Glock Gen 4s: Are there any problems?

All good to go. But the recommendation is get the Gen 3 . The backstrap thing doesnt feel right .

No issues for quite some time now. Used to be ejector or spring problems, and Glock fixed them. If by some miracle you have a problem, Glock will make it right for free.

My 26 has something like 3000 rounds through it after today, and my 21 is sitting around 2000-2500. Zero failures.

I will probably never own another Gen 3 after using the Gen 4's, for pretty much all the reasons. Grip texture, mag release, extra mag, and the backstrap system is just fine for me. My 21 is naked. My 26 is using the +2 strap.

I'm personally waiting for a couple of years before I think about picking up a Gen 4.

nathan said:

All good to go. But the recommendation is get the Gen 3 . The backstrap thing doesnt feel right .

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meanmrmustard said:

How so?

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I'd like to hear a bit more detail on that comment as well... and which model(s) specifically do not "feel right".
I'm not much of a Glock fan, but I don't find the feel of the grips on either the 21 or 31 Gen4s, that I've fired extensively, to be particularly unpleasant.

C

Do the gen. 4 pistols recoil less than the gen. 3 pistols ? thanks

creeper1956 said:

I'd like to hear a bit more detail on that comment as well... and which model(s) specifically do not "feel right".
I'm not much of a Glock fan, but I don't find the feel of the grips on either the 21 or 31 Gen4s, that I've fired extensively, to be particularly unpleasant.

C

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My best guess is that he doesn't think they seem well thought-out. Many people (myself included) feel that the back strap system was an afterthought/could have been done better. Not much to do with function, but form. LOOKS cheaply done. That said, it feels just fine in my hands.

spence said:

Do the gen. 4 pistols recoil less than the gen. 3 pistols ? thanks

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To me, it's negligible. It's there, but if you don't like a Gen 3 .40 S&W, you won't like a Gen 4 .40 S&W. But if you do like a Gen 3 .40 S&W, you'll like a Gen 4 .40 S&W that much more.

Now I haven't used a Gen 4 20 yet, but if one were to benefit, it would be the 20.

Some people are wary of new glock models, expecting to have to wait a few years to work out "kinks". IMHO there really aren't any. As for the backstrap, If you've owned and been shooting a gen3 glock for a long time, the gen4 isn't going to feel right at first, but it's going to be that way transitioning from any gun to another. I have larger hands (not huge, but bigger than average) and I don't use the backstraps - the smallest setting is perfect for me.

If you're going with the 26 I highly recommend the extended length floorplates by GAP - completely changed my shooting experience with a Glock subcompact. It's not one of those +ammo extensions, it extends it towards the front of the gun to give a perfect little finger rest. LINK

I don't think I'll ever buy a Gen 3 if I can get a Gen 4 instead.
The backstraps are well worth it. Some guns may have better finish but they only do that by having a system that always requires one of the backstraps on. With the Gen 4 completely removing the backstrap reveals the smallest option.

I shoot with the largest backstrap and find it's just right.

The texture is better than the Gen 3 and the oversized mag release is a big plus for me.

Inebriated said:

My best guess is that he doesn't think they seem well thought-out. Many people (myself included) feel that the back strap system was an afterthought/could have been done better. Not much to do with function, but form. LOOKS cheaply done. That said, it feels just fine in my hands.

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Seems reasonable. I've experimented a bit with the backstraps on friends guns... and always ended up with none attached.
I've given Glocks a sincere effort, owning gen 1, 2 and 3 Glocks... mostly 17s and 19s. In all cases, I usually sold them within 6 months... and the gen 3 within weeks. With the latter, I've determined that finger grooves and I, other than those on the H&K P7M8, do not get along well in the long term.

C

meanmrmustard said:

I'm looking into buying a pair of Gen 4 Glocks, a 19 or 26 for the Missus and a 17 for myself. I've heard tell of recoil spring problems with these. Is that still an issue? Are there any short comings I need to know about?

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So there was a problem that somehow got past their R&D team yet as long as they corrected it you’re willing to give them a second chance??? I’m shocked!!!

There were problems with the Gen4s at rollout: recoil spring assembly and ejector, to be sure; perhaps the trigger (a feel, not a function, issue), and all depending on who you believe, the extractor, too.

Same issues emerged in the new crop of Gen3s shortly thereafter.

Glock isn't saying precisely what the issue(s) ultimately was, but their voluntary (non)recall seems to have cured what ailed them.

I watched a first-run Gen4 17 go from being an erratic ejector and consistent stovepiper out of the box (for a Glock it was kind of shocking, actually) to thoroughly reliable shooter with any ammo thrown at it after one trip to Smyrna (on their dime).

I think the new Glocks are up to the task now.

carbonyl said:

So there was a problem that somehow got past their R&D team yet as long as they corrected it you’re willing to give them a second chance??? I’m shocked!!!

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Cleaning my computer screen!

Myself, I just stick to the Gen 3's. I'm a lefty, but I can manipulate the slide release and the magazine release with me left index finger.

No issues with the G26's, same recoil spring as the Gen 3's. The 19/17's I understand were sent replacement recoil springs by Glock which were manufactured between a certain period.

i have a gen 4 Glock 26. i hate the way it feels and dont like the trigger as much as the gen 3's. for me, i'm just as accurate and i get the extra magazine. i shoot Glocks better than other guns (M&P) that i thought felt better. who cares how they feel? it's how well do YOU shoot it?

To me, it's negligible. It's there, but if you don't like a Gen 3 .40 S&W, you won't like a Gen 4 .40 S&W. But if you do like a Gen 3 .40 S&W, you'll like a Gen 4 .40 S&W that much more.

Now I haven't used a Gen 4 20 yet, but if one were to benefit, it would be the 20.

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I have tons of Glocks; Gen2s, 3s, and 4s. I don't notice any recoil difference with the new recoil spring.

I have both a Gen3 and Gen4 G20--don't notice a difference using the factory 17lb spring in both either.

Several hundred rounds through my Gen 4 26 and not a hiccup. I don't even think I've managed to break it in yet

I have tons of Glocks; Gen2s, 3s, and 4s. I don't notice any recoil difference with the new recoil spring.

I have both a Gen3 and Gen4 G20--don't notice a difference using the factory 17lb spring in both either.

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The difference only shows up for me when I'm shooting rapid fire.

I had one of the first Gen 4 g19s.... before the "fix". It was perfect.... never an issue and easily the softest recoil of any 9 that I've shot. Then the interwebz told me it was broken, so Glock send me a new guide rod and spring. Then it shot gritty and rough with as much recoil as any other. So, I got rid of it. Damn internet.