which is better? Gen. 3 or Gen 4?

[AKElroy]

Now that the bumpy roll-out is hopefully history, which is better? I have decided I must add either a G 19 or G 23 to my collection. I have heard that the frames on the Gen 3 are more robust, but the Gen 4 is more ergonomic. I will make this decision based on reliability first and foremost.

 

[benEzra]

If I were going to get one, I'd probably get a Gen 3 if available, until the Gen 4's have been around long enough to develop a good reputation. There have been some complaints about extraction problems with the Gen 4's, and I would want to make sure the bugs were all worked out before I got one.

I believe the Gen 4 incorporates replaceable backstraps like the S&W M&P and others, and they also changed the frame texture to supposedly make it more "grippy".

 

[Mayvik]

Not a huge fan of the ergo "improvements" on the 4, so 3 vote here too.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I carried a 3 for 12 years as an assigned weapon and have carried a 4 since they were introduced. No problems with either.

 

[Inebriated]

I won't own another gen 3. Gen 4 gets my vote.

I've not had a single malfunction out of mine, and the extraction issues are from 2011.... it's a nonissue.

 

[Anmut]

As an owner of both, my answer is "both."

 

[gojuice101]

I love my Gen 3, but I'm also not a fan of the "improvements" in ergo design on the Gen 4. Therefore, I'd say a Gen 3. I haven't had a single problem with it.

 

[helitack32f1]

I have carried a Gen 2 since 1992. Held many Gen 3's and own a Gen 4 G17. I will buy Gen 4 from now on, no reason to stick with Gen 3. As far as I can tell, they have worked the bugs out of them, mine never had any bugs to begin with. It is nice to have grip options (Which includes beaver tails now too) and I like the recoil spring assembly on Gen 4 pistols better.

 

[Bobson]

I like Gen3. Don't care about the replaceable backstraps of Gen4, and I actually dislike the larger mag release. I also prefer the Gen3 texturing.

I don't like to use the word "perfect." Nothing is perfect; certainly not Glock. But I like Glocks for what they are. I think, if a Glock could ever attain perfection, Gen3 was close. Definitely closer than Gen4.

 

[JTQ]

The reason for the Gen 4 was to fix problems with the .40S&W models. If you are looking for a G23, I'd surely pick the Gen 4. If you want the G19, I'd pick the one that has the features you prefer and feels better in the hand.

The early Gen 4 G17/G19 had problems as the recoil springs were set up for .40S&W and the guns had trouble with low powered ammo. Glock fixed that long ago.

The extraction issues were on both Gen 3 and Gen 4 guns a couple of years ago. I think both are fixed now.

 

[tarosean]

Gen3
*caveat being I am not left handed.

It will always have a slightly better trigger due to the slight changes required to fit the changeable back-straps, etc.

now if they were to introduce a gen4 RTF2.. I might change my mind...

 

[ku4hx]

I have both; one is definitely better the other some of the time.

 

[LT.Diver]

I have a gen 2 and a gen 4. I like the grip and the trigger much better on my 4. I've put a couple of hundred rounds through it so far without a glitch. So far it seems to be as reliable as my gen 2.

 

[GBExpat]

I much prefer the Gen4 grip (sans any backstrap additions) to the Gen3, which I felt needed some improvement (I added an inner tube sleeve).

For hand size reference, I wear size Large gloves.

 

[wanderinwalker]

Going to toss my vote in for Gen 3 in 9mm, only because I have yet to try a Gen 4. However, I am currently looking to pick up a Gen 4 G-19 to go between my Gen 3 17 and 26. Ultimately I'm looking to potentially replace the pair with one pistol, but that's another story.

I've read a few of the Gen 4 "horror stories" and I'm not convinced they're representative of the entire production series. They strike me as similar to some of the issues car manufacturers have from time to time. My car had a bad engine control unit that "failed" after a couple of years, but I wouldn't talk anybody out of buying a Corolla based on that one experience because 99% of them are fine.

 

[JR24]

I prefer the Gen 4 for the better (IMO) texture and the larger mag release.

Granted, all but one of my Glocks are Gen 3. Talon rubber grips and Tangodown mag releases make them almost as good, IMO.

 

[Hangingrock]

It matters not. What I have is satisfactory for my usage.

 

[RustyShackelford]

Glock choices....

Id lean towards a generation 04 Glock with a few add-ons/upgrades.
I own a Glock gen 04 21 .45acp semi auto. It was a Glock serviced LE trade in. It handles fine and I've had 0 problems with the 230gr FMJs I shot so far. I also put a few Magsafe SWAT & Critical Duty rounds thru the 21 with 0 misfires.
I would add a few after market parts to a gen 04 23; a TangoDown magazine release & Vickers slide release. Id also get the slightly larger Glock take down lever. I don't have huge hands or fingers but the Glock factory part is small and tough to use quickly. Using gloves or cold weather may be even harder. Glockworx makes a Glock part that works but won't stick or scuff holsters.
Some Glock owners add NY1 triggers or match grade barrels. That's good too but you don't need tons of parts or custom work for a Glock 23 gen 04.

 

[JDR]

I'd want the Gen3 if I didn't need or want to put a bigger backstrap on the 19 or 23, and obviously I'd want the Gen4 if I wanted the bigger backstrap. I have the Gen3 G-17 that has a Hogue grip sleeve on it, and I like the palmswell on this, so I don't need a Gen4 G-17. The Gen4 G-22 was an early release model that needed the ejector update. But since I've had the Gen4 G-21, the 22 doesn't get out to the range as much. I like having a "G" that shoots any and every type of factory ammo. The 21 has the large backstrap on it and I think it makes a difference in hitting the target with it.

 

[X-Rap]

I've only handled one G4, I own a couple G3's 26, 32 & 22 but mostly the old G2's of which I have 5.
I honestly don't really have a preference in the generation but the larger frames don't really turn my crank. I have a 21 and used to have a 20 and neither get or got shot much.
The 26 and 19 are by far my favorites.

 

[Warp]

Personal preference as to which to prefer.

The Gen4 grip is better. Feels slimmer and grips better. Some people complain that it chafes when carried against the skin but I've never had an issue there.

Gen4 mag catch is easier to manipulate but doesn't seem to have any extra concerns with accidental release.

Gen3 is effectively ~$25 less expensive (usually there is a $50 price difference but you get an additional magazine with the 4's)

A Gen3 with a rubber Talon grip is pretty competitive with a Gen4 IMO. But those grips are a wear item, they won't last forever, and the Gen4 is still a little slimmer and grippier.


My overall preference would be for an older (2009 or earlier) Gen3 with the almost-shiny "frying pan" finish, Talon rubber grip, and a Vickers mag catch. I have never shot an RTF2 frame though, but an RTF2 or a Vickers edition might be the best overall.

 

[Zerodefect]

Gen 4.

+Better grip texture, no stippling needed.
+ambi mag release
+ adjustable back straps. I'm using the thinner beaver tail back strap. It feels like you have to use the thinner back strap on a G19/23 if you want it too be the same as a Gen3.
+no straps and the gen4 has a smaller grip. Like an SF frame on the 21.
+aftermarket recoil rods and triggers are available now.
+new beavertail prevents slide bite completely.
+if you use no tail or back strap, your hand is sunk into the pistol more, so even small handed people have less chance of slide bite and can get a proper "high tang" grip.

-better grip texture isn't as comfy for CCW.
-non stick frying pan finish on the gen3 was better. Glock returned to the original finish like we asked them to. (better slide grip, more wear though)
-installing the backstraps is tough, very tough. But it's because they have a tight, solid feel. If they were easy to install, they'd be floppy on the gun. (like other brand pistol backstraps)
I'd recommend the G23 in a Gen4. If you go after the G19, I might recommend a softer recoil spring. Maybe. More testing needed.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Gen 4.

+Better grip texture, no stippling needed.
+ambi mag release
+ adjustable back straps. I'm using the thinner beaver tail back strap. It feels like you have to use the thinner back strap on a G19/23 if you want it too be the same as a Gen3.
+no straps and the gen4 has a smaller grip. Like an SF frame on the 21.
+aftermarket recoil rods and triggers are available now.
+new beavertail prevents slide bite completely.
+if you use no tail or back strap, your hand is sunk into the pistol more, so even small handed people have less chance of slide bite and can get a proper "high tang" grip.

-better grip texture isn't as comfy for CCW.
-non stick frying pan finish on the gen3 was better. Glock returned to the original finish like we asked them to. (better slide grip, more wear though)
-installing the backstraps is tough, very tough. But it's because they have a tight, solid feel. If they were easy to install, they'd be floppy on the gun. (like other brand pistol backstraps)
I'd recommend the G23 in a Gen4. If you go after the G19, I might recommend a softer recoil spring. Maybe. More testing needed.

Well, now. That about sums up my particular pleasure with the "4"s.

Another look at it is that my factory fresh "4" feels - in shooting - very much like my brothers' pre-fours with all their usual spring and trigger mods.

Todd.

 

[MIL-DOT]

I had a gen4 G17 that I traded, just cuz it was a relative deal on something I liked, but I liked the gen4 just fine. The new grips were nice, and it fired accurately and reliably, and extracted properly and consistently.
But, I still kinda prefer an early gen3, largely because they were still using the tenifer treatment.
I also notice on places like Armslist that there are a fair number of guys trying to trade their gen4's, for gen3's, or people looking specifically for gen3's when trading other guns.
Of course, some of this could be due to the amount of bad attention gen4's have gotten on the interwebz, and a corresponding degree of good attention for the gen3's, and guys are just following the (perceived) herd.
But even so, IMO it makes the gen3's a bit more in demand, and therefore more easily sold or traded, than gen4's, and I almost always factor-in re-sale value when buying toys .
Also, CDNN currently has several models of new gen3 Glocks for sale for $499, in case anyone's interested and thinks they're not around.

 

[rskent]

Gen 4 by a mile.
The grip texture and fit of the gen 4 is way better. With the gen 3's I need a talon grip to hang onto the gun for followup shots. The gen 4's just stick to my hand.