Glock Gen 4 questions

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RAfiringline

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Do the Gen 4s have any real advantages over the prior gens?

Is the ability to alter the backstrap a big advantage?

I guess the trigger is a little different - good, bad, neutral?

Are the dual recoil springs a realistic improvement?

Is there anything else on the Gen 4 that anyone thinks is worth noting?

Thanks
 
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I am a fan of the Gen4. There were some teething problems for some people when they were first released and I don't mean to discount that, but I have owned 9 of the Gen4 guns so far and none of them have given me any problems.

Of all the Glocks I have owned over the years, I had one Gen3 G27 and one Gen3 G23 that were not reliable. Everything else has been just fine.

For me, the grip texture of the Gen4 is a big improvement. It really locks into the hand nicely without any additional stippling or grip tape. I don't care much about the back straps other than I am starting to grow fond of the beavertail back strap option. I've been running my G19 with the medium beaver tail version installed and I actually do like it. I may put the one on my G17 as well, but I have no done so yet. Slide bite has never been a problem for me, I just find that it feels good. Gives you a little more contact surface and a little more leverage to run the gun faster.

The recoil spring doesn't matter to me either way. I go like the larger Gen4 magazine release.

So at a price difference of $50 in most cases, you get an extra magazine, a better grip texture, and a better magazine release. The rest is unimportant to me for the most part. I think it's worth it... but there's nothing wrong with sticking with the Gen3 models.

The trigger on the Gen4 is slightly heavier but also more crisp on the Gen4. That's really a non-issue though as there are tons of aftermarket connectors and springs to adjust the trigger pull as you see fit.
 
I am a fan of the Gen4. There were some teething problems for some people when they were first released..
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I had an early Gen4 Glock 22 that I bought used and it had the bad habit of launching hot spent brass straight back to my forehead. This was a typical problem with the early Gen4 guns. I had the ejector replaced with the updated one Glock recommended based on the serial number on my gun. I did not have to replace the RSA but a lot of early Gen4's did need the updated RSA which mine already had. This gun was sorted out & fixed with the updated ejector, but I soon replaced that G-22 with a newer production Gen4 Glock 21, which was and is a great gun that has been 100% since the day I got it.

I have the large blackstrap on my G-21, and I think it shoots better for me when it's set up this way. The Gen4 trigger has just a little bit softer break than the trigger on my Gen3 G-17. So based on my experience, I'd avoid buying a used Gen4, to avoid getting an early production gun. However I would whole-heartedly recommend a new production Gen4 with all the upgrades & fixes.
 
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The grip texture is more aggressive on Gen 4's, so no need for Talon grips anymore. Also the mag release is almost double the size on Gen 4's.

Is the ability to alter the backstrap a big advantage?
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The ability to remove and add the backstraps works both in favor for people with large and small hands. Without any backstrap installed the grip will be a bit thinner in the back as well as a shorter reach than previous gen Glock's, then of course if you have larger hands you can try out the different backstraps. Personally I don't use the backstraps, though a Gen 4 with no backstrap feels better in my hand than a Gen 3.

Are the dual recoil springs a realistic improvement?
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I would say so. My Gen 4 17 is noticeably smoother shooting than my buddies Gen 3. Not enough where it would make or break a deal for me, but the difference is there.

JDBerg said:
So based on my experience, I'd avoid buying a used Gen4, to avoid getting an early production gun
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If this is a concern, you can ask the seller if they have the original box and papers, the envelope with the spent casing from the factory has the date on it so you have a pretty good idea when the gun was manufactured.
 
I disliked the way glock gen 3 felt in the hand. The gen 4 helped a good deal with feel for me.

I run without a back strap and the feel is not bad to me. I still prefer other pistols, but I can at least like them now.

As others said, the other changes add up to a nice package. I would think dual recoil Springs makes for a bit better shooting, and they last longer.
 
All these advantage/changes truly are personal preference.
I like the Gen4 more than the Gen3 because Gen4 has:
1. backstrap/beavertail option.
2. bigger mag release.
3. more aggressive grip texture.
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I guess the trigger is a little different - god, bad, neutral?
>>> Neutral
Are the dual recoil springs a realistic improvement?
>>> I do not think so but the Gen4 looks more durable.
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If I already have a stock Gen 3, would I trade it in for a gen 4? Probably not.
If I am to get a Glock now, It would be a Gen 4.
 
Another Gen 4 fan here (had a 26, now have a 19). The slightly smaller grip w/o backstrap, along with the improved texturing and larger magazine release button were the game changers for me.

Had an old Gen 3 G19 that never felt right for me in my hand, so I got rid of it almost as soon as I had acquired it. My Gen 4 however, is staying put!
 
I prefer the grip of the Gen 3 over the Gen 4. I'm not sure why but I get rubbing at the base of my thumb with the Gen 4 that I don't with the Gen 3. I think there is a bit more material on the Gen 3 right below the rear of the slide that helps me here. The medium beaver tail blackstrap can help with this but I'm not a huge fan of that either. I'd also rather the Talon grip rubber texture over the Gen 4 texture. Trigger reach was never an issue with me for Glocks. That said I have owned Gen 4s and wouldn't be opposed to owning one again. It's really just personal preference to me.
 
The grip texture is more aggressive on Gen 4's, so no need for Talon grips anymore.
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Unless you prefer the Talon rubber texture like I do. Still very pleased with my Gen4 G19. I also use the medium beavertail.
 
It's hard to go back one you shoot with the Gen 4 texture. The larger mag release and extra magazine doesn't hurt either.
 
Glock Gen 3 vs Gen 4

I have a Glock 19 Gen 3 which I have night sights installed and a 3.5# Connector and I am more accurate with it than a Gen 4 that I also have. But I am more accurate with my Glock 26 Gen 4 than my Gen 3. I have night sights on all and the 3.5# connectors. All very reliable and carry the 26's. Glock pistols are tops in my opinion.
 
In 40 cal, the dual recoil spring helps soften the recoil a little. It may be less noticeable in 9mm. Not that 40 cal recoil is about to hurt anyone's hand out of a full size frame anyway.

The basic grip is slimmer in a Gen 4. Gen 3 felt fine and I got used to that too when I had it. To me it would only be a make-or-break deal if you hands were so small that it interferes with your trigger press. Yet you were forced to use a Glock. Then the Gen 4 would be of some modest help but not night-and-day difference either.

Since I liked the slimmer grip - closer to my other pistols, I don't use any of the backstraps. I never got slide bite so I don't really need a beavertail grip.

There are grip adapters for the Gen 3 if someone just has to have one - they add thickness to the grip though.

Gen 4 trigger bars have a bump on them that rubs the inside of the slide, producing a felt "hitch" when putting the slide back on the frame. No big deal, but some file/grind/buy a Gen 3 trigger bar.

Gen 4 mag releases can be switched if you're a lefty.

Not that huge of a difference. If I didn't have a Glock yet and I wanted to, i would look at price for used, condition, and purpose.
 
Another Gen 4 lover over here too. I run mine with a medium sized backstrap as well. Never had an issue with them in recent years. I've had 6 Glock 19's. They're always the first to go when I'm in a financial bind. Started buying Gen 4's when I'd look for a 19 again, and I didn't want a Gen 4. I just wanted a 19. But after running them, I prefer them. Recoil is a little lighter than the Gen 3's and the trigger is much better with the dot connector. Not to mention my massive hands. The backstraps are a godsend for me. Texturing is great. I don't need to stipple this one either. Gen 4's are awesome.
 
Is the ability to alter the backstrap a big advantage?
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I don't know if it is a BIG advantage, but if you want a Glock and don't like the standard grip, it can be an advantage. My wife shot noticeably better with a Gen 4 Glock and her choice of backstrap than she ever did with a Gen 2 or Gen 3.
I guess the trigger is a little different - good, bad, neutral?
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It should be very similar. My guess is that most people wouldn't notice the difference in a blind study.
Are the dual recoil springs a realistic improvement?
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Probably in the calibers heavier than 9mm. I don't think there was any need for them in the 9mm, in fact, the early Gen 4 9mm models had problems due to the dual recoil springs. I believe that has been resolved now.
 
I have a Gen4 G21, i bought NIB it has 1,600 rds thru it. It has been plagued with weak ejection, BTF, and BTH since day one. It has had no malfunctions, just the very weak ejection with all types of ammo. This is my first and last Glock.:mad:
 
I have a Gen4 G21, i bought NIB it has 1,600 rds thru it. It has been plagued with weak ejection, BTF, and BTH since day one. It has had no malfunctions, just the very weak ejection with all types of ammo. This is my first and last Glock
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Did you ever call Glock?
 
I have a Gen4 G21, i bought NIB it has 1,600 rds thru it. It has been plagued with weak ejection, BTF, and BTH since day one. It has had no malfunctions, just the very weak ejection with all types of ammo. This is my first and last Glock.
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I'd call Glock & ask for an RMA number with a shipping label, force them to fix it for you.
 
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