New Glock Question

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speaksoftly

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So I've never been a fan of Glocks for two reasons. The first is that the grips were always just too big for me. I never felt comfortable holding them. The second is that I always thought they were ass ugly.

The 4 gen Glocks are apparently more ergonomic and this is what I'm asking about. Are the 4 gen Glocks really that much more comfortable? Is the new gripping comfortable as well? Anyone have both models to take a picture of for comparison purposes? Any info would be appreciated. If I like Glock I'll probably end up selling everything else and being exclusively Glock...I'd like to do this with Sig but thus far I don't have a firstborn child to offer Sig Saeur.

-Marcos

P.S. They're still ass ugly haha but I'm don't care about looks near as much as I did when I first started buying firearms.
 
Some say yes, some say no. I've held a few, didn't really make me say "OH WOW this is super comfortable compared to my gen 3!"

If you don't like Glocks, you don't like Glocks. I don't think a few different backstraps will make you fall in love with them

As for SIGs, if you buy used you can get them for not a whole lot more than a new Glock. And besides, the old West German SIGs are where it's at ;)
 
I don't think Glock grips are any bigger then any other double-stack grip design.

What is goofy about all of them is the Luger-like extreme grip angle that is so different then most other guns.

If you want something that fits your hand and points right, look at a Springfield XD or S&W M&P.

rc
 
I recently bought a gen4 Glock 17. I've always despised the full size grip. The awful hump always prevented me from buying it because I just didn't like it.

When I first saw a Glock 22 Gen4 in person, I figured I might as well pick it up and feel it in my hand since I was in the gun store anyway. For me, the difference was immediately noticeable. The hump is still there, but much less defined. Just enough to make it comfortable for me. I went home and ordered a Gen4 17 within a week. I rationalized that I always wanted a high capacity full size handgun, I don’t have anything in 9mm anymore and a Glock are a relatively cheap fix for a new gun jonesin’. The grip felt different enough to me that I actually bought my first Glock…strictly my opinion and ‘nuff said since I let my wallet do the talking.

My new Gen 4 is just as ugly as the previous models to me. I don’t like the finger grooves. RTF? Seriously? I don’t find the RTF finish to be “aggressive.” It is more “aggressive” than non RTF Glocks and it is good enough I suppose. Especially since it rained on my break in day while I was shooting on my property and I kept a firm grasp on it. The mag release feels better to me than older Glocks, though I don’t care if it is reversible. It shoots reliably and accurate, like any other Glock I’ve shot. I don’t know what to say about the recoil spring, because I’ve never fired an older model for more than 50 rounds at the time. It’s 9mm, it shoots soft. The backstrap feature is a joke. It looks like an afterthought by an engineer who designed it on a Monday morning while he was still drunk from the night before.

Don’t take all that too negatively, I like it and I don’t regret buying it. As a matter of fact, I now feel the need for a 29, 32 or a 33.
 
I don't think Glock grips are any bigger then any other double-stack grip design.
Click to expand...

Me either. If you are accustomed to other grip angles, the Glock angle feels vastly different. It is also quite square. This combination makes it seem to feel big even if your paws wrap around it.
 
(though I love the G17 as well...don't get me wrong...it was one of the first truly GOOD guns I ever bought after some horrible first choices!) If you want a better feeling gun look at an M&P or SA XD9 I actually think the GLOCK is a cleaner better mechanical design...machine wise...but the XD is MUCH better at making happy shooters ergonomics wise and feel wise...way WAY more new shooters have liked the way they feel. (M&P is similar in making customers and their hands happier)....so GLOCK is losing market-share...because everyone is producing reliable strikerfired guns that feel better than their really reliable...if somewhat fugly and crappy feeling guns...even if they are also great SD tools and combat HG's....so enter a new gun from GLOCK....something NEW to advertise!...needed or not....like the XDM from SA!-LOL Something NEW to market to Americans to come off new gun buying dollars and cash the GLOCK name in with a new generation that wants a NEW GLOCK....it has to be BETTER! (OK it just has tio be NEW) so enter the gen4 eehhh big deal....save the money....if you like GLOCKS buy a regular one...if you don't then buy a better feeling one from S&W or SA ect. Thick or thin it's still the same basic gun at the same wrong angle. Grip reductions have been around forever on combat tupperware....I've owned one (Lonewolf reduced G19) it was great gun...but it was still ugly...and still nowhere near as comfy as an XD or M&P in hand. It's just marketting and merchadising...nothing truly new or innovative going on at GLOCK that I see. But they are right...Americans always want something NEW and BETTER...and if you advertise and create that feeling you will sell more widgets....especially if the name has become associated with reliable and "tough ninja aproved super tactical" gear on all the gun rag covers for decades...and your widget is 1/2 to 1/3 the price of the BAD-@$$ custom 1911 who's picture REALLY made em buy that magazine (cause let's face it....1911's are sexy as hell!)

Grade=FAIL Sorry GLOCK....how about REALLY improving your widgets!??
 
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Try out the HK's when you get a chance, the new ones - P30 or HK 45 have unbelievable ergonomics, albeit at a price.

I have some Glocks, but I just don't love them. But they do go bang every time.
 
My primary problem with Glocks is, of course, the jams I've experienced with them. Any other auto will also fail but with good maintenance and careful selection of ammo, carrying an auto isn't unreasonable. The main problem I have with the Glock is that the nose is too light. My problem isn't the Glock grip or grip angle, but that the Glock nose is too light. This causes a kind of "snappy" effect with both the 9mm and .45 acp I've tried.
 
The GEN4 backstrap is only 2mm shorter. Also:

I got a Gen 4 17 for my show - here's my take;

1) I like the smaller grip as I have small hands - although not as small as that jabronie in the pic

2)I wish the rough texture was more agressive - it is better than a stock gen 3 but not as much as it could be

3) The mag release is better but rude sharp - somebody at Glock feels that only guns with sharp edges will please the Fuhrer and it shows - I radiused mine immediately

4) The interchangable backstrap system is lame and is dramatically inferior to the S&W M&P or Hk P30/P2000/HK45 series - poor effort

5) The big question is will the recoil spring setup help the 40 and hurt the 9mm in terms of functional reliability- verdict is still out on that but my gut feeling is depending on ammo used the answer will be yes

6) The trigger on mine is dramatically heavier than a gen 3 G17 - noticed it right away

Overall i give the gun a C minus - If i had to choose I would pick a gen 3 with some tweaks anyday over the gen 4

my .02 cents

cheers

LAV
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www.VickersTactical.com
Click to expand...
 
Well, the only way to know for sure is to try it for yourself.

If you are accustomed to other grip angles, the Glock angle feels vastly different. It is also quite square. This combination makes it seem to feel big even if your paws wrap around it.
Click to expand...

Interesting, I think you have a point there. I am 6'7" and have pretty big hands, yet Glocks feel rediculously ginormous in my hands. Maybe it is because my long fingers, with my relatively wide spaced finger joints, don't bend/wrap around the square edges effectively? I dunno, I'll have observe that a little more carefully next time I get a chance to handle one. The Gen I and II without finger grooves comes closest to working for me, but it is still a long way off. The finger grooves on the IIIs and IVs, much like the finger grooves on Hogue rubber monogrips, are simply in the wrong place for my hands. The finger grooves combined with the squared edges and unusual grip angle result in a gun that is not comfortable for me to fire, even in 9mm. As a result, I can shoot a 1 7/8" barrel S&W 642 better than any Glock I've tried; I admit this is NOT common, so your mileage will very likely vary on that.

I do have a great deal of respect for them, but they aren't for me. I honestly couldn't feel much "improvement" in my own hands between the III and IV, but you really should try it for yourself.
 
I bought a Gen4 G17 a few months ago. I sold my Gen3 G17 RTF2 in order to get the Gen4.

Overall, I like it.

I like the RTF3. I have rough hands and I shoot in the rain/sleet/snow/sun, so the texture helps out. The reduced grip length (front to back) is nicer as it drowns out the grip hump a bit. The mag release is just great. I am still on the fence with the new recoil spring setup. It is rather stiff, and although some keep saying that the spring is causing stovepipes, and the Gen4s are junk, I haven't had one problem yet. I have been told to stay away from firing weak ammo in it, but I have successfully fired some of my 115gr 9mm reloads that chrono at just under 1000 fps. So, I don't know how weak the ammo has to be to get the Gen4 G17s to choke. The heavier recoil spring does make it more succeptable to limp wristing, but if you grip the pistol properly, u don't have anything to worry about. The interchangeable backstraps are a freaking joke. I wish Glock would get off their @sses and actually design a frame with the option to have a 1911 grip angle. I believe it would win a few hearts and minds. Yeah, it is ugly, can't help that, but I don't carry a gun to impress anyone or to win any beauty pageants. I do respect the pretty guns though, as I have several 1911s.
I currently have about 500 rounds through my G17 Gen4 and It has became my off duty carry pistol. While I was running my G21SF against my G17 in some drills. I noticed I could plant rounds quicker and more accurately with the G17 than I could the G21. That was when I decided to try out carrying it. Nothing wrong with my G21, but the recoil was slowing my follow ups slightly, thus giving the edge to the G17. I also had some major hang ups when I left the 45acp to go 9mm....but that has mostly passed.

Perfection? NO!!!! Not even close, but she is quick , runs great clean or dirty, isn't picky or fussy, highly rust resistant, simple, hits where I aim, and fun to shoot.
 
Yes, they should have designed a .45 frame. Then included a large bump backstrap. That way you have the choice.

The Gen 4 looks like you can choose an SF type backstrap size, standard or large humps.
Kinda weak. Maybe Magpul will mold up some custom backstraps for the gen 4.

Can you use a Gen 3 recoil rod and spring in the Gen4???
 
Interesting thought about Magpul.

I know they have switched over to the M&P side, but I wonder if aftermarket grip thingys will be produced by someone.
 
You can't swap recoil spring assemblies between the Gen3s and the Gen4s. I wish that was an option because of the extra versatility it would offer. The gen4 recoil spring assembly is basically a larger design of the glock subcompact dual recoil spring assembly. It looks like there may be more to the Gen4's design though. It works great for shooting hot +P loads through it. I am waiting for Wolff to come out with a standard metal guide rod and springs that are compatible with the Gen4 G17s.

I haven't heard of any problems coming from the Gen4 G22s yet. On my last range trip, a friend ran 230 rounds through his Gen4 G22 with no problems. He says that it feels like the dual recoil spring helps reduce recoil noticeably.
 
just like in the SA 4" XD's ;)

It allows you a dual rate...the first small portion of slide travel is super light...that allows enough momentum to be gained even light loads will cycle it reliably....then it gets stronger very fast progressively speaking as you go...this allows you more recoil reduction than you'd normally want unless all you shot was hot deffensive ammo (or GI 9mm ball which is pretty hot compared to some commercial ball) So you get reliable but with a fairly good matchin reoil reduction and enough umph to get it going home smartly even when as dirty and sludgy as heck. It makes it feel more "hydaulic" then the same gun with a standard recoil spring...assumes that you 1) have the springs chosen and cut right to work well in this fasion for the given gun and caliber and 2) have a guiderod design that holds up and doesn't create a "weak link" as far as breakage goes....they've been around a LONG time...but it seems companys are getting them right now...my first XD9 has 3500 rounds on it and the springs are kinda weak compared to my newer one...I guess I need to replace it with a one piece so I can swap springs as needed....so I might be able to do a very good A/B test of that here soon~! Then again I might just see if SA will send me a new one! ;)
 
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Fellow showed up at the range last week with a gen 4 G17 NIB. Jam-0-matic! Different ammo, three different shooters, 200 rounds of various factory ball, made it through a mag twice. We degreased it, lubed it, racked the slide a bunch of times, still jammed. Often several times per mag.

The look of shock on peoples faces to witness a Glock performing so poorly shows how great their reputation for reliability is.
 
I showed up to the range today with my nib G-17 4th Gen. I shot 150 rounds of American Eagle 124 grain ball and one 50 round box of Winchester 127 grain +p+. I had no problems at all.
 
get a gen 3.

Larry Vickers Offline
Subject Matter Expert


Quote:
I got a Gen 4 17 for my show - here's my take;

1) I like the smaller grip as I have small hands - although not as small as that jabronie in the pic

2)I wish the rough texture was more agressive - it is better than a stock gen 3 but not as much as it could be

3) The mag release is better but rude sharp - somebody at Glock feels that only guns with sharp edges will please the Fuhrer and it shows - I radiused mine immediately

4) The interchangable backstrap system is lame and is dramatically inferior to the S&W M&P or Hk P30/P2000/HK45 series - poor effort

5) The big question is will the recoil spring setup help the 40 and hurt the 9mm in terms of functional reliability- verdict is still out on that but my gut feeling is depending on ammo used the answer will be yes

6) The trigger on mine is dramatically heavier than a gen 3 G17 - noticed it right away

Overall i give the gun a C minus - If i had to choose I would pick a gen 3 with some tweaks anyday over the gen 4

my .02 cents

cheers

LAV
Click to expand...
__________________
www.VickersTactical.com
 
my local funhouse had a police officer that came in with his gen4 40cal because he couldn't put it back together! :eek:


apparently the gen4's recoil spring slips out of place while reassembling, and you have to hold it in during the process. while at the same time manipulating the trigger back and forth to reassemble because the trigger bar position can cause the slide not to go back onto the frame! :eek:

it's clear at this point, that Gaston is largely retired, and his minions are at the helm of the company.
 
The only issue that I have had with assembly/disassembly of my Gen4 is that you either have to press the plunger in and allow the striker to go to its forward most position, or return the trigger forward in order to get the slide to go back on to the frame. I don't know why it is like that, but it is just a minor inconvenience to me. What is funny is that my friend's Gen4 G22 does not have the same issue.

Upon disassembly, the nose of the recoil spring guide rod will occaisionally get stuck in the front of the slide, in the recoil spring recess. Again, a minor inconvenience that is fixed by just wiggling the recoil spring guide rod out of the recess.

I guess time will tell if Glock will address some of the issues. I don't expect any firearm to be 100% reliable, but I expect it to be as close as possible. I am happy with my Gen4 so far, but that doesn't mean that everyone else will be just as pleased.

I would be tickled pink if Glock would have just kept the standard recoil spring (Gen3) in the Gen4, and at least put some more effort in the backstrap design.
 
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