More Glock 26 questions

[Desertrat357]

So I recently posted a thread gathering opinions comparing the Glock 26 to the Glock 43. I am totally set on the 26 and have began looking for a good used one before I jump on a new one. Anyways, one quick question. How many improvements do you actually get on a Gen4 26 as compared to the gen3. I am new to the glock world, I only have a Glock 19. So I apologize for the novice question.

 

[Olympus]

You get interchange backstraps with the Gen4. A Gen4 with a mediun backstrap installed is the same grip as a Gen3, so no backstrap installed is a smaller grip which was a HUGE bonus for me. You get better texture on the sides of the grip and an extended mag release. You also get a double recoil spring in the larger models,but the 26 has always used this recoil system.

For me, the Glocks were always too bulky and big for my hands until the Gen4 came out. Now I own 4 Glock Gen4s.

 

[OregonJohnny]

The grip texturing and larger flatter mag release of the Gen 4 guns are a big improvement, for me. I have shot and owned both Gen 3 and a Gen 4 models of various calibers. The Gen 4 grip feels much better in my hand, and the mag release doesn't dig into my support hand like it does on Gen 3 guns.

Whether you buy a new or used G26, Gen 3 or Gen 4, do yourself a favor and get rid of the stock plastic sights. I have Glock factory 3-dot night sights on my Gen 4 26, and they are a HUGE improvement over the stock sights.

As ugly as Glocks are, I shoot them really well and they are reliable, accurate and easy to maintain. A G26 Gen 4 with 3-dot night sights is the perfect Glock in my opinion, and would be near the top of my list of "if you could only have 1 single handgun".

 

[Desertrat357]

I didn't realize the grip frame was that much larger on the gen 3. My 19[gen4] was purchased used, and it had the medium backstrap with beavertail installed. I removed it, and the grip fit my smallish medium hands well. That may be the deciding factor for me.

 

[Spats McGee]

Unless I'm mistaken (& I'm going to go ahead and recommend that you look for confirmation), the mag release on the Gen 4 is also reversible. I don't think they are on Gen 3s. Obviously, a much bigger deal if you're left-handed than if you're not.

 

[eldon519]

My first Glock was a Gen 3 G26, but I chose it over a Gen 4. As Glocks are known to do, they multiply, and next thing I know a Gen 4 G19 came to live in my gun cabinet. Once I had the Gen 4, I regretted getting the Gen 3 for the G26 and wished I had bought the Gen 4 version.

Long story short, I would pay the extra for the Gen 4. The mag release alone is a big improvement, but the texture and interchangeable backstraps are also valuable additions in my book.

 

[Spats McGee]

Oh, and to add something else . . . Again, please double check me on this, as I own a grand total of 1 Glock. Check how many mags come with each. An extra mag is ~$20-25 added value.

 

[OregonJohnny]

Oh, and to add something else . . . Again, please double check me on this, as I own a grand total of 1 Glock. Check how many mags come with each. An extra mag is ~$20-25 added value.

That's a good point. My Gen 4 G26 came with 3 magazines. I'm not certain, but I believe the Gen 3's only come with 2?

 

[Desertrat357]

The additional magazine included with gen4 is nice. It just depends on how good of a deal I can get on a used one. I can't wait until I do find one. I am sure looking forward to it.

 

[Teachu2]

"Good used G26" is a unicorn around here. Beaters sell for 80% of new. I'd buy a new Gen4 with factory night sights if I were outside of CA and had smaller hands. As is, the G3 with factory night sights works great for me.

 

[Zerodefect]

Buy the new Gen4. Used 26's are too expensive. Keep in mind the Glocks eat springs. And $15 a piece adds up to much of the savings of a used Glock. The Gen 4 grip texture is very nice, and the beavertail backstrap rules.

For every long expensive class I replace:
-Recoil spring assembly (I often run SS guide rods)
-Trigger spring (you ain't swapping that out on the firing line)
-slide stop lever and spring

(I have plenty of striker and FP safety springs in my tool box, so no worries there)

I wouldn't completely overlook the Glock 27, if gen4.

 

[eldon519]

I'm not 100% positive, but I think Gen 4 subcompacts still only come with 2 mags.

 

[Olympus]

I'm not 100% positive, but I think Gen 4 subcompacts still only come with 2 mags.

Nope. All Gen4 models come with 3 mags.

 

[jmr40]

I can buy 2-3 magazines with the money saved by going Gen-3 vs Gen-4. I rarely see G-26's used at any price. G-17 and G-19's are $350-$400 used.

Personally the Gen-3's work for me. In some of the larger framed 10mm or 45's I could see some advantage to the interchangeable grips, but it is just something else to break or wear out as far as I'm concerned. For me, it isn't worth the extra costs.

 

[rskent]

G-17 and G-19's are $350-$400 used.

Your lucky, around here used run around $450. Gen 4's $500.

I'm not saying you can't luck out, but by the time you screw around trying to find a deal....
For me its just better to run down to the gun shop. I don't have the patience to look for a deal.

 

[Desertrat357]

well, I've had a WTB add posted for a couple weeks locally in several different places, and have yet to get a response. So I am starting to see the writing on the wall that most people hang on to their Glock 26's once purchased. Plus any chance of a deal kind of goes out the window when the potential seller knows I want one.

 

[Jlr2267]

AIM Surplus just had G26 police trade-ins for $399...all gone now

 

[Captains1911]

With the Gen4 you get:

- 4 different removable backstraps for a total of 5 backstrap options (including no backstrap)

- more aggressive frame texture

- larger (not extended) mag release

- ambi mag release

- 3 magazines (vs. 2 with the Gen3)

Note: the recoil spring assembly is unchanged on the Gen4 G26 because it has always used the dual spring assembly