To each his own. The Gen 3 is clunky and heavy, recoiling with more force than modern Glock shooters are accustomed to. Glock Gen. 3, Gen. 4, Gen. 5what's the difference? Perfect for that gun owner who has to have the latest and greatest, the Gen 5 saw the return of a straight grip, no finger grooves, in addition to kicking up some internal features that smooth out the overall operation. All Rights Reserved, Glock Gen 3, 4, or 5: What Generation is Right for Me? Shooting smoothly and with little recoil, again thanks for that double recoil spring design, the Gen 5 can plink all day at that range. The loudness is not a very pleasant experience. Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. That is to say, they listened to the consumers. Every decade or so, a new version of whatever car it is gets released on a new chassis design with other improvements. The brick phones that were indestructible and provided hours of entertainment via snake? (VIDEO). While the Gen 4 guns were initially marketed as the replacement for the Gen 3 guns, but that has changed. Curious, however, it is; the 46 has a rotating barrel (a la the Beretta Cougar/PX4) and a manual safety as part of the requirements. It comes with a protective case, as do all Glock models, which all gun fans enjoy. Ultimately, the Gen 5 represents Glocks pursuit of perfection over the pursuit of novelty. There is only one pin above the trigger and the frame lacks an accessory rail. Glock experts will correct me if I am wrong. My only complaint with the glock is the trigger pull. yellowlt4 said: As I understand it they are interchangeable between all generations with one caveat: Gen 4 guns with the left hand mag release will only take gen 4 magazines. Glock Gen 3 pistols are at the time of this writing still in production and serve as the base models of all Glock guns regardless of caliber or frame size. Both versions use nDLC coating, fully ambidextrous controls, improved triggers, flared magwells, and a barrel that Glock calls a Glock Marksman Barrel.. Some argue they are the best guns the company has made to date. First, I'll talk about the looks of the Glock 19 Gen 4 vs Gen 5 because that's the first thing people typically notice. However, some serious differences did emerge between the Gen 3 and Gen 5 pistols. Another interesting model that occupies its own space is the Glock 46, a pistol made to satisfy contract requirements of various German police agencies. There is a huge difference in your attitude when you make your own changes. Learn the 3 most popular shooting stances & more. The Gen 4, by comparison, provides a smoother experience with minimal recoil on the 9mm. Glock handguns from the first generation (Gen 1) are distinguished by their smoother grips and finger groove-free frames. The FN M249S Returns For All Your Crew-Served Needs, POTD: Italians Fighting in Built-Up Area with Beretta ARX160, Taiga Wolverine Folding Shotgun For The Canadian Market (18.5 & 10 Barrels), Survival Uses For Coffee Cans And Coffee Filters, Survival Food Raising Rabbits for Meat | Plus Fur Project Ideas, 100 Dollar Store Survival Preps To Stockpile Now, The Rimfire Report: The Basics of Suppressing 22LR, UK Government Proposes a Flat-Out Ban on Lead Shot in Ammunition. The original Glock 17 was a ruthlessly simple gun, with a pebbled finish on the frame, a smooth dust cover (nothing was getting railed at the time) and the standard Glock features like the trigger system, Glock sights, and polygonal rifling. Whether youve been in the gun world for five decades or five minutes, you probably know someone who hates Glocks for the sake of them being Glocks. Remember Nokia? Were going to cover Glock Gens 3, 4, and 5. Like anything else, incremental changes are made to the Glock platform to make it ostensibly better; and they usually are. Like the Gen 5 models, the 48 and 43X are both offered in MOS (Modular Optic System) configuration, with a milled slide for mounting an optic. Food for thought: Not every manufacturer that makes Gen 3 Glock parts makes Gen 5 parts, but most Gen 5 parts manufacturers make Gen 3 parts. Off-roster handgun purchases are only permitted for LEO/government officials who meet certain requirements. In 1986, Glock released the second generation Glock. Well look at when each generation got its start, the unique features each offers, and help you compare/contrast to ultimately narrow down your decision. He started shooting when he moved to Texas and has since been thoroughly immersed in all things that go bang. His varied interests and hobbies include camping, fishing, hunting, and spending time at the gun range as often as possible. The Glock 19 Gen3 .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol features a similar double-action trigger as the standard Glock pistol. 3. Got my Glock 19 as my first handgun last year and have learned a lot about handling it along with maintenance and modifications. This non-existent technology, in theory, would cause a firearm to etch imprint a unique code that may include the make, model, and serial number, onto casings when fired through that firearm. The gun world has evolved over a long period from the Gatling gun, to the rifles used in the great war, to the Glock 19 generation which now dominates the firearm world. In the broad strokes, the Gen 5 guns are going to be better in many regards if you were weighing a Glock Gen 3 vs Gen 5 pistol. The Glock Gen 3 series features a single recoil spring, as opposed to the double spring of the Gen 4 and Gen 5 series. Glock Generations Chart. This suggests that the heavier pistols may shoot somewhat 'softer'. The proof is in the pudding: Glocks are proven firearms. Generation 2 (Gen 2): 1988-1997. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Wow, what a difference. They looked at what works and built a Glock that is up to date and good to go straight out of the box. In a lot of respects, its not; it doesnt make for fun trivia and remembering where you put your car keys is much more important. It's a much darker color than the Gen 4. The 47 is a Glock 17 MOS slide on a Glock 45 frame, so its not supremely unique by any stretch. So, if youre wondering what the differences are between, say, a Gen 3 vs Gen 5 Glock, were going to explain the difference. Glock categorizes their guns as Generation 1, Generation 2, Generation 3, Generation 4, and recently Generation 5. The Gen 5 finished its design off with a flared magwell, aiding shooters with tactical reloads and the like. Glock recently updated the models section of their web site with some newer pictures and links to each pistol. Gen 3 for life! How to tell what Generation your Glock pistol is by the different grip patterns and designs. The first Gen 4 guns were introduced in 2010. Looking back at those old Glock models Continuing the forward momentum throughout the decades, Glock released the Gen 3 in 1998, Gen 4 in 2009, and Gen 5 in 2017. Learn all the important stuff about handgunswith none of the attitude. A little Glock history!!! Every decade or so, a new version of whatever car it is gets released on a new chassis design with other improvements. Though the Gen 5 ditches the grip grooves, the Gen 5 adds a little more width to its overall size. (Photo: Jacki Billings/Guns.com). I made the mistake of putting a 9mm mag in my g22 and fired it. Glock employed the Gen 1 frame type and design from 1982 to 1988, predating the checkered grip patterns used in the second-generation Glock handguns. It was the most innovative and cost-effective option. Sight: Front sights: Blade, Rear sights- fixed, Finger Grooves: Yes, at the front of the grip, Sight: Polymer "U" dot configuration, rear adjustable (standard), Sight: Polymer "U" dot configuration and rear adjustable. The barrels are better on the Gen 5 guns, the trigger is better, you can get a MOS model, swappable backstraps are cool, and some people find the finger grooves annoying. The first significant update was the Glock Marksman Barrel. It was initially a wood, steel, and plastic manufacturing company. The safety mechanism prevents accidental discharges and makes sure the gun is safe to utilize. The Glock 17 was the seventeenth patent awarded to the Glock corporation. For active service, the US special forces community currently uses the newer Glock 19s. There are a few Glocks that seem to exist outside of the realm of generations. Glocks havent really been a mainstay for champion NRA Bullseye shooters. Justin is a firearms enthusiast who spends his time jumping between the tactical world and competition shooting. Generation 2 magazines The gun has an ambidextrous design that makes it easy for a beginner to choose their shooting hand. Re: Glock 17 gen 5 or gen 4 They are very similar, if you don't have money limitations get the Gen5 but if you don't want to spend a lot even a Gen3 is fine. That said, if you're going to 'take a hit' on the value of the gen 2 (perceived, sentimental, or otherwise), the 'upgrade' may not be worth it. Want to change your optic? Since the .40 S&W Glocks have some dimensional differences, a Glock 22 holster lets say will fit all the way up to the Gen 4 guns but not the Gen 5 guns which has been an issue for police departments who have to source duty holsters. Like anything else, incremental changes are made to the Glock platform to make it ostensibly better; and they usually are. I have purchased several since then. For example, a trigger pull can be measured using actual weights or a resistance gauge. The ambidextrous slide lock lever on the Gen 5 Glock 19 was intended to compete for the Government control that the Sig M17 eventually obtained. By the end of this article, you should have a good idea of what it means when you see Glock Gen Whatever and understand what it means, especially if you were thinking of buying a Glock pistolwhich is always a good call. Have also gotten Browning BuckMark and a classic Colt NM .45 ACP for my collection. (Photo: Jacki Billings/Guns.com), The dual recoil spring of the newer gens, right, is a vast improvement over the Gen 3s single recoil spring. The Gen 3 was modular before being modular was cool. One of the most common aftermarket upgrades for Gen 3 Glock pistols (it should be said) is a match barrel. Everyone knows the legend of Gaston Glock by now. Read up on the Best Glock Upgrades to take your Glock to the next level or settle on a model with the Best 9mm Glocks or Best Glocks (Across All Calibers). These are the rarest of all Glock pistols and oddly enough command something of a premium on the used market. I still have the generation 1 Glock 17 I carried as my duty gun in the late 80's or early 90's. We already have an account registered for email address The Baby Glocks as they were called were popular for both. Additionally, Glock gutted the internals, replacing its insides with a new trigger system, extractor, firing pin safety and Glock Marksmanship Barrel. Have you ever found a gem in an unexpected place? Glocks magazine design a polymer housing with a steel sleeve insert makes these guns compact single-stacks, as the cartridges have to be stacked vertically rather than staggered. The Glock 43X and Glock 48 pistols use essentially the same frame as a Glock 43, albeit with a longer grip housing for the Slimline magazine. Glock uses the term generation or gen to describe each successive one, i.e. So far, they are restricted to 9mm and .40 S&W. (Photo: Jacki Billings/Guns.com). A word of warning though. For one, you have parts compatibility. On top of that, there have been changes to the line between full generations, for instance the glock 26 is available in a generation 2.5. Though they hadnt produced a firearm yet, the wheels inside Gastons head were turning. You can change things like the striker spring of the Glock 19 and replace it with one that suits you best. The first of them were released in 1998. For instance, the Ford Mustang is broadly the same size today as it was in 1963 and its still a front-engine/rear-wheel-drive carbut todays Mustang is a lot different! The Gen 5 Glock pistols had the most significant updates. Gen 3 improvements included raised texturing, finger grooves (some love em, some hate em) and the Universal Glock Rail on the frame for mounting a weapon light. While it looks great, Glock has reverted back on this detail which I think is more ideal for people who like to. The Gen 5, though, does come with a new DLC coating that looks nice but accumulates finger prints. Marginally, at best. Which Glock generation/model is your fave? Glock had made much ado about their polygonal rifling, a rifling pattern that few other gun companies employ. You might have heard something about different Glock generations as the company has periodically renewed, updated, and changed their pistols. Besides the swappable backstrap panels, there are few differences between the Gen 3 vs Gen 4 Glock pistols that really add up to much worth talking about. The gun includes the Glock Marksman Barrel and omits finger grooves (Gen 5 features) but otherwise has a Gen 3 slide, frame and small parts, and is wrapped up with an FDE finish. CA Semiauto Ban(AW)ID Flowchart: CA Handgun Ban ID Flowchart: CA Shotgun Ban ID Flowchart The finger grooves to the delight of many are removed. Glock also sells adapter plates for different optic footprints as well. Due to its low profile, the Glock 19 Gen 2 is perfect for concealed carry holsters. towards your level. Tiffany Blue, FDE and olive drab were offered on select models as additional colors. Get proficient on YOUR time. Many people notice the grips as the first difference between the Glock 19 Gen 3 and Gen 4 models. The fifth Glock generation also saw the introduction of the Glock 45, which is essentially a 19X just with all Gen 5 features. The GMB is button rifled like most barrels are and as a result, the Gen 5 guns have been noted to be far more accurate at longer distances. Like the Gen 5 models, the 48 and 43X are both offered in MOS (Modular Optic System) configuration, with a milled slide for mounting an optic. Nowadays, a lot of people are leaning towards steel sights. GLOCK 43 The G43 is the trimmer, slimmer, single-stack subcompact option in 919. Another curiosity is the Glock 47, which is not offered for sale but is manufactured by Glock for the US Border Patrol. But what if you want more? It is not likely to be offered for civilian sale. So, lets take a deep dive into what sets these generations apart. The fact that the gun held 17+1 rounds of 9mm is mere happenstance. I bought a 9mm conversion barrel for it and love it. The Baby Glocks as they were called were popular for both. Umarex has become really good at manufacturing licensed imitation airguns, and the Umarex Glock 19X is the closest pistol you can get to the original. In addition, all non-.380/9mm weapons were modified with a second locking block pin to avoid frame-breaking from stronger recoil spring in the second generation. It was first used in the 80s by the Austrian police and military, and the firearm has since become the most popular pistol in the gun industry. The Glock generations are the ongoing changes made to the design of the Glock pistol. you a link to reset your password. The P80 is the model name given to the GLOCK 17 by the Austrian Military. A certain amount of the gun-buying public insisted it made the guns more accurate, but competent shooters who actually shot their Glocks at distances beyond 5 yards often found otherwise. This Glock gen 3 boasts a specific grip region with finger grooves that make it simpler to hold the weapon, even if your hands sweat a lot. It has been over 20 years since the Gen 3 hit the market, and its not going anywhere any time soon a true testament to Glocks longevity. 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