I think I'm finally going to get my first Glock...

Status
Not open for further replies.
C

Candyman87

Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2014
Messages
712
Location
Northeastern PA
As an instructor, I've always told myself I need to be proficient with the most common firearms in the marketplace. I've got my 1911. I've got an M9. And I've got a Walther PPQ... my favorite full size gun hands down. However, I've never spent much time with the Glock platform.

So as an instructor, I could always justify the PPQ will fit the role of a polymer striker-fired 9mm gun. I've always used it for IDPA matches too. Fits me like a glove.

Lo and behold, my local club is dropping IDPA for 3-gun. Yes, exciting. I'll participate in one or two, but my interest is really around handgun competition. Not many local clubs doing IDPA, so I figured I'd branch out and try some GSSF competition. Straw on the camel's back.

The only problem with GSSF? I need to use a Glock... so I'm leaning heavily towards the G19. Very common (and I always liked it better than the G17 when I did shoot them).

Just debating Gen3 vs. Gen4. Other than the removable backstraps, is there an advantage to one over the other?

Thanks!
 
The Gen 4 has a bigger, reversible magazine release, a different grip texture, and comes with an extra magazine.

Read up on the GSSF divisions and what guns can be used in each before you buy. Some models can be used in several divisions, others only in one.
 
Some have rumored that the Gen4 dual spring guide rod reduces felt recoil. I personally feel that the Gen4 grip texture is helpful for having a better grip on the gun.

Also, I have heard that a lot of people shoot better in things like GSSF with the G19 than the G17.
 
I prefer my gen 4's when just handling them. I prefer my gen 3's when dry firing them.

Gen 4's have slightly better ergos because of the shorter reach for to the trigger and adjustable back straps. Gen 3's have slightly lighter triggers.

I put a decent amount of effort using polishing stones to clean up my gen 4 triggers, but if I had to do it over I've read just dropping in gen 3 trigger bars would do the trick.

At the range, shooting quickly and running drills I have issues with neither.
 
Thanks guys. Gonna see if I can get my hands on a Gen3 and Gen4 G19 side by side to see.

Of course that's assuming approval from the boss.
 
I have most of the 9mm Glock pistols, Shoot IDPA, USPSA and GSSF. 2 G34s, G17, G19 and the G26. The only one I do not compete with is the G19, while I shoot it just great, I can shoot circles around it with the G17. If you are not a Master shooter in another discipline then you will be the most competitive in Amateur Civilian or Guardian with a G17 in GSSF. I have shot the 6 plate stages in under 4 seconds regularly with the G17. Grip "feel" it's fat and blocky, grip angle is very close to a 1911, G17 112 degrees to 110 degrees for the 1911.
All I can really say is borrow or rent a G19 and a G17 and time yourself, I would try either before you buy, but I would wager the G17 will do everything in competition the G19 will, only quicker.
 
I've used the "I need this gun because I'm an instructor" thing as excuse for a new handgun several times, but I think my wife is starting to see through it.

I agree the 17 is better choice for competition. I have several Glocks and believe the 19 is the best choice for all around use including concealed carry. I've shot it and my 23 in GSSF with decent results limited by my shooting ability, not the midsize frames.
 
Was a dedicated 1911 person, thought I should get one Glock just because it's such a staple in the pistol world. Now have 4 (two 19s and two 23s) and they are almost always my choice these days for carry. Three are Gen 3, one a Gen 4. Personally I don't notice much difference between them. I suppose if I had only one it would be a Gen 4 19.
 
The gen4's are fine, now that they seem to have worked the bugs out, but the backstraps never did that much for me, even though i've admitedly never been a big fan of the grip angle, it doesn't really bother me to any great degree.
I prefer early gen3's (pre 2010 IIRC) , one reason is that they still used the Tenifer treatment/finish on the slide. Everything else being more-or-less equal, I really like the more corrosion/wear resistant finish.
I also found that I really like the finger grooves of the gen3 and 4, but only on the G17. On the G19's ,they're a little more cramped for my hands.
 
Candyman87 Said:
As an instructor, I've always told myself I need to be proficient with the most common firearms in the marketplace.
Click to expand...
Why? As Basic Pistol and CWP instructor all I care about is being proficient with the gun I carry. I'm familiar with the other options but am proficient with mine. The basic principles apply to all brands and all actions and platforms. I teach the operating principles of all three action types (single action, double action and DA/SA) without prejudice. I explain the advantages and disadvantages of all types then let them decide. The student can learn the nuances of their gun on their time.

The GSSF angle, well that's a whole different issue.
 
the PPQ is superior to glock, you will only be wasting your money to follow fanboys who idolize glocks for no other reason than it being the only handguns they know
 
I never had a Glock... never liked them. Until I got a gen 4 19. I always shot 1911, revolver, jericho 941. I bought the g19 as a carry gun since what I had before was not nearly as easy to conceal in the warm months.

The Gen 4 fits my hand much better than the older gen 3 or 2 models. I shoot it well, and I trust it. Never bothered to put the backstraps in. I wear a large size glove FWIW.

I have had a G17, but I ended up selling it as I simply used the 19 more. Things may be different if I were shooting matches or something like that.

I shot my 1911 today, L frame revolver, and my G19. I like all 3, and I shoot all 3 well. The Glock feels different of course, but I am used to it now and shoot it just as comfortably as anything else.

Try a few and see! That is the best way.
 
Plan2Live said:
Candyman87 Said: Why? As Basic Pistol and CWP instructor all I care about is being proficient with the gun I carry. I'm familiar with the other options but am proficient with mine. The basic principles apply to all brands and all actions and platforms. I teach the operating principles of all three action types (single action, double action and DA/SA) without prejudice. I explain the advantages and disadvantages of all types then let them decide. The student can learn the nuances of their gun on their time.

The GSSF angle, well that's a whole different issue.
Click to expand...
I prefer to have a working knowledge of the most common firearms. And I also tend to bring a few larger caliber guns for students to try out. Being that the G17/19 is one of the most popular platforms, I'd like to have one on hand. Does double duty as a teaching tool and a competition gun.

Besides, proficiency is the reason I was allowed to buy my AR :)
 
I prefer to have a working knowledge of the most common firearms. And I also tend to bring a few larger caliber guns for students to try out. Being that the G17/19 is one of the most popular platforms, I'd like to have one on hand.
Click to expand...
Most popular in the marketplace, yes. Most popular in class, that is not my observation in the Basic Pistol and CWP classes I have taught or coached. Yes we get a good many Glocks in class but no more than Springfield XD, Ruger SR series, quite a few older Ruger P series and even a good number of Berretta 92s. The last time I looked, the frame, slide, barrel and trigger were all in the same place on all these handguns. The only thing I see different about Glock, from a teaching perspective, are the two little slide release thingies you need to engage during takedown.

Glock used to print a really good cut-away view poster that we keep on the wall to help explain what is happening inside the pistol when you operate it and another really helpful Glock logo emblazoned poster with the Four Safety Rules that we also keep posted on the wall so yes we find Glock helpful in our classes too but in a different way than you describe.

Now, if you want to shoot GSSF then knock yourself out. And if you need to use the teaching angle to justify the purchase of a Glock then that's okay too but it's not necessarily accurate.
 
Candyman87;10166393Just debating Gen3 vs. Gen4. Other than the removable backstraps said:
I own both a Gen3 & Gen4 G19...

Both shoot great and have been flawless. However, I favor and carry the Gen4 G19.

The more aggressive grip texture, bigger mag release, and smaller grip circumference without any backstraps tips the scale for me.

Edmo

518c7868-16b8-442f-993d-63d4fdfd88b0_zps63317ef1.jpg
Click to expand...
 
Got to handle them side by side the last night. Liked the Gen4 a lot better. Bringing the lady this weekend to get her final approval.

Getting excited!
 
I'd go gen 4 for sure. The beavertail, mag release, and grip texture are a huge bump up. But most likely I'd prefer a 17 or 34, 22 or 35. Although the 19/23/32 seems to draw a hair quicker.

And don't underestimate the 3 gun comps, if they're available to you.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

M
  • Locked
Going back to Glock
2
Replies
29
Views
2K
kim breed
K
N
  • Locked
Another Glock frame rail break
Replies
11
Views
3K
sturmruger
sturmruger
C
  • Locked
Walther P99 vs PPQ..I went with the P99.
Replies
22
Views
5K
Phil W
P
A
  • Locked
My Glock 23 Gen4 range report with pics
Replies
12
Views
655
Apocalypse-Now
A
alfsauve
  • Locked
Glocks Rub Me The Wrong Way
2 3 4 5
Replies
101
Views
6K
alfsauve
alfsauve
Back
Top