GLock guys ... Gen 3 vs. Gen 4 (can't make up my mind)

[Centerhold]

I'm going to buy a G17 with tritium sights & tactical light, but can NOT make up my mind about the Gen 3 or Gen 4 (apparently, Glock still makes both versions). I'm familiar with the double spring & oversized mag release on the Gen 4, but my main concern is RELIABILITY. I want it to go bang (even with standard velocity 115 gr cheap practice loads, which I've heard can be an issue with the Gen 4). Just not sure if the Gen 4 is an improvement or not. Curious if anybody has any advice on which way to go ? Many thanks,

John

[ithinkimamedic]

There aren't enough of the Gen 4 17's out to make an informed decision yet. If you need to buy right now go with the gen 3 or one of the rough texture ones. I personally prefer Gen 2 guns because I don't like the finger groves but regardless a Gen 3 will do you just fine.

[biggs88]

Gen 3 hands down.
We know what to expect from the gen 3's.

[DBZ220]

Some folks on Glock specific forums have reported minor issues with the Gen4 pistols. Abnormal wear in some cases, malfunctions in others. Likely growing pains from the resdesigned recoil system. I have a Gen4 17 and have no problems yet, but there are those who have. I still prefer my Gen 3 Glock 19 for EDC. The G17 never had a problem working with a tac light attached, so a 3rd Gen G17 is a pretty safe bet!

[StraussiE WousiE]

I love my gen 3 Glock 17! Love it. I'd hate to chance any other generation over what I know.

[Macnamara]

Check this out:

http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=51356

[Palerider]

Have you shot or handled either? I never bought Glocks because I have relatively small hands and the grip just didn't work for me. Shot a guy's Gen 4 G17 at the range this past weekend without any of the additional backstraps on it and it felt nice, really nice....

If Gen 3 fits your hand well, then I'd probably go with that 'cuz you might sleep better knowing its been reliable for a long, long time.

[keystoneman 85]

This is my opinion but in regards to the Glock 17 I look at it this way ...

If you go to McDonalds and order food and it comes out like it does every other time you've been there do you run home and tell everyone about the experience? Now if you found a razor blade in you burger I'm sure you would let the whole world know. What I'm trying to say is for every 1 person that complains about the Gen 4 17 I'd be willing to bet there are 1,000 who are satisified.

I own a 17 and have not had any malfunctions of any type in a little over 400 rounds. I've also spoke with numerous customers of the two gun shops I frequent that own Gen 4 and they also have not seen any issues.

You have to take a lot of stuff with a grain of salt on the internet. Escpecially over at GlockTalk - you have a lot of Glock haters under cover.


Now on to your question, have you ever held a Glock before? Does the Gen 3 "fit"? I ask because it didn't fit me well (yet I owned a Glock 19 Gen 3 for 2 years, I forced myself to get used to it) the minute I held the new Gen 17 it felt 10x better, the Gen 3 is gone and the 4 took its place.

YMMV

[jcabin]

I heard Gen4 doesn't take previous Gen1-3 magazines. Anyone know the truth to this?

[keystoneman 85]

My Gen 4 Glock 17 mags fit in my Gen 3 26 just fine, they opperate fine as well. So I would guess there is no truth to that? However, I haven't tired a Gen 3 mag in my Gen 4.