By this point, I’m sure we’ve all seen the multiple issues and failures of Gen 4 Glocks that have sprang up across the board. There are certainly a lot of shortcomings with the new generation, but every gun has a teething process, right?
So, does anyone here believe that Gen 4 Glocks will ever reach the same level of reliability and dependability we’ve come to expect from the third generation?
And, if so, when and how long do you think it’ll be before the Gen 4 has it’s problems ironed out and reaches the level of robustness that Gen 3 did?
When they come out with a Gen5 that uses the frame of a Gen4 and a Gen3 recoil spring.
With all the problems I keep hearing about Gen4’s, I bought a Gen3 17 last week.
I’ll wait until Glock pulls their heads out of their asses…Otherwise I’ll switch to M&P’s…or even Hk’s :eek:
It’ll get there. I think Glock made a mistake dicking with the springs on the 9mms.
This.
I do like DaveL’s idea though … Gen4 frame that will work with the Gen3 slide and RSA … that’s a winner. I’d buy that all day long.
Yes. They are already as good as far as I’m concerned. I have a Gen4 G19 and I have put about 300 rounds through it. Zero problems and I’m not even using the 04 spring. I love the smaller grip and texture.
I don’t post much but I’m getting a little tired of the Gen4 slamming. Sure there have been issues, but there always will be anytime there is a redesign/new model. If we never tried to improve anything… where would we be? Glock customer service has been fantastic helping out anyone with issues with their Gen4. The perfect gun will never exist (Gen3s were not without issues themselves), but for me personally… my Gen4 is closer to perfect than my Gen3.
If you recognize it for what it is, a combat gun designed for combat loads, and not a range gun for eating everything you feed it (like the glocks of the past) then it’s a fine gun (and my duty weapon).
The Gen4 G19/G17 with an 03/02 spring respectively is NOT for everyone, and I would honestly caution those who don’t reload or can’t afford +P ammo for practice against getting this gun. with the 04/012 spring, problem solved.
FYI, the Gen 4 .40S&W guns are like butter (from what I hear, I’m not a .40 guy)
The recoil springs on the 3rd gen 9’s didn’t need improvement and the other changes are still lagging behind the competition. IMO too little too late.
I would say that the .40 caliber guns are BETTER than the older variants.
9mm is still a work in progress.
When I first held a Gen 4 I knew I would be buying another Glock. I have a Gen 4 G17 and recently purchased a Gen 4 G19. They have both been flawless and I would put either up against any previous Generation that I have owned… So based upon my experience with Gen 2 and Gen 3 Glocks, my Gen 4 Glocks are just as good, if not better…
Yes. Glock has been working on the spring issue so I wouldn’t lose sleep over it.
There were problems with the Gen3 Glocks…related to using the same recoil springs in the 22/23 as was used in the 17/19. There were problems with the EARLY Gen4 Glock 17/19 because they used the same recoil springs as they used in the Gen4 22/23.
They’ve finally realized that they are a big company and can deal with one or two extra recoil springs in the supply chain.
The dual recoil spring IS an improvement, provided you use the appropriate spring rates and don’t try and fit something best suited for a .40S&W into a 9mm. Recoil springs needed to be replaced every 3-5k in the Gen3 guns…it is certainly an improvement to extend that. A better maintenance schedule is the main improvement of a dual recoil spring, softer shooting is just something that goes along with it.
I bought a Gen4 G17 with the counter bored slide and appropriate recoil spring, and feed it utter trash ammo. No problems as of yet…the whole “it’s built for duty ammo” thing was smoke and mirrors from Glock to avoid admitting to a mistake. The fact that you could feed it ANYTHING and watch it continue to run like a champion is a huge part of why Glock is respected as a combat gun. Whether or not they admit to that mistake is irrelevant, they’ve fixed it…and it’s better than it was in my opinion.
“I would say that the .40 caliber guns are BETTER than the older variants. 9mm is still a work in progress.”
THIS.
ldunnmobile–There are folks who actually use their pistols in the real world and need them to work every single time; the early gen 4’s did not consistently accomplish this critical requirement. It took Glock almost a year to admit this and finally begin to take care of the problems. Things are definitely improving, but public safety end-users ultimately should NOT be placed into the position of unknowingly Beta field testing critical life-support equipment.
Last month, after hearing there might be problems with Gen 4 Glocks, I went looking for a Gen 3 G19 and none was to be found locally so a purchased a Gen 4 G19. This brings my Glock family to five in number. I called Glock mentioning that I had heard of the reported cycling problems with the Gen 4 and without question or hesitation they sent me an 04 spring. I find that the grip feels better than my Gen 2 G19 and Gen 3 G23. All of them have been 100% reliable including the Gen 4. What’s not to like.
…
In what respects?
You are absolutely right. It would indeed be foolish for anybody to put their lives in the hands of a unproven design. I hope no one was forced to carry one of the early issue Gen4s with faulty springs on
duty.
Longterm, I do believe the Gen4 IS an improvement. Not perfect, but an improvement. I am not a professional, but that doesn’t mean I lack common sense - Glock is a business (they are ABSOLUTELY in it for the money), and any business in today’s market that isn’t constantly improving their product is going to fall behind. If the worst problem I have on a new design is replacing a spring (for free)… I’ll take that all day long. There isn’t a handgun on the market that doesn’t have something we could complain about.
Bottom line FOR ME is simple… I like my Gen4 better than anything, and I have shot about everything.
I also want to say something especially since I dont post much. I love M4carbine!!! I have learned so much from the intelligent and experienced people here. Thank you all.
!!!
I’ve seen quite a few LEO’s post their agencies tested them, including 9mm’s, liked them, issued them, and they’re running well. Of course you’ve read about the ATF tests and Gen 4 selection. Phase III test - 20K rounds/gun! Those were pretty early.
Our four Gen 4 9mm’s were all early editions of each model and have been perfect for quite a few thousand rounds (11.5K). People worry about eternal perfection too much. No M4 is guaranteed to keep running next time out. No CQB is guaranteed similiarly. Or Gen 3 or M&P or any other machine.
Plenty of Gen 3’s still available though!
I’m getting a little tired of the Gen4 slamming.
This ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Ergos.
JHC, my statement about being forced to carry a Gen4 was based on the very broad assumption(I didn’t know any actual statistics regarding early Gen4 use with LEO) that it was one that actually had issues, and not one like my G19 that has been perfect. I sure don’t want a Gen3 if there is a Gen4 to be had!!! I am NOT trying to be antagonistic, but did you read all my posts on this topic? I am absolutely in favor of the Gen4!!!