The Glock 34 is Dead

Published on June 20, 2025
Duration: 10:40

This video discusses the discontinuation of the Glock 34, a long-slide pistol historically favored for competition and law enforcement due to its extended sight radius and lighter trigger components. The discussion highlights the evolution of pistol technology, particularly the rise of red dot sights and more compact weapon lights, which have diminished the unique advantages of the Glock 34. It also touches on the generational improvements in Glock models, from Gen 3 to Gen 5, focusing on features like slide windows, finger grooves, and optic-ready slides.

Quick Summary

The Glock 34, a long-slide pistol favored for competition and tactical use, has been discontinued. Its primary advantages, such as an extended sight radius and specific compatibility with early weapon lights, have been overshadowed by the rise of red dot sights and more compact tactical lights. Glock Gen 5 models offer significant ergonomic and accuracy improvements.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Glock 34 Discontinuation
  2. 00:13Glock 34 vs. Glock 17 Differences
  3. 01:15Glock 34 for Competition and Law Enforcement
  4. 01:34Cultural Significance: Man on Fire
  5. 01:50Glock 34 and Weapon Lights (X300)
  6. 03:01Glock 34 Gen 3 Slide Window Issue
  7. 03:24Upgrading Gen 3 Glocks
  8. 03:54Glock Gen 5 Improvements
  9. 05:08Why the Glock 34 is Discontinued
  10. 05:10Impact of Red Dot Sights
  11. 05:30Slide Cycling Speed and Red Dots
  12. 06:00Red Dot Reliability Evolution
  13. 07:02Glock's Conservative Evolution
  14. 07:14Less Reason for Long Slides Today
  15. 07:45Gen 5 Accuracy Improvements
  16. 08:10Retrospective on the Glock 34
  17. 09:21Reversible Magazine Catch Preference
  18. 09:51Glock 34 Discontinued: Adios
  19. 10:12Support InRangeTV on Patreon

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Glock 34 being discontinued?

The Glock 34 is being discontinued primarily due to the evolution of firearm technology and shooting trends. The widespread adoption of slide-mounted red dot sights has diminished the advantage of its long sight radius, and more compact, capable weapon lights reduce the need for a slide that perfectly matches light length.

What were the main differences between the Glock 34 and Glock 17?

The Glock 34 featured a longer 5.3-inch barrel and slide compared to the Glock 17's 4.5-inch barrel. It also typically came with extended controls (mag and slide release) and a lighter 3.5 lb disconnector, making it more competition-oriented.

How did red dot sights impact the Glock 34's relevance?

Red dot sights significantly reduced the importance of the Glock 34's extended sight radius, which was a key advantage for iron sight shooting. With red dots, the speed of target acquisition and recovery is less dependent on the physical length of the iron sights.

What improvements did Glock Gen 5 models offer over earlier generations?

Glock Gen 5 models introduced features like a molded-in magwell, removable backstraps, elimination of finger grooves, and a closed-top slide. These addressed common aftermarket modifications and user preferences, enhancing ergonomics and functionality.

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