Glock 34 Gen 5: Features, Performance, and MOS Options

The Glock 34 Gen 5 stands out as a competition-focused pistol designed for serious shooters who demand precision and reliability. This extended-barrel handgun combines Glock's proven reliability with modern enhancements that make it a top choice for sport shooting and competitive events.

The Glock 34 Gen 5 MOS features an extended 5.31-inch barrel, ambidextrous slide stop levers, and the new Glock Marksman Barrel for increased accuracy, making it ideal for competitive shooting applications. The MOS (Modular Optic System) configuration allows shooters to mount various optics directly to the slide, while the removal of finger grooves provides a more universal grip feel.

This pistol represents Glock's commitment to continuous improvement in their Gen 5 lineup. The enhanced polygonal rifling and improved barrel crown deliver tighter groups downrange, while maintaining the durability and simplicity that Glock pistols are known for. Whether used for competition shooting or as a full-size duty pistol, the G34 Gen 5 offers shooters a platform built for performance.

Key Takeaways

• The Glock 34 Gen 5 features an extended barrel and enhanced accuracy improvements specifically designed for competitive shooting

• The MOS system allows direct optic mounting while ambidextrous controls improve versatility for all shooters

• This pistol combines proven Glock reliability with modern enhancements like the Marksman Barrel and nDLC finish coating

Key Features and Specifications

The Glock 34 Gen 5 MOS features an extended barrel and enhanced slide dimensions that set it apart from standard Glock pistols. This competition-focused handgun includes the Glock Marksman Barrel, ambidextrous controls, and improved ergonomics.

Barrel and Slide Design

The Glock 34 Gen 5 uses a 5.31-inch barrel that extends beyond typical Glock pistol lengths. This extended barrel design makes it popular among sport shooting competitors who need enhanced accuracy.

The pistol features the Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) with polygonal rifling. This barrel delivers increased accuracy with enhanced polygonal rifling and an improved barrel crown.

The slide measures longer than standard Glock models but stays within competition length rules. The G34 conforms to competition rules concerning overall length while providing a longer sight radius.

Front serrations come standard on the slide. These serrations help with manipulation during press checks and loading.

Capacity and Dimensions

The Glock 34 Gen 5 maintains the same 17-round magazine capacity as the Glock 17. Standard magazines work across both models without modification.

Key Dimensions:

• Overall Length: 8.74 inches

• Barrel Length: 5.31 inches

• Overall Width: 1.34 inches

• Weight (Empty Magazine): 26.21 oz

• Trigger Distance: 2.76 inches

The pistol uses a full-size frame that accommodates various hand sizes. The weight with empty magazine is 26.21 oz, making it slightly heavier than shorter Glock models.

The longer barrel creates a front-heavy balance. This weight distribution helps reduce muzzle flip during rapid firing.

Gen 5 Improvements

The Gen 5 platform brings several key upgrades to the Glock 34. Ambidextrous slide stop levers replace the single-sided controls of earlier generations.

Glock removed the finger grooves from the Gen 5 frame. This change allows better grip customization for different hand sizes and shooting styles.

The pistol includes detail changes with an ambidextrous slide lock and the new Marksman barrel. These updates improve both function and accuracy.

The MOS (Modular Optic System) comes standard on most Gen 5 models. This system includes mounting plates for popular red dot optics without requiring custom machining.

An nDLC finish protects the barrel and internal components. This coating provides better corrosion resistance than previous finishes used on Glock pistols.

MOS System and Optic Compatibility

The Glock Modular Optic System (MOS) configuration simplifies mounting popular optical sights on the Glock 34 Gen 5. This system accommodates various red dot optics while maintaining reliable performance for competitive shooting and tactical applications.

MOS Platform Advantages

The MOS configuration improves accuracy at both long and short range, enabling faster target transitions and quicker sight acquisition. The factory-milled slide eliminates the need for custom machining.

Glock engineers designed the system to maintain the pistol's reliability while adding optic capability. The slide cuts provide a secure mounting platform without compromising structural integrity.

Standard MOS pistols now include a single adapter plate that fits Trijicon, Ameriglo, and most Holosun optics. This inclusion reduces additional purchase requirements for most shooters.

The MOS system allows shooters to switch between different optics as needed. This flexibility benefits competitive shooters who may want different reticles for various stages or conditions.

Popular Optic Options

The Trijicon RMR Type 2 performs exceptionally well on the Glock 34 MOS Gen 5. Its rugged aluminum construction withstands heavy use and harsh conditions.

Many competitive shooters prefer the Trijicon SRO as their go-to optic for carry optics divisions. The larger window provides faster target acquisition during rapid transitions.

The Vortex Venom 3 MOA mounts perfectly with the supplied MOS kit. Users report satisfaction with its small size, easy adjustment, and clear dot visibility.

Popular choices include:

• Trijicon RMR Type 2 - Battle-tested durability

• Trijicon SRO - Large window for competition

• Vortex Venom - Budget-friendly performance

• Holosun 507C - Multiple reticle options

Mounting and Co-Witnessing

The included adapter plate fits most popular optics without additional hardware. Specialized plates are available through the Glock Store for optics requiring different mounting patterns.

Co-witness sights are available specifically for the Glock 34 MOS Gen 5. These allow backup iron sights to align with the red dot optic.

Installation typically requires basic tools and thread-locking compound. Proper torque specifications prevent optic movement during recoil cycles.

Some shooters prefer aftermarket mounting solutions from companies like C&H Precision for enhanced compatibility. These plates often provide lower mounting heights or improved optic fit.

Accuracy, Sights, and Shooting Performance

The Glock 34 Gen 5's extended design delivers enhanced precision through its longer sight radius and adjustable rear sight system. The pistol's improved control characteristics and sight configuration make it effective for both competitive shooting and precision applications.

Sight Radius Impact

The Glock 34's extended barrel and longer slide dimensions create an elongated distance between the front and rear sights. This increased sight radius measures approximately 7.56 inches.

A longer sight radius helps shooters achieve better precision. Small aiming errors become less significant at the target because the extended distance between sights reduces angular deviation.

The 5.31-inch barrel contributes to the improved sight picture. Shooters can maintain more consistent sight alignment compared to shorter Glock models.

Competition shooters benefit most from this design feature. The extended sight radius allows for more precise target engagement at longer distances.

Adjustable Sights

The Gen 5 model includes an adjustable rear sight system. Shooters can modify both windage and elevation settings to match their specific ammunition and shooting style.

The front sight remains fixed with a standard white dot configuration. The rear sight features adjustment screws for precise zero adjustments.

This sight setup allows customization for different shooting distances. Shooters can adjust their zero for 25-yard precision work or longer range applications.

The adjustable rear sight design matches earlier Gen 3 models while maintaining compatibility with aftermarket sight options. Many competitive shooters replace the standard sights with fiber optic or tritium options.

Handling and Control

The longer slide provides improved recoil management during rapid fire sequences. The additional weight helps the pistol track back to target position faster than shorter models.

Shooters experience less muzzle flip with the extended slide design. The forward weight distribution keeps the barrel down during recoil cycles.

The pistol demonstrates high levels of practical accuracy on combat courses and precision shooting applications. Fast handling characteristics combine with the accuracy improvements.

The 17-round magazine capacity supports extended shooting sessions without frequent reloading. The standard Glock trigger system provides consistent pull weight across all shots.

Competitive shooters appreciate the familiar Glock control layout. The same manual of arms transfers directly from carry models like the Glock 19 or 17.

Applications and Use Cases

The Glock 34 Gen 5 serves two main purposes in the firearms world. Competition shooters rely on its extended barrel and enhanced accuracy features, while law enforcement and civilians use it for tactical applications where precision matters most.

Competitive Shooting Benefits

The Glock 34 Gen 5 was designed specifically for competition shooting. Its 5.31-inch barrel provides increased accuracy compared to standard Glock pistols.

Key Competition Features:

• Extended sight radius for better target alignment

• Marksman barrel with improved rifling pattern

• MOS optics system for red dot sight mounting

• Reduced recoil due to longer slide weight

The longer slide helps the pistol track back on target faster after each shot. This feature gives competitive shooters an advantage in rapid-fire stages.

Many practical shooting enthusiasts choose the Glock 34 Gen 5 MOS for its reliability. The pistol works well in USPSA, IDPA, and 3-Gun competitions.

The ambidextrous controls benefit left-handed shooters in competition settings. The flared magazine well speeds up reloads during timed events.

Home Defense and Tactical Roles

The Glock 34 Gen 5 has found use with police and military teams despite its competition origins. The extended barrel provides better ballistic performance for defensive situations.

Tactical Advantages:

• Higher muzzle velocity at 1,214 feet per second

• Better accuracy for precise shot placement

• Optics-ready platform for low-light situations

• Standard 17-round magazine capacity

The pistol works well for home and property defense applications. The longer sight radius helps shooters make accurate shots under stress.

Law enforcement officers appreciate the enhanced accuracy for situations requiring precision. The MOS system allows mounting of tactical optics with various lighting conditions.

The nDLC coating provides better durability than standard Glock finishes. This feature matters for tactical users who need reliable performance in harsh conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Glock 34 Gen 5 raises specific questions about reliability issues, optic system options, and generational improvements. Owners often ask about ammunition compatibility and the pistol's current production status.

What are common issues reported with the Glock 34 Generation 5?

The most common problems with the Glock 34 Gen 5 include failure to feed, slide lock issues, failure to eject, and failure to fire. These problems typically occur during the break-in period or with certain ammunition types.

Failure to feed issues often result from using incompatible magazines or low-quality ammunition. The slide lock problem may occur when shooters accidentally engage the control during firing.

Failure to eject situations usually stem from weak ammunition loads or dirty chambers. Regular cleaning and using quality factory ammunition resolves most ejection problems.

How does the Glock 34 Gen 5 MOS (Modular Optic System) version differ from the standard model?

The Glock 34 Gen 5 MOS comes optics-ready with pre-cut slide mounting plates for red dot sights. The standard version lacks these mounting options and features a traditional rear sight setup.

The MOS version includes multiple mounting plates to accommodate different optic brands. This system allows users to mount red dots without custom slide machining.

The MOS version costs more than the standard model with an MSRP of $851 compared to lower pricing for non-MOS variants.

What are the improvements of the Glock 34 Gen 5 over the Gen 4?

The Gen 5 features an ambidextrous slide lock and the new Marksman barrel for improved accuracy. The trigger mechanism received updates for better performance.

The Gen 5 eliminated finger grooves on the grip for universal hand fit. The magazine release became reversible without requiring additional parts.

The newer generation includes improved rifling in the Marksman barrel. This change enhances bullet stabilization and accuracy over previous generations.

What are the comparative differences between the Glock 34 Gen 5 and the Glock 17 models?

The Glock 34 features a longer 5.31-inch barrel compared to the Glock 17's standard length. The extended barrel provides enhanced accuracy for competitive shooting applications.

Both pistols use the same 17-round magazine capacity and 9mm chambering. The frame dimensions remain identical between the two models.

The Glock 34 measures longer overall due to the extended slide and barrel assembly. This length makes it better suited for competition rather than concealed carry.

What type of ammunition is recommended for use with the Glock 34 Gen 5?

The Glock 34 Gen 5 functions reliably with standard 9mm Luger ammunition from major manufacturers. Factory-loaded ammunition typically provides the best reliability and accuracy results.

Competition shooters often use 124-grain or 147-grain bullets for optimal performance. These weights provide good accuracy while maintaining reliable cycling.

Avoid steel-cased or remanufactured ammunition during the break-in period. Quality brass-cased rounds help prevent feeding and extraction issues.

Has the Glock 34 Gen 5 been discontinued, and if so, what implications does this have for current owners?

Glock continues producing the Gen 5 version as of 2025. The pistol remains available through authorized dealers and distributors.

Current owners can expect continued parts availability and warranty support. Glock maintains service support for all generation variants currently in production.

The company typically provides long-term parts availability even after discontinuing specific models. This policy ensures existing owners can maintain their firearms properly.