Glock Gen 3 vs Gen 4 differences

F

FITASC

New member
Besides the adjustable backstrap, are there any other things I need to know about? Do the Gen 4, for example, accept the same mags as the Gen 2 and 3 guns??

TIA
 
I believe they have different recoil spring assemblies and that Gen 4 will accept Gen 3 magazines. I do not know if Gen 3's will accept Gen 4 mags.
 
They do accept the same mags. Gen 3 came with 2 mags, gen 4 with 3. The texturing on the grips of the 4 are different than that of the three, and IIRC the coating on the slide may be a different material, but I'm not 100% sure of that.

There may be more design differences internally, but off the top of my head, that is all I can think of.

I've got gen 2, 3, and 4. Love the gen 4s, but than again, I love 'em all ......... :)

Edit ; another thing I thought of, the mag release is much more friendly to my hand on the gen 4, and can be changed to left or right hand.
 
The Gen4 replaceable backstraps work great for me, I have the large BT backstrap on my Gen4 G-21. The Gen4 has the dual recoil spring assembly which works fine in my G-21, my Gen3 17 & 19 both work fine with the old single spring RSA. If you are a lefty you can reverse the mag release on the Gen4 for a left hand release, but then you can only use Gen4 double notched mags, if you keep the right hand release in say your Gen4 19 you can use any gen 19 mags in your Gen4 19 pistol.
 
FITASC: said:
Being a LHm that would be a handy feature indeed
Click to expand...

I'm not a lefty so if flipping the mag release to the right side on the Gen4 helps, then great. You still have the slide release on the left side, so I'm not sure how you'd have to release it shooting left handed.
 
Not too sure either. I have a Gen 2 17 and 26, but got to handle a friend's 19 and am giving that some serious thought. Previously, I would take the 26 and add the Pearce XXL extension to get a full three finger grip that was cut-off and a lot shorter than a regular 17 - but his 19 seems to be definitely worth a serious look - especially since my wife has commandeered my 26 AND my HK P7.......:eek:
 
Some Lefties use their trigger finger to operate the slide release, but, most just slingshot the slide itself. A lot of Righties slingshot their guns, too, even though the slide release is already on the proper side for them. There are always more ways to skin a cat, or "skin that smoke wagon".
 
Thanks to all for the tips, especially about Brownell's special $459 for a Gen3 delivered to my FFL is below his cost from them and no 3% adder for using a credit card means I got some more Cabela's points......:D
 
I am right hand dominant, but I only use the slide release at the range. Carrying there is one in the pipe ready to go at all times. :)
 
Gen 4 has new recoil spring design. Gen 3 has a plastic guide rod.
Gen 4 has those interchangeable backstraps (love me that bevertail one)
Gen 4 has that little bump on the trigger bar - some say increases trigger pull but keeps the trigger bar centered on the firing pin safety.
Gen 4 has the ability to flip the mag release for lefties. Gen 3 does not.

Gen 4 mags will only work for those who swapped the mag release to the left. It will not accept gen 3 magazines in that configuration.

I have one Gen 3 and one Gen 4. The gen 3 got a steel guide rod to replace the plastic one.
 
Based on a large gun rental business in las vegas, the Gen 3 Glock 17 lasts longer than the Gen 4, apparently several (and i mean about 6 or more) Gen 4s have suffered cracked or damaged slides, under the 100k mark

Now i know, most of us cant afford to even shoot 30k rounds in our lifetime, it is just something to consider.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top