass stability, most barrel lengths contact the seat. Just try it in my 350Z.
That’s what I like about concealed carry. It is never totally comfortable. Clint Smith says, “get over it”. If you really want to carry a certain gun, just make it work one way or the other.
For myself and running both weapons heavily, I don’t find a significant advantage with the longer 34 slide and sight radius when it comes to accuracy, other than perhaps bench or bullseye type shooting, but I really don’t find any real measurable advantage. I also don’t feel that the heavier nose of the 34 gives me a good advantage as far as recoil is concerned, especially in 9mm. So for run and gun I definitely prefer the lighter weight of the 17 which I feel moves transitionally faster and my speed with presentations, target transitions, and overall manipulations is quicker. I also like the shorter draw stroke of the 17 from the holster. So just for myself, I prefer the lighter, quicker weapon over what the 34 offers.
I have a Glock 35 and love it but I don’t really have a desire to carry it due to the longer slide. Given your situation I’d take the Glock 17 for the versitility. I’m thinking of getting a 17 myself for this reason.
JP
Awesome, thanks for your input.