[Samburucharlie]

Hey everyone. I'm new to glocks ( just shot my first one last week). I'm gonna buy a 19. Should I get a gen 3 or gen 4 and wary?
Thanks

 

[TexasRaider113]

I have both and like each of them equally. The 4 gives you some grip options with different size back straps. Internals are mostly the same, one difference is the recoil spring is two piece in the 4. You can't go wrong with either. I say get them both. Make one a range gun, the other a carry gun.`I'm sure more knowledgeable members will whey in on the differences. Lots of good YouTube vids out that explain the differences, pro's and con's. Welcome to GT.

 

[BengalBacker]

Hey everyone. I'm new to glocks ( just shot my first one last week). I'm gonna buy a 19. Should I get a gen 3 or gen 4 and wary?
Thanks

Welcome to Glock talk.

Both are great guns, I have both. You get 3 magazines with a Gen4, only 2 with a Gen3. Gen4s have a slightly bigger mag release, and it can be flipped around for left handers. The two piece recoil spring on Gen4s is supposed to tame recoil a little better, I can't tell much difference. You have 4 backstrap options, including a couple of beavertails with a Gen4, or you can run it with no backstrap, so you can fine tune it some for the grip you like. The Gen3 you can't. The texture/stippling is different, I like both.

Just today I bought a Gen3 G29 and another Gen4 G19, both used. Either are fine, but the Gen4 does have features the Gen3 doesn't. If buying new, most people go with the Gen 4. If buying used at a great price, nothing wrong with a Gen3.

 

[bac1023]

I prefer Gen 3, mainly because I’m more used to it, I guess.

 

[H&K .45 AUTO]

I prefer Gen 3, mainly because I’m more used to it, I guess.

A whole lot of this here for me. Although, I've practically fallen in love with my 42, and 43 and neither of those really fit any generation completely.

 

[WeeWilly]

I have had both gens in most of the Glocks I have owned, I generally prefer the Gen 4 and think it is worth the $50 more it usually costs me.

 

[jonny4523]

Personally, I chose the Gen 4 because one of the grip options includes a beaver tail. I grip the pistol high and hard and it's common for me to get slide bite in a lot of handguns. The beavertail fixes that. Even though you can get the grip Force adapter for Gen 3s, I wanted to stay USPSA Production legal.

I also like the more aggressive texture of the Gen 4.

 

[greeenteeee]

I've read so much about this decision, Gen 3 vs 4 and it's hard to decide (if you only had one type of deal). I went with a new Gen 3 (have shot 500 rounds through a Gen 3 upper with a P80 lower) and can't help but wonder if I will miss out on the dual recoil spring in the Gen 4 in the long run when I'm further along in my skillset (double-taps, etc)

 

[porschedog]

It’s all a matter of personal preference. I personally prefer Gen 3 Glocks. Get what makes you happy.

 

[SouthernBoyVA]

I have both gens in the G19 and have to say that the gen4 gets the nod for several reasons.

• It has a larger and easier to use magazine catch.
• The dual captured recoil spring is said to last thousands of rounds longer than the spring used in the gen3.
• Surprisingly, the slide is easier to retract than the slide on the gen3. This helps when your hands are tired or sweaty.
• The stippling used in the grip texture is just right for this gun and really aids in stability when shooting it.
• The pull length (the distance from the standard backstrap to the trigger face) is slightly shorter.

Either generation would be a fine choice but in my opinion the gen4 does have an edge.

 

[fallhunter]

You should get a Gen 5. No other way about it.

Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk

 

[robhic]

I have both gens in the G19 and have to say that the gen4 gets the nod for several reasons.

• The dual captured recoil spring is said to last thousands of rounds longer than the spring used in the gen3.

I don't have a Gen4, only Gen3, but in regard to the spring, while the double Gen4 spring might last much longer the Gen3 spring for the 19 is only around $7. Double springs are generally almost $20+ so I'd expect more frequent replacements to still even out cost-wise. My 2¢....

 

[greeenteeee]

I don't have a Gen4, only Gen3, but in regard to the spring, while the double Gen4 spring might last much longer the Gen3 spring for the 19 is only around $7. Double springs are generally almost $20+ so I'd expect more frequent replacements to still even out cost-wise. My 2¢....

Not counting maintenance cost, was the recoil system worthwhile for you? I have a "polymer 80" G3 already and liked that it'd be interchangeable w a Gen 3 glock but instead of two gen 3 pistols I'm thinking of getting a gen 4 only because of the recoil spring. I already experience less muzzle rise w my "p80" g3 than my P320 it is replacing but even less would be nice I figure.

 

[t4terrific]

I prefer the grip texture on the gen 4, but prefer the simplicity of the single spring recoil spring assembly for the 9mm.

That said, they both suit me about the same. I have both.

 

[GeorgiaGlocker]

I have a gen 3 19 and it has been flawless.

 

[Teecher45]

I too prefer the gen 3, it fits my hand better and it points better for me. I’ve had a gen 4, sold it for some reason or another. When it came time to replace it I went with the gen 3 and am happy.
Handle them both to see if one fits better.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Glock Commander]

I carry so for that I went Glock 19 Gen 3.

Now my wife doesn't carry but for home defense and what she prefers is the Glock 17 over the Glock 19 or the Glock 26.

 

[H&K .45 AUTO]

I much prefer the Gen 3. It is what I learned on with my 1st Glock back around 1998, or so, and is what I put a couple thousand rounds through shortly after while training at the Police Academy. Those two things have caused me to always lean toward the Gen 3 models, although I see nothing "wrong" with any Glock pistol. In my eyes, they are all good. It is simply a matter of which one an individual feels most comfortable with.

I personally, dislike the grip texture design on the Gen 4/5 pistols, have no preference regarding the RSA's (mine have always worked perfectly, and they are a cheap part to replace), and I greatly prefer the finger grooved frame over the Gen 1/2/5 versions. Add to that the fact that I have no need for the replacement backstraps, and the Gen 3 is MY clear winner.

You'll have to try em all and buy whatever version speaks to you.

 

[ZX14R]

I have had both gens in most of the Glocks I have owned, I generally prefer the Gen 4 and think it is worth the $50 more it usually costs me.

I agree. I've had Gen3's, up until a recent Gen4 19FS purchase.

I have to say, that Gen4 is one nice pistol!

 

[Davers]

For me .
It's all depends on the finish , most older gen 3 pistols have the IMO "Good Frying Pan finish" Some early Gen 4's have the Good finish (the later issue 2013 'give or take' Gen 3's) can have the Crap 'IMO' finish.

I would be looking for an early Gen 4 with the "Good" finish if I were you.

Buying new (unless Gen 5) yr most likely gonna get the 'Matte/ Dull' 'Scratched by a feather finish'.
'Good Luck & welcome to the site '
Either will serve you well.