Gen4 👌🏼. Improved on Gen3 and not much gained on the Gen 5 for me. I also use the finger grooves to index my grip more consistently. I also use my other three fingers to ‘wrench’ down slightly on them and mitigate a bit of recoil…maybe just me. 🤗
I first shot a Gen 3 Glock (a G19) back in 2003, and to this day, I’ve never bought anything but Gen 3s (except my Gen 2 G17, which is a collector piece) - I now have three of them. For me, I just felt like the Gen 3 was good enough then, and I just preferred their simplicity compared to the Gen 4s and now the Gen 5s. And 20 years later, my attitude hasn’t changed. I think they’re the only immortal generation of Glock, and the fact that they’ve remained in production since the Clinton White House says a lot about their longevity.
Got my Glock 19 the first day they became available , it has a 3 digit serial number. Still carrying it all these decades later , such a great firearm no need to change
They remain in production because of CA laws. In CA the Glock Gen 3 is the only one certified by CA for Glock to sell there. CA makes up like 70-80% of all gun sales in US. This is the only reason why they make them.
@@frankcastle4213 Actually, that's not the only reason (and CA is not 70% of gun sales in the U.S.; they're not even 70% of the handgun market), though it certainly is one reason. Another reason that Gen 3s are still produced is that Glock has quite a few military and law enforcement contracts that were specifically written for the Gen 3 and have yet to be updated - USASOC, for example, adopted the Gen 3 G19 in the mid-2000s and still uses them. However, I have talked to Glock reps at trade shows, and I've been told that a big reason the Gen 3s are still produced is simply that they are still strong sellers on the civilian market, even compared to the Gen 4s (which Glock now produces mostly for LEOs only). Wasn't told anything about it being the market in a specific state.
I’ve carried Glock both professionally and personally since 1990. My favorite EDC is the G23 Gen 4. I’ve tried carrying my G19 Gen 5 but old habits die hard and I just feel more comfortable with the .40 S&W…
The 40 guns benefitted most from moving to the gen 4 platform I believe. The 9mms were already indestructible by their introduction, but cramming the extra power in the same frame for the 40 guns left some improvements to be desired. The gen 4s and 5s are great in 40 guns. I still have a Glock 23 gen 2 made in 1990 going strong to this day. I love that gun
In 9mm Glocks I think you need the extra frame pin, for shooting +p and +p+ rounds. Also Gen 3 has the smaller recoil spring hole in the frame. Two known weak spots in Gen 4 & 5 models. That being said I don’t fall for the sales pitch that you get an extra magazine with the Gen 4-5 models. I only buy Gen 3 model 9mm Glocks..
On the Gen 5 the hole for the spring is also big but the matrial is thicker than on the Gen 4. Also I dont think that you cant shoot +p and +p+ 9mm out of Gen 5s. The 40 S&W gen 5 also only has 2 pins.
@@Conklikov 2 pins is extra. The new Gen 5 in 9mm only has 1. But bigger calibers than 9mm have 2pins. Like the G23 in 40. But a heavy diet of +p and you might find out why you need the extra pin. More than a few have found out..
@@RHz97 I have both. I like the Gen 4 because of the finger grooves and where I’m located they’re hard to come by. So once I saw it, I got it. You can’t go wrong with either. I also have a Gen 5 MOS.
My gen 4 22 is my bedside choice. I just recently got the gen3 23 because i like 40 and didnt want to always carry around a full size gun. Rotate between my gen3 and my gen5 19 for carry. I prefer the finger grooves on the gen 3 over the gen4 but i dont care either way im pretty accurate with or without them. I don't have a favorite because my favorite firearm is the AR platform 😂
The main reason they went to the double recoil springs in gen 4. Is to reduce recoil in the Glock 23 and 22. Because the cops couldn't qualify with the gen 3.
no. that's bullshit. shoot a gen 3 next to a gen 4 and you won't tell the difference. gen 5 on the other hand you will, because it has a thicker slide.
Carried a Gen 3 G23C on patrol and SWAT for many years. Went to a Gen 4 23 until retirement. Both are great guns. Tough to tell the difference between the two.
In my opinion Gen 4 is the most underrated generation. Because of generation 4, Glock became more accessible to people with smaller hands, lefties, and frame improvements were made so that a weapon mounted light didn't crack the frame. We wouldn't have gen 5 without gen 4. Also, regarding the trigger difference: Like any generation of glock, the glock gen 4 trigger will be kinda stiff initially. This is normal. 500 rounds and beyond, the trigger smooths out like glass and becomes light and crisp. Just break her in. Gen 4 ftw.
I would consider the G23 gen5 because the G23 gen5 slide is specifically designed for the 40 S&W round. Thicker slide, nicely beveled inward to the frame. That’s the big deal breaker for me to definitely go with the gen5 version. IMO, the G23 gen5 is now the best Glock made. Love their 10mm gen4’s though.
@@michaelhodges8312 this difference is minimal, both are great, gen 5 has a slightly muted thump. No finger grooves and better finish vs lighter gun and finger grooves pick your poison.
@@danielfreeman1204 The finish on american made slide release wore off instantly, while Austrian one still looka brand new. Austrian one was my first gun years ago. Got the american made one when I made my original comment. It's actually wild. Luckily my american one is just a fun gun to mod and frakenstein it
Gen 3 G19 - the most battle tested and proven Glock. IMHO still the best Gen with the best stock trigger. Gen 4 was riddled with reliability problems and no real advancements from the Gen 3. Gen 5 is still largely unproven in real world use but has the most meaningful changes from the Gen 3 (though the trigger doesn't feel as good to me). Thank you Gaston for creating such an awesome firearm and RIP.
As little as the change throughout the whole existence of Glock, you would think that all the parts would work from gen to gen. I own Glock and Sigg but Sigg is the only one that’s actually modular. I can take my FCU and make five different guns basically. Also a slide slides back-and-forth on a solid white piece of stainless steel rather than a couple of metal clips. Anything else just seems Mickey Mouse at this point. I like my g19 but I love my p365 just shayin😅
Fiber optic sites would be cool. Don’t need a fancy box add more mags.The 43x and the 19 is what most people are looking at. I have a Ruger Security 380 light rack that shoots 10 and 15 rounds and pretty cool. That might be something Glock could look at. Great video
Bought a 19 Gen 3 because it's was a 1 of 1 engraved with a traditional Celtic design, not over flashy like a bad tattoo, but modest and beautiful like you'd imagine an ancient sword to look. with that being said I was just completely lucky that it was also the best 9mm in my opinion.
The G17 has a slightly longer recoil spring compared to the other generations. This is because the locking block is slightly more to the rear. The trigger machanism on the gen 5 is also different. Recently I had a gen 5 in my hand the first time. It felt better. But the finger grooves dont bother me so it must be something else. Maybe they changed more than just the removal from the finger grooves.
Gen 3 for me but I also buy my Glocks on the secondary markets with Glock you know you can trust them even if they are used and you can save some money
I like that the gen5 ditched the s-spring. Also the barrel is more accurate (on par with any aftermarket barrel except maybe the best hand-fitted ones).
I have a Gen 3 G19 and I like it a lot. I did swap out the trigger for an Apex trigger and of course the sights. Great pistol. I have smaller hands so my EDC is a 43X. I actually like the trigger in it.
I like the gen 3 19 and the gen4 26 & 19. I have a Gen 5 I guess as I have a Glock 43X. I put a Tanlon grip & a Houge to compensate for the flat grip. I do not like the gen 5 grips.
I did get the gen 5 Glock 19 MOS Glock has now decided to only give you two of the back straps and only one optic plate. They now say you don’t need them all.
Gen 3 was my 12th bday present pistol but sold it for my high school prom attire. I still remember the serial # my gen 4 is good but I still won’t get over my gen 3
I had a shop cut out n stipple my frame on my gen 4 and fed it the shittiest ammo and put more rounds through it than my gen 3 since I’m old enough to carry it. And I feel it’s been more reliable but I was young and probably limp wrist if back then
Gen 5. Better finish,better trigger, front and back serrations, flared magwell, Marksman barrel. MOS. It was enough to get me to purchase one. Glock 21 Gen 5.
My Gen 4s are just fine. Bought a Gen5 26 while back. The right slide catch was catching my holsters. Disappointed in it. Sold that puppy. I'll stick with my Gen 4s and my Gen 3 slide on Kiger 9C lower is a great gun too.
Gen 5 have the absolute best feeling grip, the 19x and 45 are probably the best feeling guns ive ever owned. They just feel good in the hand and have the perfect balance.
Recently I had a gen 5 in my hand the first time. It felt better. But the finger grooves dont bother me so it must be something else. Maybe they changed more than just the removal from the finger grooves.
@@Gieszkanne put a gen 3 next to a gen 4 and you'll see the angle of the 4 is not as aggressive. It's more upright, not much but feels pretty damn sweet. Easier to get on target.
My understanding is that the additional locking block pin was added to increase rigidity to accommodate the .40 S&W cartridge. Unnecessary for 9mm. Am I wrong ?
I have all gen’s except gen1 unfortunately. I have a gen 2 G-23 and my favorite thing about it is how aggressive the slide serrations are compared to newer models. I wish the newer models would go back to this. In my opinion it seemed they were more battle made then on newer models. The trigger on the Gen 5 way better not as spongy. But I do appreciate the modern features of the new gen’s.
I have to wonder why Glock hasn't released a G5 31, 32, or 33. Now that they are "free" to actually innovate, I would love to see Glock do what S&W has done for years. The reason our department went to the M&P compact, was you get the 19/23/32 size but you can put in a full-size mag by adding a simple sleeve over the mag which marries perfectly with the grip to "convert" it into that G45, so to speak. Glock doesn't even have such a sleeve; how hard is it for such a simple item? C'mon guys. They also need to have an MOS version of .357sig, which is the only caliber they skipped, can't even get one in a G4. I really hope to see some more actual "innovation" by Glock and soon. There has got to be ideas they've been hanging onto for that inevitable day that has now passed.
Being here in California gen 3 is my favorite Brit’s all we’re allowed to buy here. Wish I could get a gen 4 or 5, but impossible unless I do a PPT from a cop and only people who ever get to do that are the workers at gun shops because they’re there when the cop comes and and they don’t tell anyone so they can take it for themselves.
I go back-and-forth between my glocken 19 and my PSA dagger collection. And my twenty two and twenty three glock Anyway, I'm trying to multi-task here and gotta get ready to leave for work. And don't wanna Miss A sale on a brand new $39 threaded Glock. Seventeengen 5 barrel 4 a longer barrel for my 19 and my Fleet of PSA daggers that I had to quit buying. I was both Guns because they're all interactive and the serrated. Slide with the lightning cut and the optic cuts. The threaded barrel and the recoil Spring. All included for under 200 dollars, usually around 179 for a lightning cut. RMR cut. Optic slide and frames from 49 to 99 that are complete bottoms with trigger systems. Ready to roll from 49 to 99 dependent on if you want. Default colors or actual colors of the rainbow.
I have yet to tell what Gen my Glock 19 is, has stippled grip, basically covers the whole handle, has no finger groves, but it does have a thumb rest. Has 15 round mags. I am just getting into the world of guns and Glock. Got the gun as partial payment off of someone I did some work for. Can someone give me any hints or indicators on how to identify my Glock’s generation?
At least they let you guys have the best gen. You aren’t missing much with the 4s and 5s. Basically just the mos versions, which is the only practical downside.
I told myself I would only buy HK and Walther.....Well I love my gen 5 glock 20 but my 33 is a gen 4 and the 43x is kinda both. I guess I actually enjoy reliable firearms
since the gen 2 or 3, I thought the parts ship from Austria & send to and assembled in the USA? I have a Glock 17 gen 4 & it's the best hand gun I have owned, I changed to a factory rear Adjustable site ( which should be stock on all Glocks since Gen 4's) & it's very accurate, can shoot the ears on the targets, lol
@@dchavez1528 not really no. i have a SAR K2 .45 (CZ97 clone) with a rail and a light for a bedside gun, but the rest of my handguns i prefer clean lines.
From everyone I talk too the Gen 3 is beating the Gen 4 and Gen 5. I have a Gen 3 G22 RTF2 I was looking at getting a new Gen 5 but seems likes then Gen 3 is the most popular still so I guess a new Gen 3 lol
I don't have a favorite. In a few days I will have the 17 generation three. I have the 19 Gen 3 and I am not liking it due to it making blisters on my middle finger. I like the FMK much more. But I will try the 17 Gen 3
I’m still trying to get ahold of a Glock 7. It’s porcelain gun made in Germany, doesn’t show up on your airport X-ray machines, and it costs more than you make in a month.
