Sidearms & Scatterguns Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

[sprice]

What is better, the generation 3 or 4 Glocks? And why? I'm considering the 17 if anyone is interested.


In case anyone is interested, sprice now owns a bran-new gen 3 rtf glock 17! I'm bringing it to frontsight and will let you know its' performance

 

[Phylodog]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

I prefer the Gen4 guns but I shoot .40, not 9mm. The Gen4 pistols in 9mm have had some issues, you may want to research or wait a bit to make sure they have been corrected. The Gen4 pistols are basically a SF frame (w/o a backstrap)for the 9/40. Fits my hand a bit better, I can hit the larger mag release easier and the new dot connectors are an improvement.

 

[dpairborneranger]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

I have two Gen4s that I shoot regularly and never have had a problem. With that being said there is some people saying they have had problems with their Gen4s. I shoot mine weekly and have yet to have a hiccup.

 

[71firebird400]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

Get a G20 or G29....then you don't have the luxury of deciding which Gen to get

In all seriousness, I'd probably go Gen 4 if I was getting a 9mm. The new springs seem to be working great from what I've heard.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

Gen 3 Glocks are tried and true, Gen 4 Glocks are not, buy the proven Generation.

 

[elephantrider]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

I'd stick with the more proven Gen 3.

One of the main attractions for the Gen 4 seems to be the interchangable backstrap. I have a light grip reduction and texture package done to my Gen 3s so it's no difference to me.

 

[Hooper]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

Glock tried to improve on Perfection.

 

[SRT80]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

Generation 3 ! just traded in my model 22 gen 4....for a model 23 gen 3 .....

 

[tomahawk84]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

I love my Gen4 17, I have put 2500+ rounds through it since january. I have logged one stovepipe, 1 FTE, and one double feed. Now just a heads up that all happened on the same box of federal champion 115 grain ammo. After looking into it that box had a different lot number than all the others. They seemed to have a light charge.

That day I had shot 1000 rounds teaching some family and friends how to shoot, there were 4 shooters and the 3 malfunctions came from 3 different shooters. That was also the first time shooting the pistol and all 3 malfunctions came after 800 rounds and no maintenance. since then I have not had a single issue.

Go gen4 and don't look back. unless you find someone with a gen3 for a super price.

 

[FX44]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Gen 3 Glocks are tried and true, Gen 4 Glocks are not, buy the proven Generation. </div></div>

+1 I'm sticking with the Gen 3 for now.

 

[Jim_D303]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

Gen 3 for 9mm, Gen 4 for .40S&W.

 

[jwaj]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

I haven't had any malfunctions or issues with my G17 Gen 3.

 

[spr1]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

Gen3 prior to 2010.

 

[Arbiter]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 71firebird400</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get a G20 or G29....then you don't have the luxury of deciding which Gen to get

In all seriousness, I'd probably go Gen 4 if I was getting a 9mm. The new springs seem to be working great from what I've heard.</div></div>

You mean the new springs that they just had a recall on? Right...

 

[jpmuscle]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

Gen 4 hands down. My 17 was perfect prior to new spring assembly goin in and its been fine since. the fix was obvious even if it wasnt widely problematic to start with.

I run without any additional back strap so I can speculate on its benefit but it would probably be nice for someone who needs it.

The grip texturing is an improvement but i wish it was more abrasive (personal preference)

The mag release is a huge winner in my opinion

Overall it felt more refined out of the box and has been just reliable as my gen3 guns so I have no issues with it. I think they should have stayed with the gen 3 recoil assembly and continued with the rest of the upgrades but whatever.

Apex Tactical has said their coming out with a line of Gen 4 glock stuff which Im sure will be good stuff, their work magic with M&Ps. And before anybody says their only fixing what glock screwed up I dont see their stuff as being any different from most aftermarket glock stuff. Its a improvement over stock in most cases

 

[JMC]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: FX44</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Gen 3 Glocks are tried and true, Gen 4 Glocks are not, buy the proven Generation. </div></div>

+1 I'm sticking with the Gen 3 for now. </div></div>

I'd wait till all the issues are worked out of the gen 4s and stick with the proven gen 3s.

 

[swage]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hooper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Glock tried to improve on Perfection. </div></div>

^^^^^this^^^^^^^^^


Stick with the Gen 3.

 

[sw99]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

I like my Gen3 Glocks, and I really like my Gen4 ones. Overall, I prefer the Gen4. Glock has a few bugs to work out still with the Gen4 but overall they are are still worlds above every 1911 I have owned. At least they boom every time... When my life is on the line, it's nice to have something reliable!

 

[71firebird400]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Arbiter</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 71firebird400</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get a G20 or G29....then you don't have the luxury of deciding which Gen to get

In all seriousness, I'd probably go Gen 4 if I was getting a 9mm. The new springs seem to be working great from what I've heard.</div></div>

You mean the new springs that they just had a recall on? Right...

</div></div>

No. I meant the new springs that they are sending out to replace the problematic ones.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

I had a choice between a Glock 23 Gen 4, and a Gen 23 with RTF. It was tough, but I went with the Gen 3 RTF. I bought the KKM precision 9mm barrel for my pistol, and have yet to have a single malfunction with either 9mm or 40 after firing thousands of rounds. You sacrifice grace and beauty for reliability when it comes to Glocks. Go with what works: Gen 3.

 

[bm11]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

Lets see, an older Gen 3 from back when Glock developed their reputation for reliability, or one of the new "improved" Gen 4's that might require some tinkering to run right....

Gen 3 RTF!

 

[BBJones13]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

Gen 3 9mm Glocks for me. They just work and require very little maintenance.

 

[KTDLS7]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

I'm not a "Glockophile", actually prefering 1911. I do have a 19 & 34 - fortunately both Gen 3. Can't stand the RTF grips on Gen 4s.

Kevin

 

[subwofer2]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

23C Gen 3 for me. Not a big fan of the Gen 4s either. Oh, and I picked mine up nearly new with a Laser Max installed for $380, private sale... WIN!

 

[300WSM]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

2 main differences would be

gen 4 the recoil spring is different and supposed to be lighter recoil due to the double action spring. So that would be one reason to take a hard look at the gen4

the other is the backstraps.

gen4 - no backstraps = basically a g17 SF (short ended frame...they never made a g17sf but it is what one would be like)
gen4 - medium backstrap = your regular g17 gen 3
gen 4 - large backstrap = a larger grip then your regular gen 3 g17. So if you have big hands...or you like a wider grip.

so that would be anothe reason to look at the gen4.

grip surface is different of course

and finally a more flat non glossy paint on the slide.


if any of those reasons appeal to you then look at the gen4.


as far as reliablity - some issues with early gen4 recoil spring assemblies but if you call glock they'll send you the updated one and yo'll be fine.

 

[300WSM]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

but there are a lot of grip options for gen 3. stippling, grip tape...many versions.

 

[stretch1934]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

I prefer the 3 over the 4. But I think you will have to handle both to see for yourself. Everyone seems to have there own opinion.

 

[Silver_Bullet_00]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

The gen 4 does not eject the 9mm out as forcefully as the gen 3. It is something to due with the double spring guide rod, which was meant to reduce recoil.

I have heard no such problems with the higher calibers in the gen 4, such as the 40s&w and up.

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

If I walk into my gunstore how will I know the diff between a Gen3 and a Gen4?

I'm wanting one of these pistols but I want to make sure and get a Gen3....they seem to be a bad*ss pistol!

 

[[email protected]]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArcticLight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If I walk into my gunstore how will I know the diff between a Gen3 and a Gen4?

I'm wanting one of these pistols but I want to make sure and get a Gen3....they seem to be a bad*ss pistol!</div></div>

Gen4 on slide, different grip texture, double recoil spring, different sized backstraps, reversable mag relese, mags with two cut outs to serve the reversable mag release, bigger mag release, MBS on the frame on the ejection side.

 

[z71rat]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

I have a Gen3 that fits my hand perfectly like it is... it is cheaper than the Gen4... so why bother!!

My M22 G3 is stuff that lives are staked on... including mine.

DK

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

OK Someone post a pic of a Gen 3, and Gen 4 perhaps?

I think I may get me one.

 

[BBJones13]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArcticLight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OK Someone post a pic of a Gen 3, and Gen 4 perhaps?

I think I may get me one. </div></div>

let me provide some links that may help you:
www.google.com
www.yahoo.com
www.bing.com
www.glock.com

I am not trying to be a jerk but 30 seconds of your own time searching would have found pictures.

The one tell tale sign of Gen4 is that it has interchangeable backstraps.
Gen 3's did come in a few different finishes, textures, numbers of pins (2pin vs 3pin), and slide serrations.

 

[Guest]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Gen 3 Glocks are tried and true, Gen 4 Glocks are not, buy the proven Generation. </div></div>

^ THIS!

Unless you're a lefty and can get the new RSA, best stick with GEN 3

 

[Phylodog]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

Here ya go ArcticLight. Not a great photo but I don't have decent lighting after dark here in the house. My Gen4 23 & 27. The 23 is carried daily, the 27 is strategically secured in my vehicle. Both fitted with Trijicon's HD sights.

 

[Katahdin]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

I personally like the gen 3's over the gen 4's. With that said I have only shot gen 3's and never a gen 4. I have looked at and held gen 4's in the store but did not care for the new look/feel. I have normal size hands and the gen 3 glocks fit them well. I bought my first glock 11 years ago and it was a gen 3 and have never looked to improve on that design.

 

[tsavo303]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

talked with glock rep friday in person and said the spring issues were corrected on the ones they are now shipping
course he checked on the pistols we were purchasing to make sure they had the correct gen4 recoil springs

 

[hatidua]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

Google "Glock Gen 4 problems". That alone should make the choice rather simple.

 

[fastbs]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

Was looking for a cheap gen 2 glock 22 and stumbled over a used gen 4, scooped it up for 465 w/ night sights and 3 mags. Around here I can easily resell it for what I have in it so figured I couldn't lose. So far I'm very pleased with it. Called glock and got the updated recoil spring on the way but have had no probs with 150 rounds of rem umc on the original rsa.

Really like the grip compared to a gen 3. Recoil does seem a bit more cushy than I remeber the gen 3 being but havn't had both in hand at same time to do a direct comparison.

Then like others have said the gen 3 is very proven while the gen 4 is not as much.

 

[Phylodog]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

Glock sent us four Gen4 pistols for testing, two G22s and two G23s. We fired over two thousand rounds through each pistol, 7 different varieties of ammunition and experienced an overall malfunction rate of .053%. 20% of the test rounds fired were while intentionally limp wristing the pistols.

 

[Texar2]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

I have fired 10's of thousands of rounds through my gen3 9mms and have had no issues. My friends gen 4 is a pos. His barrel had to filed on by a glock armorer for it to function. Just my observation. Maybe he got a bad one.

 

[Silver_Bullet_00]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Recoil</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have fired 10's of thousands of rounds through my gen3 9mms and have had no issues. My friends gen 4 is a pos. His barrel had to filed on by a glock armorer for it to function. Just my observation. Maybe he got a bad one. </div></div>

From what I have seen and heard at the range, it is the 115 gr 9mm stuff that the G4 has problems ejecting. Seems Glock has gotten itself into a mess, really hurting their reputation.

Now some of the Gen 3 in a .40S&W has problems when there is a light attachment to the front, the Gen 4 was supposed to fix this.

Seems they improved the .40 and sacrificed the 9mm.

 

[Captain Moroni]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Recoil</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have fired 10's of thousands of rounds through my gen3 9mms and have had no issues. My friends gen 4 is a pos. His barrel had to filed on by a glock armorer for it to function. Just my observation. Maybe he got a bad one. </div></div>

I wouldnt let a Glock armorer file on anything. I am a glock armorer and and in any of the classes I have been to they never went over barrel fitting. If that gun needed work it should have been sent back to Glock .

As far as the OP questions, what do you want to do with it? For concealed carry I would go with the gen 3, the texture of the gen 4 tends to wear holes in shirts.
I have sold plenty of gen 4's and none of them have had any major problems most of them are operator error just like the gen3.
If the gen 4 fits buy it.

 

[bchibb]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

The Gen 4s have a recoil spring recall now.

 

[AED146]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

i love and carry the gen3 the 19 is the way to go if your going to conceal carry with a plus 2 on the magazine you can get 17 rounds in the swagger

 

[gunslotreaper308]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

I've put many thousands of rounds through 4 different gen 3 glocks (19,20SF,21,23) and never experienced any major problems. Never owned a gen 4.

 

[sf88]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

Have 5 Gen 3's, nary an issue with any of them over many thousands of rounds. My only gen 4, a 17, had the wrong recoil spring and the guide rod would pop out when you racked the slide. Fast forward to glock sending me the replacement spring and guide rod, it still pops out the front (only slightly now however) after it's been racked, probably a good quarter centimeter. Also, it is no longer possible to assemble it by hand as the recoil spring is so stiff I have to use a table to leverage it and pop it back in place.

 

[Awesymoto]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

I own a Glock 23 Gen 4. Got a new recoil spring from glock, but I love the Gen 4's My buddies 19 in Gen 3 doesn't cut it for grippieness for me. I love the backstraps mainly because I have smaller hands. I experienced 2 malfunctions failure to eject/feed when firing single handed with PMC bronze. This was not significant enough for me to freak out. I fire winchester PDX1 and Ranger 135 HP's no problem. However I am interested to test the new RSA from glock when it arrives.

 

[oakmax]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

Gen 3 until the kinks get worked out of the 4, give em another 12 months

 

[bchibb]

Re: Glock Gen. 3 or 4?

Have a Gen 4 17,19 & 23 with no problems