Introduction
The Glock 19. It’s a name synonymous with reliability, accuracy, and versatility. A handgun favored by law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian shooters alike, the Glock 19 has earned its place as a true icon in the firearms world. Chambered in the popular nine-millimeter caliber, the Glock 19 boasts a compact size making it suitable for concealed carry, while still offering a comfortable grip and ample capacity for self-defense. But within the Glock family itself, there have been numerous iterations. This article delves into a crucial comparison for those considering a Glock 19: the Gen 3 versus the Gen 4. We’ll dissect these two popular generations, exploring the features, functionality, and ultimately, the advantages and disadvantages of each, to help you decide which Glock 19 best suits your needs.
Historical Roots
The Glock story began with Gaston Glock, an Austrian engineer who, remarkably, had no prior experience designing firearms. In the early 1980s, his company, Glock GmbH, introduced the Glock 17, a revolutionary handgun that incorporated polymer construction, a striker-fired mechanism, and a host of other innovative features. The Glock 17 quickly gained acceptance, particularly within law enforcement circles, thanks to its durability, simplicity, and user-friendliness. Glock’s success spurred continuous development and refinement. The Glock 19, a more compact version of the Glock 17, arrived on the scene soon after, further solidifying Glock’s reputation for crafting reliable and effective handguns. The evolution progressed through a series of “generations,” each bringing incremental improvements to the design. The Gen 3 and Gen 4 mark pivotal steps, significantly impacting the Glock 19’s ergonomics and performance.
Examining the Gen 3 Model
The Glock 19 Gen 3 is a classic. Introduced in the late 1990s, it’s a platform many shooters are intimately familiar with. The most distinctive visual characteristic of the Gen 3 frame is its finger grooves and stippled grip. The finger grooves, designed to assist with grip, weren’t universally liked, but many found the Gen 3 to be ergonomic. The frame is made from a durable polymer. Gen 3 models feature a traditional Glock trigger mechanism, known for its consistent pull and crisp break. The sights are standard Glock sights, which include a white dot front sight and a white outline rear sight. The magazine release, located on the left side of the frame, is a standard size and is easily accessible for right-handed shooters. The Gen 3 utilizes a single recoil spring assembly. The Gen 3 Glock 19 is renowned for its simplicity, reliability, and affordability. It’s also widely supported by the aftermarket, with numerous parts and accessories available.
Analyzing the Gen 4 Model
The Glock 19 Gen 4 arrived on the scene in the early 2010s. It featured a series of significant upgrades over its predecessor. The most noticeable change is the grip texture. The Gen 4 boasts the Rough Texture Frame (RTF), providing a more aggressive and secure grip, even in wet conditions. The finger grooves are gone; Glock addressed the criticisms of Gen 3 by removing them and opting for a more universal design. Gen 4 models introduce interchangeable backstraps. This allows users to adjust the grip size, customizing the fit for a wider range of hand sizes and preferences. The trigger mechanism of the Gen 4 remains similar to that of the Gen 3, with a consistent trigger pull, but is typically considered to have a slightly improved feel. The sights are the same, though these are easily changed, as with the Gen 3. The magazine release is now reversible, offering ambidextrous functionality, and it has been enlarged for easier access and operation. The most significant internal upgrade is the dual recoil spring assembly. This innovative system helps to manage recoil more effectively, reducing muzzle rise and improving control during rapid fire. The Gen 4 offers a more refined and customizable experience.
A Detailed Look at Performance and Functionality
Frame and the Feeling in Your Hand
One of the first things you’ll notice when comparing the Glock 19 Gen 3 and Gen 4 is the feel of the frame. The Gen 3, with its finger grooves, either fits your hand perfectly or feels slightly off. The RTF on the Gen 4, coupled with the absence of finger grooves, generally provides a more secure and less restrictive grip for a wider range of hand sizes. The addition of interchangeable backstraps further enhances the Gen 4’s customization potential. The backstraps offer a tailored fit that can significantly improve your grip and control, especially for those with smaller or larger hands.
The Trigger Experience
Both the Gen 3 and Gen 4 Glock 19s feature similar trigger mechanisms, both known for their consistency. However, the Gen 4, owing to slight refinements, may offer a smoother trigger pull or a more crisp break. The reset, or the distance the trigger travels forward after firing before it can be engaged again, is comparable between the two generations. The tactile feel is subjective, so trying both is a good idea.
Taming the Recoil
The dual recoil spring assembly is a signature feature of the Gen 4. It dramatically reduces felt recoil compared to the single recoil spring assembly in the Gen 3. This means less muzzle rise, making follow-up shots faster and more accurate. The reduction in felt recoil is particularly noticeable during rapid firing drills.
Magazine Changes Made Easy
The enlarged and reversible magazine release is a significant improvement in the Gen 4. Ambidextrous shooters and those with smaller hands will find the Gen 4’s magazine release easier to operate. The Gen 3 has a standard-sized release, that’s easy for most right-handed shooters.
Examining Accuracy
Both generations, in skilled hands, are inherently accurate. However, due to the Gen 4’s improved recoil management, some shooters may find it easier to maintain a consistent sight picture and achieve greater accuracy. Differences in accuracy, if any, are more likely attributable to the individual shooter than to inherent differences in the two generations.
Considering the Pros and Cons
The Advantages of the Glock 19 Gen 3
The Gen 3’s primary advantages are its affordability, straightforward design, and the vast availability of aftermarket parts. The Gen 3 is typically less expensive than the Gen 4, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious shooters. The design is simple and easy to maintain. The wide availability of spare parts and accessories allows for extensive customization.
The Advantages of the Glock 19 Gen 4
The Gen 4 offers improved ergonomics, especially with its RTF grip and interchangeable backstraps, enhancing comfort and control. The dual recoil spring assembly reduces recoil, facilitating faster follow-up shots and greater accuracy. The reversible magazine release is a major advantage for left-handed shooters. The Gen 4 represents a more modern and refined iteration of the Glock 19.
Reliability, Durability, and the Long Haul
Both the Gen 3 and Gen 4 are built to last. Glocks are known for their exceptional reliability and durability, regardless of the generation. Both models are made with high-quality materials and are designed to withstand demanding conditions. While there were initial reports of issues with the Gen 4’s dual recoil spring, Glock has addressed these and the Gen 4 is now considered to be highly reliable. There are no significant reliability concerns with either generation.
Customization and the Aftermarket
The aftermarket support for the Glock 19 is massive. Both the Gen 3 and Gen 4 have a vast range of accessories, including triggers, sights, slides, barrels, and more. It’s easy to customize either generation to your exact specifications. However, some parts are not interchangeable between the two generations. For example, the Gen 4’s slide won’t fit on a Gen 3 frame.
Price and Availability
The Gen 3 typically costs less than the Gen 4. The specific prices vary depending on the condition, location, and any included accessories. The Gen 3 is still readily available on the used market, as is the Gen 4.
Which Glock 19 is the Right One For You?
For the New Shooter
New shooters will do well with either model, but the lower price of a Gen 3 can make it an accessible option. Consider trying both models to see which grip feels better in your hand.
For the Experienced Shooter
Experienced shooters may appreciate the enhanced ergonomics and reduced recoil of the Gen 4. The Gen 4’s features may provide a slight edge in terms of control and speed.
For Concealed Carry
Both the Gen 3 and Gen 4 are suitable for concealed carry. The more aggressive grip of the Gen 4 might aid in drawing from concealment.
For Range Use
The differences between the two generations are less critical for range use. Select the generation that fits your hand the best and that you shoot most comfortably.
Summarizing the Differences
| Feature | Glock 19 Gen 3 | Glock 19 Gen 4 |
| —————— | ——————— | ———————————– |
| Grip | Finger Grooves, Smooth | Rough Texture Frame, Backstraps |
| Recoil Spring | Single | Dual |
| Mag Release | Standard, Right-Handed | Reversible, Enlarged |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Recoil Management | Good | Improved |
| Aftermarket Support| Extensive | Extensive |
Concluding Remarks
The Glock 19 Gen 3 and Gen 4 represent great options for anyone looking for a reliable, accurate, and versatile handgun. The Gen 3 offers a straightforward, proven design at an often-lower price point. The Gen 4 provides enhanced ergonomics, better recoil management, and a more modern feature set. The best choice depends on your individual needs, budget, and preferences. Take the time to handle both models, consider their differences, and choose the Glock 19 that fits you best.
Disclaimer
Always prioritize safe gun handling practices. Handle firearms responsibly and follow all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Seek professional training on firearm safety and marksmanship. The information in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.
