Introduction
The Glock pistol has become a ubiquitous firearm, a staple in law enforcement, personal defense, and competitive shooting. Known for its reliability, ease of use, and simple design, the Glock platform has garnered a massive following. Among the many Glock models available, two that often spark discussion and debate are the Glock 34 and the Glock 35. Both share a similar profile and are favored by shooters looking for performance on the range, but they differ significantly in a key area: their chamberings. This article dives deep into a comparison of the Glock 34 and the Glock 35, helping you understand their distinct characteristics and ultimately decide which pistol best aligns with your needs and shooting style. We’ll explore the vital differences, examine their performance, and provide insights to guide your decision-making process.
Glock 34 Overview
The Glock 34 is, at its heart, a pistol optimized for competitive shooting and target practice. One of the immediate identifiers of the Glock 34 is its extended barrel and slide, a design choice contributing directly to enhanced accuracy and a longer sight radius. This extended length is a significant feature for competitive shooters because it provides the potential for more precise shot placement. The longer barrel allows for more complete powder combustion, often leading to increased muzzle velocity.
The Glock 34 is chambered in the widely popular nine-millimeter Luger, also known as nine by nineteen millimeter. This cartridge, often referred to simply as 9mm, is a favorite due to its manageable recoil, widespread availability, and relatively low cost. The nine-millimeter is a balanced choice for competition shooters, offering a good combination of accuracy, velocity, and stopping power while still allowing for quick follow-up shots.
The frame of the Glock 34, like all Glock pistols, is constructed from a high-strength polymer. This material makes the pistol lightweight and corrosion-resistant, contributing to its durability. The Glock design incorporates a comfortable grip and a simple manual of arms. Featuring a safe-action system, Glock pistols have a short trigger pull with a consistent reset, which allows for a reliable and predictable shooting experience, making it accessible to both seasoned shooters and newcomers. The Glock 34 is usually equipped with adjustable sights. These sights provide the shooter with the means to fine-tune their point of impact to match the ballistics of their chosen ammunition and their personal shooting style.
Glock 35 Overview
The Glock 35 shares a similar silhouette with the Glock 34, making it readily identifiable as a long-slide Glock pistol. Like its 9mm counterpart, the Glock 35 features an extended barrel and slide, offering the same advantages in terms of sight radius and potentially increased muzzle velocity. The extended barrel contributes to a smoother recoil impulse, allowing for greater control and faster target acquisition.
The critical difference between the Glock 34 and the Glock 35 lies in the chambering. The Glock 35 is chambered in .40 Smith & Wesson (.40 S&W), a cartridge that was originally developed as a joint effort between Smith & Wesson and Winchester. The .40 S&W round has a higher power compared to the 9mm, offering greater stopping power but, as a consequence, more recoil. The higher power of the .40 S&W has made it a favorite among some law enforcement agencies and self-defense-minded individuals.
The Glock 35 also boasts a polymer frame, providing a lightweight and durable platform. Its operational controls, grip ergonomics, and safe action system are identical to those found in the Glock 34, ensuring a familiar and consistent shooting experience for those accustomed to the Glock platform. Many Glock 35 models also come equipped with adjustable sights, the same as those seen on the 34.
Head-to-Head: Examining the Differences
Caliber Considerations
The most fundamental difference between the Glock 34 and the Glock 35 is the ammunition they fire. The 9mm Luger offers reduced recoil, which translates to faster follow-up shots and less fatigue during extended shooting sessions. The 9mm also benefits from significantly lower ammunition costs, making it more economical for training and practice. The 9mm’s popularity results in greater ammunition availability in a wide range of bullet weights, bullet types, and manufacturers.
On the other hand, the .40 S&W delivers a more substantial punch. It offers a potential advantage in terms of stopping power, meaning it could have a greater impact on a target. The increased energy of the .40 S&W could also be advantageous in certain competition events where knocking down steel targets is a requirement. However, this increased power comes at a cost; the .40 S&W generates more recoil than the 9mm. This increased recoil can make follow-up shots slower, and it can also lead to increased muzzle rise. Ammunition for the .40 S&W is usually more expensive than that of the 9mm, and the range of available loads may not be as extensive.
Size and Handling Dynamics
Both pistols share the same overall frame size, leading to very similar ergonomics. This allows shooters to transition between the two models with relative ease. Both offer comfortable grip angles and simple controls, with the main differences arising from their recoil characteristics.
The weight of the firearms, stemming from the different chamberings, is negligibly different. The primary difference that will be felt by shooters will be the recoil impulse. The Glock 35, with its .40 S&W chambering, will exhibit more felt recoil than the Glock 34. The more pronounced recoil can affect shooting speed and accuracy for some shooters.
Performance on the Firing Range
The perceived recoil will be one of the most significant performance differences. The 9mm in the Glock 34 offers more comfortable shooting. Shooters may find that they can achieve faster split times, meaning a lower time between shots, when using the 9mm Glock. The .40 S&W round, in the Glock 35, presents a stiffer recoil. This can lead to slower follow-up shots. Recoil management techniques, such as a firm grip and proper stance, become even more important when shooting a Glock 35.
Accuracy potential is very similar between the two models, with both having the potential to perform well. The longer sight radius on both pistols, due to their extended slides, helps improve accuracy, especially at longer distances.
Reliability is a hallmark of the Glock brand. Both the Glock 34 and the Glock 35 are known for their reliability, provided they are properly maintained and used with compatible ammunition.
Accessory Ecosystem and Modifications
Both the Glock 34 and the Glock 35 benefit from a massive aftermarket accessory ecosystem. Holsters, sights, trigger kits, magazine extensions, and other components are widely available for both models. Shooters can customize their guns to their specific needs and preferences. There might be slight differences in the availability of specific accessories, but, by and large, shooters will not have difficulty finding options for either pistol.
Value and Pricing Comparison
The prices of the Glock 34 and the Glock 35 are generally comparable. Glock has an excellent reputation for durability, meaning a Glock pistol often holds its value over time. The cost of ammunition plays a vital role in the overall cost of ownership. The 9mm ammunition is generally less expensive than .40 S&W rounds, which can lead to significant cost savings over time, particularly for shooters who do a lot of training.
Intended Use and Buyer Insights
Competitive Shooting Considerations
For competitive shooting, the choice between the Glock 34 and the Glock 35 often comes down to the specific discipline and personal preferences. The Glock 34’s 9mm chambering provides a clear advantage in disciplines where speed and shot volume are critical. The Glock 35 can still be competitive, particularly in events where the extra power of the .40 S&W might be an asset.
Self-Defense Insights (If Applicable and Appropriate)
For self-defense, the .40 S&W in the Glock 35 offers slightly greater stopping power. Many people feel more confident when using the .40 caliber. The 9mm, in the Glock 34, provides for faster follow-up shots, which could be advantageous in some scenarios.
Target Practice Recommendations
For general target practice and recreational shooting, the Glock 34 offers a compelling option because of the lower cost of ammunition and reduced recoil. The Glock 35 is also a solid choice, particularly if you like the characteristics of the .40 S&W round.
Considerations for the Beginning Shooter
For those new to shooting, the Glock 34 might be the better option because the 9mm chambering presents less recoil and is generally more forgiving, which can help a beginner become more confident.
Those Considering Existing Ammunition
If you already have a supply of either 9mm or .40 S&W ammunition, that should be a major factor in your decision-making process.
Pros and Cons Summary Table
| Feature | Glock 34 (9mm) | Glock 35 (.40 S&W) |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Lower recoil, cheaper ammunition, faster follow-up shots | Greater stopping power potential |
| Cons | Less stopping power potential | More recoil, more expensive ammunition, slower follow-up shots |
Conclusion
In the Glock 34 vs. Glock 35 debate, the ideal choice is really dependent on the individual shooter’s requirements. The Glock 34 shines as a competition pistol and offers advantages in terms of ammunition cost and recoil management. The Glock 35 provides a more forceful round, making it appealing for personal defense and certain competition scenarios. When considering purchasing one of these firearms, you must weigh the pros and cons of each model.
Ultimately, the best way to make a decision is to try both pistols. If you can, go to a range and shoot both the Glock 34 and the Glock 35 with your preferred ammunition. Consider how the pistol feels in your hand, how the recoil affects your shooting, and which model you find most accurate and enjoyable to shoot. The Glock 34 and Glock 35 are both high-quality, reliable pistols. Take some time to analyze your needs before making your final choice.
Remember to handle firearms responsibly and always follow all safety protocols. Your safety is the most important thing when handling firearms.
