Magazine releases on Generation 4 Glocks (top) are ambidextrous and larger than previous Generation 3 (bottom) types. Generation 4 Glocks are stippled with a more aggressive pattern around the total circumference of the lower frame. This includes the interchangeable backstraps that come with the Genera- tion 4 Glocks for a better fit to individual shooters.
the Glock. Ideally, personal-defense handguns shouldn’t be complicated by required manipulations that take away from their primary role — self-defense.
Runs Like Big Ben I have taken numerous Glock
models to various shooting schools where rounds fired measure in the thousands. Without exception, I have never encountered a Glock failing to fire when the trigger is pulled, wheth- er exiting the box or after thousands of rounds. Now, I have run across magazine failures when individuals try aftermarket extensions or other gadgets and ammunition failures. Glock’s solid performance over the
years is sometimes neglected or taken for granted, particularly by gun pub- lications. I believe this stems from the constant focus on the newest product introductions. Rest assured if
it’s a
polymer-framed semi-automatic pis- tol the Glock influence is not far away. The 4th Generation Glocks will be judged successful if this by reliability standard is not impacted. I find myself moving between the
various Glock models for my daily concealed carry, tactical or training needs. I feel a day at the range with a Glock 17L easily translates into more proficiency with my Glock 26 concealment weapon. A Glock 21 in a tactical thigh rig doesn’t require a new manual of arms, only different
magazines. The advantage of this is really appreciated when training spans several years and thousands of rounds fired. Intimate familiar- ization achieved by numerous draw strokes and pressing out to engage the target cannot be over empha- sized. The staging and prepping of the Glock Safe Action trigger, with its short reset, can be honed to maximum effectiveness across the many different Glock models. When under stress this is a valued trait, I don’t readily come up with any similar handgun models on the market offering the same advantage across a similar range of dimensions and calibers. The 4th Generation Glock with interchangeable back- straps only reinforces this ability to seamlessly move between platforms, especially as more models are intro- duced after the G17 and G22. The current understanding is that Gen- eration 4 pistols will not eliminate the production of Generation 3 vari- ants including the 17L, 24, 34/35, RTF2 and SF models.
Newest Favorite One of my “new” found favorites in
the Glock lineup is the 4th Generation G17. Magazine loaded with one in the chamber adds up to 18 rounds of 9mm firepower. The G17 represents the quintessential balance of size, weight, capacity and cartridge potency. The G17 weighs approximately 22 oz emp- ty and measures slightly over 7" long and 5" high. The G17 measures 1.18" wide and can accept 33-round maga- zines if desired. Glock handguns are often criticized for being a handful, literally, by some shooters. The 4th Generation Glocks address these con- cerns with the adjustable backstraps and the ever so slight reduction of the “hump” on the back of the frame. I found the small backstrap fit my hand slightly better than several other Gen 3 Glocks I own. This translates into recoil being perceived as less and al- lows for more accurate shooting, espe- cially when multiple rounds are fired. Shooters with larger hands can install the medium or large backstraps that come with the Gen4 G17. I tested the G17 using Winchester,
Black Hills Ammunition, Hornaday, Federal and Wolf ammunition. My range T&E of the Gen 4 G17 was con- ducted near Winchester, VA at the Echo Valley Training Center. Loads fired ranged from 115-gr.
to 147-gr.
Glock Gen 4 G17 performed without issue even during long strings of fire involving multiple magazines.
80
with both hollowpoints and FMJ-bul- let types tested. Approximately 1,100 rounds were fired while compiling this article. I purposely use an am- munition can full of an assortment of
AMERICAN HANDGUNNER TACTICAL • 2011 SPECIAL EDITION
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