A quick rundown of what sets
each Glock Generation apart is in order to better appreciate the evolu- tion to the fourth Generation. The 1st Generation, typified by the G17 introduced in the early 1980s, was created to satisfy the Austrian Min- istry of Defense request for a new service pistol replacing the P38. The grip was smooth with little textur- ing and no accommodation made for lights or other accessories to attach to the frame. Generation 2 Glocks had serra-
tions added to the front and backstrap of the frame. A steel plate stamped with serial number was embedded into Generation 2 frames at the dust cover to satisfy US BATF regulations. Research indicates that 1st and 2nd Generation Glocks were built with two pin frames with all subsequent models using a three-pin frame. Third Generation Glocks were in-
Todd Burgreen
and military handguns. Glock handguns are ultra reliable, accurate, tough and simple to operate — all at a competi- tive market price. A review of Glock’s competition makes it clear, Glock is the design standard others are still chasing. Many detractors would have you believe Glock has grown complacent by not introducing any new designs that de- part significantly from the template laid by G17’s arrival in 1982. Personally, I don’t think this is because Glock is resting on its laurels. In fact, Glock handguns are into their 4th Generation of refinement. The 9mm G17 and 40 S&W G22 are the first models introduced in the Fourth Genera- tion with the G19’s arrival expect next.
A
fter exploding on the scene in the early 1980s with the Glock 17, Glock pistols quickly evolved into the benchmark for personal-defense, law enforcement
troduced in the late 1990s. Highlights of the Third Generation consisted an accessory rail (Universal Glock rail) standard for the use of lights, lasers and other accessories. Thumbrests were added on both sides of the frame and finger grooves were add- ed to the front strap.
“Late” Third
Generation Glocks had the extractor modified to serve as a loaded cham- ber indicator. As alluded above, 3rd Generation Glocks had an addition- al crosspin added. The pin is labeled as the locking-block pin and is locat- ed above the trigger pin. The locking block is enlarged in the Third Gen- eration Glocks. The larger locking block and additional pin was added for increased durability and distrib- utes force across a larger area.
Generation Four The 2010 SHOT Show was
the
“official” presentation of the Fourth Generation Glock. The Gen 4 Glock reflects a combination of both ergo- nomic and internal changes. Many will point to Glock finally acceding to market demand by offering inter- changeable backstraps of different sizes. I suspect the increasing amount of competitors offering the ability to change grip sizes was making too many inroads into both the law en- forcement and civilian markets. Grip sizes are small, medium
Generation 4 Glock with two cases in the air, and slide shutting in prepara- tion for another one to be fired.
78
and large frame. Grips are changed via removing a single pin. The Gen 4 comes with the small grip frame molded on the frame with the me- dium and large grips fitting over the frame as a user sees fit. Along these same lines, 4th Generation Glocks received a modified rough-texture frame and grip texturing. Basic grip
AMERICAN HANDGUNNER TACTICAL • 2011 SPECIAL EDITION
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