Glock 17 Gen 3 vs Gen 4?

Which gen Glock 17 is most reliable?

  • G17 Gen 3

    Votes: 22 56.4%

  • G17 Gen 4

    Votes: 17 43.6%
  • Total voters
    39
  • Poll closed .
M

Model12Win

Moderator
Which one is more reliable, the Glock 17 Gen 3 or the Glock 17 Gen 4? I am looking for a primary home defense handgun and have it narrowed down to these two guns. I have held both in the store and the Gen 3 feels just as good as the stock Gen 4 to me, so I really don't think the interchangeable backstraps are a big deal for me.

I am mainly interested in which one is most reliable. I have heard some iffy things on the Gen 4s but have heard a lot of praise for the Gen 3s. Please let me know guys!

M12
 
Both are pretty reliable, however there are numerous reports of Gen 4 guns throwing brass straight back into the face of the shooter, however this has nothing to do with reliability. Also i read a 17page thread on another forum, started by a guy who owns a gun range and rental in las vegas. He has several gen4 glocks crack there slides, this is of course at a pretty high round count. Of course he has had a few gen3s have this happen, but he has found that it has happened with a much higher amount of generation 4 guns
 
The mag release and back straps on the gen 4 is well worth it.

The only version I would be hesitant on are the newer gen 3 guns. All the potential problems of the gen 4 with none of the benefits. The finish isn't as good as the old gen 3, more ejection issues, etc.

That said I had an 06 gen 3 19 that needed the new version of the ejector to fix btf so sometimes it's just a bit of a gamble.

Out of box I like the gen 3 triggers better but after some polishing I prefer the gen 4. This is of course a personal thing.

Forgot to add, I wouldn't worry about durability with either unless your going to shoot 100k+ rounds through it.
 
Last edited:
I would expect both to be equally reliable. The main complaint I have heard about the Gen 4's is the brass to the face issue but that problem has made its way into the current production Gen 3's as well now. The extra magazine with the Gen 4's might make it the better deal depending upon what your lgs is charging for them.
 
I have a Gen 4 17. No issues with brass to the face, thank God. A gunsmith can adjust your extractor, I would hope. I like the option of the smaller grips on the Gen 4. It feels better in hand.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
Ejector angle can affect the ejection pattern. Some changes to the ejector, and tolerance stacking can lead to some pistols ejecting more rearward.

Apparently it was more pronounced early on in the gen 4. Some changes by glock fixed it for the most part.

A new ejector, or altering the angle on the ejector face can correct it. (though doing the altering can also cause issues too, so most just get a new ejector)

Some complain the change to the dual recoil spring has weakened ejection as well, but I have not had any issues myself.
 
Have a 17, 22, 34 and all Gen4 bought over last 2 years. No brass in face issues with any of them for me with all brands ammo. Even some lighter powered loads while brass landing near to me never hit me in face.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Take 20 Glocks, disassemble them with a 3/32nd punch, put the parts in a bag, and shake it. Re-assemble 20 Glocks. Test fire.

You can't beat them, Gen 3 or 4. Gen 3 has been around longer. That's about all that can be said about it. If you get brass to the face, replace the extractor / ejector for a total cost of $10 and 5 minutes.
 
Dinat: said:
Have a 17, 22, 34 and all Gen4 bought over last 2 years. No brass in face issues with any of them for me with all brands ammo. Even some lighter powered loads while brass landing near to me never hit me in face.
Click to expand...

Well, I had a very early S/N Gen4 22 that I bought used, and the spent brass used to come straight back at me, so I can confirm the problem, but Glock did address the problem with the later Gen4 S/N guns.

As far as comparing the Glock 17 Gen3 vs. Gen4 versions, I've had my Gen3 17 since 2009 with about 8k rounds through it, and I can say I haven't had a gun-related problem in that time.

I have a Gen4 Glock 21 and I have the large BT backstrap on it to avoid having the web of my shooting hand sliced up by the wider slide, with a high hold on the grip. Because of this backstrap, I wouldn't trade this Gen4 for a Gen3 version.
 
I have held both in the store and the Gen 3 feels just as good as the stock Gen 4 to me, so I really don't think the interchangeable backstraps are a big deal for me.
Click to expand...

In this case, get the Gen 3 and save some money.
 
Which one is more reliable, the Glock 17 Gen 3 or the Glock 17 Gen 4? I am looking for a primary home defense handgun and have it narrowed down to these two guns. I have held both in the store and the Gen 3 feels just as good as the stock Gen 4 to me, so I really don't think the interchangeable backstraps are a big deal for me.

I am mainly interested in which one is most reliable. I have heard some iffy things on the Gen 4s but have heard a lot of praise for the Gen 3s. Please let me know guys!

M12
Click to expand...

Pick one. I doubt either will give you a problem.
 
Why buy old tech? The Gen 3 is inferior. The only reason they still make it is because of California.

Gen 4 has better grips and more adjustable from the factory without destroying the gun with customization. Nothing wrong with a used Gen 3, but I would only by the latest and greatest if I'm buying new.
 
trigger

Can't comment on recent G17's, but my Gen 4 G34 has a bit of a stack in the middle of the trigger stroke which I'd just as soon it not have.

Neither our Gen 2 G20 or G17 have such a stack, and come back smooth and consistent every time. Thus the Gen 4- G34 feels a bit different shot to shot than the other two.

All 3 have been as reliable as a brick.
 
Ahhh... this is a difficult choice. In fact last night I was so smitten with a G17 Gen 2 on an auction site I almost hit the "buy" button! It looked in great shape, with no finger grooves or any of that. Looked classy! But I decided not to. No telling how many rounds it's had and I hear they aren't as durable as the later guns.
 
Newest and updated is not always better, like cars, for example. I think the Gen 3 is proven for the most part, the gen 4 is not.

Changeable backstraps and a double recoil spring does not make the new model better, just updated. Go read the Battlefield shooting range report of las vegas on pistols on the AR15 forum.
 
Why buy old tech? The Gen 3 is inferior. The only reason they still make it is because of California.
Click to expand...

Except no.

SOCOM, NSW, MARSOC and others have adopted the Gen 3 19, so it makes plenty of sense for Glock to keep manufacturing Gen 3 pistols.
 
I have owned multiple Gen 3 9mm Glocks and one Gen 2.5 Glock 26. I have since gone to all Gen 4. I find the Gen 4 without back strap fits my hand and I seem to shoot them better.
 
Both work great. Gen 4 fits my hands better, so I choose that.

Also, I prefer the Gen 4 texture and mag release.

I have had zero issues in terms of reliability with either Gen 3 or 4 myself.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top