Ok, here it goes my first post… Sorry if this has been covered, but I need some real time help making a decision. What are the pros and cons of these two pistols? I will be using it to shoot IDPA, but also at the range and for the Zombie attack. I carry a G23, and love it. Had a G22 that I gave to my Dad, and also had a G27 that was no fun to shoot and not any easier to conceal than my 23, so I sold it. Now I run my 23 with a 9mm conversion barrel at IDPA for economical reasons as well as softer recoil and quicker follow up shots. I have really been wanting a full frame 9mm for some time now and was sold on the 17, but now I’m leaning more toward the 34 because it has all the extra parts on it already. I am buying one or the other tomorrow. Please tell me your thoughts and personal experience, I’m all ears…or eyes.
I have both but the G17 is a Gen4. Both have a 3.5 with a standard spring, but the G34 feels a bit lighter and smoother on the trigger. A polish job on either will also help. I will say that the G17 feels ever so slightly lighter on the recoil with the dual spring set up. I like the SF style grip on the Gen4 G17 better. I added an extended slide release to the G17 and the extended mag release and the new oversized mag release on the G17 are about head to head IMO. I do like the extra length on the G34 especially if it really isn’t a carry gun. There are those suffering with some issues with the Gen4’s and I was kinda one of them, but it seems to be running great right now so keep that in mind when considering a Gen4.
For your needs / uses…
G34 vs Gen3 G17 = G34 all the way.
G34 vs Gen4 G17 = IMO a near toss up, but I would probably opt for the G34.
Gen4 G34 (if and when) vs a Gen4 G17 = Gen4 G34 all the way. 
I think you would be well served with a G17 but I prefer the G34 for shooting games. I like the extra sight radius and the extended mag release, extended slide stop and 3.5 disconnecter that comes stock on the 34 is a plus IMO. I feel that the G34 recoils a “tad” bit smoother but that is purely subjective and could be because I have grip tape on my G34 and FO front sight which makes it easier to grip and the sights easier to track. If you like the “game” of IDPA get the G34 and you’ll never have to worry about “having enough gun” to win, if you’re more into the tactical and SD practice of IDPA get the 17 as I like shooting stock trigger w/o 3.5 disconnecter for real life applications and with gloves on.
You’ll be fine either way though,
GU
I have both. I find myself shooting the 34 more lately.
For the gun games, nothing compares to the G34 when talking strictly Glock.
I carry a G19 and G26. I had the 17 & 34 also. I just sold the 17. I felt like fir my needs the G34 had the edge over the G17. If it were a carry gun I’d go for the G17 because of the closed slide but ghats just me.
When I started in competition shooting several years ago I first started with a Beretta 92 Elite and then a SIG 220.
I then switched to Glocks first starting with a G17 and then a G34. For IDPA/USPSA a Glock 34 is a nice flat easy shooting gun. After a couple of years of shooting that I later like a Gen 3 Glock 17 better. There are shooters much better than me who like the G34 but it’s just really a personal preference thing. To me the G34 cycles a bit to slow, it’s mostly in my head because time itself seems to slow down when I’m shooting stages in matches. Mechanically nothing is wrong with that but it would just feel weird to me. After shooting the 17 again for a while the S&W M&P 9 came out and I bought one of those and I’m now shooting a S&W M&P Pro 9. I will be shooting both the M&P Pro and my Gen 4 Glock 17 in competition. To me they feel very similar in how they handle.
I’d still recommend the G34 for someone starting out in competition. It’s also handy with a light on it because the light doesn’t protrude further than the muzzle of the gun.
I like a long sight radius but don’t think it’s necessary. Until the 4 Gen 34 comes out I feel just fine with my 4 Gen 17. I like it that much more than the 3 Gen because of the ergos, grip and mag release specifically, low muzzle flip, and slightly better apparent accuracy.
Also something gotm4 said reminded my the longer sight radius makes it feel a little slower out of the holster and general maneuvering than the 17.
This is why I bought the G34 for a dedicated light gun. Since you have the length for the light, why not have the barrel as well? The X300 doesn’t stick past the muzzle and after about 2000 rounds the light is still clean. Not the same on the G17, it starts getting dirty after the first range session.
For competition, the G34 is pretty much ready to go out of the box, and is no longer than a 1911 as far as concealment goes.
The G17 is still my overall favorite gun, but the G34 seems to fit the bill for you.
Thanks to everybody for all the great responses. I am the proud new owner of a Glock 34. Thanks for helping me make an informed decision in this matter.
I’m sure you will enjoy it. Take a look at the Glock section of Brian Enos forum for lots of great discussions of using Glocks in competition.
good info thanks!
You’ll be very happy with your purchase, I love glocks, especially my personalized 34 and I’ve had zero buyer remorse with every one of my “plastic peace keepers” lol, something I can’t say for some of my other blasters :D.
Enjoy
GU