Glock 34 Gen 3 Vs Gen 4

3 min read 01-02-2025

The Glock 34 is a popular choice among competitive shooters and law enforcement professionals, prized for its accuracy and reliability. But with two major generations available (Gen 3 and Gen 4), choosing the right one can be tricky. This in-depth comparison will delve into the key differences between the Glock 34 Gen 3 and Gen 4, helping you make an informed decision. We'll cover everything from ergonomics and features to performance and overall value, ensuring you understand the nuances of each generation. Let's dive into the Glock 34 Gen 3 versus Gen 4 debate.

Key Differences: Glock 34 Gen 3 vs Gen 4

The Glock 34 Gen 4 introduced several significant changes compared to its predecessor. Understanding these differences is crucial for determining which model best suits your needs and shooting style. We'll break down the key areas of distinction:

1. Frame Design and Ergonomics

Gen 3: Features a traditional, textured frame with a slightly more aggressive grip. Many shooters appreciate the Gen 3's aggressive texture, providing a secure and reliable grip even in wet conditions. It lacks the interchangeable backstraps found in the Gen 4.
Gen 4: Boasts a redesigned frame with a significantly less aggressive texture. This texture is generally considered more comfortable for extended shooting sessions, though some find it less secure than the Gen 3's grip. The most notable feature is the inclusion of interchangeable backstraps (small, medium, large), allowing for customization to fit different hand sizes and preferences. This adaptability enhances ergonomics and overall control.

2. Trigger and Trigger Mechanism

Both generations feature Glock's renowned safe-action trigger system, known for its simplicity and reliability. However, subtle differences exist:

Gen 3: The trigger pull weight and feel are generally considered slightly heavier and less crisp than the Gen 4. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as many shooters prefer a heavier pull for more controlled shots.
Gen 4: Offers a slightly lighter and crisper trigger pull, generally perceived as more refined and easier to manage. The improvement is subtle, but experienced shooters often appreciate the enhanced trigger response.

3. Magazine Release

Gen 3: Employs a reversible magazine release, allowing for right-handed or left-handed operation, but requires the use of a punch and some disassembly to change.
Gen 4: Also features a reversible magazine release, but the swap is noticeably easier and quicker, generally requiring only a small tool, sometimes even just a fingernail.

4. Slide Serrations

Gen 3: Features front and rear slide serrations, which provide a reliable grip for racking the slide.
Gen 4: Maintains front and rear slide serrations, but often features sharper and more aggressive serrations for improved grip and slide manipulation.

5. Recoil System

Both generations utilize the same basic recoil spring system and function reliably. However, some anecdotal evidence suggests the Gen 4’s slightly lighter recoil spring (a subtle difference) can lead to less felt recoil for some shooters. This improvement is marginal and might not be noticeable to all users.

6. Price

Generally, Glock 34 Gen 3 models are slightly less expensive than their Gen 4 counterparts. This price difference is usually small but can be a factor for budget-conscious buyers.