Favorite Glock generation?
- Thread starter Jacket67
- Start date
After shooting my friend's full-sized Glock, I decided that I wanted one. I'm never in a hurry, though. The police trade-in 40's started showing up. I was going to hunker down and wait until I could win one for a $250 bid, but I broke down and paid $265 for one with the box and two mags that wasn't very worn.
I guess that's my long-winded way of saying that any of them are okay with me. I think my 40 is a gen 3 and my 9 (different story) is a gen 4. They both seem good to me.
I would just take the best deal and be happy. All of the ones I've shot feel pretty much like plastic bricks, but shoot just fine.
I guess that's my long-winded way of saying that any of them are okay with me. I think my 40 is a gen 3 and my 9 (different story) is a gen 4. They both seem good to me.
I would just take the best deal and be happy. All of the ones I've shot feel pretty much like plastic bricks, but shoot just fine.
It's tough toss up for me between the gen 3 and gen 4. My first glock, first handgun for that matter, was a gen 3 19. I have shot it more than any other I have, and I love it. I trust it completely, and I shoot it more accurately than my other glocks. I have a gen 3 17 that I really like, and a gen 4 17. If I'm honest, I enjoy the gen 3s the most. But I can't argue with the improvements to the gen 4. The back straps are actually quite nice, and I think the innovated recoil spring will add life to the machine.
I am one of those few folks who likes the finger grooves, so I'm not too keen on the gen 5s. I'm sure they're great guns, gut I can feel my groovy 3s in my sleep.
I am one of those few folks who likes the finger grooves, so I'm not too keen on the gen 5s. I'm sure they're great guns, gut I can feel my groovy 3s in my sleep.
Agreed... the original intent behind glocks seemed to be reliable simplicity. But if the market starts pandering to accessorizing and tacticool add-ons... you gotta make your sales numbers.
But with that said, while they are more complex, I see how the newer recoil springs are a design improvement.
Objectively, it seems to come down to the grip differences between the Gen 3 & 4 to determine which one to choose. If you like or can live with the Gen3 grip, you don’t necessarily want or need the Gen4. If you’re prone to slide bite, you might want the Gen4 beavertail. You either like or dislike the more aggressive grip texture of the Gen4 which can sway your decision between the Gen 3 & 4.
The DSRA of the Gen4 may make a difference in felt recoil for some people, I never could feel much of a difference between the recoil of my Gen3 17 & 19, and the Gen4 equivalents. I never compared a Gen3 21 to my Gen4 21, but I don’t have a problem with the recoil anyway. And the large beavertail backstrap on the 21 saved me from having the web of my shooting hand sliced open by the wider slide of the 21.
The DSRA of the Gen4 may make a difference in felt recoil for some people, I never could feel much of a difference between the recoil of my Gen3 17 & 19, and the Gen4 equivalents. I never compared a Gen3 21 to my Gen4 21, but I don’t have a problem with the recoil anyway. And the large beavertail backstrap on the 21 saved me from having the web of my shooting hand sliced open by the wider slide of the 21.
I got the 17.4 just because the recoil spring was similar to the 26.3 that I have been enjoying for 10 years.
The choice backstraps is a plus but not having them never bothered me on the 26.3.
The finger grips are perfect for me so that helps. Grip texture is a non issue for me.
The choice backstraps is a plus but not having them never bothered me on the 26.3.
The finger grips are perfect for me so that helps. Grip texture is a non issue for me.
Omaha-BeenGlockin
New member
All mine are Gen 3 -----but I'm open to new possibilities
My 2 Cents.
In a 9mm I would go with a Gen 5. The redesign work was due to customer recommendations.
The 40 S&W does not come in a Gen 5 so far, so I would go with a Gen 4 as a first choice. I have a Gen 4 G23 and a Gen 4 G35, and did have a Gen 4 G27 also.
I currently have a single Gen 3, a Compact Glock 38. I will have it back Friday.
You could have your uncles Gen3 G23 worked over to look like this Gen 3 Compact.
I had the High Grip Modification done to it. A Stippled block on the front of the trigger guard, Memory Bumps removed from the front of the grip, and the front stippled. I also had the Magazine Release button area scalloped and the side panels stippled.
Left Grip Panel showing the Magazine Release Button Scallop, and High Grip Modification.
Trigger Guard and Stippled gripping surface.
Grip Work, removed Memory Bumps, High Grip Modification, and stippled front panel.
Right side of grip.
With the above work, I believe I will really like the handling characteristics of the Gen 3. It still needs new Night Sights, the 2005 factory ones are pretty dim. I am looking over the Ameriglo Agent sights pretty hard for the replacement. This is the sight on the new FBI Gen 5's.
I am almost sure that I will have Zach remove the Memory Bumps and Stipple the front Panel, and front of the trigger guard, and do the High Grip Modification on my Gen 4 G23, as I am not holding my breath for a Gen 5 G23. I am happy with the texture of the Gen 4 side panels as is.
Bob R
In a 9mm I would go with a Gen 5. The redesign work was due to customer recommendations.
The 40 S&W does not come in a Gen 5 so far, so I would go with a Gen 4 as a first choice. I have a Gen 4 G23 and a Gen 4 G35, and did have a Gen 4 G27 also.
I currently have a single Gen 3, a Compact Glock 38. I will have it back Friday.
You could have your uncles Gen3 G23 worked over to look like this Gen 3 Compact.
I had the High Grip Modification done to it. A Stippled block on the front of the trigger guard, Memory Bumps removed from the front of the grip, and the front stippled. I also had the Magazine Release button area scalloped and the side panels stippled.
Left Grip Panel showing the Magazine Release Button Scallop, and High Grip Modification.
Trigger Guard and Stippled gripping surface.
Grip Work, removed Memory Bumps, High Grip Modification, and stippled front panel.
Right side of grip.
With the above work, I believe I will really like the handling characteristics of the Gen 3. It still needs new Night Sights, the 2005 factory ones are pretty dim. I am looking over the Ameriglo Agent sights pretty hard for the replacement. This is the sight on the new FBI Gen 5's.
I am almost sure that I will have Zach remove the Memory Bumps and Stipple the front Panel, and front of the trigger guard, and do the High Grip Modification on my Gen 4 G23, as I am not holding my breath for a Gen 5 G23. I am happy with the texture of the Gen 4 side panels as is.
Bob R
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I have one Glock... a 30S, which is only made in Gen3. Most of the line have a Gen4 option, but only the 19 and 17 are available in Gen5.
Personally, I’d look at what caliber/size you want, then make your decision from there. Definitely handle all the options. Some people hate the finger grooves... the ones on my 30S work fine, especially with the Pearce bases on my 10 rounders (close to a 19). But the differences in the Gen4 and Gen5 aren’t essential. If you like what is added, then go with whichever one that speaks to you.
Personally, I wanted a reliable gun that allows for a weapon light (currently the TLR-3, but waiting on the TLR-7 to come). Like the .45, so a 19 sized .45 was the best choice when I picked it up (right when the Gen4 was released). Not selling it when a newer Gen 30S comes out, being it works completely perfectly for my need.
Personally, I’d look at what caliber/size you want, then make your decision from there. Definitely handle all the options. Some people hate the finger grooves... the ones on my 30S work fine, especially with the Pearce bases on my 10 rounders (close to a 19). But the differences in the Gen4 and Gen5 aren’t essential. If you like what is added, then go with whichever one that speaks to you.
Personally, I wanted a reliable gun that allows for a weapon light (currently the TLR-3, but waiting on the TLR-7 to come). Like the .45, so a 19 sized .45 was the best choice when I picked it up (right when the Gen4 was released). Not selling it when a newer Gen 30S comes out, being it works completely perfectly for my need.
Spats McGee
Administrator
Ordinarily, when I hear the phrase "I stippled my Glock," I cringe because it means that Bubba or one of his fiends fired up the Dremel after a half a case of Bud. As far as Glocks go, though, I really like the looks of this pistol. Those are mods that even I'd consider for my Glock, especially the mag release scallop.My 2 Cents.
In a 9mm I would go with a Gen 5. The redesign work was due to customer recommendations.
The 40 S&W does not come in a Gen 5 so far, so I would go with a Gen 4 as a first choice. I have a Gen 4 G23 and a Gen 4 G35, and did have a Gen 4 G27 also.
I currently have a single Gen 3, a Compact Glock 38. I will have it back Friday.
You could have your uncles Gen3 G23 worked over to look like this Gen 3 Compact.
I had the High Grip Modification done to it. A Stippled block on the front of the trigger guard, Memory Bumps removed from the front of the grip, and the front stippled. I also had the Magazine Release button area scalloped and the side panels stippled.
Left Grip Panel showing the Magazine Release Button Scallop, and High Grip Modification. . . . .
marine6680
New member
Gen 4... For ergonomic reasons.
The Gen 5 had promise, but was a bit of a let down.
I do not like that semicircular cutout on the lower front of the grip. It is highly annoying on the g19. Not so much on the g17 though.
The 19x they released, which is supposed to be a copy of their MHS entry... Use that style frame but in a normal g19 and g17 layout... Rather than the hybrid bastard child the 19x is... Do that, and the g19 version would make it the best Glock, in my opinion anyway.
The Gen 5 had promise, but was a bit of a let down.
I do not like that semicircular cutout on the lower front of the grip. It is highly annoying on the g19. Not so much on the g17 though.
The 19x they released, which is supposed to be a copy of their MHS entry... Use that style frame but in a normal g19 and g17 layout... Rather than the hybrid bastard child the 19x is... Do that, and the g19 version would make it the best Glock, in my opinion anyway.
It does really seem to bother some people. I'm not annoyed by it, but then I have medium sized palms and stubby fingers so it doesn't contact me much. If they eliminate the cutout then they likely would have had to eliminate the magazine well flare because with that flare pinching a magazine by the sides, if you need to strip it during a malfunction, is not overly easy and nor is it easy to pinch it front to back without that cutout. This wouldn't bother me because I don't care for the flare. With the 19X and the extended magazine baseplates those become an option for better purchase.
I was highly excited for the gen 5 glocks because of the ambidextrous slide stop/release (being I am a lefty) especially since I've always said I'd buy a glock when/if they made an ambi model. It's not like I NEED the ambi slide release because I've shot right handed only guns for so long that I've adapted...it'd just be a nice perk.
However, that cutout on the front does bother me. I find it awkward myself so the gen 5 g19 is off the table. The 5th gen 17 isn't an issue because my hand doesn't quite go down far enough, but I don't want a handgun that size just yet.
If I am able to budget out another handgun purchase, I'm basically looking at my uncle's 3rd gen g23, or a gen 4 g19. OR, if I decide not to get a glock at this time, I'll opt for the 2.0 compact if I shoot it an like it. Again though, I would really like to add a glock to fit that role. Smith and Wesson make great guns in my opinion, but at this time I also believe the only gun they got more "right" than glock did is the shield over the g43. I have yet to shoot a 2.0 at all, let alone in comparison to a glock, so that opinion may be subject to change.
That is a really nice gen 3 g38. The stipple job looks phenomenal. I'd definitely consider something like that if I get the gen 3.
However, that cutout on the front does bother me. I find it awkward myself so the gen 5 g19 is off the table. The 5th gen 17 isn't an issue because my hand doesn't quite go down far enough, but I don't want a handgun that size just yet.
If I am able to budget out another handgun purchase, I'm basically looking at my uncle's 3rd gen g23, or a gen 4 g19. OR, if I decide not to get a glock at this time, I'll opt for the 2.0 compact if I shoot it an like it. Again though, I would really like to add a glock to fit that role. Smith and Wesson make great guns in my opinion, but at this time I also believe the only gun they got more "right" than glock did is the shield over the g43. I have yet to shoot a 2.0 at all, let alone in comparison to a glock, so that opinion may be subject to change.
That is a really nice gen 3 g38. The stipple job looks phenomenal. I'd definitely consider something like that if I get the gen 3.
I never really liked the Glock grips that I tried nor did I like the plastic guide rod. But in 2013 I handled a G19 Gen 4 and really like the new reduced grip and also the sturdier recoil spring assebly so I bought it. Last year I picked up a G17 Gen 4. I have handled a Gen 5 but don't think they are for me. (Yet)
marine6680
New member
A little more thinking it out... And they could have had the flair and not had the cutout up front.
A couple small ones in the sides would be fine.
The cutout up front can and will catch the magazine during a reload. I noticed that the first time I picked handled one... That illuminates the whole point of the flairs.
A couple small ones in the sides would be fine.
The cutout up front can and will catch the magazine during a reload. I noticed that the first time I picked handled one... That illuminates the whole point of the flairs.
I haven't caught the cutout yet on 1000+ rds through, though that doesn't mean it won't happen. I wonder though if they did the cutouts on the sides if people wouldn't then complain about cutouts on the sides. Maybe if they were small enough? Course then you're also reaching through the flared pieces which might be a bit more awkward than without. I still have 15 pistols or so and none that I ever felt needed the flares for smooth reloading.
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