Yesterday I acquired my new Glock 34 Gen 5. Today I was able to sneak away for a quick 100+ round function check range session. Here’s my initial thoughts review:
I’ll start with the mags. These are my first Gen5 mags with the orange follower and extended baseplate. Here is some comparison pics, old style on top and right:
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Not a huge difference, but it’s small refinements that I like. Some people berate it, but I like and prefer the high viz follower. At a quick glance it’s easy to tell if there’s a malfunction, loaded, or empty. The extended floor plate is a nice touch, but honestly, it’s a nothing burger. With the half moon cut out now gone, the extended floor plate does literally nothing. One of the things that irked me about my 19X is that it would not accept these mags. I like them, but I’m not about to run out and buy all new mags. The leftovers from my Gen4 34 will work just fine.
Also along with the mags I really like the Gen5 flared magwell. I have played around with tilting the mags generously when inserting and that new feature helps funnel the mag for a quick and positive insertion. This was a good addition to the Gen5 feature lineup.
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I first noticed there wasn’t a lot of anti-seize like in other Glocks I’ve purchased new. However, I did what I normally do with my brand new Glocks: I inspected it with a standard field strip. Not seeing any issues I proceeded to shoot. And it shot. Boringly reliably. Nothing more to say there.
The trigger alone sold me on Gen5. About a year ago when I tried my very first Gen5 that I saw in the sporting goods store, I pulled the trigger, and instantly new my Gen4’s were not going to be mine for much longer. My particular 34 came with the dot (•) connector rated at 5.5 lbs on the box. This is a great trigger. I will drop in a minus (-) that I have to try it, but I don’t know if it will stay. Seriously, the Gen5 trigger is the best stock Glock trigger of any generation. I know that doesn’t mean much to many ears, based on how much people tweak earlier Gen triggers, but Glock is on to something with this new trigger setup. Again, this feature alone made me a Gen5 believer.
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The Gen5 also features a new type of barrel. Many claim it’s more accurate and I would not call them liars. I’m sure there’s numbers on paper to back up these claims. I did find that when I concentrated and did what I was supposed to, the target would get a single ragged hole. However, my Gen4 34 could do the same. Then again, if it gives me a 1% advantage, I’ll take it.
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The infamous Gen5 Glock smile speedily appeared on my barrel. I just think it’s smiling back at me smiling at it!
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I didn’t do a ton of presentations, but the few that I did have made wear marks. Some people dislike this. I’m more “meh” about it. I like having nice things and them looking nice, but I do think a gun that shows legitimate signs of use is a badge of honor. I know when I see a shooter with a legitimately well used gun at an IDPA event, they get a couple street cred points from me. Yes, this finish does not hold up like past finishes. It’s not a deal breaker for me. I’m good with it. If they went back to stronger old finishes, I’d be good with that, too. I’m just going to say that I didn’t buy this to look pretty. It’s a gun, not a dollhouse.
I like front serrations. I really like them. I know some people will groan and grimace, but I am a press check guy. I like to visually see brass. The front serrations aid this safely. It’s a feature I’m glad to see, I’ve wanted it for a while.
![Firearm Gun Trigger Gun accessory Gun barrel]()
Over all, very happy with it. Compared to my 19X, the recoil is smoother, less snappy. I think that’s it. This gun can be summed up by one word: smooth. The grip with no finger grooves? Smooth. The new Gen5 trigger? Smooth. Long slide recoil? Smooth. The feel and look of the finish? Smooth. Functionality and reliability? Smooth. I could go on, but I think I’ve made my point.
Bottom line: Granted, this is just an initial function check, but indications being what they are, this Glock 34 Gen5 is an ultimate handgun that meets and exceeds my needs and wants. If you’re at all considering one, take this as my unbridled support and recommendation to do so. You won’t be disappointed.
I’ll start with the mags. These are my first Gen5 mags with the orange follower and extended baseplate. Here is some comparison pics, old style on top and right:
Not a huge difference, but it’s small refinements that I like. Some people berate it, but I like and prefer the high viz follower. At a quick glance it’s easy to tell if there’s a malfunction, loaded, or empty. The extended floor plate is a nice touch, but honestly, it’s a nothing burger. With the half moon cut out now gone, the extended floor plate does literally nothing. One of the things that irked me about my 19X is that it would not accept these mags. I like them, but I’m not about to run out and buy all new mags. The leftovers from my Gen4 34 will work just fine.
Also along with the mags I really like the Gen5 flared magwell. I have played around with tilting the mags generously when inserting and that new feature helps funnel the mag for a quick and positive insertion. This was a good addition to the Gen5 feature lineup.
I first noticed there wasn’t a lot of anti-seize like in other Glocks I’ve purchased new. However, I did what I normally do with my brand new Glocks: I inspected it with a standard field strip. Not seeing any issues I proceeded to shoot. And it shot. Boringly reliably. Nothing more to say there.
The trigger alone sold me on Gen5. About a year ago when I tried my very first Gen5 that I saw in the sporting goods store, I pulled the trigger, and instantly new my Gen4’s were not going to be mine for much longer. My particular 34 came with the dot (•) connector rated at 5.5 lbs on the box. This is a great trigger. I will drop in a minus (-) that I have to try it, but I don’t know if it will stay. Seriously, the Gen5 trigger is the best stock Glock trigger of any generation. I know that doesn’t mean much to many ears, based on how much people tweak earlier Gen triggers, but Glock is on to something with this new trigger setup. Again, this feature alone made me a Gen5 believer.
The Gen5 also features a new type of barrel. Many claim it’s more accurate and I would not call them liars. I’m sure there’s numbers on paper to back up these claims. I did find that when I concentrated and did what I was supposed to, the target would get a single ragged hole. However, my Gen4 34 could do the same. Then again, if it gives me a 1% advantage, I’ll take it.
The infamous Gen5 Glock smile speedily appeared on my barrel. I just think it’s smiling back at me smiling at it!
I didn’t do a ton of presentations, but the few that I did have made wear marks. Some people dislike this. I’m more “meh” about it. I like having nice things and them looking nice, but I do think a gun that shows legitimate signs of use is a badge of honor. I know when I see a shooter with a legitimately well used gun at an IDPA event, they get a couple street cred points from me. Yes, this finish does not hold up like past finishes. It’s not a deal breaker for me. I’m good with it. If they went back to stronger old finishes, I’d be good with that, too. I’m just going to say that I didn’t buy this to look pretty. It’s a gun, not a dollhouse.
I like front serrations. I really like them. I know some people will groan and grimace, but I am a press check guy. I like to visually see brass. The front serrations aid this safely. It’s a feature I’m glad to see, I’ve wanted it for a while.
Over all, very happy with it. Compared to my 19X, the recoil is smoother, less snappy. I think that’s it. This gun can be summed up by one word: smooth. The grip with no finger grooves? Smooth. The new Gen5 trigger? Smooth. Long slide recoil? Smooth. The feel and look of the finish? Smooth. Functionality and reliability? Smooth. I could go on, but I think I’ve made my point.
Bottom line: Granted, this is just an initial function check, but indications being what they are, this Glock 34 Gen5 is an ultimate handgun that meets and exceeds my needs and wants. If you’re at all considering one, take this as my unbridled support and recommendation to do so. You won’t be disappointed.
