How does Glock 17 (early gen) differ with Gen4 Glock 19?

[DefiantDad]

Hello Glock people,

I shot an early gen (no markings saying Gen3 or what) Glock 17 and it was really good. It felt way easier to shoot accurately than my Gen4 Glock 19.

Any idea what might have differed?

I remember, when buying the Gen4 19, that the LGS had showed me a Gen3 19 and the center of gravity was different.

Is the early gen 17 weighted more to the muzzle end? (Plus the slightly heavier longer barrel). It just felt different to my Gen4 19.

I am not sure if the grip circumference was different. I didn't have my Gen4 19 at the time to compare. I am using the medium strap on the 19 right now. I tried looking at the 17 and didn't see where straps can be put on so I wonder if the adjustable straps only started with Gen4.

 

[JohnKSa]

Any idea what might have differed?

It feels different from the G19 because the G17 is a different gun. Different length, height, weight, etc.

My wife shoots her Gen4 G19 better than any G17 she's ever shot because it fits her better.

I remember, when buying the Gen4 19, that the LGS had showed me a Gen3 19 and the center of gravity was different.

There's not much difference between the Gen3 and Gen4 G19 pistols, at least in terms of weight distribution. The only difference might be that someone with a very discerning touch might be able to feel the weight difference between the new recoil spring assembly and the old style assembly. The Gen4 G19 might feel a tiny bit more muzzle heavy for that reason, but I think that's a stretch.

The interchangeable backstraps started with the Gen4 guns.

 

[harqueb.us]

This is kind of an odd question -- pretty much everything is different. The 17 has a longer slide and barrel and longer grip than the 19, and the Gen4 grip is different than the early-model GLOCKs.

So you may have shot the 17 better because:
- longer sight radius
- more weight at the muzzle
- longer grip
- different shape/texture of the grip

And yes, GLOCK didn't start with the interchangeable backstraps until Gen4.

 

[DefiantDad]

Thanks. I have to look more into this.

 

[DefiantDad]

Put on the Large backstrap. Feels a bit more like the grip on the 17 I tried, IIRC.
Will see how it goes next time at the range.
(Been using the Medium prior to today.)

 

[hentown]

Hope it works for you. When/if I find a really good deal on a ln G19 (3rd gen would be fine), that'll be my next firearm purchase.

 

[wildehond]

The gen4 Glocks also have the new captured recoil spring that the older models did not have. Suppose to tame the recoil better. The jury is still out on that one.

I personally prefer the older 'plain' recoil spring. Less to go wrong.

The gen2 Glocks also did not have the rail or the fingers groves on the grip either.

 

[VA27]

I have an early G17 (circa 1989). They got it right the first time. The Gen3 and Gen4 pistols are an abomination and borderline criminal. Simply looking at one will cause your children to be born toothless and without hair! You should send them immediately to me for proper disposal.

 

[gym]

2 more rounds and finger indents.