[JLB19]

I own Gen 2.5, Gen 3 and Gen 4 model 26 pistols, but I do not currently own a Gen 5 26.

Shooting at the range, I prefer the Gen 4. The more aggressive texture and larger magazine release are nice here. In my experience, the trigger pull (w/ a "." connector) is slightly lighter, but not quite a crisp.

Carrying all day, I prefer the Gen 3 (or 2.5). The less aggressive texture doesn't rub me raw. I don't find the smaller mag release an issue. The trigger pull (with an unmarked connector) is not quite as light, but slightly crisper (which make me a slightly more comfortable holstering). The "frying pan" finish on my Gen 3 model(s) seems to stand up to holster wear much better that the other (OEM) finishes that I own.

I don't think there's a wrong answer, but "the best" will depend on your preferences and what your intended use is.

 

[JLB19]

I like the gen 4 over the 3 due to the increased grip texture and magazine release.

I, like you, I can’t get by the texture and mag release of the GEN three.

The more aggressive texture and larger magazine release are nice here.

My observation after pulling both a Gen 3 and a Gen 4 out of the safe, and comparing them side by side, visually the Gen 4 mag release is larger, but in order to release the magazine you are limited to using about the same area as the Gen 3 mag release (unless you replace the mag release with one of the OEM large frame or aftermarket extended mag releases).