Glock...4th gen worth it?

[Number 6]

So I've finally decided to join the Glock brigade and have determined the 19 fits my needs the best.

I had essentially decided to go with the best gen 3 as I could find (it would be good to have the accessory rail). But I've actually seen some Gen 4s for sale within MA from private sellers. Obviously they're more $...but I'm a 'Buy it once type guy.'

So my question, Is the Gen 4 worth it? As far as I can tell the benefits are the backstraps you can add and the new dual recoil spring configuration.

My hand fits around the Gen 3 fairly well, but does the new recoil spring make that much of a difference? Having not tried a Gen 4 I'm not sure if the grip size would fit me substantially better.

Looking around on the Glock forums, some have likened the Gen 4 to a redesigned car in its first model year...better to give it time to let the bugs worked out.

What are your thoughts?

 

[appraiser]

If the Gen 1,2,or 3 fit your hand, then the backstrap option isn't something you really need to pay a premium for

As for the recoil spring, there have been aftermarket ones out there forever, I have one in my 2nd generation G22, and a stock one in the rest of my large frame Glocks, and it has never been an issue. If Glock recoil springs have a problem it's news to me.
I know the small frame Glocks use a double spring but that is a function of barrel length. Don't "limp wrist" a semi auto and there shouldn't be a problem.

Right now in NH at MFL, any large frame Glock is 499 dollars. NEW

They said my first gen G22 was worth 400 if I consigned it.

Don't pay stupid money for a Glock in MA because they are hard to get. In reality they are not that hard to get.


Nice guns, but not worth stupid money, certainly not more than $500 used.

There are enough polymer pistols on the AG's and EOPS list that you can find a nice one for reasonable money. Have you considered a M&P with a trigger job from Greg Derr?

Unless you have a strong desire to have pre ban high caps that is the only good reason to pay top dollar plus for a Glock.

 

[LTCRN]

If the Gen 1,2,or 3 fit your hand, then the backstrap option isn't something you really need to pay a premium for
Don't pay stupid money for a Glock in MA because they are hard to get. In reality they are not that hard to get.
Nice guns, but not worth stupid money, certainly not more than $500 used.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[GunGrey]

Its only as much as you're willing to pay for it

 

[Jose]

The G17 Gen 4 has had issues with failures to eject due to the original dual spring design. Some guns also had issues with the recoil spring getting stuck in the guide rod hole of the slide.

The 0 2 spring fixed the FTEs. The original dual spring is a common part with the G22 Gen 4 and simply too strong for 9 mm guns. The 0 2 spring has a lower rate and makes the gun function reliably over the entire range of 9 mm ammo from cheap WWB to +P+.

The 0 2 spring, however, did not fix the spring stuck in slide issue so Glock did two things. Added a counterbore to the inside of the guide rod hole on the slide starting with serial prefix PUN and created a new recoil spring assembly marked 0 2 1 for the guns made prior to serial prefix PUN. The 0 2 1 spring has a new front end design that prevents spring bind in the original non-counterbored guide rod hole.

Sooooo, to recap:
G17 Gen 4 Variant 1: Serial prefix prior to PUN. Non counterbored guide rod hole. Needs to have the 0 2 1 spring. If the one you buy has the unmarked spring, call Glock tech support and request the 0 2 1 RSA p/n SP 08692

G17 Gen 4 Variant 2: Serial prefix PUN and after. Conterbored guide rod hole ,counterbore is inside the slide, the large coil of the recoil spring fits in the counterbore. Should have spring marked 0 2. 0 2 spring p/n is SP 08284.

 

[Number 6]

So does the dual spring make it easier to shoot? Less, or reduced recoil?

I'm guessing there's some benefit, but is it worth the price.

I've looked at the M&P a few times and am just not that crazy over the 'revolver-like' curved trigger. And it just doesn't give me a great sense of confidence how that two piece trigger is pinned together in the middle. I'm sure they've test fired it 500,000 times without a failure - but would it have blown their margins to make that 2 piece hinged trigger out of aluminum or some other light weight material?

 

[Jose]

So does the dual spring make it easier to shoot? Less, or reduced recoil?

Yes

I'm guessing there's some benefit, but is it worth the price.

I couldn't tell you about the price. New Gen4 Glocks are $550 to $580 here.

I've looked at the M&P a few times and am just not that crazy over the 'revolver-like' curved trigger. And it just doesn't give me a great sense of confidence how that two piece trigger is pinned together in the middle. I'm sure they've test fired it 500,000 times without a failure - but would it have blown their margins to make that 2 piece hinged trigger out of aluminum or some other light weight material?

The M&P is a tried and proven duty-grade handgun. The Cincinnati Police was one of the very first adopters and the officers I know there tell me it is a hell of a reliably pistol and they are extremely happy with it. Your concern is unfounded.