Glock 34 gen 5 Review
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Glock 34 gen 5 Reviews
The GLOCK 34 MOS Gen5 FS pistol. I understand what you’re thinking. “It’s the same as the new GLOCK 17 MOS, but longer.” In fact, it’s identical to the new GLOCK 17 MOS, only longer. The new G34 is similar to other Gen 5 GLOCK guns, but it differs from previous generations in a few ways. The most obvious feature of the Gen5 G34 is the ambidextrous slide stop controls. They are also larger on the G34 than on other models, as is the reversible magazine release (which is only slightly larger). Those finger grooves are also gone.
Glock 34 gen 5 Reviews
The Glock 34 Gen 5 is a long slide 9mm pistol that can be used on the battlefield or in competition. The longer slide provides a larger sight radius and makes it easier to control recoil and keep the gun “tracking” back on target. Glock has been updating their lineup to Generation 5, as seen on the 17/19 and 19X. We won’t go over all of the changes for the Gen 5, but a highlight reel may be useful if you haven’t been paying attention. The accuracy has been increased by half, the new triggers are better, the finger grooves have been removed, and there is a right side slide release for the devil handed. Now, I must preface this review by stating that I am a Glock 34 fan, so I am biased toward the gun. Not only do I prefer the 34 as a tactical pistol, but I also used one for years as a race gun in both USPSA and 3 Gun. Nothing beats curb stomping some clown with a $4000 pistol at a match while using your $500 Tupperware and talent on loan from Ares himself. And, if we’re talking armor and helmets level events, why not take the extra 34 inches of slide over a G17?
So I’m delighted to report that the new Gen 5 34 is, in my opinion, Glock’s first out-of-the-box race ready pistol. The trigger isn’t as good as some aftermarket options, but it’s a step up from the Gen 3 factory options.
The most significant change, however, is in the sights. Glock now has a new option called the Bold sights, which are made by Ameriglo and are fantastic. Do plastic Glock sights function? They do work. However, they are a subpar option and the first thing most people change. The old-fashioned night sights also worked, but they were a less than ideal option. I prefer a thinner front sight with a wider light gap in the rear because they are easier to use. The original Glock night sights had a broad front and a very small light gap. This is preferred in high-accuracy disciplines, but it takes longer to line up. The new Bold sights have a ratio that is closer to champion shooters’ preferred options.
The Bold sights have tritium front and rear, which meets the tactical requirement of seeing in the dark. The front is not fiber optic, but it does have a large, bright orange dot that is difficult to miss during close range speed shooting drills. In use, I find the sights to be an excellent blend of tactical and sporting capabilities, suitable for either.
I also like that the Gen 5 34 is MOS, which means it is red dot ready. The slide is pre-cut and has a cover plate attached. The gun comes with a red dot adaptor pack, the majority of which are under the sun. Glock made an excellent move here. Many of us aren’t ready to completely abandon red dots.
The final two changes are also dual use competitor/tactical. First, the Gen 5 guns have a slide release on the right side. This is fantastic for lefties. And the G34 has always had an oversized slide release from the factory. So Glock combined the two for the Gen 5. Left and right, we have a slide release with a similar profile to the original Glock extended slide release. There was some concern that this would necessitate the purchase of new holsters, but it fit my Safariland ALS perfectly.