Glock 17/19 Gen 4: what's changed since release?

[DreadPirateMoyer]

Hey everyone,

I know that 9mm G4 Glocks have undergone some changes since release, including new recoil springs, new ejectors, and other modifications to address the reliability issues they were having. However, I've been unable to track down a central source that details everything that's changed and how to recognize the changes.

Could you guys help me? I'm in the process of ordering a G4 17 and I want to be able to identify if I have newer or older parts when it comes in.

Much appreciated, and I apologize if my Google-fu wasn't strong enough.

[jsb889]

Very easy way to tell if its a gen 3 or 4 is to just pop the slide off. If its got dual springs on a stainless steel guide rod, its gen 4. Single plastic guide rod is a gen 3. If you're unfamiliar with Glocks, the shop owner can take it off for you, it literally takes two seconds.

Also, IIRC the labeling on the box it comes in is different, with the newer (gen 4) models being blue labeled. Hopefully someone else can confirm this part, though.

[*Klutch*]

The recoil spring will have an 04 stamped into the back side of it. The grip texture is more like the RTF but not as aggressive, the recoil hole in the front of the slide is larger and the ven3 spring would go right through it.
As far as reliability as long as the recoil spring has the 04 you are gtg.

[ItchyTick]

Go to www.glocktalk.com and then to the general glocking section.

[DreadPirateMoyer]

Nono, not the difference between a G3 and G4 Glock, but the difference between a G4 Glock that was released last year and a G4 Glock that was released this year. The first-release 9mm G4s had a bunch of problems, and Glock swapped a few parts around, and then released some newer G4s that addressed everything.

[*Klutch*]

The recoil spring will have an 04 stamped into the back side of it

[DreadPirateMoyer]

Ahhh, sorry, I mis-lumped your reply.

That's how to tell? Wow, pretty simple.

[orionz06]

I think the latest must-have part is the 30724 ejector but don't quote me.

From what I have read and what people are using, a stoned extractor, White Sound Defense HERD, and a beefed up extractor spring might do the trick, with the current recoil spring that Glock will mail you.

My late model Gen 3 has some VERY weak ejection at times and stoning the extractor sides has, over a magazine, seemed to improve ejection consistency. Will know more this weekend.

[medsteele]

The only changes they've made are the 04 recoil spring assembly and the 30724 ejector. If its fired casing date is fairly recent (2012), then you should be good to go.

Though the new parts are no guarantee.

[Neko456]

The only changes they've made are the 04 recoil spring assembly and the 30724 ejector. If its fired casing date is fairly recent (2012), then you should be good to go.

Though the new parts are no guarantee.

456 - Also more cosmetic then internal the Gen 4 has removal back straps and a larger magazine ejector button. Slightly reangled grip it feels like. I like the new look and feel but still waiting to hear they are as reliable as there fore fathers. We are starting hear better reports.