Glock 17 Gen 3 vs. Gen 4.
- Thread starter Allist816
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W.E.G.
Member
The big issue is the Gen 4 has the "double-spring" recoil spring.
There have been some breakage issues.
The other issues are cosmetic - like the shape of the serrations on the slide and the texture of the frame.
My Glocks are Gen 3, and I have no interest in the "improvements" of the Gen 4.
There have been some breakage issues.
The other issues are cosmetic - like the shape of the serrations on the slide and the texture of the frame.
My Glocks are Gen 3, and I have no interest in the "improvements" of the Gen 4.
LiveLife
Member
Gen3 Glocks already came with fairly stiff captured recoil spring sets (dual-springs for subcompacts). Gen4 Glocks have even stiffer recoil springs sets (now dual springs even for the full-size models).
I shoot mostly reloads and would not like to push my loads even higher to reliably cycle the Gen4 slides. Most of my reloads are loaded to mid-to-high range load data. Stiffer recoil springs mean that only high range to near max load data charges will reliably cycle the slide on Gen4 Glocks.
I am happy with my Gen3 Glocks and the recoil spring rate for my reloads. If Glock addresses the recoil spring rate or offer less-stiff replacement set comparable to Gen3 spring rate, I would buy Gen4 Glocks.
I shoot mostly reloads and would not like to push my loads even higher to reliably cycle the Gen4 slides. Most of my reloads are loaded to mid-to-high range load data. Stiffer recoil springs mean that only high range to near max load data charges will reliably cycle the slide on Gen4 Glocks.
I am happy with my Gen3 Glocks and the recoil spring rate for my reloads. If Glock addresses the recoil spring rate or offer less-stiff replacement set comparable to Gen3 spring rate, I would buy Gen4 Glocks.
REAPER4206969
Member
No.
klash545
Member
stick with the gen3,they aren't cancelling production of them for a reason
CountGlockula
Member
I have a Gen4G17 and love it. Recoil is much more reduced. I'd say get both generations to build your collection.
REAPER4206969
Member
Yes. A member of AR15.com attended a private meeting for U.S. Embassy staff at Glock headquarters, Deutsch-Wagram, Austria. This question was asked, and this was their answer:
There are various reasons.
1)The GEN3 Glock is one of, if not the best selling handguns on the planet.
2)Glock has thousands of LE/MIL contracts, many of whom that specify exactly what is to be delivered (GEN3.) This is why Beretta had to make two versions of their model 92. The "92FS" with the radiused tang/slanted dust cover/three dot sights, and the "M9" to MIL-SPEC.
3)As of 2007 there are five million Glock's in circulation. These pistols need to be supported with parts, so Glock might as well keep making complete pistols.
4)GEN4 optioned models can not be sold in California. Only the GEN3 can. California is one of the worlds largest consumers of firearms, it would be nonsensical to kill off that market.
5)I doubt many models can receive the GEN4 alterations (18/25/28/36.)
6)The GEN4 was never intended to replace the GEN3. It is only an option for those that feel the need for the features it offers. Here is Glock headquarters official position on the GEN4:
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=5&f=13&t=91249&page=3
REAPER4206969
Member
A lot of midgets/Edward Sausagehands whine about the grip size.
1)Dual recoil spring assembly.
2)2mm shorter backstrap with two, 2mm increment larger add-on backstraps.
3)Enlarged, reversible magazine catch.
4)RTF3 frame texture.
LiveLife
Member
One of many complaints that's been raised against Glocks has been the grip/angle. S&W M&P addressed this issue by offering three different "palm swell" inserts that work surprisingly well. My first impression of handling the M&P was a grip that fit my hand like a glove with a more "natural" grip angle of 1911/Sig.
Many owners of Glocks also have shaved/melted the "grip hump" to make the grip more straight. The Gen4 grip inserts now offer the owners the option to keep the hump or reduce it.
Although I am a fan of Gen3 Glocks, I will admit that ergonomics of pistol controls could be improved. Magazine release requires a shift in grip and some owners have difficulty with the small slide lock/release. There are quite a lot of semi-auto pistols on the market now that have very good ergonomics that do not require a shift in grip to release magazine or slide. Gen4 Glocks also try to address these ergonomics issues.
I do not believe Gen4 is more "heavy duty" than Gen3. It does have stiffer recoil spring that reduces felt recoil for heavy charged factory JHPs. This however, aggravates the "limp wrist" issue and decreases reliable slide cycling with some "lighter charge" factory ammunition and light charge reloaded ammunition (some reloaders have posted that few published starting charge load won't cycle the Gen4 slide reliably).
Like the Rough Texture Frame (RTF) and the Short Frame (SF) Glock models, Gen4 models may become another option in the growing Glock product line. I prefer the Gen3 over Gen4 for many reasons that are personal.
Many owners of Glocks also have shaved/melted the "grip hump" to make the grip more straight. The Gen4 grip inserts now offer the owners the option to keep the hump or reduce it.
Although I am a fan of Gen3 Glocks, I will admit that ergonomics of pistol controls could be improved. Magazine release requires a shift in grip and some owners have difficulty with the small slide lock/release. There are quite a lot of semi-auto pistols on the market now that have very good ergonomics that do not require a shift in grip to release magazine or slide. Gen4 Glocks also try to address these ergonomics issues.
I do not believe Gen4 is more "heavy duty" than Gen3. It does have stiffer recoil spring that reduces felt recoil for heavy charged factory JHPs. This however, aggravates the "limp wrist" issue and decreases reliable slide cycling with some "lighter charge" factory ammunition and light charge reloaded ammunition (some reloaders have posted that few published starting charge load won't cycle the Gen4 slide reliably).
Like the Rough Texture Frame (RTF) and the Short Frame (SF) Glock models, Gen4 models may become another option in the growing Glock product line. I prefer the Gen3 over Gen4 for many reasons that are personal.
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