Glock 2nd gen frame....inferior?

[DustyVermonter]

I may be coming in to an unfired(far as I can tell) 2nd gen Glock20, does anybody have this gun(2ndGen), and can you tell me some of your experience with it? Are they just as reliable as any other Glock. Is the only thing that seperates the 2nd and 3rd Gen models the grips and the additional locking pin?(I say locking pin because I can't think of the actual name). Also, does that additional pin make 3rd gens more reliable than the 2nd gens? Any and all info on the 2nd Gen G20 would be great, I just want to know if they are in any way inferior to the 3rd gens mechanically, cosmetics are not a concern of mine, if it was I wouldn't own a glock cuz they're ugly as hell, but I sure do love glocks.

 

[REAPER4206969]

The locking block pin has nothing to do with any Generational alterations. The only changes with the GEN3 is: finger grooves/thumb rests/accessory rail.

 

[DustyVermonter]

Well if I remember correctly the 1st and 2nd gens do not have the additional cross pin but the 3rd gens do, but maybe I remember incorrectly. I don't think they would add it if there wasn't an advantage, but maybe they would, I mean look at the 4th gens, those are a pretty good example of added things that aren't needed.

 

[DustyVermonter]

But yeah, Grips/thumb grooves/accessory rails would fall under cosmetic. So what I'm being told is, there is no difference other than cosmetic? Actually now I'm vaguely remembering something to do with a modified extractor, maybe not, maybe it was just that a loaded chamber indicator installed on Gen 3's

 

[357SIG]

Only the old 9mms had one locking block pin. The other older ones had two, just like the current models. Even some 3rd gen 9mms have one pin. The theory is the 9mm doesn't need it, but in order to streamline production at Glock, they just made all the frames the same, so now the 9mms have two pins.

There is nothing inferior about a 2nd gen Glock.

The extractors have changed a lot over the years, but I've not seen any widespread issues with any of them.

 

[Jbabbler]

The 2nd gen is preferred by MANY due to its rail-less profile. Some Gen 2 Glocks have finger grooves while others do not. If the one you are looking at does not, it is also a desirable gun. I say get it, if you want to swap to a 3rd gen there are many people on GT that will trade with you if you post in the want ads.

 

[Runningman]

Well if I remember correctly the 1st and 2nd gens do not have the additional cross pin but the 3rd gens do, but maybe I remember incorrectly.

That is not correct, my G29, G24 2nd generation has 2 locking block pins. I actually prefer the feel and look of the 2nd generation Glock over the 3rd generation. Just not a fan of accessory rails on pistols.

Glock changed over to the 2 pin locking block soon after the G22 was introduced early 90s because of the recoil impulse of the 40 S&W.

 

[DustyVermonter]

Yes, I too like the way the 1st and 2nd gens look, I even like the duller finish. So I guess ill get it, nothing ventured nothing gained

 

[LiveLife]

Gen3 barrels have improved chamber support over Gen2 Glocks - if you do not reload and shoot factory ammo, then this is not an issue. You can get some very good price deals on Gen2 Glocks as Gen3 Glocks are more popular.

One shooter in our group has a Gen2 G22 he bought used and accuracy side by side is same as my Gen3 G22. He reloads and uses Lone Wolf barrel at the range. When he is done, he drops the factory barrel in the slide for home protection. Only things he had to do was replace the recoil spring and worn magazine followers/springs.

If you want the newer loaded chamber indicator extractor, it is a direct swap part. My Gen3 G27 came with loaded chamber indicator extractor.

 

[REAPER4206969]

Many people confuse "updates" with generational changes. The only differences in the GEN3 is what was listed. There have been some updates to the .40 since its introduction in 1990. In the mid 90's Glock changed all models from a 90* extractor to a 15* extractor. In the early 00's they added a Loaded Chamber Indicator. If you have a non LCI 15* extractor you can install the LCI one and its LCI spring loaded bearing.


In 1997~ Glock added a steel reinforcement to the .40 frames in order to support the .357SIG cartridge. Late GEN2's and all GEN3's have it.
older frame:


Newer frame:

All .40 frames are three pin, and .380/9x19mm frames were still two pin until ~2002.

 

[DustyVermonter]

Reaper, Now that's definitive, nice, thanks for the info, really clears things up.

 

[REAPER4206969]

You're welcome.