Whats up with the 34?

Published on July 1, 2024
Duration: 5:36

Ben Stoeger explains his continued use of the Glock 34, a legacy choice from the iron sight era due to its longer sight radius. He notes that with red dot optics, sight radius is less critical, and preferences have shifted towards shorter recoil spring assemblies (like the Glock 19's) in longer slides (Glock 17/47 length), offering a quicker, more precise return to target. He advises against buying new Glock 34s, recommending models like the Glock 45 or 47 for modern shooting applications.

Quick Summary

The Glock 34's longer slide provides a greater sight radius, historically beneficial for iron sight precision. However, with red dot sights, this advantage diminishes. Modern shooters often prefer models like the Glock 45 or 47, which, when paired with a Glock 19 recoil spring, offer a quicker, more precise return to target due to a more desirable recoil impulse.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction & Glock 34 Discussion
  2. 00:12Why the Glock 34?
  3. 00:30Glock 34 Modifications & Durability
  4. 01:16Glock 34 vs. Modern Glock Models (45/47)
  5. 01:44Legacy of the Glock 34: Iron Sight Era
  6. 01:56Sight Radius Explained
  7. 02:21Red Dots & Shifting Preferences
  8. 02:39Recoil Impulse & Faster Return
  9. 03:03Why Ben Still Uses Glock 34s
  10. 03:13Future Glock Purchases
  11. 03:33Not an Endorsement: Don't Buy a 34 Now
  12. 04:05Would He Buy a 34 Again?
  13. 04:13Marginal Differences in Slide Weight
  14. 04:36Glock 45 vs. Glock 34 Comparison
  15. 04:56Long-Term Satisfaction with Glock 34s
  16. 05:18Recommendation: Glock 45 or 47
  17. 05:30Conclusion & Viewer Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some shooters, like Ben Stoeger, still use the Glock 34?

The Glock 34's longer slide offers a greater sight radius, which was historically beneficial for aligning iron sights more precisely. For shooters accustomed to this setup from the iron sight era, it remains a comfortable and reliable platform, even if newer models are preferred for red dot use.

What are the advantages of newer Glock models like the 45 or 47 over the 34 for modern shooting?

Newer models, particularly when paired with a Glock 19 recoil spring assembly, offer a more desirable recoil impulse for red dot sight users. This combination can lead to a quicker, more precise return to target, which is crucial for competitive and dynamic shooting scenarios.

Is the Glock 34 still a good pistol for red dot optics?

While functional and durable, the Glock 34's primary advantage (sight radius) is less relevant with red dot sights. Shooters often find newer models like the Glock 45 or 47, with their optimized recoil spring and slide combinations, provide a better shooting experience for red dot applications.

How many rounds can a Glock 34 realistically handle?

According to Ben Stoeger, his Glock 34 pistols have proven extremely durable, with one example exceeding 100,000 rounds and still functioning reliably. This indicates a high level of longevity for the platform when maintained.

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