[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Gen3 vs. Gen4 19 (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 3/13/2017 7:10:18 PM EDT
Alright so I cant believe this day has finally come that I'm not only posting in this form and that I'm looking at getting a glock. (1911 family) So I'm looking at getting a glock 19 for my everyday carry. I'm wondering what the differences between a Gen 3 and Gen 4 and is a Gen 4 worth the price over a cheaper Gen3 thanks for your replies in advance. oh and any ways to um help with the families harsh words they might have 
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I have the Gen4 and love it. I like the aggressive texture and really like the finger grooves.
Also, with the larger mag release button, I can drop the mag without breaking my grip. Thats a huge plus for me. I have medium size hands and I had to break grip with the Gen3. If you have larger hands, it may not be a problem on the Gen3 |
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Functionally, I don't think there's any difference. They both do their thing. The Gen4 upgrades were for the 40, the 9s got 'em by default.
The Gen4 gives you a smaller grip without the straps, bigger with it, a bigger mag release, better texturing at the cost of a shittier trigger. Myself? I like a Gen3 with the finger grooves removed and a minus connector. I shoot better with the Gen3, not sure if it's the trigger, the grip, or both, but they just work for me. I like a 17 cut to take 19 mags much better than a 19. |
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The only differences...
Gen 4 has a dual recoil spring, replaceable backstraps, more aggressive grip texture, a larger/reversible mag release, and I believe a different connector. The Gen 4 grip with medium backstrap is the same size as a Gen 3. I only buy Gen 4s and haven't had a Gen 3 in years. |
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Through the years I've owned all 4 generations.
I have a G19, G34 and G41 all Gen4s. I got a great deal on a NIB Gen3 G17 and remembered how much I liked at the G17 that I bought another G17 in Gen4. I'm giving my son the Gen3 G17 for Christmas. The Gen4 texturing is much much better, the mag release is way better and I like the replaceable back straps. |
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I think it really comes down to personal preference because the most noticeable differences are going to be in the grip. I like the Gen 3's trigger a little better and not sure how to explain it but, there;s a little bump in the trigger bar in the Gen 4's and I can feel that in the take up.
Grip wise, I'm comfortable with either but, I like the fact that I can change the Gen 4's to my liking. I do not like the finger grooves either way so, that's a wash. If you can, I would suggest renting them out and shooting them side by side to form your own conclusion as to which one fits you best. |
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I like the grip on the G4 better but don't hate the G3 grip. I guess the recoil spring is an upgrade, but I can't tell the difference shooting.
One thing to consider when looking at new ones is the G4's usually come with three mags and the G3 come with two. So there's about $20~ of the price difference. |
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I like the grip on the G4 better but don't hate the G3 grip. I guess the recoil spring is an upgrade, but I can't tell the difference shooting. One thing to consider when looking at new ones is the G4's usually come with three mags and the G3 come with two. So there's about $20~ of the price difference. If you shop around and consider the cost of the extra mag you get, the price is usually about the same. I'm currently in the same debate. |
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I'd prefer the Gen 4 but for the erratic ejection issue. Glock still refuses to acknowledge there's an issue. They did a recall on the 336 ejector, which helped, but never fixed the problem.
The reason erratic ejections bother me is that it increases the risk of a malfunction. The extractor should tightly grab the shell and pop it out. Look at the slow motion videos on youtube -- the casing gets knocked around in the ejection port and sloppily comes out. |
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I'd prefer the Gen 4 but for the erratic ejection issue. Glock still refuses to acknowledge there's an issue. They did a recall on the 336 ejector, which helped, but never fixed the problem. The reason erratic ejections bother me is that it increases the risk of a malfunction. The extractor should tightly grab the shell and pop it out. Look at the slow motion videos on youtube -- the casing gets knocked around in the ejection port and sloppily comes out. Would an aftermarket extractor fix that problem? |
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I have both, the Gen-3 and the Gen-4. Bought the Gen-3 first and then wondered if I should have bought the Gen-4; so, I went out and bought the Gen-4 too. Hurt the wallet a bit, but it eased my curiosity.
Like others have mentioned, I do like the feel of the texture on the grip better on the Gen-4, as well as the wider mag release. I like the slightly smaller girth of the grip on the Gen-4 without the back- straps, but it's really not that big of a difference... a few millimeters probably. Yet, I can still feel the difference to an extent. I can get more finger on the trigger with the Gen-4. So far, the ejection pattern on the Gen-4 is okay, but nothing to brag about; no spent cartridges have hit me anywhere. The ejection pattern on the Gen-3 was even weaker, and one spent cartridge hit me in the shoulder. That prompted me to change out the 336 ejector with the newer 30274. I can tell it made a difference with the 115 grain ammo. Now, the ejection pattern on the Gen-3 mimics that of the Gen-4. If I had to choose one or the other, I think I'd choose the Gen-4. Newer is supposed to be better, right? Good luck and keep us informed of your decision. |
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Would an aftermarket extractor fix that problem? Quoted:
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I'd prefer the Gen 4 but for the erratic ejection issue. Glock still refuses to acknowledge there's an issue. They did a recall on the 336 ejector, which helped, but never fixed the problem. The reason erratic ejections bother me is that it increases the risk of a malfunction. The extractor should tightly grab the shell and pop it out. Look at the slow motion videos on youtube -- the casing gets knocked around in the ejection port and sloppily comes out. Would an aftermarket extractor fix that problem? Maybe it will, maybe it won't. I've spent hours upon hours researching the erratic ejection issue with the Glock 19 Gen 4. An apex extractor works for some but not for others. |
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I'd prefer the Gen 4 but for the erratic ejection issue. Glock still refuses to acknowledge there's an issue. They did a recall on the 336 ejector, which helped, but never fixed the problem. The reason erratic ejections bother me is that it increases the risk of a malfunction. The extractor should tightly grab the shell and pop it out. Look at the slow motion videos on youtube -- the casing gets knocked around in the ejection port and sloppily comes out. Erratic ejection is not a Gen 4 issue. It happens with Gen 3 and 4. |
| Gen4 is my choice...... Better grip texture, mag release, extra mag, dual recoil spring, backstraps for those who need smaller I use M so it really does nothing for me, stock "." connector for some improves the trigger over the standard connector (I use a "-"). |
Rtf2 gets my vote, until you try to iwb carry with it  , then say bye bye to your skin. I've been running a gen4 19 in fDE since 2013, it's my go to. Highly recommend gen4 for the texture, have a 17 gen1, 17L Gen 3, 19 rtf2, and 19 gen4. Gen 1 is the best with no finger grooves, but no texture. Fingers crossed for the 17 and 19m models....
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Erratic ejection is not a Gen 4 issue. It happens with Gen 3 and 4. My Gen3 G19 never had BTF issues, even with the older ejector. I changed it out anyway and it continued to function properly. |
| I only buy 3rd gens. They fit my big hands just fine. Dont need the extra parts, only issue I've had was a ~2012 build g19 3rd gen that would peg me with brass constantly. Back to glock twice and it's much better now. Was my carry gun till last year when I got a 26. Functioned fine with real ammo, not weak target stuff. |
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Would an aftermarket extractor fix that problem? Quoted:
Quoted:
I'd prefer the Gen 4 but for the erratic ejection issue. Glock still refuses to acknowledge there's an issue. They did a recall on the 336 ejector, which helped, but never fixed the problem. The reason erratic ejections bother me is that it increases the risk of a malfunction. The extractor should tightly grab the shell and pop it out. Look at the slow motion videos on youtube -- the casing gets knocked around in the ejection port and sloppily comes out. Would an aftermarket extractor fix that problem? Wow, thanks for telling me that my four Gen4s have a problem that I have never experienced. 
Maybe I can get it fixed? 
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I think for the 9mm guns, Gen 4 was a step backwards regarding reliability and trigger feel. But new Gen 3s aren't as good as they used to be either, go figure.
Gen 4 definitely has nicer grip texture. If you are going to work on the trigger regardless, I say with some hesitation go with the Gen 4. But if you keep it stock, Gen 3 for sure. I didn't think there was any change in grip size on the small frame glocks between Gen 3 and Gen 4 other than you can make Gen 4 larger with the backstraps. |
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I have the same discussion now . I want a new gun to work over for gamer use . I have a gen 3 34 I'd do the Gen3. Get rid of the finger grooves, stipple, KKM barrel, whatever trigger you do will be better on the Gen3. I think Glocks are just as good as they've always been. Erratic ejection has been a problem since day one. I'm shooting an '05 G17 now that dribbles brass, had a Gen2 and a 17L back in the day that did it. |
| I'll be Debbie Downer and say that I don't actually like the grip texture on the Gen4s. The new grips feel great in the hand but carrying one of those babies IWB literally cuts into my skin and just isn't sustainable. So I end up shaving off the finger grooves and stippling my Glocks. So any benefit to the grip is nullified. That, and I like the simpler RSA that's been rockin' and rollin' for decades, as opposed to a couple of years. |
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I'd do the Gen3. Get rid of the finger grooves, stipple, KKM barrel, whatever trigger you do will be better on the Gen3. I think Glocks are just as good as they've always been. Erratic ejection has been a problem since day one. I'm shooting an '05 G17 now that dribbles brass, had a Gen2 and a 17L back in the day that did it. Why waste money on a aftermarket barrel? Most people will never realize or benefit from increased accuracy over the stock Glock barrel that already is damn good. The trigger better in a Gen3 vs Gen4 is a complete myth and I have done the testing with a gauge and all kinds of spring connector combos. Wear on parts has the biggest effect of how smooth or how a trigger feels when comparing gen or matching parts. |
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Alright so this is me not knowing much about glocks but what is the RFT2? RTF2 is the roughest texturing Glock has used and it was an option on Gen 3s. RTF3 is the standard texture on Gen 4s. Its less aggressive than RTF2, but more aggressive than the standard texturing on Gen 2 and 3 ("RTF") |
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That's RTF. Rough Texture Frame. RTF2 is the roughest texturing Glock has used and it was an option on Gen 3s. RTF3 is the standard texture on Gen 4s. Its less aggressive than RTF2, but more aggressive than the standard texturing on Gen 2 and 3 ("RTF") That makes sense, thanks. |
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Why waste money on a aftermarket barrel? Most people will never realize or benefit from increased accuracy over the stock Glock barrel that already is damn good. The trigger better in a Gen3 vs Gen4 is a complete myth and I have done the testing with a gauge and all kinds of spring connector combos. Wear on parts has the biggest effect of how smooth or how a trigger feels when comparing gen or matching parts. The Gen 4 triggers being worse is not a myth. It's geometry. It started with the 21sf. Ask Charlie Vanek about Gen3 vs 4 triggers. Come test my Gen3s. Their stock triggers were much smoother, lighter, and crisper than the Gen4s I had. This is common knowledge. |
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Some people can shoot well enough to tell a difference in barrels. In a Gen3, a better barrel makes a bigger difference than in a 4. The Gen 4 triggers being worse is not a myth. It's geometry. It started with the 21sf. Ask Charlie Vanek about Gen3 vs 4 triggers. Come test my Gen3s. Their stock triggers were much smoother, lighter, and crisper than the Gen4s I had. This is common knowledge. Quoted:
Some people can shoot well enough to tell a difference in barrels. In a Gen3, a better barrel makes a bigger difference than in a 4. The Gen 4 triggers being worse is not a myth. It's geometry. It started with the 21sf. Ask Charlie Vanek about Gen3 vs 4 triggers. Come test my Gen3s. Their stock triggers were much smoother, lighter, and crisper than the Gen4s I had. This is common knowledge. Gen4 vs Gen3 are we talking exact connectors or factory connectors? Quoted:
Screw all this 19 talk. Get a 17.4 |
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Same connector in a Gen3 is going to give a lighter trigger than the dame connector in a Gen4.
The sf/Gen4's small grip circumference puts the connector at a steeper angle and the bump on the trigger bar dragging the frame adds to the weight/grit too. Go handle a bunch of Gen3s and Gen4s side by side, or better yet, spend some time with a 3 and pick up a 4. The difference is very apparent. |
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Same connector in a Gen3 is going to give a lighter trigger than the dame connector in a Gen4. The sf/Gen4's small grip circumference puts the connector at a steeper angle and the bump on the trigger bar dragging the frame adds to the weight/grit too. Go handle a bunch of Gen3s and Gen4s side by side, or better yet, spend some time with a 3 and pick up a 4. The difference is very apparent. I put a Gen 3 G17 trigger bar assembly into my G19 to eliminate the bump and to provide a smooth faced trigger. Then a Ghost edge connector, and aftermarket safety disconnect and some polishing has the trigger much better than a stock Gen 3. Yes, I know some will argue you shouldn't have to modify a new gun just to get it to a usable state, but that's how it is right now with the Gen 4's. If one wants the improvements in the frame etc that the Gen 4 offers then do the enhancements to get it to shot the way you like it, or stick with the Gen 3. Maybe the forthcoming Gen 5 will be perfect out of the box, but somehow I'm a bit skeptical on that. |
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Really? Even with polishing, a Ghost rocket connector, 6lb trigger spring, and reduced power FPSP spring, my Gen4 G26 is at around 5lb. |
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Absolutely. It has been demonstrated many times. Across the board, Gen4s typically shoot tighter groups than the Gen3s.
When I had a Gen4 17 it would always group better than my 3s, but outside of slow fire accuracy work, the Gen 3 stomped it (my Gen3 has no finger grooves, stippled, Defoor sights, stock 3.5lb trigger fluffed up by Vanek). |
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The only differences... Gen 4 has a dual recoil spring, replaceable backstraps, more aggressive grip texture, a larger/reversible mag release, and I believe a different connector. The Gen 4 grip with medium backstrap is the same size as a Gen 3. I only buy Gen 4s and haven't had a Gen 3 in years. I had Gen3 so continue with Gen3's |
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Quoted:
I'd prefer the Gen 4 but for the erratic ejection issue. Glock still refuses to acknowledge there's an issue. They did a recall on the 336 ejector, which helped, but never fixed the problem. The reason erratic ejections bother me is that it increases the risk of a malfunction. The extractor should tightly grab the shell and pop it out. Look at the slow motion videos on youtube -- the casing gets knocked around in the ejection port and sloppily comes out. |