Would you guys get a Gen 3 19 now, or a Gen 4 later and why? Thanks.
Gen 2 and Gen 3 Glock 19 are GTG.
I’m sure the Gen 4 will be nice but the older 19s are proven already. Personally I carry a Glock 19 Gen 2 concealed. I prefer a 19 without fingergrooves.
Ditto from here as well. All my Glocks are Gen 3’s, and I don’t plan on changing that. Like gotm4 said, they’re a proven design (and tough as nails to boot).
I have had fabulous results with my Gen 4 G17. However, I think the RTF2 G19 is the highest evolution of the design yet and that’s one I intend to get next. If the Gen 4 G19 works out well, fine. One of these days.
If the current Gen 3 fits you, I would suggest it.
If you want a smaller (or larger) receiver, Gen4.
If you want a magazine release that’s easier to access, there are several choices: 1: Glock extended magazine release: Gen 3; 2: Vickers/Tango Down extended magazine release: Gen 3
If you want a magazine release with more area and easier to access, the choices are: 1: Gen4; 2: Gen 3, with an aftermarket part/reciever mod, such as Aro-Tech’s extended mag release
If you need to have a magazine release capable of being set up for wither left-hand or right-hand use: Gen4
If you want reduced recoil, Gen4, due to its dual/nested recoil spring assembly-althoug with 9mm ammunition, even +P+, I really don’t think that there’s really that much recoil to be concerned about to be reduced.
If you want/need a greater interval between recoil spring assembly replacement: Gen4 (7,500 rds versus the Gen 3’s 3,000 rds factory recommended replacement interval)
If you want a more “grippable” receiver: Gen4, due to its receiver polymids (pyramid-shaped spikes) (although due to its smaller size the Gen 3 does just fine in my grip-slippage isn’t a factor to me with the Gen 3)
Proven reliability: Gen 3. The Gen4 recoil spring assemblies were originally optomized for the .40 guns; rumor has it that Glock is already refining them for the 9mm Gen4 platform, so that when the Gen4 G19 is released, they’ll probably run flawlessly-but the Gen 3 is already a very much proven, refined gun, and considered one of the industries’ “gold standards” for a durable, reliable combat handgun.
I hope this info helps your selection process.
Best, Jon
I would say the Gen 3 19 is about as good as it gets. The Gen 4 shows promise but does not have the track record yet. I carry a Gen 3 19 daily.
Robb, is that some of Hatfield’s grip work? Details?
Yes it is I had it done a few years ago, he also undercut the triggerguard. That’s his fine/medium texture.
Robb,
That is one nice looking G19.
I asked the same question here:
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=52304
I opted for the Gen3 RTF2 with straight serrations. I love it. So much so, I’m tempted (but won’t) trade my regular Gen3 G19 for another one. I did sand down the grips a little as I thought they were too rough but even with some sanding they still feel much better than the regular Gen3.
Thanks guys, I think I will just go with the 3rd.
Wise choice. I guess I’m one of the few who likes the finger groves of the Gen3 Glock 19. It fits my hand like it was made for it.
The Gen 3 Glock 19’s work. The Gen 4 may not have any issues, who knows, but the Gen 3 guns have an established track record of working when you need them to.
The Gen3 Glock 19s are no doubt proven to be reliable. But I will still more than likely buy a Gen4 when they become available as I have not had any malfunctions with my Gen4 17 or 22.
With that said, I have really had the “wants” for the Gen2 Glock 19 that M4arc has advertised. So far I have been able to fight it.
Agreed. I just added a RTF2 19, sanded down the sides and backstrap a bit and now it’s grippier than the standard Gen3s but not too rough to carry against skin.
I did get to handle a Gen4 17 yesterday and while I like the texture, I’ll let the bugs get thoroughly worked out of the Gen4 19s before I consider “upgrading”.
My two Gen 4 G17’s have been stone cold reliable through 4,000 rds for one and 3,000 for another. They also make the G19 grip feel huge. I’m waiting on the Gen 4 19’s.
traded my gen3 rtf for the gen3 rtf2. not interested in the upcoming gen4.
that’s prob the best looking aftermarket stippling i’ve seen on a glock. doesn’t look like ass, as most others do.
Good choice on the Gen3. Most Gen4’s run great but my 17 has been finicky through the first 500 rds.
Only thing tempting me on the gen 4 is the mag release but I decided not to be a guinea pig in the end, BUT DAMN I wanted one for awhile…
If there was one thing that stood out it is the difficulties I’ve had in the past with the Glock controls. I went from extended everything to stock slide release and reduced factory extended release. I’d love an opportunity to run the euro oval release for awhile (2-3k rounds) before I send my guns off to have them converted. I wouldn’t feel good about them with anything less than that to T&E.
Overall, like others have said: 2nd & 3rd gen guns are proven and GTG.
Robb, that is one sweet texture job. Ben down at Boresight does some fine work too…
my long term Glock plan is after Ben at BoreSight Solutions takes the finger grooves off my G19 and also a grip reduction I’ll send my other 3rd Gen G19 to him for the same treatment.
Short term Glock plan is Carry my Gen2 G19 till I get the one Ben is working on now 
I’d try and find one of the Gen3 with the RTF texturing and the regular slide serrations (not the fish scales). I really like the RTF.