size is smaller with the 4th Genera- tion introductions with the Glock backstrap “hump” lessoned along the lines of the previously intro- duced Short Frame (SF) 3rd Gen- eration Glocks. This aids shooters with smaller hands by reducing the circumference of the grip frame. The medium-grip size of the 4th Genera- tion Glock can be likened to the grip found on 3rd Generation Glocks. The magazine catch on the 4th Gen Glock is enlarged and reversible re- quiring no additional parts to do so. 4th Generation Glocks come with three magazines configured with the cutout catches on either side of the magazine body. All previous Glock magazines will work with the 4th Generation Glock as long as the magazine catch is configured on the frame’s left side.
What’s Inside Internal changes associated with
the Gen 4 Glock centers around the dual-recoil spring similar to what is currently found in the “mini” Glock 26/27. Glock literature points to the dual-recoil spring assembly reduc- ing recoil impulse and increasing life cycle of the pistol by limiting wear due to firing cycle. Non-Glock sources point to the dual spring as a necessary change to address re- ports of reliability issues with G22s when shooting certain types of am- munition with a light mounted to the weapon. The dual spring changes slide rate and thus reliability. The spring is a dual-compression type with the captured springs operating at different rates. Though no for- mally tested, recoil dampening rate reports have been published, sub- jective estimates from 10-30 percent have been bantered about, especially with the G22 .40 S&W. The 4th Generation Glock tested
was a 9mm G17. My own unscien- tific assessment would be the “snap” of the slide in its rearward travel is reduced. The dual-recoil spring is expected to have a longer service life compared to the single-spring design found in earlier generation Glocks. Previous spring’s life expectancy was in the 3,000-5,000-round range. Glock eliminated the possibility
of switching springs and slides be- tween 4th Generation models and its predecessors by giving the dual- recoil springs a thicker guide rod and end plug, so it will not fit in non-4th Generation slides. The Gen 4 slide has been altered to not accept previ- ous guide springs and further more prevents slide interchangeability be- tween Gen 4 and earlier Generation
WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM
Generation 4 Glock 17 was test- ed with an assortment of holsters and ammunition. It performed as expected from a Glock.
models. Gen 4 slides are stamped accordingly to aid in preventing con- fusion. Another internal change is in the trigger bar layout and is sup- posed to increase life expectancy. The trigger housing is slightly dif- ferent due to grip frame and mirrors Gen 3 SF models.
KISS Gun It’s best to think of the Glock line-
up of handguns as a “system” stretch- ing from the mini Glock 26 through the new Glock 21SF, with the Glock 18 and Glock 36 thrown in for good measure. Every Glock shares a lin- eage back to the first Glock — the G17. The Glock “secret” to success is minimal-operating controls, high- cartridge capacity to size ratio, relent- less reliability, and to paraphrase a famous political advertisement “… it is the trigger stupid …” While the grip size may change between the Glock 26 and the Glock 21, the position of the slide and magazine releases will instantly be familiar. A better illustra- tion of the Glock system would be the similar same trigger pull and weight found on both the G26 and the G21. Simplicity shouldn’t be confused as lack of refinement. As my experience and knowledge has expanded, Glock reliability and solid performance has become more entrenched in my mind as the standard.
My experience as a writer in the
last couple decades translates into having the opportunity to handle many different handgun models. Nu- merous times I have seen new hand- guns failing to perform out of the box. Manufacturer and price range serve as no guarantee a handgun is immune from such issues. Yes, many deficiencies
are quickly remedied
by “breaking” in a pistol by use or making slight adjustments to various parts, but that is not the point. More significant issues that give
me pause with other designs com- pared to Glock are numerous wit- nessed and personally experienced difficulties to engage various grip safeties or other manual
releases
when drawing from concealment or under pressure. This happening under induced pressure at the range or during competition is one thing — under life or death circumstance is obviously a much more serious matter. Let me clarify before angry readers write to the editor claiming I am slamming the venerable 1911. I’m not. I have carried a 1911-style pistol and have no issue with it. It’s a fine weapon with a distinguished record of performance. My caveat with the handgun types with levers and manual safeties is that shooters will need more training time to fa- miliarize themselves as compared to
Gen 4 Glock 17 was tested at the range with a variety of ammunition from Horna- dy, Winchester, Wolf, Federal and Black Hills Ammunition.
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