Glock 17, Generation 3 or 4

dragnlaw

dragnlaw

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Am pretty decided I will be getting a Glock 17. Was thinking of the Generation 4 but then just heard today that the spring really needs a gorilla's grip to rack it.

One thing I do not have is a gorilla's grip. Through-out all my courses I'm afraid I was the clown class in trying to rack... almost anything.

I have small hands and a complete torn rotator cuff (hopefully to be repaired but... ). I would really like to do IPSC style or similar. So at the moment I am now trying to shoot left handed to compensate.

So even thou I've been told I could change the Generation 4 Spring for a Gen 3 - it would not be sanctioned. It will be a long time before I do serious (if ever) competition... but who knows? Should I just go ahead and change it anyhow? Considering I may never compete? the different grips might be just what I need for my small hand.

Have no idea what else to throw into the equation. So therefore am looking for...

Comments? Advise?
 
I have a G17 Gen 4. The recoil spring isn't that bad, and it tends to loosen up after use.

I'm not going to start a thread war, but I think all things considered, Gen 4 is better than Gen 3. YMMV.
 
ive got a gen3 and have never shot a gen4 so i cant comment on the difference but i think there were some problems with the earlier gen4's, so maybe steer clear of those if ya can.
cant recall off the top of my head what the problem was with them.
just recall when they initially came out everyone was saying stick with the gen3 till they fix the problem, and last i heard the problem had been fixed.

and of course ya dont get the backstraps with a gen3, so thats a negative.

either way when you are talking about racking the gun i know my wife can rack my gen3 and she cant rack any of my 1911's or my SR9.
so she will only shoot my gen3 of my M&Ps because of it.

hope that helps.
 
You have small hands? The Gen 4 is a bit smaller in the grip, an advantage. The new model Gen 4s, have no glitches, most of the original problems were recoil spring problems, now fixed. The gripping area is also better than earlier models, tiny pyramid shapes. Better in the case of cold, or wet hands.

Using the pull push method of loading the pistol, will negate your less than optimum hand strength.

An Instructor can demonstrate that for you, basically the weak hand holds the serrations on the slide, the other hand grips the grip, firmly, then a sharp push, in opposite directions, done.

Adjusting your stance so as to keep your pistol pointing in a safe direction (down range) If the Black Badge course is still a requirement to shooting IPSC, any competent Instructor will help you in this.

Have fun.
 
Do you have a chance to try one at a shop as stated it's more a method of racking to get used to what works for you..

I don't have a problem although my hands have issues from time to time
 
the grip in the gen4 (with no back strap) is 2mm smaller than gen 3. I have both, I like both.
for me it is the same since I use the gen4 with a medium back strap.
 
As stated earlier, the spring does loosen up with use. As you mentioned, you can easily use a recoil spring with less power while you practice and get stronger. Once you're up to speed you can pop the factory spring and guide rod back in and practice with that to shoot IPSC.
 
I didn't even notice the difference to be honest! it's nothing special!! if you can lift 13lb or whatever with two fingers you'll be fine!

Definitely go with Gen4 tho! Grip and mag release improvements are well worth it!
 
Gen 3 all the way. Its the ultimate, classic Glock pistol. Damn I miss my Glock 17 3rd Gen with standard sights and my Glock 21 3rd Gen with factory night sights with Streamlight M3X Tactical Illuminator. ...a pistol made in tactical heaven Lol

Hold one first, so you know it's comfy in your hands....if you can..
 
Oh my gosh, golly, gee whiz!!!

Sounds like I should get both of them! Just need to win the 649.... which ain't gonna happen as I'm too cheap to buy a ticket. Arghh! cause I need the $$ to buy ammo! LOL

Answers have been super and thanks to all! I asked for opinions and I got'em!

At the moment I'm leaning towards the suggestion of getting the Gen 4, using the spring from the Gen 3 and then going back when I'm comfortable with with. I will probably never compete officially, just club practice and fun days. But should I change my mind, watch out guys.... there's a new gal in town!
 
I have a gen4 17, and gen3 19 and 21C. I would say as far as fit to my hand they all work for me. The gen4 gets the advantage of a larger easier to use mag release for me, but you could always change out the gen3 for a larger aftermarket one. Also if you are left handed the mag release is ambidextrous so you can switch it to the other side. Another plus for the gen4 is it comes with 3 mags, where the gen3's only come with 2. Other then that, I didn't really notice any big difference in them as far as shooting them goes...Slightly different but they all work for me....

Id say try to put them both in your hand if you can before making your decision, or just buy whatever you can get the best deal on....They should both work for you either way

And as for the recoil spring, I have an adapter in my Gen4 to run the Gen3 spring/rod, adapters are cheap I dont know the price of an oem Glock spring/rod because mine is aftermarket but probably not that bad either
 
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