The Gen 5 has several improvements over all previous models.

 

Only a few minor improvements actually. Glock "fixed" a couple things that weren't really a problem in previous generations of guns that had been shot for thousands of rounds without any of the parts that they supposedly "improved" malfunctioning.

The most significant actual improvement of the Gen 5 guns was the removal of the finger grooves, and one so-called "Improvement" was actually a trade-off. And that was the "Marksman" barrel with a tighter chamber that gave slightly better accuracy but gave up 100 percent reliability. Newer isn't always better but most people just assume that it is which is why "New and Improved" is such a popular slogan used in advertising for so many years.

I prefer the Gen 3 guns that have a better surface finish on the slides than either the gen 4 or gen 5 guns and have the simpler single recoil spring. The addition of the different backstraps was an actual improvement although I've never seen the need for them on anything except the larger frame G20 and G21 where the smallest backstrap is like an SF frame on those guns.

 

I like Gen 4. Gen 5 slide stops get in the way of my grip and lock the slide open when it shouldn’t.

 

I chose a Gen 4 19 over a Gen 5, to add to my 2 other Gen 3 19's a couple of years ago. I don't mind finger grooves and wasn't that impressed with what I saw in Gen 5. At the time, they were still on the non FS and the notch in the grip. I might have took a longer look with a newer G19.5 with the FS and minus the notch but I doubt my choice would have been any different.

 

Gen3 G19 RTF2G

 

How do you guys find these RTF versions? I see lots of Gen3s around, but never these.

 

I really like my gen 3. I’ve only shot a gen 5 once. So not a lot of context.

 

I've got a Gen 2 that I bought in 1989...I like it a lot.

 

Me, too. Mine is Apr 1989 (BTD barrel date code). EYxxxUS

 

Gen3 ..g19 and g23.

My Vickers g19 fde/rtf2..

Gen3 g23.

 

Gen 4.

 

I like the Gen 5. The finger grooves on the 3 and 4 never fit my hand and made it awkward to hold. The 5 also has backstraps so it fills my hand better as well (the 21 grip still fills my hand the best).

 

(the 21 grip still fills my hand the best).

Agreed, my gen4 g21 fits very well in my hand. It's the newest generation that I own.

 

One of many articles on Gen5 differences. I think you would have to shoot some pretty low-qual ammo to cause a malfunction even with the marksman barrel though.

The Future of Glock Is Now: Why 5th Generation Glock Guns Are Everything

Now regardless of what you personally think of the Glock Gen 5, one thing is undeniable: it is the future of Glock, at least for the time being. You may have though that the Glock Generation 4 represented the pinnacle of everything that Glock could do, but the Generation 5 that was released last...

nationalinterest.org

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I voted Gen 4. Slight edge to comfort for me with the 4 over 3. I like the 5's grip and may well pick up a Gen 5 down the road.

 

You know what it is!



(3rd gen. G19/RTF2 w/ a 4.75" muzzle-ported Bar-Sto Precision barrel. Hits hard for a 9; but, maybe, it's the 147 grain Federal HST 'pills' that I am using!)

 

I'm Left Handed and the Gen 5 has the Ambi Slide Lock.

 

Out of them all- Gen3 for me. Preferably RTF2

 

G19.4 is my favorite because it’s the one own. I believe all the generations are good.

 

I prefer the finger grooves and recoil spring and internal parts of Gen 3, but the barrel of Gen 5. So my answer is "Gen 3 G19 with a Gen 5 barrel" - I may have to get one of those, or add a Gen 5 replacement barrel to my G17.

 

I prefer Gen 5 since they don't have finger grooves. I have small hands and have never found any pistol or grips with finger grooves that fit my hand comfortably.




The Gen 5 G17 barrels will not work in earlier Gen G17 pistols. Glock changed the locking lugs with the Gen 5. The GeN 5 G17 has the same locking lugs as G19 barrels. Plus the recoil spring assemblies are different lengths too. The Gen 5 G17 uses a longer RSA

 

From the factory...I really like the Gen 5. I didn't realize how bad the finger grooves were for me. The trigger is a big improvement.

 

Gen 5.

The only reason for the Gen 3 is because of Kalifornia. The Gen 4 has been discontinued except for contract runs. The Gen 5 has all the latest/greatest for the model. And it's easier to add finger grooves (grip sleeve) if you want them that it is to remove the finger grooves if you don't want them.

 

I voted 5, but it’s a bit difficult for me. I much prefer the Gen5 grip with no inserts. Aesthetically, I like the tapered nose, but I’m ambivalent toward the forward serrations.

I much prefer the Gen4 single side slide release however. I could go with 4, because the finger grooves don’t bother me that much, but the Gen5 without them just feels better.

I prefer Gen4-5 over 3 because of the mag release. A small change that makes it a lot easier to reach.

These preferences are aesthetic and ergonomic. Functionally, I have experienced little difference between these, although I have a good bit more time on Gen4. I can feel some subtle difference in the triggers if I try, but honestly not enough to make a difference for me; I have no preference. Accuracy is no different for me as well, especially practical accuracy.

 

Gen 5 for me due to lack of finger grooves.

 

I have owned 30+ Glock 19s over the years, Gen 2s, 3s, and 4s. Have not owned a Gen 5 - but have shot them a few times now.

My favorite version is the Gen 4 Front Serrations model. I prefer the 4 to the Gen 2 & 3 because of the smaller grip option. I do not mind the finger groves on the Gen 4 - they fit my hand. I like the front serrations.

No longer have any 19s, have switched over to the Shadow Systems MR918. I don't see another 19 in my future at this time, but who knows... I was looking at a Wilson Tactical Glock 19 at one of my LGS a few weeks back. It was a Gen 5. Thought about it, but I am not a fan of fiber optic sights, for the $$$$, I want it to be set up to my specification exactly; that gun wasn't.

So yeah, Gen 4 Front Serrations model for me.

 

Which gen is best? I truly don't know. Having numerous Glock pistols from every generation, my favorite is the earlier gen 3s with the tenifer treatment.

In truth, it just doesn't matter. There are no bad choices here.

 

Poll not include gen2.

 

No big differences, to me, but I am starting to lean towards the Gen4 and Gen5. I’ve never had a RTF model and the others are just not always rough enough to get a good grip.