I am contemplating one for some steel competition. I am debating between that and the 17 MOS. Anybody shoot a 34 and have any insights? I plan on shooting both but would love any real world experience with either.

I have had a 34 Gen5 MOS for a couple of years now. I got it intending to shoot steel and USPSA but life has gotten to busy and I’m lucky to make an IDPA match every month (for which the 34 is too big.) I’ve only shot it a little, but my impressions: It’s a Glock. The trigger is pretty good for a box stock Glock trigger, very shootable. The finger grooves are gone, a good thing. Other than that, all I can say is it’s a Glock.

I did provide it one day for a bunch of students, all new shooters, to use at an event we had at the shooting center here on campus. All liked it and no problems, so there’s that.

Sorry I can’t give a more comprehensive report than that.

To add, if I were only going to use a gun for steel, I’d definitely go with the 34 over a 17

Had both a 34 Gen 5 MOS and a Model 17 Gen 5, non-MOS.

Trigger pull and mechanical accuracy were pretty much same same. The main difference is the 34 has a bit more weight up front to lessen felt recoil/muzzle jump. It's not a lot but shooting them side by side it's definitely a softer feeling recoil.


Fwiw, I no longer have any Glocks and have replaced them with S&W M&P 2.0's, a 4.25" model and a 5". Nothing really against the Glocks, just personal preference. They fit my hand better, and while you can always replace a Glock trigger I liked the OEM flat triggers on the new Smiths better.

Thanks gents. Any other knowledge would also be appreciated.

If you decide to go with a G40 MOS, id move mine if you're interested.

Thanks but don't really want or need a 10mm.

Come now, he wants to move it. In gun buyer market this might mean very good deal for you.

I hear ya. Guns for me are almost always more of a want than need but I neither want or need a 10.

The G34 is meant to be used for competition. Mine has put several plaques on my office wall. Changed the trigger and it's about 4lbs right now, added a Zev barrel (which isn't necessary), and adjustable metal sights. It runs 100%. Like flawless. If competition is your game, the extra weight out front over the G17 is an asset.

As a previous poster said, I've switched to SW M&P2.0's. Grip is a little better but honestly don't care that much about grip. Big difference is the APEX trigger that I put in the Smith. OMG, it's fast, quick, and light. Very little take up, breaks around 3.5, and the reset is short. All of that makes it easier to shoot fast. And the Smith came MOS ready, unlike the G34.4.

When it comes down to it, I can shoot both about the same speed, just because I've been shooting the G34 for so long. It's like an extension of my and for me. I think in another year, the Smith will take the lead.

Glock is great in many aspects but competition shooting...I would look at a CZ competition model. No mods needed and amazingly accurate.

I have multiple 17s and 34s and much prefer the 34 for accuracy. My current bedstand gun is a 34. They are easier for me to shoot more accurately than the 17s. I like my 17s and they have their place but the 34 is a great gun.

With that said, my uncle has a 17L (gen 2 guessing) that is one of the most accurate 9mms I have ever shot.

I like the longer sight radius and handling of the 17L and 34s.