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17L vs 34


Eric1231

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I am thinking about picking up a glock for 3 gun/ uspsa limited minor . I am currently using an xdm 5.25. I mainly to want to try something new and have a backup hand gun. Which one would you pick for this purpose? Is the length difference on the 17L even noticeable? If so what is noticeable about it?

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Won't really matter for 3 Gun. Match wins are based on long range rifle and fast shotgun reloading. You can't win a 3 Gun based on pistol points, but you could loose it if you fall flat on your face. I shoot Open, based on my shotgun, but run an iron sighted G17.

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If you know you'll never shoot Production I'd go with the 17L.

Is the length difference on the 17L even noticeable? If so what is noticeable about it?

Yes, I think the increased sight radius is noticeable.

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I couldn't get used to the draw. I started with a 17 and moved to a 34. The only thing noticeable was the increases sight radius. I tried to move to a 17L but the only thing I noticed was how much further I had to lift the gun to clear the holster. If I were using a pure race holster the 17L might be worth it but out of a retention holster, the 34 is a better choice for me.

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I couldn't get used to the draw. I started with a 17 and moved to a 34. The only thing noticeable was the increases sight radius. I tried to move to a 17L but the only thing I noticed was how much further I had to lift the gun to clear the holster. If I were using a pure race holster the 17L might be worth it but out of a retention holster, the 34 is a better choice for me.

I have a custom drop leg holster for my 17L. It's a few inches lower on my belt. Helps a lot.

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17L is a gen 3 only and everything is the same as gen 3 17 except barrel and slide. Slide is supposed to be the same weight/close to same weight as a 17. Internally it is killed some and the opening in the top of the slide is big.

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The 1st G17L was a Gen 1, built in 1988. I know because I got one as product from a GSSF match in late 1992. All full size small frames are interchangeable with the exception of the ejector/extractor and magazines between the 9mm, .357SIG/40S&W. The G17/G34/G17L/G22/G35/G24 and G31 can swap uppers and lowers. Recoil spring assemblies are common to all the same guns. Or you can run 9mm conversion barrels in the 40S&W and .357SIG guns. I've been thru 3 G17Ls and 3 G34's over the last 24 years in competition and carry, and a bunch of other Glocks also, but for the last 10 years have only shot G17s for competition and use G31s for carry. For USPSA, most shots are 2-15 yards, with most steel arrays at 10-12 yards, so sight radius is no big deal. Occasionally there are targets further out, but 95% of the points are relatively close targets nicely bunched in neat little arrays. Shooting Limited Minor is going to hurt you more on points than the difference between the G17/G34 or G17L (not in Production Division). Your'e going to be better off running Production division with a G17/G34. And again for 3 gun, 2 holes anywhere or one Alpha, doesn't matter.

Edited by 9x45
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A drop leg is not a legal holster, see D(X) 10 and E2, all Divisions, Maximum distance of handgun and mags/speed loaders from inner side of belt is 2" (as measured from the top of the belt)

image37407.jpg

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I own both and have competed with both, and the 17L would be my pick. Especially for 3 gun, where a lot of the bigger matches I've shot have had a good bit of small/longish range pistol steel. I shoot a 2011 now, but I liked the 17L so well that I got a 6 inch 2011 when I switched platforms. The extra sight radius over a shorter gun is nice, and very noticable for me.

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