A Heritage of Excellence
The Glock 34 has earned a distinguished reputation among competitive shooters and firearm enthusiasts alike. It’s a pistol celebrated for its inherent accuracy, its ability to be customized and, of course, its Glock lineage, known for reliability and straightforward operation. The Gen 4 iteration of this model brought forward significant enhancements to an already successful design. This guide offers a deep dive into the Gen 4 Glock 34, exploring its features, its benefits, the practical aspects of its use, and even its potential drawbacks, providing a comprehensive resource for anyone considering or already owning this pistol.
The Glock 34 wasn’t the first Glock, but it quickly rose to prominence in the world of competitive shooting. It built upon the success of the Glock 17, the original full-size Glock, by refining key elements to maximize accuracy and performance. The design evolved to meet the needs of action shooting sports, making it an instrument of precision in experienced hands. The Gen 4 represents an important evolutionary step in the Glock 34’s journey, refining the features that made it great and introducing new ones. This guide will serve as a companion to understanding the current form.
Exploring the Core Features
One of the core features that contribute to the popularity of the Gen 4 Glock 34 is its thoughtful design, encompassing all the elements of its creation.
The Foundation: Frame and Grip Enhancements
The frame of the Gen 4 Glock 34 is where many of its most noticeable improvements reside. Glock introduced its Rough Texture Frame (RTF) on the Gen 4 models. The RTF offers a more secure and consistent grip. The textured grip surface provides enhanced control, especially when hands are wet or sweaty, contributing to better handling and faster follow-up shots.
Perhaps the most notable element in the Gen 4 frame is the implementation of interchangeable backstraps. Glock provides various sizes of backstraps, which users can swap out to customize the grip circumference and fit their hands. This adaptability is essential for shooters with smaller or larger hands, ensuring a comfortable and more efficient grip for optimal control and feel. This personal touch is a fundamental benefit of the design.
The Slide and Barrel: Precision in Steel
The slide and barrel of the Gen 4 Glock 34 distinguish it from its siblings in the Glock family. The longer slide and extended barrel are the hallmarks of the 34, setting the standard for performance in competition. The extended barrel length, measuring approximately five and a third inches, contributes to several advantages.
The primary benefit of the longer barrel is an increase in sight radius. With a longer sight radius, the distance between the front and rear sights is increased, which results in greater accuracy. The longer barrel enhances the precision of the firearm by making sight alignment easier, which allows for more precise shot placement and tighter groupings. This is extremely valuable, especially at extended distances often found in competition. The slide also has a resilient and durable finish that protects it against wear and tear during extended use.
The Trigger: Safe and Ready
The Glock Safe Action system has long been synonymous with the brand, defining the operation of these guns. The trigger is designed for ease of use, featuring a consistent pull, making it predictable and dependable, allowing for more accurate shot placement. The trigger pull weight, while subject to individual preference, is generally consistent, making follow-up shots faster and more accurate. The simplicity and reliability of the Safe Action system contribute to the Glock 34’s reputation as a dependable sidearm.
The Gen 4 Glock 34 features the same, reliable Safe Action system, giving it a level of familiarity for those accustomed to the Glock platform.
Sights: Aiming with Clarity
The factory sights on the Gen 4 Glock 34 consist of a standard Glock U-notch rear sight paired with a front post sight. These sights are functional and get the job done, suitable for general range use. Many users, especially those involved in competitive shooting, consider upgrading the sights to enhance their performance.
Aftermarket options are plentiful, including adjustable rear sights, which allow shooters to fine-tune their point of impact for different distances and ammunition types. Fiber optic sights are another popular choice, providing a bright and highly visible aiming point in various lighting conditions. Those who want precision can consider custom sights that incorporate adjustments to customize the user experience even further.
Magazines: Capacity and Compatibility
The Gen 4 Glock 34, like other models in the 9mm Luger family, comes standard with magazines that have a 17-round capacity. This high-capacity design offers shooters an advantage in competitions and self-defense scenarios where shot volume can be essential. The magazine release was also enhanced in the Gen 4, making it easier to drop and reload magazines.
The Glock 34 magazines are widely compatible with other Glock models chambered in 9mm, making it easy for owners to share magazines across different firearms. This level of interchangeability is a valuable asset, allowing shooters to share, swap, and easily manage their ammunition supply.
Recoil Management: Harnessing the Power
The Gen 4 Glock 34 features a dual recoil spring assembly, a key design element that mitigates felt recoil and improves control. This system effectively absorbs the energy generated by the fired round, reducing muzzle rise, which allows for faster follow-up shots and greater accuracy. This allows for more control, particularly during rapid firing sequences.
Performance and Practical Application
The design features combine to deliver practical benefits.
Accuracy on the Range
The Gen 4 Glock 34 is well-known for its accuracy. The combination of a long sight radius, precise barrel, and the user-friendly Safe Action trigger contributes to excellent groupings on the target. The gun is known for its ability to deliver accurate shots at various distances, making it suitable for both target practice and competitive shooting.
Mastering Recoil
Managing recoil is crucial for any shooter, and the Gen 4 Glock 34 is designed to make this easier. The dual recoil spring assembly and its ergonomic design significantly reduce muzzle rise.
Ergonomics and Handling
The ergonomics of the Gen 4 Glock 34 are generally praised. The grip design, including the Rough Texture Frame and interchangeable backstraps, provides an excellent feel in the hand. The balance of the gun is well-optimized, making it comfortable to carry and use for extended periods.
Reliability: A Glock Trademark
Glock firearms are famous for their reliability. The Gen 4 Glock 34 is no exception. Its robust construction, simple design, and high-quality materials result in a gun that can withstand high round counts with minimal maintenance.
Advantages of Owning the Gen 4 Glock 34
These features translate into real-world advantages for users.
Excelling in Competition
The Gen 4 Glock 34 is a favorite among competitors in shooting sports such as USPSA and IDPA. The long sight radius, controllable recoil, and large magazine capacity provide significant advantages.
Self-Defense Considerations
While primarily designed for competitive shooting, the Gen 4 Glock 34 can also be used for self-defense. Its capacity and reliability are appealing for this role. However, the size and weight must be considered.
A Target Shooting Companion
The accuracy, ergonomics, and relatively mild recoil of the Gen 4 Glock 34 make it an excellent choice for target practice and recreational shooting. Its consistent performance allows shooters to hone their skills and enjoy the experience of shooting.
The World of Customization
Glocks are known for their modularity and the vast array of aftermarket parts available. The Gen 4 Glock 34 is no different. Shooters can customize almost every aspect of their pistol, from sights and triggers to internal components and cosmetic enhancements. This customization potential allows shooters to create a firearm that perfectly suits their individual preferences and shooting style.
Navigating the Potential Drawbacks
No firearm is perfect.
Concealment Challenges
The Gen 4 Glock 34’s size and barrel length make concealed carry more challenging than smaller-framed pistols. Users who prioritize concealability should consider this factor.
Trigger Nuances
The Glock trigger, while safe and reliable, can be a subject of personal preference. Many shooters opt to install aftermarket triggers to fine-tune the feel and improve their trigger pull.
Addressing Potential Issues
As with any firearm, it’s important to be aware of any potential problems. While the Glock 34 is a reliable pistol, some early Gen 4 models experienced issues that have since been addressed by Glock.
Comparing Pistols: The Gen 4 Glock 34’s Place
The market is full of options. The Gen 4 Glock 34 stands out when compared to other offerings.
The Glock Family Comparison
The Glock 17, 19 and others share similar design principles to the 34, offering an interesting internal debate for potential buyers. The longer slide and barrel of the 34 provide advantages for competitive shooting and target practice. The 19 offers enhanced concealment.
Beyond Glock: Exploring Other Options
Many other popular 9mm handguns exist. Some compete with the Glock 34, offering specific features or characteristics. Each model presents unique attributes.
Upgrades and Accessories
The Gen 4 Glock 34 has a plethora of options.
Sights: Upgrading Your Aim
Upgrading the sights is one of the most common customizations. Choosing the right sight will depend on the needs of the shooter.
Triggers: Tailoring the Feel
Aftermarket triggers offer a way to customize the pull weight and feel of the trigger. Many options are available.
Holsters: Carrying with Comfort
Due to its size, holsters should be chosen carefully. A well-fitting holster is essential for comfortable and secure carry.
Other Enhancements
Other accessories, such as magazine extensions and weapon lights, can further enhance the functionality and performance of the Gen 4 Glock 34.
Care and Maintenance: Keeping Your Glock in Top Shape
The Glock 34 is known for ease of maintenance.
Cleaning and Disassembly Basics
Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the performance and reliability of your Glock 34. Proper disassembly is a simple task.
Lubrication Guidelines
Proper lubrication keeps moving parts running smoothly. Using the right amount of lubrication helps prevent malfunctions.
Maintenance Routines
Regular maintenance is vital to ensure the longevity and continued reliable function of your firearm.
In Conclusion
The Gen 4 Glock 34 is a formidable handgun with a proven track record in competitive shooting, and is suitable for other applications, with its design. Its features, including the long barrel, enhanced grip, and reliable performance, make it a fantastic choice.
For the right user, the Gen 4 Glock 34 is a valuable tool. From target practice to competition, the Gen 4 Glock 34 offers a blend of accuracy, reliability, and customization options.
