Glock 19 Gen2 vs Gen3

C

CALAMBE

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Glock 19 Gen2 vs Gen4

Hey all,
I am looking into a handgun. I have handled my top 5. The S&W M&P Pro series optic ready, Glock 19 Gen2 and Gen4, Beretta M9A1, and an M1911.
So far I am in love with the Glock 19 Gen2. I have handled it and I like it over the all the other ones even the Gen4. That being said, what are the main differences between the Gen2 and the Gen4?
 
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Finger grooves?

The Gen. 3 has finger grooves in the grip. Don't know the other changes.

I like my Gen 3 very much. It's my dedicated CC piece. Get a holster that covers the trigger guard.
 
Here are the major changes.

1. Locking block changed and a locking block pin added so there are three pins in the gun as opposed to 2. This change was initially made for the .40 and .357 SIG guns but was migrated to the 9mm guns to keep all the frames identical for manufacturing simplicity/cost savings. The change to the 9mm guns actually happened partway through Gen 3 production.

2. Changed to a "double" recoil spring. This change also was more important for the larger caliber guns but was done across the board for cost savings/simplicity. Ironically, the initial springs caused problems in some Gen 4 9mm pistols so Glock was forced to make unique springs for the 9mm Gen 4 guns, which cancelled out some of the savings/simplicity initially desired.

3. The addition of removable/changeable backstraps/beavertails. The Gen 4 guns are dimensioned like the old SF (Short Frame) guns which provide a smaller grip circumference. Putting the medium backstrap on the gun makes it identical in size to a Gen3 grip--the large backstrap takes it up another size.

4. The magazine release can be switched to be on either side. However this change is best carried out by an armorer as there is some minor potential for damage to the pistol if proper care isn't taken.

5. The Gen4 guns come with a different connector which provides a slightly lighter trigger pull in most cases, compared to the Gen 3 guns.

6. Between Gen 2 and Gen 3, finger grooves were added to the grip.

7. See the post below for one I forgot...
 
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^ You're missing the addition of a rail for lights and lasers with Gen 3 which is really what would matter to me personally. Though I think there was an intermediate Gen 2.5 as well and I can't remember the specifics there. I'd also say my Gen 4s always seemed to have a heavier trigger pull because of the bump on the Gen 4 trigger bar. It was just a perception.
 
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Yup, that's right. The accessory rail was added with Gen 3.

I believe the Gen 2.5 guns had the finger grooves but not the rail.
 
Gen 3

I prefer the Gen 3 over the Gen4 as it has a smoother recoil to me. I am also more accurate with the Gen 3 for some reason.
 
I'm not a fan of the texture of the Gen 4. I prefer going with a Gen 3 and Talon grips. Honestly choose what feels best for you and imo you'll be fine either way.
 
2 pin Gen 2.5s have both the finger grooves and the rail. I also have one of "Long Rail" rears.

image37294.jpg
 
As nearly as I can tell, the most commonly stated differences between the Gen 2 and Gen 3 guns were the addition of the finger grooves and accessory rail.

Guns with one but not the other are sometimes called Gen 2.5.

The addition of the third pin to the 9mm pistols happened during Gen 3 production. It seems fairly well accepted that if the gun has both accessory rails and finger groves it's a Gen 3 whether or not it has 3 pins.

There are two problems with trying to be definitive on this topic.

1. There's not really a definitive word from Glock to rely on.
2. Glock made changes as they saw the need, they didn't wait and make a lot of changes all at once so that there would be clear breaking points between the Generations. At least not until the Gen 4 guns came out.
 
Umm, your thread title is:
CALAMBE said:
Glock 19 Gen2 vs Gen3
Click to expand...
But the body of the post asks:
CALAMBE said:
. . . . Glock 19 Gen2 and Gen4, . . . .So far I am in love with the Glock 19 Gen2. I have handled it and I like it over the all the other ones even the Gen4. That being said, what are the main differences between the Gen2 and the Gen4?
Click to expand...
Emphasis mine. So which generations are you seriously considering? Have you made a decision?
 
In 9mm I don't think there are any non-visual changes that are actually significant. All the mechanical changes were made for the 40sw and 357 sig and only migrated to 9mm to simplify production.
I was intent to get a G4 for the backstraps. When I tried one I found it did not change the feel of the grip compared to other pistols I have tried.
 
Some folks - me included didn't like the G3 grooves. They didn't line up comfortably with my little hand. However, G4 17 grooves do - and this is reported by others.
 
^ Cause it works? Lol, to be fair, I actually prefer the smaller release just slightly extended over the factory (Vicker's Tactical) than just the larger pad by itself. It's become very vogue to be able to drop magazines like hot potatoes these days. No doubt you need to be able to swap magazines. But for a long time, and still today to some, not inadvertently dropping the magazine was also a major concern. That was why you have to shift your thumb to release the magazine. It wasn't by accident, it was by design.
 
Holster

Since we are talking Glock 19 Gen2's. What would be the best holsters? I am going to train with two. An open carry variant and a ccw variant. I am looking at BLACKHAWK! currently. And my price point is no greater than $65.
 
For CCW, the vast majority, myself included, prefer some sort of "hybrid" like alien gear produces. I prefer the cross-breed brand b/c they have worked well enough in the past I wouldn't risk changing brands.
 
My EDC the overwhelming majority of the time is a G19 in a CrossBreed Supertuck. It is just ridiculously comfortable. (I have a Theis clone for a different pistol and it's also very nice. Not sure there's a difference in quality.) For OWB in leather, I have a Galco somethingorother. The pistol doesn't click in place like it does with kydex, but it's very comfortable and concealable with a cover garment. For OWB in kydex, I have a kydex pancake from K-rounds. I don't wear it much, but it serves me well when I do.
 
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