Glock 17 Gen 4 or Glock 17 RTF2?

[drusk_34/17]

Which do you prefer? Which would you buy? Information comparing and contrasting the two would help tremendously. Thanks.

 

[voyager4520]

I prefer the Gen4 grip(without additional backstraps) and magazine release, but I wouldn't want to deal with the possible problems it may have being a 9mm Gen4. Most Gen4 9mm's work flawlessly, but a rather high number of people have failures to eject with theirs. Some have fixed theirs by replacing the guide rod with the latest factory guide rod, others by using an aftermarket guide rod or adaptor that allows use of a Gen3 guide rod, others by replacing the extractor, and a few people haven't been able to get theirs to work reliably. Even Glock doesn't seem to understand what the problem is with the Gen4 9mm models.

The other caliber Gen4's don't have any problems. Though with Glock's newest extractors, no matter which Generation Glock you buy, you may get an extractor that's too tight. Some people just replace the extractor with another factory one, other people polish the top and bottom surfaces of the extractor, others get an aftermarket extractor made by Lone Wolf Distributors. My Gen3 G27 with a test-fire date in late 2009 had one of the new extractors and was ejecting a few cases straight up over my head, plus about 90% of the cases were scraped up pretty badly. I replaced it with a LWD extractor but I haven't had a chance to test it with that extractor yet.

I'd personally get the RTF2. It's a Gen3, just with a different grip texture and possibly scallop-shaped slide serrations. It may still have a tight extractor, but that's the only thing to worry about as with any new production Glock. You may find the texture too aggressive, it feels fine to me.

 

[jackpinesavages]

Either one, rtf2 w/gills is a collector piece someday.

I have several 17s-they are all GTG. Gen 4 issues are better hand fitment for smaller paws; several grip straps for adjustability.

http://gssfonline.com/

 

[REAPER4206969]

RTF2, no question.

 

[Mudinyeri]

If you plan to carry concealed with no shirt between your skin and the grip of the gun ... neither. The Gen 4/RTF grip is not very friendly against one's skin.

 

[FullEffect1911]

I had the option just about two weeks ago between a G17 Gen 3, RTF 2 and Gen 4. After handling the RTF2 and normal Gen 3 I decided on the Gen 3. For my I actually found the fish gills didn't help my purchase at all (and I didn't care for the look of them) and the rough texture was too much for my liking.

Truth be told I went in without much considering the Gen 4.

I'm happy as could be with my G17 Gen 3. Excellent pistol.

 

[jawn]

I have a Gilled one and I love it. If you don't need to adjust grip sizes and you're right handed, I'd go with the 3rd gen RTF2.

 

[Apocalypse-Now]

i own both rtf2's and gen4's. it all depends on what you want the gun for.

the rtf2's are grippier, but i won't carry them. the gen4 grip textures are a nice compromise and wouldn't hesitate to carry them. either is good for range duty.

 

[ckone]

If the Gen3 RTF2 fits your hand that that's the one no question, actually my favorite Glock, same ol' awesome, just with a better grip and deeper, sharper slide-serrations.

Sadly, the Gen4's on the other hand are just a different animal, people tend to buy Glocks because they're reliable, my own personal experience with two different specimens and countless reports from others have shown that Gen4's that run trouble-free are more rare than ones that do not... with Gen3's, even with the recent run of crappy extractors, the opposite is true.

 

[Apocalypse-Now]

^^yeah i had to change out the extractors in my 2 year old gen3 19 as well as my gen4 23 i bough a couple months ago.

just bought a gen4 26, and that extractor's good to go.