Glock 17 Gen 3.5 and Gen 4 Comparison

C

cancer

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
211   0   0
Location
Owen Sound, Ontario
I got out to the range to compare my (new to me) Glock 17s (Gen 3.5 and Gen 4) yesterday.

I managed to shoot consistent 3-inch 10-shot groups at 25 m with both pistols, with the Gen 4 shooting consistently 3-inches from centre to the 9 O'Clock position and the Gen 3.5 shooting consistently 3-inches from centre to the 10:30 position. I was using 147 gr Winchester BEB and both guns shot completely reliably and I didn't get any FTF. I did however get one failure to chamber, which I believe was caused by half assed 10th round mag loading on my part in my 10/10 mag (the unreliable BEB bullet shape probably didn't help either).

Here's my take on some observed differences:
- The grip on the Gen 3.5 wasn't quite as aggressive as the Gen 4. The Gen 4 bit into my hand more and felt like it stuck better.
- I could swap out the grip size on the Gen 4 to a larger grip. This made shooting much more comfortable and gave my support hand much more contact with the grip (I have large hands).
- The Gen 3.5 has slightly more perceived recoil. Yeah, it's minor and it didn't affect the group size at all, but it definitely exists.
- The mag release was actually reachable without changing my strong hand grip position on the Gen 4 (even with the larger grip).

Other than that, both pistols functioned basically identical.

So, to sum it up, I'd give a slight edge to the Gen 4. Less recoil, better grip bite, and exchangable grip sizes. Now I'm left wondering if I should bother to keep the Gen 3.5 or just sell it and invest in some 9mm reloading hardware?
 
Sell it and invest in 9mm reloading equipment; unless you use one of the Glock's for a carbine kit. You can reload 9mm for about 17c per round, factoring in some powder/primer loss and using 124 FMJ's.
 
I have a Gen 3.5 and have been thinking about a Gen 4 Glock. I am thinking about getting rid of her but everytime I am about to post it I change my mind. It was my first pistol so I think I will hang on to her. I have 3800 rounds with zero malfunctions so It has been good to me. Who knows when the wife and I decide to have kids and they are interested that is, they will have a nice pistol.
 
CdnCombatMedic said:
I have a Gen 3.5 and have been thinking about a Gen 4 Glock. I am thinking about getting rid of her but everytime I am about to post it I change my mind. It was my first pistol so I think I will hang on to her. I have 3800 rounds with zero malfunctions so It has been good to me. Who knows when the wife and I decide to have kids and they are interested that is, they will have a nice pistol.
Click to expand...

I own a Gen 4. I started IPSC with it. Quite honestly I don't see the benefits of the Gen 4 over the the Gen 3.5, to justify paying money in.
 
CdnCombatMedic said:
I have a Gen 3.5 and have been thinking about a Gen 4 Glock. I am thinking about getting rid of her but everytime I am about to post it I change my mind. It was my first pistol so I think I will hang on to her. I have 3800 rounds with zero malfunctions so It has been good to me. Who knows when the wife and I decide to have kids and they are interested that is, they will have a nice pistol.
Click to expand...

Keep it and get a Gen 4 anyways. Glocks are cheap.
 
Saffer said:
I own a Gen 4. I started IPSC with it. Quite honestly I don't see the benefits of the Gen 4 over the the Gen 3.5, to justify paying money in.
Click to expand...
I agree. I just had to jump at the Gen 4 deal, it was just too good to pass up. That said, I wouldn't be bothered in the least if someone told me I was only allowed to shoot the Gen 3.5 from herein, both are awesome pistols.
 
Opinion needed, Just bought a Glock 17 Gen 4...Where in Canada can I get Spare parts for it (Stainless steel guide rod, ext mag release.....) or should I drive over the states to get them??? Feed back would be appreciated...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom