After reading for over a year about the G17/G19 reliability I have almost decided to sell my G21s and switch to the G17. Here is where I need some help. Has the Gen 4 been out long enough to get a comparison of the Gen 3? If so are they just as good? If not do they still make the Gen3? Also my big concern is I have a Safariland 6005 for the 21 that has never been used is there a market for this? I can’t stand to loose $175.00 on a new holster. Thanks!
There has been reliability issues with the Gen 4 G17s and their recoil springs. Most people who own a Gen 4 do state that they shoot better than their Gen 3s. Glock stated that they will not stop making Gen 3s. You can get a Gen 3 whenever you want for now.
Get the gen 3 9mm. The Gen4 really has no practical advantage in 9mm.
The Gen4 17’s that have had problems seem to have experienced them with weak FMJ target ammo…not NATO spec or +P ammo. Given that they initially used a spring identical to the .40 caliber guns, that shouldn’t come as a shock. Glock recently released a new less powerful recoil spring for the G17 that could solve those issues. Experts like Larry Vickers have said simply locking the slide back and leaving it that way for a while breaks in the spring enough to run reliably with ball ammo.
If I had to go out today and buy a 9mm Glock that I would have to use in a gunfight tomorrow, I would buy the 3rd Gen G17. If the gun store only had the 4th Gen…I’d still buy it and use it.
If reliability with the widest possible range of ammo is your priority, go with the Gen 3. If you’re not too worried about the occasional bobble with weak FMJ ammo and the other Gen 4 features appeal to you, go for it.
In my opinion, the slimmer frame and nicer texture are worth the ‘reliability’ issues of the Gen 4. I expect failures with range ammo. It just happens. Most of it is garbage, and with a new firearm it would not be unreasonable to have some stovepipes.
I agree with JW, either will most likely serve well. The choice is yours.
For most maybe, but the fact that the mag release can be reversed is a BIG plus for me. I am right handed, but really need the mag release on the right side. Other than that its a coin flip.
In my (not worth much compared to the experts) I believe that the Gen4 is superior to the Gen3. For ergonomics, accuracy, and faster shots on target.
Sold my Gen3 G17 and G19 to fund a G19 Gen4, and to add funds to my next KAC.
If you are happy with the feel and reliability of your G21s, not sure I would dump them.
I think it’s more of if the OP can afford to keep the G21 AND buy a new G17 then that’s what I recommend.
I haven’t bought a Gen4 yet but I’m not afraid to buy one and run it. We don’t (or at least I hope we don’t) carry cheap target FMJ ammo for defensive purposes so running weak ammo shouldn’t be a problem outside of practicing. On top of that I watch guys like GotM4 and LB run the shit out of their Gen4 G17s so I know they work.
However, if I was tight on money or just didn’t want a bunch of guns laying around I’d buy a Gen3 G17 RTF with regular slide serrations. This configuration is the cat’s ass. Add a nice set of sights like Warrens, Heinies or Ameriglos and a Vickers Mag Release and call it a day.
Agree with everything you said. I was responding to the OP, where he said he was almost convinced to sell the G21s. The 21 is actually my favorite GLOCK to shoot, but admittedly not my favorite for ccw. I certainly would not hesitate to purchase any GLOCK over worries of reliability. (Currently own 4 myself). Having said that, it does seem that when GLOCKS do have problems, they tend to be early on in their product runs.
As for my personal preference, I like the non-RTF Gen 3s the best, maybe add night sights, thats about it.
I want the Gen4 G21 to be released before I get a .45 Glock.
It is definetly a matter of not being able to afford keeping the 21 and purchasing the 17 or I would. It is also a matter of economics with training and range time. Even though .45 acp is more available than 1 year ago it is still hard to come by and much more expensive to run. I have found myself limiting the amout of live fire at the range and thought about skipping the IDPA qualifier at the club because of the cost of the ammo. Less money for ammo means more range time and a Tiger Swan class (hopefully). Also while the only problem I have had with the 21 was the mag release (21SF ambi) which Glock replaced when the experts here and other places make comments like if you run .45 you need to run M&P or H&K these people have been there and done that and I value their remarks very highly. Finally you have DocGKR saying “Basically all the standard service calibers work when using good quality ammunition; the platform picked tends to dictate the caliber. Currently the best duty pistols going right out of the box are probably the 9 mm Gen 3 Glocks, S&W M&P 40/45’s, as well as the HK P30 and HK45.” I tend to listen to those who know. Thank you everyone for your help. I will keep you posted.
Well, that’s your opinion.
Op, the only issues Gen4s have had is with the recoil assemblys, which they say has been fixed. Either way Glock will fix it if you do get a dud, but I doubt you’ll have any issues. Going to pick up a Gen4 19 tonight.