The Glock 34 Generation 5 in 9x19mm is the latest release in Glock’s line of “extended” slide pistols. While originally meant for competition, it has found use with police and military teams as well, which appreciate the superior shooting characteristics of the Glock 34 over other Glocks. Its release has interesting implications for the future of Glocks though, as it is the only fifth-generation long slide model.

The Glock 34 is a toned-down model of the first competition Glock, the Glock 17L. The Glock 17L packed a 6-inch barrel inside a frame 9.5 inches long. While it saw some usage on the competition circuit, this was perhaps “too much Glock” for many people as the slide dangled nearly two inches off the end of the frame, making the pistol balance oddly and giving it a gangly look.

The Glock 34 cut down on this by over half an inch, reducing the overall length to 8.8 inches and the barrel by the same amount. This reduction in size allows it to balance better, makes it more proportional in size, and makes it more practical to make a holster for.

*FOR GEN4/GEN5 MODELS: Check out the Gen5 and Gen4 Technology area for medium/large backstraps.