Gen3 vs Gen4 Glock 19

[porkchop]

I'm about to buy a new Glock 19 and was wondering what you guys think about Gen3 or Gen4. I've had a Gen4 Glock 27 but really no experience with Gen3 Glocks. I didn't use the backstraps on the one I had so what's the advantage of the Gen4's? Guns & Leather has Gen3's for $509 and Gen4's for $549.. I guess I'm just needing help deciding which one to get. Any first hand experience would be appreciated. Thanks

[Caster]

I got a gen3 for Christmas. Now, I ain't a Glock afficianado (yet) but I just like you, don't care for interchangeable backstraps. So why bother buying a gun with more parts? Parts to lose,break or whatever Murphy's Law wants to throw at you. I have only had mine since Christmas eve, but I wouldn' take anything for it.

[Metalhead]

IMO... Gen 3.

[mikegideon]

I leave the backstraps off so the grip isn't too fat. Gen 4 for me.

[porkchop]

IMO... Gen 3.

Yeah that's the one I'm leaning toward. I'll be up there tomorrow to see ya'll and get one or the other. Right now I just don't see the extra $40 for the gen4. I'll probably end up putting an extended mag release and slide stop on it anyway.

[porkchop]

I leave the backstraps off so the grip isn't too fat. Gen 4 for me.

I haven't even held a Gen3 in a long time so I'll have to compare the two grips to see which feels right I guess.

[mikegideon]

I haven't even held a Gen3 in a long time so I'll have to compare the two grips to see which feels right I guess.

That's the best approach with any handgun. We all like different things.

[JReedEsq]

Gen 4 doesn't need an extended mag release and comes with 3 magazines instead of two. Thus, the prices really are comparable. The differences really are subjective. Play with the triggers. Some gen 4s have stiffer out of the box triggers, but I prefer the rtf grip and the larger magazine release. Get the one that feels best to you and then forget about the differences.

[Guest FiddleDog]

i've had both and prefer the Gen4.

[FJCrusing]

Here are your differences with Gen4:

GEN4: The next generation of perfection. | GLOCK USA

Back Strap System, Reversible Magazine Catch, Dual Recoil Spring Assembly, Textured Frame plus 3 magazines.

[porkchop]

Gen 4 doesn't need an extended mag release and comes with 3 magazines instead of two. Thus, the prices really are comparable. The differences really are subjective. Play with the triggers. Some gen 4s have stiffer out of the box triggers, but I prefer the rtf grip and the larger magazine release. Get the one that feels best to you and then forget about the differences.

Yeah I forgot about the extra mag with the gen4, that does make a difference with the price. Thanks

[porkchop]

Well I still can't decide.. I knew ya'll would give me more to think about.. lol

[Patton]

You can't go wrong with either one. I do feel the Double spring with the gen 4 tames recoil a very very small amount. You don't need a longer mag release with the Gen 4 as it's a advanced design. I would cut on the frame of my Gen3 to add a Gen 4 mag release if it were offered.

[zybysco]

The gen4 grip without the grip add on is smaller than the gen3.

Edited December 29, 2011 by zybysco

[Patton]

^Only the baby Glocks had dual recoil springs on Gen 3's. Honestly the thickness of the grip front to back without a strap or with the med is so negligible I don't have a preference.

Handle them both and which ever you like then will be the one your most happy with later.

[porkchop]

Well I ended up buying a new Gen3 today . I think the nickel boron slide made my mind up for me. It just looked different than all the rest and I'm always a sucker fir something a little different. The only nickel ones were gen3 and it just felt better to me. I went ahead and got TFO night sights, slug plug, and a holster while I was there so I'm good to go. Thanks everyone for your replies, it really helped me.

[mikegideon]

You really couldn't have gone wrong either way

[Spiffy]

Gen 3......I'm not a beta tester without pay LOL.

[Guest twpayne75]

Have had several Gen 3's. Wanted to like them and never could. Tried a Gen 4 17 when it came out. Took one home. Shot it the next day.

Day after that I bought a Gen 4 G19. The difference is night and day. No, I don't use the backstraps. Which make it slightly smaller than the Gen 3. I think it's the texture that helps it as much as anything. I hate the stippling, or lack there of, on the Gen 3. To me it feels like shooting a wet 2x4.

As a side note I paid $499 for both my Gen 4 17 and 19.

Edit: Looks like after reading more I was to late to the party. Might I recommend ColdBore Customs for your frame mods.

Edited December 30, 2011 by twpayne75

[porkchop]

Have had several Gen 3's. Wanted to like them and never could. Tried a Gen 4 17 when it came out. Took one home. Shot it the next day.

Day after that I bought a Gen 4 G19. The difference is night and day. No, I don't use the backstraps. Which make it slightly smaller than the Gen 3. I think it's the texture that helps it as much as anything. I hate the stippling, or lack there of, on the Gen 3. To me it feels like shooting a wet 2x4.

As a side note I paid $499 for both my Gen 4 17 and 19.

Edit: Looks like after reading more I was to late to the party. Might I recommend ColdBore Customs for your frame mods.

Coldbore.. I'll check it out.. Thanks

[Guest twpayne75]

Coldbore.. I'll check it out.. Thanks

The only Gen 3 I have ever felt that I liked was a ColdBore Custom grip reduction and stippling. Like is not exactly the correct feeling, it was more like love. Had the Gen4's not come out I would have had them do me a Gen 3. If I ever come up on a REALLY good deal on a Gen 3 I will buy it just to send to them.

[swim615]

Well I ended up buying a new Gen3 today . I think the nickel boron slide made my mind up for me. It just looked different than all the rest and I'm always a sucker fir something a little different. The only nickel ones were gen3 and it just felt better to me. I went ahead and got TFO night sights, slug plug, and a holster while I was there so I'm good to go. Thanks everyone for your replies, it really helped me.

We will need to see some pics.

[porkchop]

We will need to see some pics.

Well I'm no photographer but here you go.

[gl19gobang]

Nice, good choice

[Guest sneak]

Very nice! Congrats on the new G19!