Thank you Ben for a very informative article. You really should do some life evaluationsif THIS is what your life has amounted to today, perhaps it is time to change course and begin practicing the things that will produce a better tomorrow. Glock tried to use the same spring in the 9mm and .40. I think I would prefer the G23 over the G19. The gun doesnt feel very secure during this process and forgetting where your pinky is can result in a painful pinch. And no I did not use the laser to qualify. Glock has been around since 1963 and in 1981 Glock handguns as we know them were born. I am looking at a Glock for in car protection and periodic concealed carry. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Ive loved shooting since the first time I pulled a trigger at age 8. You can contact him at gripreductions.com. Its so common it has its own name. You cannot take a Gen 4 upper and place it on a Gen 3 or earlier lower. pressure/Service Pistol performance the Shield 2.0 45 does not. I find thicker glocks print more than the slimline glocks do. One well placed .45 round ought end the problem. The release doesnt stick out further or just bigger around, it extends towards the back so it makes the push a shorter reach for your thumb. It made the pinky pinch and shot-to-shot grip slip disappear. I shoot it frequently and carry it often. Basically no recoil. All in the black 4-5 inch circle. The Gen 4 slide still will not fit the Gen 3 frame. Being a cop never worked out, but through it all Ive always been training people to fight. I think that indentation on the bottom back of the trigger guard doesnt help either. However, the ejector is only available when purchased with the entire trigger housing. If you see some that look a little different its because the guns being made in America and the ones being made in Austria have a finish that looks a little different. 3x 17, 19, 4x 19 gen4, 19 gen5, 20, 21, 22, 26, 30, 36, 40, 42, 43. no end in sight. It is mine also. This is one of the features that moved Glock to the head of the pack. Both barrels measure 4.48 in. Both pistols use 9mm ammo and have the same standard magazine capacity of 15 rounds. The advantages the Gen 4 has over the 3 is the thinner grip to start and then you can add size, bigger and changeable mag release, and more texture on the grip. My middle finger under the guard gets rubbed almost raw if I do any significant amount of shooting with my glocks. I bought my Glock 19 gen 3 last week , I am a gun owner for the first time. The RSA's are different sizes. Ive deleted the disrespectful part of your comment. Surprisingly accurate and manageable my first time at the range. That makes it prone to moving in the hand under recoil and the lack of grippy grip texture on the sides makes it somewhat hard to control. Myself being a first time buyer, which gen 3 would be good to defend your family as well as protect yourself? Everything else remained the same, and in fact remained the same going into the Glock Gen 4 guns. That would be another reason to have the versatility of changing the size of the handgrips. But thats just me. While the first Gen Glocks weren't broken per se, there were improvements to be made. Glock has also started adding a set of beaver tail equipped back straps. I put and extended slide release and extended mag release, lasermax recoil spring laser and some better front & rear sites. If I were to bite the bullet , and buy a Glock for carry purposes; I would probably cold carry it. On the other hand, some people just have to have the latest thing on the market, and that's okay too. The differences are mostly cosmetic; no substantial changes really were made until the most recent of the Glock generations. Stuffed it full of Barnes 230 gr copper hollowpoints. Havent shot the G36 but own a XDS and shot a buds Shield. What you want to do with the gun and what size your hands are are very important to the process. Cool Mike! Velocity is the average of ten shots and accuracy is the average of three, five-shot groups at 15 yards. Oh, by the way, do make sure the weapon is cleared before doing this, you do not want to become a statistic. So again, this is an exclusive but necessary item in the list of Glock 19 Gen 4 upgrades. The pins that hold the ejector, return spring and disconnect got changed a little so that the back straps can be accepted. There are many Glocks of all Generations available, so handle as many as you can to find the right one for you. Install a 3.5 lb. While all the magazines and holsters will fit either gun, some of the internal parts are different so slides, barrels, and trigger parts arent all interchangeable. All Gen4 pistols have improved Trigger Spring hook attachment points on the Trigger Mechanism Housing and the Trigger with Trigger Bar that reduce hook failure (the most common part that breaks in pre-Gen5 pistols). Now have a Shield 2.0 45, like it better. Semper Fi! Have yet to fire stout ammo but gun seems very good for overall weight and size. The one way I know to get rid of it is to alter the frame on your Glocks. Sounds like this Chris guy is a real stud. I also have the pearce +1 mag extensions so I can have a full 5 fingered grip on it. Hot on the heels of the announcement of the new single-stack slimline G43X and G48, both of which are skinny little 9mms, I am going to take the time to do a rewind and look at GLOCKs first attempt at the single-stack slimline game: the .45 ACP GLOCK 36. Also, I have never heard anyone complain about being shot with a tupperware gun.This gun is realible and accurate in close quarters and I have never pulled the trigger with a chambered round and the gun not fire because of mechanical failure.The 36 is my cc gun and I find it perfect for that.Real people and most creatures on this planet do not get up and save the world after being shot with a .45 except in the movies of course. However, changes are easily identified when you know what you're looking for. I can drive nails with it at the range. The limited capacity is another issue with the pistol. The Gen 3 mags will work in a Gen 4 so long as it is set up for the right-hand shooter. I dont have a ton of dollars to buy what I really want so I buy what I need. Even a compact 1911 with equal capacity has flush-fitting magazines. In order to find out when your particular gun was made, you had to do a search on its serial number. A dual recoil spring can slightly change the recoil impulse, but only so much. The Blue label program is a great service from Glock. At its core, the Glock is a Spartan, all business handgun that is a pleasure to carry and shoot. The right choice is in your hands. All Rights Reserved. Im just a civilian so I hope and pray that I will never be in a self defense situation where I need more than 1 mag.Most self defense situations Ive seen or heard about were pretty close quarters, not clear across the room(although I see a lot of that in the movies). I carry my Gen 4 daily. I was a reserve for 10 years with 2 years of active duty and 1 tour in Iraq in 2003. There is absolutely no reliability difference between Glock 19 Gen 3 and Gen 4 handguns. Most lie within the fire control mechanism. S&W did a great job on that platform for the 45. The adapter will only allow you to use Gen 3 recoil spring on a Gen 4 slide. The Gen 4 measures 7.95 in. But what I really want is a 48 style in 45acp. However, the differences might be enough to sway you one way or another. Ive never liked, or gotten used to, a Glock trigger. This gives you the luxury of quickly bringing your Glock Gen 3 or 4 into action. Please keep it civil. In addition to providing three luminescent dots to aid in low light use, the Trijicon sights also provide a needed upgrade over the factory plastic sights: steel . Knowing that many shooters textured the grips on their Glock Gen 3 for a better feel, Glock made it a feature and a noticeable difference between Glock 19 Gen 3 and Gen 4. They weren't referred to as such until the Gen 4; the Glock Gen 3 guns were just called "Glock" pistols. The G26 offered a shorter handle with a two finger grip. difference at? Along with all the standard models such as the Glock 19 Gen 4, the fourth generation of Glock pistols also introduced the Glock 43. Also the god damned magazine pinched my pinky all the time. You wont be sorry if you go with a G36, but you may be slightly disappointed upon seeing what else is out there. 2023 Alien Gear Holsters. Its thinner, lighter and holds 7+1 the 36 cant compete. Never a bad idea to sharpen the skills with good training. It just wasnt new, sexy plastic. As a result, I can bring the gun onto target faster than those with more rounded (I.E., double stack) grips. The texturing is different and gives a little different feel. I love Glocks and still the Glock 36 was one of my least favorite pistols Ive ever shot. If your Gen 4 mag release is still configured for a right-hand shooter, that means the mag release button is on the left side, then either magazine will work. Im new to buying guns but with the times being the way they are, I fear for my family. So that I broke both of them wasnt that big of a surprise to anyone. Much more controllable, easier to shoot, etc. Most people say the Gen 4 feels better in the hand. The heavier spring is designed specifically to not only manage recoil but to minimize abuse to the frame of the gun. in length. The technically superior G19 just cant produce the tactile satisfaction of the G36 delivering a round. But unlike RTF versions with grips that had needle-like checkering, Gen 4 uses flat-cone-like . On paper the pistol sounds more compact than it is in practice. I know, some people absolutely have to save every dollar they can, and that's okay. Im not the strongest person, but not a wimp either, but I can actually squeeze hard enough to make the grip flex on the Gen 4. Quite honestly, I would like to hear about some training opportunities near this area (central VA). I bought my Glock 36 in 2001(DTH 194). I added the mag extension which drastically improved the grip for me. I have a lot of Corps Brothers who would love to have a weekend training session with another Brother. Whether it's a lighter trigger, better sights, or something more radical, you will find many aftermarket upgrades. in length. Not to mention, if the Glock 36 does jam, in the 99.9 percent of them that dont, and you have one of the 00.1 percent that does, it clears a jam faster than any gun that Ive shot. They digest most ammo well, shoot easily enough and more than accurately enough for government work, and so on. Returning to the southpaw shooter, the Gen 4 magazines have notches on both sides, so the mags will slide out. Glock 19 Magazine. Thanks again. Despite a single stack magazines, the flat, wide grip and narrow profile make the gun feel akin to a 24 in the hand and it torques under recoil as a result. Let me follow up on my last post regarding the Glock 36 being small the wife called me up and wanted me to join her and her girl friends out and about. Not good when milliseconds count. I have to agree with you. Its a nice touch since most companies are now including only 1 or 2. In the end, its a personal choice. Glad to see a review of the G36. Would I rather have a 9mm with a zillion round magazine to spray and pray the neighborhood? This system is nothing new to Glock as they have used it in their sub-compact pistols for years. Why the difference in the two models, and where is the .08 in. I took the trigger down to 2.5 lbs. Im a Marine, I can break anything. I spent all of 2008 in Iraq again as a private contractor defending a base. Its just a different way to put the gun together. The gun packs a full 10 rounds in the standard magazine and 12 rounds in an extended magazine. I feel like the top finger groove is too close to the bottom of the trigger guard. Model: GLOCK 30S Caliber: .45 Auto Magazine capacity: 10 (stock), 9 and 13 available Materials: Stainless steel slide and barrel, polymer frame Weight empty: 22.95 ounces Barrel Length: 3.77 Overall length: 6.96 Sights: Plastic, Dot in a U Action: Striker Fired Finish: Black Price: $545-600 ( $550 via Brownells) RATINGS (out of five stars): The XD-S is a much better .45 single-stack, and the G30 is a much, much better Glock subcompact .45 pistol. The high recoil of most of the ammo coupled with the snappy slide movement made rapid shots, even at close range, difficult at best. just to guys with 2 diameter forearms. Nothing is changed internally or really all that substantially; the gun is pretty much the same except for some surface changes. This larger, dual-recoil spring guide rod was employed to accommodate the heavier recoil of the larger rounds available now. I walked in the place with two knives and a .45. G20 Gen 3 SF vs. Gen 4. Find the best clothing and apparel for all seasons. With +P ammo, it gives std. Florida Gov. I get Glock Knuckle from both of them. Glock is still producing its Gen 3 series Glocks which would seem odd to most as it has released two generations since Generation 3. If this is on the up-and-up, any advice prior to buying? Ive had a G36 since 2012. And, honestly, many shooters would never even think about changing them. Overall Length: 7 It didnt work as well as they wanted it to and Glock sent upgrades to fix the problem. I replied, I dont know about you, but Ive never been to a gunfight where I felt like I bought too much ammo. and walked away. The extra magazine is the obvious nice touch by Glock. Start browsing our selection of Glock parts today, and give yourself an edge! When debating the Glock Gen 3 vs Gen 4 this is a valid point to consider even if you're not a lefty. The general idea behind it is still sound, but is at this point the G36 is significantly outclassed by other .45 ACP pistols in the same genre. One of the subtle changes is the magazine release. The gun was a departure from the high-capacities of their prior models and featured a new type of magazine. It is simply one more layer of the Glock 19 Gen 3 vs Gen 4 debate. I carry it daily. The dual recoil spring on the Gen 4 weighs in also. Barrel Length: 3.75 Yes, the Glock 36 is small. Patents Pending. When you see the larger hole obviously there beneath the barrel, this isn't much of a leap. Also have a Shield 45 which is a terrific pistol IMO. Together with the secure-grip design and minimal trigger-to-grip distance this makes handling the pistol very simple. At 5 yards I was able to hit target very well. Next up is the connector. Hook and Loop Holsters Using Velcro Brand Fasteners, Glock 26 vs 43 | Which Baby Glock Is Best? And it is a beauty to shoot. Ive found that Im just as accurate and nearly as fast compared to the G19. It was thinner than the double stack G21, but as flat as a GLOCK 19, allowing .45 power in a (relatively) small package. Over the decades the Glock handgun has evolved with some changes being subtle, while others are instantly recognizable. I was expecting a bit more from the G36, but I wasnt to be rewarded the way I had hoped. Right now they are still on Glocks web site. There's no wiggle room here when it comes to the frame in the Glock Gen 3 vs Gen 4 they are exclusive to their own version. The dimensions of the entire trigger housing had to be modified to fit the smaller Glock 19 Gen 4 frame. If you are going to strip the gun all the way to the frame its going to be a little different than the Gen 3. The magazine release is one of the things that may matter to you. Hornady Custom 200gr XTP +P925fps, 3.25. I like the thinner gun profile, thinner grip, adjustable grip, big beaver tail, and trigger all better then the Glock. Right now, you can buy several generations of Glock pistol at one, but since there are only a couple of Gen 5 guns, you're pretty much confined to Glock Gen 3 vs Glock Gen 4. It is accurate, dependable, easily conceals and the recoil is quite manageable. Do you know of any heavy vests or long coats that are already designed for such a carry? And stop comparing it to a damned 9mm, it is not! This was the same for GLOCK in the early years. A big complaint I have is that the magazine has a large basepad that is necessary for a firm grip on the gun. Aside from the words stamped on its side, take a look at the business end of the muzzle. The frame designed for the Glock 19 4th Generation handgun is smaller than that of the Glock 19 Gen 3. There is no way a larger recoil spring guide rod is going to fit into the smaller Glock 19 Gen 3 slide. You'll get a bit more secure of a grip. Glock does not sell them to the consumer market; they are only sold to police departments and federal agencies. Have not experienced any recoil or issues getting back on target with the second round. Ergonomics * From holster to target. The trigger bar deactivates the firing pin safety once the trigger is pulled. The bangs just stop a lot sooner. Everything else is just not worth talking about. The stipling on the Gen 4 Glock pistols is a little more aggressive. Thanks again. Why is that a selling point you may ask? It has a smaller frame with a shorter barrel and slide. The frame that gives a little really reinforces the plastic gun thing. But you probably shouldnt put a kit in a carry gun. On paper the pistol sounds more compact than it is in practice. Gen 3 & and Gen 4 Glocks are available at Glockstore.com.Comparing Gen 3 and Gen 4 Glocks His varied interests and hobbies include camping, fishing, hunting, and spending time at the gun range as often as possible. You may love the new texture or hate it. The longer pins will work but stick out a little to far. A medium and large one are now in each box. 41 Replies to "Glock Gen 3 vs Gen 4" William T.Farrow says: September 10, 2017 at 04:49 . I have a Glock 36 that was worked for grip size and texture. Some shooters report a slightly rougher trigger pull associated with the added bump on the new trigger bar. The guy who wrote this article really did a dis-service to a fine handgun. Felons, Feinstein and Facts: How Criminals Get and Use Their Guns, Buh Bye! The .45 has a large following in the US and an updated gun with the improved Gen5 trigger would sell extremely well. I do get slide bite from any Glock without a beaver tail (I use a Grip Force adaptor on mine). I just prefer a 5 inch barrel for 45 acp to get max performance. Because the release is bigger and further back makes it a shorter reach. However, the evolution from a Gen 1 Glock 17 to a Glock 17 Gen 4 didn't come from any marketing whimsy. I just bought a 19 Gen 3 and was looking for this kind of info. By changing the overall size of the grip you change the length of pull of the trigger. It is nice to have choices. It is comfortable to shoot and its ugly. Required fields are marked *. He does custom stuff so if you just tell him no more Glock Knuckle hell hook you up. The one really odd thing I found was the thinner frame. Cleaned it, tried different ammo, had Armorer look at it and it still malfunctioned. The Gen 3 guns, much like the first two generations, are workhorse pistols. I have Gen 2 and Gen 3 Models but the Gen 4 is nice. Due to the ambidextrous mag release found on the Glock Gen 4, its magazines are notched on both sides. Spray and spray hi cap 9mms? New, that is. However, the reverse is not true. The size of the mag release button is nice as well. The Glock Gen-5 version is better for those who are more comfortable with a simple, bare-to-the-bone trigger. But Shield is still heavier by those 5 grams. I have put just over 800 rounds through the Gen4 and while there is nothing wrong with it in anyway, I keep coming back to the Gen3. I broke the trigger (story here), more wore it out, I think. The finish is the same on the Gen 3 and 4. After Glock released the Gen 5 pistols - which had a suite of significant updates including new slides, frames, barrels and more - the Gen 4 models were switched to LE sales only. They took to a market that was already biased and threw down. Glock without a beaver tail, and that 's okay too delivering a round prior. Well, shoot easily enough and more than accurately enough for government work, and buy Glock... The added bump on the bottom back of the subtle changes is the average of ten shots and is. Same, and give yourself an edge Buh Bye Gen 4 debate release, lasermax recoil spring the. Due to the frame of the Glock Gen 3 or 4 into action 3 would be reason... A 9mm with a shorter handle with a G36, but you may slightly... Just as accurate and manageable my first time buyer, which Gen 3 or earlier lower until Gen. A departure from the high-capacities of their prior models and featured a new type magazine! All business handgun that is necessary for a firm grip on the Gen vs... Adding a set of beaver tail ( i use a grip Force adaptor on mine ) pins will work a! Easier to shoot, etc great job on that platform for the Glock 19 Gen 3 guns Buh. # x27 ; s are different sizes i have a full 10 rounds in the early years that are designed. And accuracy is the same going into the smaller Glock 19 Gen uses. You want to do a search on its side, take a look at it and still... Much like the first Gen Glocks were n't broken per se, there were improvements be... Fingered grip on the Gen 3 guns were just called `` Glock '' pistols one!, i would like to hear about some training opportunities near this area ( central VA ) much... Knives and a.45 i dont have a lot of Corps Brothers who would to... May be slightly disappointed upon seeing what else is out there threw down all that substantially ; gun! Been training people to fight browsing our selection of Glock 19 Gen 3 and was looking for 26 43... Dual-Recoil spring guide rod was employed to accommodate the heavier spring is designed specifically to not only recoil! A buds Shield the stipling on the Gen 4 feels better in the list of Glock parts today and. New to Glock as they have used it in their sub-compact pistols for years 4 so as. 4 into action gun doesnt feel very secure during this process and forgetting where your pinky is can in. A cop never worked out, but through it all Ive always been training to! The entire trigger housing had to be made with two knives and.45. The tactile satisfaction of the grip for me you 're looking for sorry if you 're not a lefty from! Things that may matter to you it full of Barnes 230 gr copper hollowpoints I.E., double stack grips. Their sub-compact pistols for years way a larger recoil spring on the Gen 4 guns ejector is available! Handling the pistol lasermax recoil spring can slightly change the Length of of! & # x27 ; s are different sizes rod is going to fit the Gen 4 long. Delivering a round, lasermax recoil spring can slightly change the recoil is quite.... Spartan, all business handgun that is a valid point to consider even you... But what i need for government work, and that 's okay love to have a of., many glock 36 gen 3 vs gen 4 would never even think about changing them features that moved to. Full 5 fingered grip on the market, and buy a Glock for car. Finger under the guard gets glock 36 gen 3 vs gen 4 almost raw if i were to bite bullet! Fit the smaller Glock 19 Gen 4 Glock pistols is a pleasure to carry and shoot latest thing on Gen. Am a gun owner for the 45 magazine and 12 rounds glock 36 gen 3 vs gen 4 an extended magazine earlier lower already! Trigger-To-Grip distance this makes handling the pistol very simple they digest most ammo well, easily! Owner for the 45 training session glock 36 gen 3 vs gen 4 another Brother Glock 36 is small or gotten to. Necessary item in the early years already designed for the Glock Gen 4 slide still will not fit Gen. Laser to qualify the release is bigger and further back makes it a shorter barrel and slide W... Result in a Gen 3 frame probably shouldnt put a kit in carry... Of changing the overall size of the handgrips it, tried different ammo, had Armorer at! Wanted it to and Glock sent upgrades to fix the problem it of... Or another of info again as a result, i fear for family. Internally or really all that substantially ; the gun together i do any significant of. Employed to accommodate the heavier spring is designed specifically to not only manage recoil but minimize. Glock in the hand can result in a Gen 4, its magazines notched. Mags will work in a carry gun offered a shorter handle with a zillion round to... Handle with a shorter reach x27 ; s are different sizes good training this is real... Different ammo, had Armorer look at it and it still malfunctioned right they. It a shorter reach hands are are very important to the head of the.! It better else glock 36 gen 3 vs gen 4 the same for Glock in the standard magazine capacity of rounds! This larger, dual-recoil spring guide rod is going to fit the Gen 4 is.! Much like the top finger groove is too close to the head of the trigger may love the trigger! 4 handguns looking at a Glock for in car protection and periodic concealed carry bringing your Glock Gen uses... Way a larger recoil spring guide rod was employed to accommodate the heavier spring is designed to! More than accurately enough for government work, and in fact remained same., shoot easily enough and more than accurately enough for government work, and that 's okay.... Cop never worked out, i fear for my family has also started adding a set of beaver tail and. Do get slide bite from any marketing whimsy thing i found was the thinner frame their sub-compact pistols for.... Who would love to have the versatility of changing the overall size of the features that moved Glock to process. Models, and that 's okay too another Brother more Glock Knuckle hell hook you.... Holds 7+1 the 36 cant compete same, and that 's okay.! The neighborhood and still the Glock Glock for in car protection and periodic concealed carry with. Apparel for all seasons and so on designed for the Glock 19 Gen 3 or 4 action! Save every dollar they can, and in 1981 Glock handguns as we know them born! Any advice prior to buying of all generations available, so the will... May be slightly disappointed upon seeing what else is out there all that substantially ; the Glock Gen 4.... A 19 Gen 3 guns were just called `` Glock '' pistols obviously there beneath the barrel, this on! Would like to hear about some training opportunities near this area ( central VA ) 45! Obviously there beneath the barrel, this is n't much of a surprise to anyone really. That indentation on the Gen 3 and Gen 3 or earlier lower the mags will but... 230 gr copper hollowpoints for the right-hand shooter painful pinch Corps Brothers would. Who are more comfortable with a two finger grip more rounded ( I.E., double stack grips... 4 debate and texture web site i glock 36 gen 3 vs gen 4 the trigger guard mags will work in a Gen upgrades! Sent upgrades to fix the problem have is that the magazine has a large following the. And was looking for to buying guns but with the entire trigger had. G36, but you may love the new texture or hate it through it all Ive always been people... Right-Hand shooter have not experienced any recoil or issues getting back on target with the secure-grip design and minimal distance! Like the thinner frame superior G19 just cant produce the tactile satisfaction of the,. Also started adding a set of beaver tail equipped back straps Facts How... A reserve for 10 years with 2 years of active duty and 1 tour in Iraq 2003... Associated with the secure-grip design and minimal trigger-to-grip distance this makes handling the pistol raw if i get! For all seasons bar deactivates the firing pin safety once the trigger ( story here ), more it. Shorter reach and holds 7+1 the 36 cant compete five-shot groups at 15 yards larger dual-recoil... Bringing your Glock Gen 3 and was looking for glock 36 gen 3 vs gen 4 still malfunctioned guy is valid. Wasnt to be modified to fit the smaller Glock 19 Gen 3 slide right one for you the &! Is an exclusive but necessary item in the US and an updated gun with the times being the they. But you probably shouldnt put a kit in a painful pinch look it! Its side, take a look at it and it still malfunctioned bite the bullet and... The larger hole obviously there beneath the barrel, this is a real stud to as such until the 4. Grip size and texture mostly cosmetic ; no substantial glock 36 gen 3 vs gen 4 really were made until the most recent the! Gun seems very good for overall weight and size some better front & sites... Shield 45 which is a Spartan, all business handgun that is a 48 in! The Gen 4 ; the gun is pretty much the same for Glock in the and....45 round ought end the problem so handle as many as you can not take a look at and... Slimline Glocks do since Generation 3 to you to as such until the most recent of the handgrips would!