The Evolution of a Handgun Legend
Before we delve into the specifics of the Gen Four and Gen Five models, a brief look at the Glock’s history is crucial. Introduced to the world in the early nineteen eighties, the Glock pistol was groundbreaking. It was polymer-framed, incredibly durable, and featured a striker-fired mechanism – a departure from the predominantly metal-framed, hammer-fired pistols that dominated the market at the time. This innovative approach, coupled with a focus on user-friendliness, quickly made the Glock a favorite among law enforcement agencies and civilian shooters alike.
The Glock 17, in particular, earned its place as a standard-bearer. Chambered in the powerful nine-millimeter Luger cartridge, it offered a high-capacity magazine and a streamlined design that made it easy to handle and maintain. Over the years, Glock has iterated on its original design, introducing new generations that built upon the strengths of its predecessors while addressing some of the criticisms. Understanding this lineage is essential to appreciating the nuances between the Gen Four and Gen Five.
Examining Design and Features: The Generation Four Model
The Gen Four Glock 17, launched in the late two thousand tens, represented a significant step forward from the previous generation. It incorporated a number of key improvements designed to enhance both performance and ergonomics. One of the most noticeable features was the Rough Texture Frame, or RTF. This textured grip provided a more secure hold, especially in wet or adverse conditions. The grip also featured finger grooves, designed to help the shooter maintain a proper grip and aim. These finger grooves, while welcomed by some, were criticized by others for not fitting all hand sizes perfectly.
The Gen Four also saw the introduction of a reversible magazine release, catering to both right- and left-handed shooters. This enhancement promoted greater versatility and addressed a common usability concern. Additionally, the Gen Four Glock 17 featured a dual recoil spring assembly. This system helped to mitigate felt recoil, making the pistol more controllable and reducing muzzle rise. This feature was particularly welcomed by shooters who found earlier Glock generations to be a bit snappy.
The Gen Four retained the reliable striker-fired mechanism, safe-action system, and simple takedown procedure that had made Glock pistols so popular. It’s a robust and reliable handgun, and the Gen Four represented a refined iteration of an already proven design. It became a popular choice for concealed carry, duty use, and recreational shooting.
Examining Design and Features: The Generation Five Model
The Gen Five Glock 17, which arrived a few years later, represents a further evolution of the design, incorporating a number of refinements and improvements. One of the most prominent changes was the removal of the finger grooves from the grip. Glock recognized that these grooves didn’t fit all hand sizes comfortably, and removing them offered a more universal fit. Instead, the Gen Five uses a smoother, more streamlined grip.
The Gen Five also introduced an ambidextrous slide stop lever, a feature that greatly enhanced the pistol’s usability for left-handed shooters. This control provides a larger, more positive surface, making it easier to manipulate the slide stop, regardless of hand dominance.
Another significant change was the introduction of a flared magazine well. This wider opening at the bottom of the grip makes it easier and quicker to insert magazines, which is particularly beneficial during tactical reloads. This subtle but significant upgrade contributes to faster and more efficient handling.
The Gen Five also boasts the improved Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB). This barrel features enhanced rifling and a more refined crown, which contributes to increased accuracy. This is a key improvement that many shooters noticed immediately.
The Gen Five also received an updated trigger mechanism. The trigger pull is generally considered to be smoother and cleaner than that of the Gen Four, leading to improved accuracy.
Finally, the Gen Five models commonly feature a Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating on the slide and barrel. This coating enhances the durability of these components, making them more resistant to wear, abrasion, and corrosion. This coating adds to the long-term value and longevity of the Glock 17.
Spotlighting Key Differences: A Side-by-Side Comparison
To fully appreciate the differences between the two models, it’s helpful to conduct a side-by-side comparison, exploring the key distinctions.
When holding both pistols, the feel of the grip is immediately apparent. The absence of finger grooves on the Gen Five will appeal to shooters with a wider range of hand sizes. The Gen Four grip may feel more comfortable for those whose fingers fit snugly within the grooves, but ultimately, the Gen Five provides a more universal fit.
The ambidextrous slide stop lever on the Gen Five is a major advantage for left-handed shooters, providing easy access to slide control. On the Gen Four, the slide stop lever is single-sided, and reaching it can be awkward for left-handed users.
The trigger feel is a key factor for many shooters. The Gen Five’s trigger is generally considered to be smoother and more predictable. Some shooters may prefer the feel of the Gen Four trigger, and it’s certainly not a bad trigger, but the Gen Five offers a noticeable improvement.
The Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) is a standout feature of the Gen Five. Its enhanced rifling contributes to improved accuracy, leading to tighter groupings on the target.
The recoil impulse can also feel different. The Gen Five’s design may slightly lessen the felt recoil.
The flared magazine well on the Gen Five contributes to faster and more efficient reloads.
Finally, subtle cosmetic differences, such as the DLC coating on the Gen Five’s slide, further distinguish the two generations.
Assessing Performance and Handling
Beyond design, the real test of any handgun is in its performance. Both the Gen Four and Gen Five Glock 17s are known for their reliability. Glock’s are built to function in a wide range of conditions and are known for their ability to consistently function even with very little maintenance.
However, the Gen Five, with its GMB, is generally considered to offer a slight edge in terms of accuracy. The barrel’s tighter tolerances and improved rifling provide more consistent shot placement.
The shooting experience itself is also worth considering. The Gen Five’s ergonomics, improved trigger, and GMB may provide a more satisfying shooting experience. The Gen Four still delivers a pleasant shooting experience, and many will find it more than sufficient for their needs.
Both generations are simple to disassemble and clean. This ease of maintenance is one of the key characteristics that has helped to make the Glock 17 so popular.
Evaluating Pros and Cons
To help guide your decision, let’s consider the pros and cons of each generation.
The Gen Four’s strengths include its established design, proven reliability, and the abundance of aftermarket parts available. Gen Four Glocks have been around for a long time, and there are plenty of holsters, sights, and other accessories available for them. The cost of a Gen Four might also be lower, depending on market conditions and condition. However, some users may find the finger grooves to be an ergonomic drawback, and the single-sided slide stop lever might pose an inconvenience for left-handed shooters.
The Gen Five’s advantages lie in its improved ergonomics (thanks to the grip changes), ambidextrous controls, and enhanced accuracy. The GMB offers a real improvement in shooting precision. The trigger and magazine well also provide benefits that improve ease of use. However, the Gen Five models might be more expensive. Also, while aftermarket support is growing, it may not be as extensive for the Gen Five as for the Gen Four.
Price and Market Dynamics
The prices of Glock 17s can vary depending on several factors, including the condition of the pistol, the market, and the overall demand. Generally, the Gen Four models tend to be priced lower than the Gen Five models. This is partially due to the older technology and because they’ve been around longer. However, the value of the pistol can also depend on the scarcity of models or the condition of the pistol.
Availability also plays a role. Gen Four models are generally easier to find, although the specific configuration may impact availability. Gen Five models might be more common, although there are still fewer on the market than their predecessors.
Finding the Right Glock 17 for You
So, which Glock 17 is right for you?
If you appreciate the established design and proven reliability of the Glock 17 and want to save some money, the Gen Four is an excellent choice. It’s a workhorse handgun that will serve you well in a variety of applications.
If you prioritize improved ergonomics, enhanced accuracy, and ambidextrous controls, the Gen Five is the better choice.
Consider your intended use. If you plan to use the pistol primarily for concealed carry or self-defense, the differences in performance may not be as significant, but ergonomics and ease of use are important. If you intend to use the handgun for competition, the edge that the Gen Five offers in terms of accuracy and handling will likely be more appreciated.
Finally, assess your budget. The Gen Five can be more expensive than the Gen Four.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence
The Glock 17, regardless of generation, is a remarkable handgun. Both the Gen Four and Gen Five represent a commitment to performance and reliability. The Gen Five builds on the solid foundation of the Gen Four, with improvements focused on ergonomics, accuracy, and ease of use. Deciding which generation to choose is ultimately a matter of personal preference and intended use. Both are capable, reliable firearms that will serve you well. The Glock 17’s enduring popularity and continued evolution is a testament to its place as a standard-bearer in the world of handguns.
Remember to always follow safe gun handling practices.
If you have experience with either the Gen Four or Gen Five Glock 17, share your thoughts in the comments section below!
