Purchasing a Glock 17-questions

[sherman123]

I intend to purchase a new Glock 17 in the very near future and am strongly leaning towards getting a 4th gen one. I prefer the grip texture and consider the interchangeable backstraps to be a nice addition. What I am wondering is since there were talks of reliability issues with the 4th gens how would I ensure I am not getting one affected by that? I'm not sure if this is really even a valid concern anymore from what I've been hearing so is there anything I should actually be concerned about purchasing a new Gen 4? Reliability is the most important thing for me and I didn't know if there was a way to tell by serial # or if it's even a valid concern anymore. I have also heard people say that a 3rd gen Glock with a serial number before k is the best choice in terms of reliability. What are the thoughts here on this? Thanks

 

[Steve S.]

I own only a Gen 3 19; very reliable and accurate. It would personally surprise me if you purchased a Gen 4 17 and it did not perform as advertised. Good luck.

 

[JTQ]

I'm not a Glock guy, but I've followed some of this over the years on various forums. Here is my understanding...

The whole reason for the Gen 4 Glocks was to fix problems the .40S&W Glocks had with durability, and also function issues with attached lights. The adjustable back straps, and larger/reversable mag release were just throw-ins since they had to change the frame anyway. The dual recoil springs/frame changes in the Gen 4 modifications seemed to have fixed those problems with the .40S&W Glocks.

The early Gen 4 9mm Glocks unfortunately came with recoil spring assemblies that were probably optimized for the .40S&W. These guns had many problems, especially with light recoiling ammo usually economy 115gr stuff. Glock realized the problem and put out new recoil spring assemblies. This issue has been fixed for quite a while.

The other issue has been ejector/extraction that has spent cases flying at the shooter's head. I don't believe this was a Gen 4 specific issue, but a production time frame issue with some ejector/extractors as this was reported with both Gen 4 and Gen 3 guns from the same era. I think this has been fixed, but I don't really know.

The general recommendation is if you want a Glock in .40S&W, you really should get the Gen 4. If you want a 9mm, that doesn't really need the mods that were necessitated in the Gen 4, get the one that fits your hand better. To me, the Gen 4 grip is much more usable. In the 9mm guns, the dual recoil spring isn't needed, and I'm ambivalent about the bigger and reversible mag release button, but the Gen 4 is much more hand friendly, to me at least. I'd pick a Gen 4 regardless of caliber.

 

[rskent]

I think its pretty hard to go wrong here. If you think the gen 4 feels better
in your hand. I say go for it.

After shooting gen 3s and 4s I can tell you I would never buy a gen 3. And
in just about a minute someone else will probably say just the opposite.

 

[eldon519]

If you get a recently-made new one, you should be good to go.

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

I shot a G17, G19 and G26 before purchasing a Gen4 G26. Personally I *really* like the Gen4 Glocks better and my G26 has been flawless thru almost 1500 rounds now.

Buy a new one - not new but old stock and you should be golden I'd think. Buy Gen4 with confidence if that's what you want.

VooDoo

 

[mdThanatos]

I am like da Vinci, I shot the family of 9's before deciding on the 26, but I did go with a Gen4 and have had no disappointments. I am actually looking at getting my next Glock and it will be a Gen4 as well.

 

[eldon519]

For the record, I also like my G26 better than my G19, even for dedicated range use.

 

[RustyShackelford]

Glocks...

Glock gen 04 models are fine.
I purchased a LE trade in(Glock serviced) Glock 21 .45acp in 2014. It works great.
Some cops and Glock owners suggest going with the NY1 trigger format. I see the merit of it, but factory Glock pistols are fine.

I may buy a Glock 23 .40 gen 04. I will then buy a .357sig barrel & maybe a conversion 9x19mm pistol barrel. Then I can choose different calibers to use in the same pistol.

If you want more advice or suggestions, please PM me. I don't want to "spam" the topic message.

 

[JR24]

My only Gen 4 has been utterly fantastic (21).

Were I buying another Glock, it'd be a Gen 4, especially for a full size (17/22).

 

[joe-bue]

I've got a 17 gen 3 and have not had any issues with it.

 

[BP Hunter]

I have Gen 3 G19 and Gen 4 Glock 22 and I must say, I like how the Gen 4 grips feel more than the older Gen 3. I have medium sized hands and am the smallest grip fits me the most. I am seriously teading in my G19 for either G19 or 17 in Gen 4.

 

[JDR]

I intend to purchase a new Glock 17 in the very near future and am strongly leaning towards getting a 4th gen one.

Go for it, if you get a brand new one I'll bet it treats you well! Considering what a new Gen3 costs with the 3rd Glock mag thrown in, a new Gen4 is a good deal. I have a Gen3 17 that has been just about perfect since I bought it new 6 years ago, so I don't need to replace it with a Gen4.

 

[M1key]

My earlier Gen 3 9mms work fine. I see no need for one in Gen 4.

Now the 40? I would eventually like to try one of the new Gen 4 models.

M

 

[L-2]

I've got Glock 17 pistols in both gens 3 & 4. I did put a gen4 ejector into my gen3 (NLH prefix, 7/2009) for better ejection which cured an ejection pattern which kept ejecting casings into my head/face. This was verified in-person by a Glock rep who supplied me and installed the gen4 ejector.

Otherwise, both guns are working very well. I've shot 28k rounds through the gen3 and 2k rounds through the

On the gen3 I use a rubber DecalGrip product to enhance the grip texture to my liking. On the gen4 I'm using the medium backstrap, the regular version, not the beavertail version.

Both guns are reliable with and without a weaponlight attached.

I'm no longer hearing any problems with any new G17 guns, either gen 3 or 4 lately. Get either, depending on your preference.

 

[TomJ]

I had the same questions last week, as I just ordered a Gen 4 23. I talked to a number of gun shops in my area, and was told by all of them that any problems with the Gen 4's have long been corrected. I own 3 Gen 3's (19, 30S and 27), and also prefer the Gen 4 grip, although that's a personal preference.

 

[fanchisimo]

I am not a fan of the mag release on my Gen 4 Glock 19. My right middle finger rests right on the corner of it and while I don't notice is while shooting, holding the pistol it feels uncomfortable. However this is a very minor issue for a pistol I have come to really like.

The issues with reliability and Brass to Face have mostly been resolved. I got my 19 a few months ago and while I've only put ~500 rounds through it, not one has come back at me.

 

[tomrkba]

I have a Gen4 G19. It seems fine.

The G17 Gen4 should be good to go now.

 

[mgmorden]

From my understanding most of the Gen4 teething problems are solved now (I haven't personally verified this though).

I will soon likely sell my Gen2 to fund replacing it with a Gen4. Its reliable but a bit worn at this point, and though I hate finger grooves I also have tiny hands making the replaceable backstraps attractive. I've not found a gun with such a feature yet where the smallest size they include isn't the most comfortable .

 

[tarosean]

From my understanding most of the Gen4 teething problems are solved now

"Teething problems" dont last almost 5yrs.

 

[RussellC]

I think its pretty hard to go wrong here. If you think the gen 4 feels better
in your hand. I say go for it.

After shooting gen 3s and 4s I can tell you I would never buy a gen 3. And
in just about a minute someone else will probably say just the opposite.

Yup, and here he is...if a gen 3 is available, I get that one. That said, I dont shoot .40....if I did, I may reconsider Gen 4 FOR THE .40...

Russellc

 

[hAkron]

I have a gen 3 Glock 17, a gen 3 Glock 19, and a gen 4 Glock 26. If the standard Gen 3 grip frame fits your hand and you don't need the magazine release moved to the other side of the gun, then you might prefer to take advantage of the less expensive gen 3. If you want adjustable back straps and a 'lefty' mag release, and an extra magazine, go for a gen 4. The other differences will probably not be all that noticeable to you (or me, or anybody who isn't a hardcore Glock person).

 

[Hangingrock]

I can't speak to the Gen4 Glock G17 but my example a Gen3 G17 has been fired extensively and thus trouble free.

 

[rskent]

Russellc
You gen3 guys clearly have more grip strength than me.
I hope Glock keeps making the slippery gen3s for you guys with the Kung Foo grip.
For me the gen4 grip texture alone is worth the price of admission.

 

[Charley C]

Sherman......

By all means, go with Gen.4

However......before you buy (or order a G-17, take a very close look at a G-34!

It's essentially the same gun, only with a 5.31 inch barrel, instead of a 4.48 inch,
much better sights, and a 4.5 lb. trigger as opposed to a 5.5 lb. trigger.

In addition to all of that.......the G 34, G 35, G 41 & the brand new G 40 are the four pistols that are coming out "MOL configured"; go to any store that has magazines and pick up a copy of Glock's new 2015 Buying Guide and it explains all about Glock's new MOS family.