Glock is a pretty big name in the game of handguns. That is a given. I personally am not the biggest fan of the platform from the outside-looking-in perspective. In short, I’m not much of a Glock guy. It has nothing to do with me trying to be different. They have just never been my speed. That does not mean I do not have the utmost admiration and appreciation for the design. The handful of people who know me know there is only one Glock I have said that I would be tempted to purchase. The Glock 34. Well, Glock was kind enough to send along the latest and greatest Gen 5 Glock 34 MOS for me to try out. Did it make me a Glock guy? Let’s dive into the review!
GLOCK @ TFB:
Specifications: Gen 5 Glock 34 MOS
At its most basic dissection, it is a long slide Glock 17 (not to be confused with the longer 17L) with some quality-of-life improvements as well as accuracy-enhancing ones. Besides it being a separate model made to be different, something more geared towards competition shooting, the fact that it is Gen 5 means it has a whole host of improvements over the older generations.
If you are unfamiliar with the differences in Glock generations make sure to check out Luke C’s article going over exactly that!
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 5.31 inches
- Overall Length: 8.74 inches
- Overall Width: 1.34 inches
- Trigger Distance: 2.76 inches
- Weight with Empty Magazine: 26.21 oz
- Magazine Capacity: Standard -17 RDS
The MSRP of the Gen 5 Glock 34 MOS is $851 but you can find them at a ~ $700 – $750 street price. To my knowledge, the Gen 5 Glock 34 MOS is the most expensive gun in their catalog. All this and yet it is a few hundred dollars cheaper than competing competition guns.
GLOCK 34 Gen5 in MOS Configuration with Front Serrations
The GLOCK 34 Gen5 MOS features an extended barrel and greater slide dimensions, making it a favorite among sport shooting competitors.
Design enhancements include the GLOCK Marksman Barrel (GMB) which delivers increased accuracy with enhanced polygonal rifling and an improved barrel crown, no finger grooves, ambidextrous slide stop levers for better versatility and control.
First Look: Gen 5 Glock 34 MOS
Right off the bat, I’m going to critique this as if it were any other gun. The Glock 34 Gen 5 MOS comes in a standard Glock hard pistol case. A long-time standard of Glock, this case is way too small for many of their guns as is. Stick a Glock 34 MOS and all of its goodies in there and we are overflowing. Never to be closed the same again. Given the 34 MOS’s significance, it would be nice to see it come in a larger case. This would of course disrupt Glock’s already well-established perfection image so I understand why it is the way it is and if this was my personal gun, I probably would not use the case very much outside of taking it home from the store.
Inside the case are the typical Glock accessories such as a couple different grip pieces, speed loader, cleaning rod/brush, Glock tool built into the grip holder, cable lock, three magazines (total), and the usual manual. Since this is the MOS, it also comes with all the Glock optics mounting plates needed to throw your favorite red dot on.
My first impression holding it (I’m thinking way back to the actual first time) was “This is a Glock 17”. As far as the feel goes, I’m not necessarily wrong but the balance is in fact different. Things are a little more front-heavy and the manipulation with the slide releases makes it feel another step above the usual Glock. Just playing with it pre-range time I have found it to be the best pointing Glock for me personally. Out of the whole catalog, this guy is dead on the sights every time I pull it up. That’s something that has made me really excited to work with it. So, let’s work with it!
Range Time: Gen 5 Glock 34 MOS
Rather than going over the mounting of the optic and so on, I will tell you that with Glock’s optics plates and screws everything is pretty painless and easy. For a good amount of my range time, I had a Streamlight TLR-1HL and a Holosun 507C mounted but I also ran a Trijicon RMR and an AT3 Tactical ARO at one or two range sessions.
Yep, I went out with the Glock 34 MOS on around five different range trips. To put it into perspective, typically I’ll take a gun out on a couple but that’s it. Unless I am doing any vigorous testing that’s mostly all I need to get the hang of a gun. The Glock however I really wanted to like because everyone seems to. My conclusion?
Safariland was so very kind in sending out a holster to run some drills with.
I’m still not a Glock guy. It feels like every Glock 17 I’ve ever shot albeit maybe a tad less recoil and a little more front-heavy. It is a fun gun to shoot for sure but I was forcing myself to shoot it more rather than just wholesomely wanting to.
The controls are much of the same. You have your typical Glock trigger which is good but just good. Racking the slide is as easy as ever but the additional slide releases really are a cherry on top. Speaking of “on top” the Glock MOS system works really well and I’ve never had an issue with it.
The magazine release is a bit squishy but the magazines fall free when you push the button so not much to complain about there. I’ve always found the grip to be a bit beefy even though I have biggish hands. Thank god the Gen 5s don’t have the finger grooves.
Actual shooting is pleasant as I mentioned. It is like shooting a Glock 17 so if you have never done that it’s genuinely comfortable as far as recoil goes. Completely manageable for enthusiasts and newbies alike. The 34 is a little front-heavy with the longer barrel so the amount of muzzle flip is less than your typical Glock. Reliability is what you expect it to be. Everything performed as it should throughout around 500 rounds.
Accuracy-wise we can debate all day if it’s the gun, the optic, or it’s me. Most days (including today) I will say any fliers or strays were most likely my doing. I shot two 17-round mags with the iron sights on the bottom two targets. These were my first shots before I moved on to mounting an optic and lightly sighting things in. Everything was at 15 yards with 115gr Remington Range.
The two targets on top were after I got the Holosun mounted and sighted. This was all just the first of many range sessions so if you can take my word for it my groups did shrink although with the iron sights, I always hit slightly left. Nothing a sight adjustment wouldn’t fix.
Luckily, the rear sight of the Glock 34 MOS is adjustable if need be.
Final Thoughts: Gen 5 Glock 34 MOS
So there you have it. Not exactly a new Glock guy but I had the awesome opportunity to try out one that had my eye. Now I know it is not for me. BUT it does have quality features that would make it a great affordable competition gun or range toy. It’s reliable and customizable, and you can pop your favorite optic on it. The slide releases are a slept-on upgrade and the longer sight radius adds a nice balance to the already long full-size/beefy Glock frame. It has my seal of approval and appreciation as well as my recommendation if you are looking for an accurate no-frills gun to run out to the range with.
In closing, I want to say thank you to Glock for allowing TFB and myself the opportunity to try out their Gen 5 Glock 34 MOS. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think. Do you believe that this range-style Glock is worth spending your money on? Would you take this out to the range on the regular? Would this be your first competition gun? Let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
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