4th Generation Glocks

[dwh79]

I did a search and didn't see any topics on this. If there is sorry if this is duplicated somewhere.

Anyways I saw the new one today at Bradis I loved the slide but the grip was not good . I just was wondering others opinions.

 

[Shay]

meh.

I think Glock is coasting on its past innovation.

 

[melensdad]

It seems to be pure cosmetics. All looks, no new function. The slide has curved serrations. What is the big deal? The grips seemed to devolve back to something closer to the Gen 1 design. They've been there, done that, found it lacking, so now they bring it back . . . Why?

 

[Lock n Load]

What are the differences between the 3rd and 4th generations?

I still favor my G17 1st gen and my G19 2nd gen..... I have a 3rd gen G17 but thats the one I will be selling off soon.

 

[shooter521]

What are the differences between the 3rd and 4th generations?

There is no such thing as a "4th Generation" Glock.

The "RTF" (Rough Texture Frame) and chevron-shaped cocking serrations are an option on the 3rd Generation frame, just like the "SF" frame or the OD Green frame. Thus far, the RTF is only available in the G22, but that will likely change soon. Glock has no plans to discontinue the regular 3rd generation frame.

 

[HICKMAN]

There is no such thing as a "4th Generation" Glock.

Words from the Glock Master

 

[dwh79]

Okay so there is no 4th that is what was told to me at the shop. But hey good to know because the frame does not feel good to me. I like the standard third generation.

 

[mighty2]

I like the way the grip felt, but I just think they need to bring something else to the table.

 

[motoman]

the SF frame with the ambi mag release and pic rail is the only upgrade im aware of.

 

[shooter521]

Okay so there is no 4th that is what was told to me at the shop.

There is a lot of misinformation out there, even on the part of those who sell the things. CDNN is advertising magazines for the Glock "23SF" which doesn't exist.

the SF frame with the ambi mag release and pic rail is the only upgrade im aware of.

Even those are options. The 21SF can be ordered without them, and none of the 29 or 30SFs have either feature.

Personally, I don't care for the RTF; the frame texture is a bit too aggressive, and the slide serrations offer no benefit over the standard design.

 

[Slab]

i like the looks of the "old" ones better. gen 2

 

[jmb79]

It seems that for years, many people complained that Glock did not offer customers any options. Each Glock model was available in one standard confirguration and that was it. Slowly, this has changed. There have been OD frames and long slide pistols like the G34 and G35.

More recently, Glock has offered ever more options within some of its models. These include the SF versions of the G21, G30, G20 and G29. The RTF frame (and the different slide cuts) are another example of Glock offering some variation within a model. By all accounts, the 3rd Gen. Glocks are not being replaced by the RTF models, they are being supplemented by the RTF models.

I would have thought that more shooting enthusiasts, or Glock afficionados like me, would be happy to see Glock offering customers more options. Glock is not forcing the RTF down anyone's throat because, if you want a standard 3rd. Gen., they will still be available.

I guess people have to have something about which to complain.

 

[shooter521]

I would have thought that more shooting enthusiasts, or Glock afficionados like me, would be happy to see Glock offering customers more options.

The biggest problem I have is that these are not options that anyone in the buying public actually asked for. Ditto with any of the pistol models introduced since the G36.

If Glock were to bring out a true 4th Generation frame with the RTF texture, interchangeable backstraps, a military-spec rail and ambi mag catch, then they might have something.

Or, they could listen to the American consumer and bring out the things we've been clamoring for for years: a full-size single-stack .45 ACP (think a "stretched" G36), single-stack subcompact 9mm and .40s to take back Kahr's share of the CCW market, a factory .22 conversion kit or complete .22LR pistol, and (perish the thought) a carbine.

But no, instead we get .45GAP, baby-puke green frames, "SF" guns that offer a negligible ergonomic improvement, and the "change for change's sake" RTF.

I'm a Glock guy to the core, and seeing Glock Ges.m.b.H willfully ignore the desires of their largest consumer market - and often the pleas of Glock Inc. in Georgia - p*sses me off to no end. I guess when you're selling every pistol you can make and are 150,000+ units backordered on your existing product line, there isn't much motivation to innovate.

 

[jmb79]

shooter521,

You make very valid points and for the most part, I agree with all of them. I am a big fan of Glocks and have been since my first Glock eperience in 1990. However, you are correct that Glock options are pointless if they are not options desired by potential purchasers.

I do disagree re the SF frames because they fit my hands likes gloves. For me they have vastly improved the large frame Glock experience. However, I completely understand that many people find the SF frames too similar to the non SF frames.

Regarding the RTF (and ignoring the silly new slide cuts which, by the way, are not present on RTF pistols sold in Europe), they will be one of those options that people either love or hate. I have read many posts by people who love them and many posts by those that do not.

 

[Slab]

shooter, many of the things you have brought up are long time wishes of people everywhere. As im sure you know, there is a points system for imported firearms, and thats why some of the wishes havent been granted. Thats why .380s are avail in other countries, but not here, they dont make enough points to be imported.

 

[shooter521]

I do disagree re the SF frames because they fit my hands likes gloves. For me they have vastly improved the large frame Glock experience.

In my experience handling and selling the SF Glocks, there are folks who share your opinion, but they are few and far between. I usually have to put both an SF and non-SF gun into a customer's hands and explain where the reductions were made, before they claim to be able to tell a difference. And for me, it's not the frame on the G20/21 (and 29/30) that's the problem, it's the wide-a$$ aircraft carrier-like slide - which of course is unchanged on the SF guns. The ideal Glock .45 might be the G36 slide on the G30SF frame... a combination that several individuals have put together successfully, but which Glock Inc. claims to this very day will not function.

Regarding the RTF, they will be one of those options that people either love or hate. I have read many posts by people who love them and many posts by those that do not.

Agreed, and that mirrors my experience in the shop, as well. I like the idea of enhanced texturing, but find the RTF2 just a bit too aggressive. OTOH, I've sold a ton of them and have customers who think it's the best thing since sliced bread. To each their own.

 

[ChalupaCabras]

I think the RTF option improves the ergonomics a bit.

I have owned a Glock for a few years now, and the G22 RTF instantly felt better in my hands.

 

[jmb79]

Agreed, and that mirrors my experience in the shop, as well. I like the idea of enhanced texturing, but find the RTF2 just a bit too aggressive. OTOH, I've sold a ton of them and have customers who think it's the best thing since sliced bread. To each their own.

I've never had a problems with the slide width and I carry my G21SF and G30SF IWB every day.

I remember when news of the RTF frames came out several months ago, there was talk of there being different versions, each with a different level of "aggresivenes" to the texture. In other words, one version would be very rough, another just a little rough and a third somewhere in between.

As a Glock dealer, have you received any information that there will be RTF frames with different levels of "aggresiveness"?

 

[shooter521]

As a Glock dealer, have you received any information that there will be RTF frames with different levels of "aggresiveness"?

No. I'm aware that others were experimented with, but it appears that RTF2 is the only texture they are going forward with at the moment. Additional models should be available with said texture option by summer.

 

[Richard]

I have not tried any of the RTF texturing yet, I have however cut out & used skateboard tape grip panels & innertube solutions.

If anyone in the Anderson/Muncie area has one of these RTF versions I would be interested in see'ing how they feel in the hand, I would even be willing to buy ya lunch in return.