So after reading all the recent threads on reliability issues on current production G19’s…which would be more reliable? Gen 3 or 4?
I could care less about the upgraded gen4 features…although nice touches my main concern is reliability. i have access to both gen. guns but I am more confused than before I started reading on recent Glock reliability issues.
I am sure this has been beaten to death but I don’t feel like tweaking a Glock to make it run. Thanks
The link below will have everything you want to know!
Save yourself the read & get a 3rd Gen
I have a GEN 4 19, had some feed problems at first, swapped the recoil spring and still had problems. After about 200 rounds everything seems to have evened out and it has been running the way that it should for almost a year now.
Over on GT there have been lots of reports of the GEN 3s having the same problems due to a batch of out of spe extractors.
I’d go with a recent manufacture gen4, as in, post-November 2011. They seem to have those issues sorted out, and are now “in limbo” regarding what ejector/extractor combo they are installing in the gen3 guns.
FWIW. I’ve owned 4 gen3 and 3 gen4 9mm guns since 2010, and haven’t had any trouble. I know issues exist, but I sure don’t have any first-hand knowledge.
Your right this topic has been beaten to death. It also keeps being brought to life and beaten again. It’s a vicious cycle that needs to be buried already.
I hate to be one of those people that just say “search the forums” but come on man this subject is like the daily question. I mean just look at the first page or so of this handgun section. In your first paragraph I think you already know what the answer is going to be. If you searched this forum and did some research you would have more then enough to write a thesis on this subject as well as some counter arguments.
When you say Gen3 glock I’m assuming you mean brand new.
I’m a sample size of one but post updates pretty often on my experiences with both a Gen4 G19 purchased in July, and Gen3 G19
purchased in September.
I’m a glock user (own 8 of them) and I would tell you if you need a new trouble free gun right now to lean towards an HK or S&W M+P.If the HK is out of your price range go with the M+P.
I’ve had more trouble with my new Gen3 G19 than my Gen4 G19. In
fact (and I’m in a real small minority here) my Gen4 is at 4,600 rounds with no malfunctions, just the occasional brass ejected rearward. I shoot alot of rounds per week , I installed a .40cal extractor trying to fix my new Gen3’s problems and honestly do not consider it the hoped for fix based on my last range session (haven’t posted it yet).
I’m gonna go against the grain and say if you must go with a glock hunt down a used Gen3 from 2009 or earlier or get a really new(2012 with all the updates) Gen4 glock and take your chances.
Otherwise go M+P with a trigger upgrade.
As Kevin P has said there are 2 threads in here with gobs of info on the current status of glocks, read them.
My .02.
I own eleven Glocks Gen 1, 2, 2.5, & 3
Three are G19’s…I’d hold off on the gen4 until its reliability issues are rectified.
I have a g4 g19.
Never had an issue.
I have a Gen 4 19, December 2011 build, and its a replacement for the Gen 4 19 I sent back to Glock 3 times in 4 months late last year. The December 2011 G4 19 still has ALL of the problems that many other people have. The “problem” is not “worked out” as far as I am concerned. I have been a Glock person for over 20 years and this issue is destroying the reputation.
Buy a pre 2010 G3 19 if you like. If not, be prepared to possibly call Glock ( here’s the number …770-432-1202), wait on hold, beg for a shipping label, and not have your gun for weeks at a time. Or you might get lucky. Good luck!
It is our experience that prior to mid-2010, the 3rd gen G19’s generally ran very well and almost all 9 mm Glocks were good to go right out of the box; since mid-2010, both gen 3 and gen 4 9 mm Glocks became problematic and inconsistent in their reliability–some work, some don’t. Personally, I’d look for a used gen 3 G19 produced prior to mid-2010. If you get a new, current production 3rd or 4th gen 9 mm Glock, I would NOT trust it for serious work until at least 3000 rounds had been fired without any malfunctions.
Thanks for the info guys. The hunt for a used Glock begins.
That’s good advice.
Mine has run for 8K since the new ejector and extractor were installed with no malfs. It’s just now starting to throw the odd casing square between my eyes after about ~12K total.
[QUOTE=mizer67;1226704]That’s good advice.
As usual…
Since when do the new Gen3s have problems?
What have they done to them? How do you as the consumer fix it?
Ive pretty much decided against an M&P as my first handgun because of their issues.
My question is how do you know when a Gen 3 Glock was made?
Is there a serial number database somewhere that can tell you when it was manufactured?
My local shop has a used G17, but I have no idea when it was made
You can use the dated ID case envelope or jump on GT and there’s a thread there which will get you pretty close.
I am a big time glock guy but as docgkr stated looked for a used one. I have a 08 gen three 19 and it’s flawless. I have to tell you that I bought a S&W SD9 just to shoot, short money and came with vault and light brand new. It’s same size as the 19 and I have to say the grip is wonderfull and fits my hand much better than my Glocks do. The trigger is about 7 lbs now and I have 800 rounds through this gun and it’s been flawless. Shoots right on target and very accurate. I have really taken to this gun and trust me, I am Glock all the way. Some may tell you it’s just a revamped Sigma, but it’s not really. Steel night sight in front, much better extractor and fits me so well I don’t want to stop shooting it. They run about $400.00 bucks out the door.
I have a January 2010 G19 RTF2 that has been your typical, old school, runs like a champ, Glock.
Last week I just picked up a Glock 19 with a test fire date of 11/11/11 and plan on shooting it some this week. Once I get at least 1000 rounds through it I will post a report on the Gen 3/4 problems thread.
My brother's wife bought an SD9 before I converted her to a second gen.19. I can say that you're correct that it is a very good feeling pistol in the hand. She shot it a lot and I've shot it some and it has been reliable over the couple of years she's had it.The only real problem I found was that you need the assistance of a block and tackle to pull the trigger.:D
I can fix that if it were mine,and may do so anyway. She keeps it just as a spare now,but I may try to get it from her just to have something else to tinker with. I get bored being retired.
I like the feel of the grips of the G4 but with some of the issues you might want to either go with a g3 right now or wait a spell and get the g4.