Glock Gen 3 versus Gen 4

[loanman]

Looking at purchasing a used Glock 17 or 19 and I am aware Gen 4 models are not California approved but can find them used. My question is what are the differences between the 2 gens that would justify paying almost twice as much for a Gen 4

Can someone help explain the differences between Gen 3 and 4?

thank you in advance

[AmpedUp]

That would justify the expense? Nothing would. You can change the back straps... but if a Gen 3 fits you just fine, it's a waste. Like the idea of a beaver tail back strap? You can add one with a grip force adaptor to a Gen 3. You can swap the mag release to the left hand configuration on a Gen 4... if you are a righty who cares. The mag release is bigger on a Gen 4 and it has a dual recoil spring. I own both since I moved to UT, I like my Gen 3's just fine. Only have a Gen 4 for ease of putting a red dot on it.

[808@515]

Also the Gen 4 has a slightly smaller grip than Gen 3 when the backstraps are removed.

[JDW67]

I have small girly hands, so the Gen 4 G19 fits me a little better. I got mine during SSE, so the increase in price was not that dramatic. I think it was around $25 more than a Gen 3.

[SkyHawk]

Gen 4 has dual recoil spring system, and a short frame that many people with small - medium hands find better suited to them. For a lot of people, the size difference is all the difference in the world: it's the difference between liking Glocks or not liking Glocks. Also has backstraps to make the grip the same size as Gen 3 or even larger for people with very large hands, and beavertail backstraps.

Gen 4 has a grip texture that is more aggressive than Gen 3.

And let's face facts: if the Gen 4 was not more desirable than gen 3, there would be no price difference in CA. Justified or not, you will get more from it if you ever decide to sell it.

[Carcassonne]

Looking at purchasing a used Glock 17 or 19 and I am aware Gen 4 models are not California approved but can find them used. My question is what are the differences between the 2 gens that would justify paying almost twice as much for a Gen 4

Can someone help explain the differences between Gen 3 and 4?

thank you in advance

Gen 4 has inserts to make the grip bigger, it has the ability to change the magazine release to the right side for left handed shooters, and has a double recoil spring. The texture on the grip is also different as someone above mentioned.

My opinion is that the Gen 4 is worth a little more money if you lived in a free State and could get it at MSRP. It is not worth the California price. I personally don't think the dual springs and ambidextrous mag release are worth the extra cost. The grip insert are worth a little more because I have big hands.


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[ap3572001]

I carry Glocks 9mm for 23 years. In 9mm , I don't care if it gen 3 or gen 4. Now I carry gen3 and gen4. On and off duty.

[NorCalGlock9]

I've had both, they're the same to me. Don't waste the money on the gen 4

[Erion929]

For me, it was either $900 for a G34 Gen4 or $600 for a Gen3.

Shot both.....got the Gen3 and saved $300. Works/shoots great for me!

[Essj000]

Looking at purchasing a used Glock 17 or 19 and I am aware Gen 4 models are not California approved but can find them used. My question is what are the differences between the 2 gens that would justify paying almost twice as much for a Gen 4

Can someone help explain the differences between Gen 3 and 4?

thank you in advance

I traded the gen 3 and kept the gen 4. The backstrap helps if u have big hands. having shot both, the gen 4 has A softer recoil due to the dual spring, I say go for the gen 4 cuz u only have to purchase the gun once but have to purchase ammo many many times anyway

[loanman]

great information guys, thank you

[kozumasbullitt]

Looking at purchasing a used Glock 17 or 19 and I am aware Gen 4 models are not California approved but can find them used. My question is what are the differences between the 2 gens that would justify paying almost twice as much for a Gen 4

Can someone help explain the differences between Gen 3 and 4?

thank you in advance

I have both and only bought Gen 4s when SSE allowed me to get them at the same price as Gen 3s. It is insane to spend what Gen 4s are fetching currently because they are only marginally better than Gen 3s. For $1000, there are many much better pistols out there.

[kozumasbullitt]

I traded the gen 3 and kept the gen 4. The backstrap helps if u have big hands. having shot both, the gen 4 has A softer recoil due to the dual spring, I say go for the gen 4 cuz u only have to purchase the gun once but have to purchase ammo many many times anyway

Man, I have been looking for a fish gill 17....

[IVC]

Per our overlords in CA, Gen 4 is *UNSAFE* - don't use or touch it if you value your life. Gen 3 is the last safe Glock ever produced.

/sarcasm

[kalapa]

I traded the gen 3 and kept the gen 4. The backstrap helps if u have big hands. having shot both, the gen 4 has A softer recoil due to the dual spring, I say go for the gen 4 cuz u only have to purchase the gun once but have to purchase ammo many many times anyway

I would've kept that fish gill gen 3!