Glock gen 3 or gen 4?

[K9stang]

I'm wanting to sip the coolaid and try a Glock 19. I can't decide on a gen 3 or 4 though. I'm hoping someone in the know could give me some direction.

I don't normally invest in upgrades or lots of magizines, so that won't be a factor. I will need a decent holster for it.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[jd4320t]

Have you handled or shot any Glock Gen 3's? If so the Gen 4 may or may not be an improvement for you. It comes with interchangeable back straps, the grip is more textured and the magazine release is bigger.

 

[CCC]

Gen 4 comes with 3 mags new. Gen 3, only 2 I believe. Also, as mentioned the Gen 4 has grip size that can be changed.

I would buy the best deal you can find, or both generations + a 17, 17L, 26, and 34 (all 9mm).

 

[cop car]

Gen 4. Imo it just feels way more mature and well thought out. But some peoples delicate hands can't handle the texture of the frame.

 

[LP1]

Gen 4 unless the 3 is at least $100 cheaper, which I've never seen. The adjustable backstraps and extra mag more than make up for the difference in price. Also, the mag release can be switched to the other side if desired, and IIRC it has an improved spring.

 

[K9stang]

I have shot 2 different gen 3s, a 22 and a 20. Both full size. I don't see a need for a full size, right now...
I did see the 3 is a few dollars cheaper but only about 50 bucks most of the time.

The texture on the grips won't bother mydelicate hands, but thanks for letting me know it feels different. Doesthe back straps make a big difference?

 

[Nojoy621]

I have a gen 3 30sf and love it, but my next glock will be a gen 4. The different back straps and texture are a big plus.

 

[Glocktard]

I like gen 4's grip texture better. The gen 3 has a better track though. For me I would go with gen 4.

 

[hps]

They both work well,, I like the gen 3 a lil more. I don't use the backstraps

 

[trophyhunter]

Once you fire a Gen 4 it pretty much sells itself, you'll want to do that before making a purchase.

 

[Lees]

I have a Gen 3 19 and a Gen 4 26. I've had other people tell me they prefer the Gen 4 26 when we've been shooting both of them, but to me they both feel great. I don't seem to benefit from the backstraps in the Gen 4. The Gen 4 will let you switch it to left handed, but even though I'm left handed I have never switched mine.

 

[88E30M50]

Right now, all of my Glocks are Gen 3, but that's less because I'm into Gen 3 and more because that's just what I ended up with when I saw a good deal. I recently sold my Gen 4 G27 and have to say that I think it was a bit nicer than my Gen 3s. Either will work well for you, but for a G19, the Gen 4 might be the better option.

 

[NHT3]

unless you have small hands or are left handed I would go with the gen 3. Explanation is a little long for my typing skills but that's MHO.
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot]NRA Life Member[/FONT][FONT=&quot]-- [/FONT][FONT=&quot]GSSF member[/FONT]
Certified Glock & M&P armorer
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]NRA Basic pistol instructor[FONT=&quot] /[/FONT][FONT=&quot] RSO[/FONT]

 

[K9stang]

I have seen ads where people are wanting to trade a gen 3 for a gen 4 and then others wanting to trade the other way. It is still confusing.

I have large hands so the grip changing thing should not be an issue. The seems to be only about a $50 difference most places on the price.

There has been some great feedback here, thanks. However tou guys have still left me wondering...

 

[DNS]

Whichever texture feel's best in your hand.

 

[milton]

Either is a solid option. For everyday carry, it would be hard not to consider the gen 3. The texture would feel better against my love handles. That being said, I prefer the gen 4 for the extra mag and the backstraps. My bear paws get slide bit on any gen 3 unless I use a grip force adapter.

 

[in625shooter]

You need to hold and if possible fire both and see which one YOU like. And also look at what features YOU like.

I had a couple Gen 3's in 40. Liked everything but the 40 became an odd caliber for me so I sold them. Got back into a Glock recently and got a Gen 4 model 19. I like the steel guided and tackler grips but would have been happy with a Gen 3 as well. Whatever one you can get for the right price you will be fine. They have proven they work.

 

[Sniper 79]

I liked the Gen 4 better and like being current. As others have stated its all personal preference. Some like the Gen 3 better especially if you are into modding them. Gen three has been around longer and I believe it has a better aftermarket parts selection.

I like to keep everything stock and don't use any backstraps. Texture isn't too bad and doesn't bother my skin at all. Solid pistols for sure and am extremely happy with mine.

 

[pute62]

I've always enjoyed the Gen 2 because I hate the finger nubs. Always wondered why they didn't offer a nubless model for all these years.

 

[Cam]

Have both Gen 3 and 4 models. I like the 4's better. The short frame without any back straps fits me really well.