rbernie
Contributing Member
I have Gen3s, 4s, and 5s. My favorites of all are the Gen3 RTF2s - I've taken to buying them as frames and building up whatever I need / whatever amuses me.
Glock gen 3
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rskent
Member
I just thought Glock still made Gen 3’s because people still buy them. Any idea what percentage of Glocks end up in California?
needmorecowbell
Member
Is there data showing parts breaking more often after going to mim?
I have no idea. I didn't even realize that Glock still sold the Gen 3 in states without our limitations
I would guess all the Gen3 ones they make. Why would anyone buy a new Gen3 when you could buy a new Gen4 or Gen5
needmorecowbell
Member
You’re not shooting enough then. Get to it already
1KPerDay
Member
Yeh, shouldn’t take you more than a couple decades and a dump truck full of ammo
Obturation
Member
If you have no intention of installing any backstraps (I have large hands and can't figure a use for adding to already bulky grip), and if you don't like the gen4 texture, I prefer the gen 3 texture as it's less sandpapery if you don't wear an undershirt. Gen 4 texture is better for shooting but not for carry. Older gen 3s still have the good slide finish, I don't think the new gen 3s have it- but haven't seen one in person. Not a fan of the newer charcoal looking finish, but I do have 2 gen 4s anyway.
They're glocks, they're all good.
Lycidas Janwor
Member
I have a Gen 3/23 and I have no idea which generation is the best, that said, I suspect that the Gen 3 Glocks are the most prolific Glocks, that is, there's more Gen 3s than any other generation so by sheer volume, they are the most popular Glock (not necessarily the best generation). Again, I have no proof of this, I have not researched this, but I strongly suspect this.
Omaha-BeenGlockin
Member
All my Glocks are Gen3's---that said, I've basically moved on with M&P 2.0 and Beretta APX----no intention of dumping my Glocks but the other guns get shot more-----my G20 is my summertime woods carry gun.
ugaarguy
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Well, the Gen 4/5 with no backstrap installed have a 2mm shorter grip than the Gen 3. The medium backstrap makes the Gen 4/5 grip equal in size to the Gen 3. The large backstrap adds 4mm to the Gen 4/5, making the grip 2mm longer than the Gen 3. The Gen 5 gets rid of the finger grooves, which reduces bulk if your fingers don't match with them. You can also put a beavertail on the Gen 4 and 5, which only adds 2mm at the very top of the grip while otherwise enhancing the grip for some shooters.
Otto
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Gen 3 had the best finish (Tenifer) until they changed it around 2010. Tenifer was more resistant to holster wear and rust.
Other than that, it boils down to personal preferences.
FFGColorado
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Funny..my son traded his G17 with finger grooves for a G17/5, cuz it came w/o. My other son got a G45, because of no finger grooves..I bought a G17 and G26, both Gen 4, because they HAD finger grooves..All of us like the backstrap options tho..I might be interested in a gen 5 if they start making them with finger grooves.
You know, Glock might be smart to keep making them all.
I use the thin wth big beavertail..REALLY like the way it feels in the hand, shoot both well...
P5 Guy
Member
I agree, but wonder if my gun club will close because of this virus panic.
LUCKYDAWG13
Member
I just got a email from my club they are talking about it Saturday March 14th, 9-11am. We will discuss the Corona virus implications, my discussion with Ogle County Health DeptI agree, but wonder if my gun club will close because of this virus panic.
rskent
Member
That’s exactly why I hope Glock keeps making all three generations. Different strokes for different folks.
I would because the trigger can be cleaned up more in the gen 1-3. The angle change needed to include backstraps in later gens messed things up.
I own multiple Gen 3s, 2 Gen 4's, 0 g5's (zero interest).. All run the same Vanek trigger.. The gen3's are better.
sarduy
Member
In my opinion Gen 3 and Gen 5 are the best Glock 19.
JR24
Member
I felt much the same, but after getting the Gen 5 19 MOS I believe it's the best of the 19s.
For full size grips, I like Gen 4. The grooves feel like they were molded for my hands and I prefer the texture over the Gen 3s.
TTv2
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From what I've heard others say, it seems the Gen 2's in 9mm were the best simply for the lack of finger grooves, but for .40 the Gen 2's had the kaboom isssues due to the horrible Glock chamber support, and Gen 3's were fine for all calibers.
Gen 4 was the best for .40 caliber and was seemingly built around improving performance with the .40.
IMO, if you don't care about the finger grooves, the Gen 4 is the best bang for your buck if you're looking at buy a used one. The grip texture is hella improved vs the previous Gen's that almost forced you to put grip tape on them to be able to hold them and I do believe the dual recoil spring reduces felt recoil, but not necessarily muzzle flip.
Gen 4 was the best for .40 caliber and was seemingly built around improving performance with the .40.
IMO, if you don't care about the finger grooves, the Gen 4 is the best bang for your buck if you're looking at buy a used one. The grip texture is hella improved vs the previous Gen's that almost forced you to put grip tape on them to be able to hold them and I do believe the dual recoil spring reduces felt recoil, but not necessarily muzzle flip.
mrmike7189
Member
I have a gen 3 Glock 26 and I have no need or want for a gen 4 and gen 5 . Am I missing something?
I saw somewhere that the 80% lowers were gen 3 based. Could be wrong, but....
TTv2
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I wouldn't doubt you. Years ago when I was looking for replacement slides to do a Glock 21 conversion to 10mm I believe I saw most slides were Gen 3 only.
Seems like that's what a lot of the aftermarket seems to support for Glocks is gen 3.
GunnyUSMC
Member
Yes.
Most often when someone tells you that a Gen2 or 3 , or what ever Gen is best, they have limited use or none with the other Gens.
I have two Gen3 19’s one has the RTF frame. I would have to say that the Gen3 RTF is my favorite 19. But of all my Glocks my Gen5 G45 is my favorite.
I also have two Polymer 80 guns. The 19 size one is a great shooter and I like it better the my regular Gen3 19. My Polymer 80 17 size frame has a 22 conversion on it.
But when it comes right down to it, the Gen that fits you will be the best.
Here’s a pic of the different frames from Gen1-4.
Oh! And for those that think the thumb rest that started with the Gen3 is useless, must never shoot one handed.
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