I put a new Gen 4 on layaway, but after reading on here, I’m not so sure anymore. Having said that, it seems new gen 3 models are also experiencing problems. So on the one hand, the gen 4 fits better. I can manipulate the controls with much less movement of the pistol than with the gen 3. The texturing on the gen 4 is nice as well.
Even so, reliability is more important. So I guess it comes down to: Is one less likely to have problems than the other(assuming both are new)? Is one easier to fix if it does have problems?(atermarket drop in vs. sending to Glock) Purpose of the pistol will be competition(USPSA mostly), likely concealed carry, and HD. Probably in that order, at least for now.
There is a lot of information on this forum re the gen 4 problems,as well as the late production gen 3 extractor problems.
Littlelebowski’s posts on this are very informative and he even has a blog about his experiences with the Gen 4.
I have no personal experience with the Gen 4,as I don’t like anything about them even if they had no problems,but that’s just personal preference.
As a sample of one,my late production( March 2011) Gen 3 with the infamous dipped extractor has just recently surpassed the 2300 round mark with absolutely no issues. No stovepipes,no erratic ejection EXCEPT a few brass on the cap brim with assorted 115 grain fmj’s. I have 50 rounds of 127gr.+P+ thru it, 200 rounds each of 147 gr. Ranger and 147 gr. HST. The rest have been Federal 147 gr. AE fmj,and 400 115 gr.fmj.
This is not to say others should not be having issues with these Gen 3’s. As I’ve said before ,maybe I just got lucky. It could go belly up tomorrow,but so far it’s proven trustworthy.
If given a choice of only a late production Gen 3 or a gen 4, I would most certainly take the Gen.3. If problems occur eventually I’ll fix it with an extractor change and possibly an HRED if needed,but until it pukes I’m not touching anything.
I’ll defer to other’s experiences with the Gen 4. I think Glock is “quietly” trying to work out the problems without having to admit that there have actually been problems.That seems to be the companies stance on any issues that manifest themselves with their guns.
In my opinion you have invested wisely. Glock pistols are quality firearms. Sure every so often one may have a hiccup but overall they are exactly what you should expect in a firearm. I would say Gen 3 is a better bet than Gen 4 ONLY because i haven’t tried a Gen 4 Glock. I will be buying a Gen 4 glock in the future. If there is a problem with a glock pistol, they are incredibly easy to work on your self. A simple Youtube video will show you everything you need to know. And as a final note, these forums and many like it are great sources of information but they are not without flaws. Sometimes you are only getting part of a story and it seems that a certain pistol is now trash. The curcumstances leading up to that weapon malfunctioning are often unclear. So in closing I’m sure you will have a fine weapon when you get it and there is no need for needless worry. Shoot the pistol with quality ammo and mags and post back with your results.
At this point, I would go gen4 and make sure it has the new ejector that seems to be fixing everyone up over at GT. They have a picture of it over there you can compare to…
I would recommend against that. I have 2 perfectly fine Gen 4’s but I am starting to believe I was just fortunate. I have seen too many failure prone Gen 4’s to currently recommend them.
As for the new ejector you mentioned from GT, GOOD LUCK GETTING ONE. As far as I can tell, they are still not being put into the new guns, Glock is not doing widespread distribution to third party suppliers and armorers, and the only way to get one is to send the pistol back to glock and then lose it for a week and a half to two weeks. Inexcusable.
As far as I’m concerned, the QC process for the Gen 4’s is broken, end of story. Spare yourself all the grief and get a gen 3. I’ve shot my Gen 4’s and Gen 3 side by side extensively, and now that the Gen 4 magic has worn off after a few thousand rounds, I remain convinced that there is absolutely nothing better about the Gen 4 as opposed to the Gen 3. So much so that my previous Gen 4 carry gun has been replaced by my Gen 3. The Gen 4’s have been demoted to home defense and dryfire training.
Yes, this. I’ve seen more threads than I can count over at GT where people are saying the new ejector has solved their erratic ejection issues. Being a person who owns a Gen3 G19 I am wondering if this newer style ejector will ever be made in a Gen3 compatible part. If I were deciding today between a Gen3 or Gen4 today, I’d go Gen4 because at least there is an option to upgrade the ejector.
Don’t get me wrong, I still have plenty bad to say about Glock and how they have handled/changed with the Gen4. Want to see how I really feel - check out post # 21 :
I’m the odd man out but I say gen 4. Granted I’m a one case example, but I have had zero problems with my gen 4 19 and I have the recoil spring in it that is supposedly the issue with them. I keep thinking about contacting glock to get the better recoil springs but havent yet due to it being a non issue.
Did those things, though not in that order. Well, swapped the layaway anyhow. Even saved about $100 doing it. Should be able to have it in hand fairly soon, though. Looking forward to finally owning a pistol I wanted since I shot one in 2008 but never seemed to buy, even when I could have.
I won a Glock pistol certificate from a GSSF match, and had a wide choice of Glocks to choose from. I already have a Gen 3 G17, Gen 3 G19, Gen 3 G21, and Gen 3 G34. While briefly tempted by a Gen4 G17, G19, or G31 and a Gen 3 G32, I ultimately decided to get a second Gen 3 G19.
Immediately upon arrival, the new MIM extractor was replaced with an earlier new OEM(presumably tool steel or cast Gen 3 LCI) extractor, a smooth trigger Gen 3.5 triggerbar (subsequently replaced with a Gen 3 smooth triggerbar for a slightly lighter triggerpull weight), a Glock extended slide stop/release, steel Glock sights, a NY1 spring, and a Glock 4.5 lb “minus” connector.
Operation and performance have been excellent to date, with a normal expended cartridge case ejection.
