HELP! Glock 23 rtf2 or 19 gen5 for Xmas?

[WoodchuckAssassin]

Tis the season, and I have a lead on both these guns for a decent price. I have shot glocks, but this will be my 1st time owning my own.

The 9mm vs 40 arguments aside (I own guns in both calibers and enjoy both), I've never shot the "rough texture frame" before, or even a Gen3 (which I THINK the rtf2 is considered).

I love the feel of the gen5 trigger, and didn't care much for the gen4 trigger. Any chance the rtf2 has a better trigger than the gen4?

A lot of questions, I know, but THR input is always my guiding compass!

Safe shooting, and happy holidays.

 

[1KPerDay]

Gen 5 grip I think is slightly smaller from the trigger to the backstrap at the web. Gen 5 doesn't have finger grooves, which would clinch it for me on the medium frame. On the 17 sized frame they don't bug me as bad, but on the 19 sized frame I have to sand them off. The RTF2 and Gen 5 texturing is a huge improvement over the slick-sided Gen 1-3 IMO.

As for triggers ideally you should try before you buy. 2 "identical" glocks same gen same model can have pretty different-feeling triggers.

 

[AK103K]

I have a couple of Gen 3 RTF2 17's. The RTF2 is my favorite texture of the choices available, and I wish it was still an option. They are the only frames I dont stipple. Triggers are fine on both of them.

I have Gen 2 through Gen 5 Glocks, and I really dont see a difference between any of their triggers., and they all shoot well.

 

[Pat Riot]

I have Gen 2 through Gen 5 Glocks, and I really dont see a difference between any of their triggers., and they all shoot well.

I agree. I had a G19X, a Gen 3 G19 and a Gen 3 G34. I have a G45, a Gen 3 G26 and another Gen 3 G34 ( I bought this one to replace the first one I sold). I really do not feel much of a difference between them except the 34 does have a little lighter trigger.

 

[JTQ]

The reason there is a Gen 4 is because of the previous generations of Glock's in .40 S&W.

 

[WoodchuckAssassin]

The reason there is a Gen 4 is because of the previous generations of Glock's in .40 S&W.

Any changes/defects you can reference? Again, I'm new to Glocks.

 

[Trey Veston]

Well, I have the Gen 5 G19 MOS and I absolutely love the grip, trigger, and accuracy. I fondled the non-MOS versions with the mag cutout and hated it, YMMV.

And I've never gotten a Glock with a trigger exactly like the one before it. With a $20 (-) OEM connector and some metal polish, they are all good now. My Gen 4 G29 had the best trigger out of the box. Second best was the Gen 5 G19. Worst was my G35 that was MA compliant.

 

[MilesR]

I really like the Gen 3 rtf texture. That would be my vote. Gen 5s aren't going anywhere soon but you might have a really hard time finding another one for a good deal.

 

[JTQ]

Any changes/defects you can reference? Again, I'm new to Glocks.

The Gen 4 frame was strengthened and the recoil spring was replaced with a dual recoil spring. In particular, the pre-Gen 4 Glocks in .40S&W had function issues with mounted lights and are probably the least durable guns in the Glock line-up, admittedly in a line-up of very durable guns.

From Hilton Yam, a known Glock fan.
https://www.military.com/kitup/2013/02/hilton-yam-10-8-performance-glock.html

...Same with .40 – the M&P was designed for the .40, with steel chassis for increased rigidity and none of the durability or function issues of the Glock 22.

Note, there currently isn't a Gen 5, .40 S&W Glock available in the US, so generally speaking, if you want a Glock in .40 S&W, the Gen 4 guns are the way to go.

 

[94045]

G19 Gen 5

Many people complained about the RTF while the G5 works as well without the discomfort on 200+ Round Days. The 9mm is cheaper to shoot and holds more rounds. No finger grooves.

 

[FL-NC]

I like the way the RTF feels in the hand, but they tend to damage clothes IME. Otherwise, its a matter of which caliber you prefer.

 

[AK103K]

G19 Gen 5

Many people complained about the RTF while the G5 works as well without the discomfort on 200+ Round Days. The 9mm is cheaper to shoot and holds more rounds. No finger grooves.

I think a lot of that may have to do with a persons hands. Mine are rough and calloused, and I need the sharper texture or the plastic of the grip feels slippery, especially when my hands are damp or wet.

The RTF2 is about perfect for me. Anything else gets stippled, with a very fine stippling that feels a lot like it.

I usually shoot 300+ rounds in practice each week in one outing, and neither are uncomfortable to shoot with.

I like the way the RTF feels in the hand, but they tend to damage clothes IME. Otherwise, its a matter of which caliber you prefer.

I guess it might depend on what kind of clothes youre wearing. I carry a RTF2 on a daily basis and the gun is tight against my body (AIWB), and I havent noticed any wear or damage to my cotton tee shirts, or anything that covers the gun. And I lead a more active lifestyle than many, ie., Im always moving around and doing physical things, so theres always a lot of movement between me and the gun.

Most of what I wear is made of pretty heavy, hardwearing fabrics too, so maybe thats why I havent seen any of my clothes being tore up by it.

The only place I do get wear on any of my clothes, is on my pants, where the grip of my 26 rubs against them when its in my Smart Carry. But thats from the one specific corner of the butt rubbing on one small spot, just below my belt buckle, that starts to wear through. Its not caused by the texture on the grip, which is actually stippled. I usually put an iron-on patch on the inside of my pants at that point, and it stops it.