Are Gen 4 G20 models still having FTF on last round?

General Firearms Handguns - Semi Auto
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Thanks for the additional info and thoughts, all. G19A3, after my original post, I found a few more issues reported on multiple sites. As I got deeper into rabbit hole after pursuing leads from the first few posts, I noted that this was an issue in some Gen 3 G20s, G20SFs, and Gen 4 G20s, as well as G29s, so, in other words, it does not seem to be isolated to Gen 4 G20. In several instances people experienced fewer issues after removing multiple ‘upgrades,’ while others experienced the issues with stock[ish] configurations. At this point, I’ve decided to go for it and take it as it comes. I hate to contribute much more noise to the universe based on hearsay, so I figure I better find out for myself before I spread any more doubt.

From what I’ve read, the jury is still out on the #4 followers as to whether or not they are ‘the’ solution, as many don’t know about them or haven’t requested/tested them. We’ll see. The G20SF in the shop around the corner has #4 followers in the box. I purchased a Gen 4 G20 from a shop two hours away last week and made the trip to pick it up, but didn’t realize that my CHL had expired in December until the clerk noticed it. So, my G20 is cooling off until later this week - first time in my life I couldn’t walk out the door with a new firearm, and it was a rather anti-climatic experience all together. In the confusion, I forgot to check what number follower the mags are, so we’ll see.

I’ve got a few boxes of 220 gr hard cast Buffalo Bore and some assorted lighter range loads to test out initially, so I’ll update when possible on the results with a recently-born Gen 4 G20 with hopefully #4 followers with the hot stuff. My fondness for Glocks has long-been based largely on their reliability in stock configurations. I’ve read the same upgrade tips as everyone else, but have decided to run it stock with the heaviest hard cast I can until it doesn’t run or shoot straight and then go from there.

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I haven’t yet checked whether my Gen 4 G20 has the #4 followers, nor when the test round was fired, but I have a note to myself to do that. With 180gr Hyperclean FMJ, functioning is 100% with all-stock parts and also with a Glockmeister 24-lb recoil spring assembly. Some 180gr Underwood ammo recently arrived at my door, advertised to fire at 1300 fps out of a 4.6" Glock barrel. Underwood has a good reputation for delivering the bullet speeds they advertise. I’ll report back after I fire some of that stuff with both recoil spring assemblies.

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If you’re running super hot loads like BB and Underwood your issue is likely slide speed and not the followers. You may want to look at aftermarket heavier recoil systems.

Sent from Tapatalk

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As an update, I received my #4 followers and installed 2 in mags for my G29. Both these mags have +0 Pearce finger extensions. I also brought a magazine with a #3 follower I had sanded down the pad on (until the number 3 was no longer visible) as well as a flat floorplate mag that has never given me trouble.

I had a limited supply of 180g Privy hollow point ammo with me. I ran 50 rounds through the two mags with the new followers loading 5 at a time. There were no premature lockbacks with either magazine. Both of these mags had consistently locked back with one round remaining with the old followers. Both of the other mags had 25 rounds each run through in groups of 5 as well with no problems.

With the limited rounds I had available the number 4 followers seemed to work to correct the lockback problem. With less certainty I would say sanding down the area that engages the slide catch (the area the number 3 is visible on) just until the number disappears also seems to solve the problem. If I could not get the new followers this would be my solution.

My next tests will be with 175g Silvertips and some Federal stuff I have around here somewhere.

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I finally got a chance to get to the range with the new 100% stock Gen 4 G20 and an assortment of ammo. Between three 15-round mags with #4 followers, shot just over 200 rounds: 50x 180 gr Federal FMJ, 100x 180 gr Sig Performance FMJ, 40x 180 gr Hornady XTP Custom, and 40x 220 gr Buffalo Bore Hard Cast. Loaded mags with 2, 5, 10, and 15 rounds intermittently. Zero malfunctions and no early slide locks.

Ran a few drills including shooting from retention, strong hand, weak hand, and a couple of curve balls. Made sure to get some high thumbs in, as well, but could not induce any malfunctions even with intentional limp wristing. Not many rounds downrange yet, so time will tell, but no issues so far.

Was underwhelmed with the accuracy of the Buffalo Bore, but the Hornady stuff was a laser beam with some of the tightest groups I’ve ever shot. Wherever the front sight is, the round will land. Probably not the hottest stuff, but its gel tests look good and I could write a poem with it, so it will be a keeper. Will check out the Underwood hard cast and some of their hotter FMJ and XTP stuff next

Need to decide on some replacement sights (probably Hackathorns vs Trijicon HDs). The factory plastic sights with a blacked out rear required a combat hold, but were spot on, so I’ll need to figure out what sights will be a close as possible. Probably Hacks, but I’m open to suggestions.

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I have not shot my gen4 G20 a whole lot but I have had no issues. Only 10mm ammo I have is Underwood 180g and 200g.

Mine wears Hacks.

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Great update! Still watching this thread with extreme interest before having total confidence in acquiring a new G20 Gen4. Especially updates with super heavy loads (BB, Underwood, etc in the 220+grains).

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Yes, great update. I too really would like to add a gen 4 g20 to the stable. I’d like to think most people never have a problem and obviously never post an issue.

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Same.

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Another update now that I’ve run a few hundred more rounds through the Gen 4 G20 - stock except for Vickers mag release, grip plug, and Trijicon HDs. I also picked up a couple of extra mags, which also had #4 followers. I’ve run everything from .40 S&W shot shell (hand cycle) to practically every 180 gr FMJ range ammo, and hundreds of rounds of 180 gr XTP and 220 gr hard cast. Given what we’ve discussed in this thread, and what I’ve seen around other forums lately, it seems that the #4 followers have alleviated the issue for Gen 3 and Gen 4 G20s. If someone still has the malfunctions with #4 followers, I’d be interested in hearing about it. For now, it seems that the premature slide lock is not something one has to live with.

I did read that someone just picked up a G20 that sill had #3 followers included, so it is worth checking before buying. I’ve looked at every G20 mag I’ve seen in any shops around here and they’re all #4. As of this week, Glock is reportedly still in the business of sending replacement #4 followers to those who ask, so give it a shot if you have older ones.

I have run several hundred rounds of hot Buffalo Bore and hot Underwood now - mostly 220 gr hard cast to test for woods carry. As mentioned before, the Buffalo Bore was not stunningly accurate for me. No keyholing, but I was starting to think it was bear-seeking ammo, as I could hardly get it on the paper of a 25y B-16 pistol target (at 25m). Even at 10m, it was unimpressive for me. I imagine there are about 11 dead bears in the woods right now, accounting for the mysteriously missing holes in the paper over a couple sessions.

The 180 gr Hornady factory XTP load was and remains a laser beam, so I wondered if my wheels were falling off by stepping up to the big boy round. Around round #50 of BB 220 gr, I had a FTF with the nose hanging up on the hood (I think). Unfortunately, I instinctively cleared it and continued the string, so I didn’t get a good look at the malfunction. I had wanted to hold onto the rest of the BB for woods carry, but a malfunction on the last fam fire round is not confidence inspiring, especially with paper-sized groups. The rest of the Buffalo Bore ran as well as the first 49 rounds, and equally accurate - empirically schizophrenic.

Underwood told me over the phone that they use Bar Sto semi fit barrels in their G20s, or KKM second to Bar Sto and ‘officially’ recommended I swap out the barrel as well as go to a #22 spring from Glockstore before running the hard cast. My Underwood order came in, and I decided to run the 220 gr hard cast with the stock barrel and spring before messing with the will of Glock reliability fairies. Glad I did, as the Underwood hard cast groups make me look like a far better shot than I am. Same sized groups as the Hornady 180 gr XTP at ranges from 3 to 25m, which is to say more accurate than I can shoot, but I can really mess up an index card with it.

Subjectively, I think the Underwood has a bit more felt recoil than the Buffalo Bore, but very manageable for fast follow ups/strings. Also seemed to be a bit less smokey than the Buffalo Bore, which reminded me of shooting black powder on a couple of occasions. I don’t have calipers handy, but eyeballing it, the Underwood seems to have a slightly narrower meplat compared to the Buffalo Bore, which may help with feeding. Shot up all of the Underwood out of an abundance of caution in testing, and have some more on hand now to carry.

All in all, I could not be happier with the accuracy, feeding, and recoil of the Underwood hard cast for dangerous animals and the Hornady 180 gr XTP for dangerous people. I’ve about broken the bank proofing the carry loads, but feel reasonably confident with their performance in my particular stock Gen 4 Glock 20. Still need to run the 200 gr XTP loads as prospective small-medium sized game hunting round, and definitely time to start reloading, so I may have more to report in the future.

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WOW, thanks for the detailed update. I keep a keen interest for your G20-Gen4 updates. In particular, I really appreciate your expenditure on the pricey heavy loads, and would love to donate some $$$ to your testing. Unfortunately, I’m an old, cheap bastage.

Please keep up the good work and I look forward to your updates (especially on the 220+gr. loads…hint, hint)

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Thanks for the encouragement. Let me know if you ever become frivolous - I’ll be sure to help you fund my shooting! I just ordered some more Underwood, but is there something in particular that you think I should run? I haven’t started reloading 10mm yet, but hope to this fall when baby and dissertation work balance out better. I don’t think I will be trying to push my non-existent 10mm loading skill too soon with nuclear+ loads.

The only heavier factory load that comes to mind that I haven’t run is Double Tap’s 230gr hard cast - though Hickok45’s experience with tumbling in the factory barrel and Double Tap’s consistent discrepancies in velocity have led me to pretty much discount them. I will run a bit more of the Underwood in 200 gr XTP and 220 gr hard cast here next, but am definitely open to trying some stuff out. I will likely grab a 4.6" or 6"KKM at some point down the road just for throwing a lot of lead downrange, but planning on sticking to the stock barrel for carry.