which is better? Gen. 3 or Gen 4?

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Much prefer the Gen4 because of several things. One the grip texture is better, it's grippy without being too grippy, the mag release button is bigger and the frames are slightly thinner in the bottom of the grip compared to Gen3 (only on the reg 9mm/.40 sized frames, the larger 10mm/45 frames are the same size as Gen3 SF models).

I also like the dual spring RSA better too, it's more effective than the stock Gen3 RSA and even the heavier 22-24lb aftermarket RSAs.
 
Shot a Gen 3 G19 as a test run - bought a G26 Gen 4 and love it. Started looking at G17's and will buy a Gen 4 G17 if I decide to buy one as I shot a G17 and also a Gen 4 G17 this weekend and like the Gen 4 version better.

My G26 Gen 4 has been flawless. Love it.

VooDoo
 
If you shoot 40S&W, then Gen 4. No question.

9mm, whatever. But, I'd still get Gen 4, due to better trigger reach without the backstrap.

Also, while Glock is still making Gen 3 and its parts, no one knows how long it will stay that way.

No preference either way? Then simple: Gen 4.
 
Shoot 'em both. One might be slightly better for you. It won't be the same for everyone. I regularly shoot both Gen3 and Gen4 G19. They are more alike than different. Both are 99.99% reliable.

The G19/23, specifically, has the most extreme grip angle of all Glock frames. The Gen4 sans backstrap takes a little off the hump/angle. This makes it slightly preferable for some folks.

The recoil spring changes the feel, a little. I can't really say I personally prefer one over the other. As for stippling, again, I personally don't really care too much, one way or the other.

The only thing I decidedly prefer is the older Gen3 smooth finish. But you can only find that on older Gen3 guns, these days.
 
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The Gen4 are the first Glocks I can hit well with out of the box. The others fit me poorly and I can't hit worth beans with them unless I add the 3.5 lb trigger connector, which I consider too light for carry.

If the Gen3 fit you well, that's what I'd get as once they stop making them their used value will go up, much like the Ruger MKII vs. the MKIII with its unwanted "improvements" -- around here a used MKII sells for more than a new equivalent MKIII when you can find one.
 
I can only speak to a Gen4 G19. That's all I have, and the only Glock with which I have any appreciable experience. That said, I've never had any extraction or ejection problems, and I've got somewhere in the 800 to 1000 round neighborhood. I like how it fits my hand (YMMV), and it puts holes where I want 'em. Any deficiency in accuracy is most likely due to operator error. The trigger will never have the same feel as a nicely-tuned 1911, but I do not find the trigger so deficient as to be a problem. It's a trigger. I squeeze it, something goes bang.

The only problem I've had is that the slide lock spring inexplicably broke at about 400 rounds. 6 months later, Glock still hasn't sent me a new spring, so I had to order one somewhere else. It was, fortunately, an easy fix . . . even for a mechanically-reclined oaf like myself. Five minutes with YouTube, a pencil and the new spring and I was back in business. To date, I've not had any further troubles.

I really, really didn't want to like Glocks and even wrote a "Grudging Review of the Glock 19" here on THR about that. Nonetheless, I carry the G19 about 95% of the time. It undoubtedly gets more holster time than any of my other carry guns. That does mean that I've got a few spots where the finish has worn off, but I'm OK with that. I like 'em old and scruffy, kind of like me. :D
 
GLOOB said:
Shoot 'em both. One might be slightly better for you. It won't be the same for everyone. I regularly shoot both Gen3 and Gen4 G19. They are more alike than different. Both are 99.99% reliable.

The recoil spring changes the feel, a little. I can't really say I personally prefer one over the other. As for stippling, again, I personally don't really care too much, one way or the other.
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Nailed it. ^^^

For me I just prefer the compact frame regardless whether it's a gen 3 or 4. Full size is too big and the sub compact is too small regardless of gen. Otherwise the differences between them are academic.
 
This really goes with any gun, the more you use it, the more used to it you become. If you had a gen 3 for 8 years and went to a 4, you may go either way, you might dislike it, because you are used to the 3. Everyone is different so it's impossible to tell someone what is best for them.
I have had Gen 2 and Gen 3, I just bought a gen 3, 30S, they make a Gen 4 30, but not and S. I would have gotten whichever they had available to be honest. I have no problem adapting to guns. Especially when they are almost identical. I use skate board tape on some, and talon on others, although my 30S, requires nothing. You should just try the gun and see for yourself, why take the word of someone else. That's why they make different colors, everyone likes what they like, and trying to convince someone otherwise is just an exercise in futility.
There is no Better in this case, only which one you like more.
 
The Gen 3 guns never felt right in my hand. The Gen 4 guns feel a whole lot better, but the finger groove spacing on the G19/G23 is a bit too tight for me. I own a Gen 4 G17.
 
UPDATE: Just ordered a Gen 4 G23. I have a new LGS with reasonable prices and fair trade-in values to boot. I traded a used Sig 2022 that I paid $389 for Three years ago, got $300 for it toward the new Glock. I could not have sold and shipped it and had a better net, so I am happy. He is selling NIB Gen 3's for $499, Gen 4's for $530, both are about $20 less than my local Academy.

I get the Glock in five days or so. After all the comments, I tried both the Gen 3 and 4 for fit, and it was not even close. The 4 was far more comfortable to my hand. The caliber switch is a bit painful given all the .40 ammo I gave to my nephew last year, but after a lot of thought and homework it is pretty clear that is the right caliber for this platform. Good power and reliability upgrade with only a 2 round penalty makes this a no brainer.

I had to seriously resist buying all the usual upgrades, I literally had the 6# spring, 3.5# connector and SGR in my shopping cart @ Loan Wolf, I deleted them all. I am leaving this OEM, with three very minor exceptions of an extended slide lock, extended slide release and a plug.

I am pondering adding the Glock night sights, my LGS will add them for $69.

Range report next week, hopefully.
 
I get the Glock in five days or so. After all the comments, I tried both the Gen 3 and 4 for fit, and it was not even close. The 4 was far more comfortable to my hand. The caliber switch is a bit painful given all the .40 ammo I gave to my nephew last year, but after a lot of thought and homework it is pretty clear that is the right caliber for this platform. Good power and reliability upgrade with only a 2 round penalty makes this a no brainer.
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Dont sweat it... Gen 4 was redesigned for 40SW, not the stupid backstraps, etc.
I had 2 G19 G4's both were POS's..

My Gen4 35 is okay so far...
 
If it were me I would get a Generation 4 gun.

I own 7 GLOCKS...

Gen 2 - G23
Gen 3 - G19, G30
Gen 4 - G19, G23, G26, G27

All have been flawless. The Gen 4 guns bring design changes that I like.

Edmo
 
I wouldn't trade my Gen3 17 for a Gen4 17. I wouldn't trade my Gen4 21 for anything.
 
Hopefully your gen 4 glock is as reliable as my gen 3 has been.I had a similar choice 2 years ago and My gen 3 has been %100 reliable.Reliablility was also my #1 concern.
 
I prefer gen 4 with gen 3 recoil rod

gen 3's can get there trigger something like half a pound lighter

gen 3's aslo feel like a 2x4
 
I have carried a Gen 2 G19 for years and if I were buying a G19 I would get the Gen 3.

If I were to buy a G23 I would go with the Gen 4. The Gen 3 was under sprung.

Edit: I see you went with the G23 Gen4. Good choice.
 
.OOPs, I thought you were comparing real guns, S&W gen 3's, to something else. And yeah, I've tried Glocks and M&P's and still like old school steel, esp. the single stacks.
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I like anything that I can reliably and accurately hit a target with, regardless of the materials it is constructed with!
 
+1. I have several guns that I really enjoy shooting; a P226, CZ85, Colt government 1911. None of them will carry as easily as this Glock, and none of them has an advantage in practical firepower. In fact, the Glock wins hands down against all but the Sig, and while I carry it, it is more difficult to comfortably conceal, especially as warmer weather nears.
 
I had a Gen 4 Glock 22 that had the stiffest, grittiest trigger pull of any gun I've had, and I've had a model 19 I bought in 1990 for duty carry, it was a sweet gun. I must have just had an off the wall one with this model 22, because it never smoothed out. I came across a Gen 3 model 23 and the difference was night a day on the smoothness of the trigger. So I traded for it and it is my EDC now. But that was just my experience and could have been just my gun.
 
I started out with a Gen 2 G22 LE trade in years ago and still like how it feels though I do prefer the Gen 4 G22. Around 2012 I decided to get a G23 and went with the Gen 4 after comparing it side by side with the Gen 3. I loved the way the small grip felt.

Funny thing though, a month ago I bought a new G26 and compared the Gen 3 and Gen 4 side by side. I preferred how the Gen 3 felt so bought it. Interesting that I'd like the Gen 4 full size/compact and Gen 3 subcompact.
 
AKElroy said:
UPDATE: Just ordered a Gen 4 G23. I have a new LGS with reasonable prices and fair trade-in values to boot. I traded a used Sig 2022 that I paid $389 for Three years ago, got $300 for it toward the new Glock. I could not have sold and shipped it and had a better net, so I am happy. He is selling NIB Gen 3's for $499, Gen 4's for $530, both are about $20 less than my local Academy.

I get the Glock in five days or so. After all the comments, I tried both the Gen 3 and 4 for fit, and it was not even close. The 4 was far more comfortable to my hand. The caliber switch is a bit painful given all the .40 ammo I gave to my nephew last year, but after a lot of thought and homework it is pretty clear that is the right caliber for this platform. Good power and reliability upgrade with only a 2 round penalty makes this a no brainer.

I had to seriously resist buying all the usual upgrades, I literally had the 6# spring, 3.5# connector and SGR in my shopping cart @ Loan Wolf, I deleted them all. I am leaving this OEM, with three very minor exceptions of an extended slide lock, extended slide release and a plug.

I am pondering adding the Glock night sights, my LGS will add them for $69.

Range report next week, hopefully.
Click to expand...
Update: I've put 213 rounds through my new Gen 4 G23, and I am really happy with it. Not a single bobble. I have to say the extended slide release and lock both got in the way of my thumbs-forward grip, so the OEM bits are back on. The trigger has really improved with use. The only mod on the gun now is the plug in the grip. That's it. Can't find anything else that needs improvement. It likes a lot of front sight, but I'm ok with that. Also, the hard-to-rack slide on a topped-off mag is much better now that the mags have relaxed a bit.

I am very happy with this purchase. I have to admit that while I would never advise belt carry without a holster, this gun stays put for short trips to the store or church tucked SOB, sans holster, under a blazer or untucked shirt. Very handy.

Only negative is really more of an observation. I did the 200+ rounds in one session, and the new stippling on the grip is aggressive enough to make my shooting hand a bit raw. Not bad, but in the future if I decide to run a big count through the gun I will grab my gloves.
 
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One more observation; i took the gun all the way down for a thorough cleaning when I first got it home. I'm glad I did, the firing pin, spring and channel were both pretty saturated with oil. In any event I cleaned it off, I prefer to keep the channel dry save for whatever solvent might be left behind after the scrubbing. I ran it pretty hot that first trip, would have been much more challenging to clean if that oil were to get scorched and gunked up.

My last Glock, a g27, had a few FTF's due to me ignorantly oiling the channel after cleaning. Dumb move on my part, it attracted enough gunk in short order to give light strikes.
 
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