Posted: 10/8/2014 10:05:41 AM EDT
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In the interest of full disclosure, I am long-time anti-Glock. That is probably a little too strong. I have always respected what a Glock represents (a no-nonsense, utilitarian tool), but I have always made a big deal of the extreme grip angle- they point up in the air for me. In my efforts to buy the next best thing, I have gone through an XD, USP, and a Caracal. I still think that Caracal succeeded in one-upping Glock, but their recalls have pretty much killed any chance of the brand expanding here in the US. I've been shooting my Caracal in Steel Challenge matches for a couple of years, but I want better sights, a lighter trigger, and a longer sight radius (none of these are possible with the Caracal).
When I look back at all of my pistol choices over the years, I now wish that I just bought Glocks. I have probably made too much over the grip angle; it will probably take 10 minutes to adjust to it. I'm ready to bite the bullet and buy a Glock. This brings me to the Glock 34. The Gen 4's have been out for a few years now, but I see that the Gen 3's are still available. I know that the Gen 4's got a bad rap for some teething problems. Is the gen 3 still the pistol to get, or is the 4 better? I see the backstrap options as a plus for the 4, but the recoil assembly seems like a negative. Are these the main differences? |
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I'd recommend your borrow or rent a glock 19 and both a gen 3 and gen 4 34 and shoot a few boxes of ammo through them.
I'm a gen 3 guy, mostly because that's what they were making when I bought the bulk of my glocks and I happen to prefer the finger grooves and feel of the gen 3 over the gen 4 and the size is right so the being able to change to back strap doesn't interest me, but it's appealing to a lot of shooters. After shooting a few boxes a of ammo you'll know if you want the gen 3 or the gen 4. Then get you a 34 and set it up for competition and then get you a 19 for concealed carry, buy a bunch of magazines, hoard ammo, buy a bunch of different holsters and have a grand ole time. |
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Quoted:
I see the backstrap options as a plus for the 4, but the recoil assembly seems like a negative. Are these the main differences? As far as I know, yes. And don't worry, the grip angle will take more than 10 minutes to get used to, but not much more. Personally, I think it's only prudent to buy Gen 3's while they're still being made. Surly that will cease at some point. At that point I will start buying Gen 4's |
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I like the Gen4 models because I've got big hands and I use the Large backstrap w/ beavertail. I like the grip texture better as well. The recoil spring assembly is fine, but I changed mine to get the spring # I wanted. Just do it. The grip angle thing is a cop-out.
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| In my mind (as a Glock outsider), the Gen 4 should be better. The problem that I have believing that is that after three years since it's release, Glock is still making the Gen 3. Even though I think that I might like the bever tail backstrap, I'm leaning towards getting a Gen 3. |
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I agree that the grip angle thing is over-done.
I like Gen3's. I do not like the grip texture on the Gen4's, I don't care about the larger mag release, and don't need the smaller size frame. I also don't like the idea of removable frame inserts. I think renting and trying both is the way to go. It will give you a good idea of which one you'll like better. |
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Quoted:
In my mind (as a Glock outsider), the Gen 4 should be better. The problem that I have believing that is that after three years since it's release, Glock is still making the Gen 3. Even though I think that I might like the bever tail backstrap, I'm leaning towards getting a Gen 3. Most speculation on that is to keep Glocks on the Cali 'approved' list. Gen 4s are not available there but Gen 3s are. (so far) 
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Quoted:
Most speculation on that is to keep Glocks on the Cali 'approved' list. Gen 4s are not available there but Gen 3s are. (so far) Quoted:
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In my mind (as a Glock outsider), the Gen 4 should be better. The problem that I have believing that is that after three years since it's release, Glock is still making the Gen 3. Even though I think that I might like the bever tail backstrap, I'm leaning towards getting a Gen 3. Most speculation on that is to keep Glocks on the Cali 'approved' list. Gen 4s are not available there but Gen 3s are. (so far) That makes sense. Gen 4's will never be Cali approved. CA quietly implemented the microstamping law which added a microstamped firing pin/striker to the list of features that are needed to get a handgun approved in CA. If the manufacturer makes any change to an already approved model, it is no longer on the approved list and will not be able to be unless it has microstamping. Since no manufacturer microstamps, this is a defacto ban on all new handguns. Glock will have to continue making Gen 3's without any changes indefinitely to stay on the CA approved list. Good news for Gen 3 fans, I guess... |
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I have a few gen 3s and one gen 4, I am really liking the new gen 4 backstrap with beavertail.
Oddly enough, my very fist pistol was a early G23 in 1991 ( wish I still had it ) this was pretty early in Glock years and I took a lot of crap for buying Tupperware. I owned it for 5 years , traded it in on a 1911. Then steered clear of Glock due to the stigma attached to the brand. I didn't want to be labeled a fanboi . I was anti Glock for a few years and bought XD , M&P , HK looking for something better. Didn't care for the USP I really wanted to like the M&P models I had, and convert all my pistols to this platform, but about the same time I started training with M&P a friend needed money and sold me a Gen 3 19 , and a few months later sold me a Gen 3 26. Plain and simple I shot the Glocks much better. To put it in perspective how much I wanted the M&P to work I bought apex kits for both , and to my surprise I still shot the Glocks better. Sold my last M&P a few weeks ago and invested that money into a brand new 19 with factory threaded barrel and ameriglo sights |
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The Gen 4's I've shot and owned have all been 100%, the 34 Gen 4 is on my short list when I emigrate to America. The G19 is just what everybody whose ever actually shot one says it is, the perfect SD gun.
FWIW the grip/frame angle on the Glock family of weapons is exactly the same as the 1911, 18 degrees. It's the Alien Hump that causes your misalignment. After you become accustomed to it it will be very instinctive. |
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The issues with the Gen 4's are over and they were blown out of proportion in the first place.
Serious question have you Ever in your life heard of a product as complicated as a firearm coming out and immediately being flawless? I know I havent but I digress. Grip- the gen4 grip is slightly smaller than the gen3 grip stock, the smallest handguard makes them the same size. the beavertail backstraps are a nice addition. Recoil spring- now that the kinks are worked out they are an improvement over the original. They reduce the felt recoil impulse, which means quicker follow up shots. Mag release- if it's not an issue for you then whateva but I personally do not understand why it took 4 generations to make one of only three controls on the gun a normal size. For both self defense and competition I want the greater margin of error provided by a larger mag release. The gen4 mag release is also easily convertible to lefty. Texture- gen 4 texture is much more aggresive than gen3, I personally find it a major improvement ( I sweat alot and polymer can get slippery). Others disagree or don't see it as an issue, test them and see for yourself. The hump- I don't get this issue (as it relates to shooting I get it on mag changes but that's a different story). The top inside (towards the thumb) of my palm is larger than the bottom inside, thus the hump fits perfectly in that cavity. I also own a 1911, revolvers, and a XDm having shot the snot out of all of them, and I do not get this gripe. If that's a make or break issue for you then move along if it's not you'll get used to it. Price- new it's a wash as the extra mag and backstraps and improvements make up for the price difference. However, if you've extensively tested both and are comfortable with a gen3 then go get one used and spend the extra cash on mags and ammo. Oh and enjoy your Glocks (there will be more than one lol) ETA One big thing to remember on Glocks is that you need to roll your support hand wrist a little further forward than you would on some other platforms. That will help compensate for the slightly different angle. (That's straight from Jerry Miculek & Shannon Smith) |
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Quoted:
In the interest of full disclosure, I am long-time anti-Glock. That is probably a little too strong. I have always respected what a Glock represents (a no-nonsense, utilitarian tool), but I have always made a big deal of the extreme grip angle- they point up in the air for me. In my efforts to buy the next best thing, I have gone through an XD, USP, and a Caracal. I still think that Caracal succeeded in one-upping Glock, but their recalls have pretty much killed any chance of the brand expanding here in the US. I've been shooting my Caracal in Steel Challenge matches for a couple of years, but I want better sights, a lighter trigger, and a longer sight radius (none of these are possible with the Caracal). When I look back at all of my pistol choices over the years, I now wish that I just bought Glocks. I have probably made too much over the grip angle; it will probably take 10 minutes to adjust to it. I'm ready to bite the bullet and buy a Glock. This brings me to the Glock 34. The Gen 4's have been out for a few years now, but I see that the Gen 3's are still available. I know that the Gen 4's got a bad rap for some teething problems. Is the gen 3 still the pistol to get, or is the 4 better? I see the backstrap options as a plus for the 4, but the recoil assembly seems like a negative. Are these the main differences? Nothing negative about it. I have a gen 4 G-34 I bought in May and it has fed and fired everything I have given it 100% The dual spring does a better job handling recoil and lasts longer. Get the Gen 4. |
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The gen 4 grip texture will have the thing nearly glued to your hand. Which is a good thing if you get sweaty hands at a competition. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile I also prefer the texture of the Gen 4, but I will most likely stipple the grip on either. I was leaning towards the Gen 3 yesterday. Today, I think that I will go ahead and order the Gen 4. I like the option of using the beaver tail backstrap if I find I find it necessary; I hold pistol very high which results in a bloody thumb with some platforms. It looks like all of the parts that I might add are available for the Gen 4. Plus, I can get a FDE frame with the Gen 4. 
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I used to be anti-glock for a long time as well. I was running XDm's.
My reason for not running Glocks were that the Gen 3 and olders didn't fit in my hand properly, where the XD's were buddah. When the Gen 4's came out I could finally reach the trigger properly while keeping the pistol in line with my forearm (previous gens I had to cant the pistol in my hand which I didn't like). Since making the switch I haven't pulled my XdM out of the safe once. The trigger's better, and the angle didn't take long to adapt to. As far as texture goes... if you're using it for competition you'll want it glued to your hand, so regardless of which Generation you pick you're likely to end up going the stippled route... like I did 
and again 
annnd again 
It's a disease man...once it takes over, there's no stopping it! beware! Personally I would put both generations in your hand to see which fits you better. That would be the only determining factor between which generation you pick. Both gens can be run hard and put away wet without missing a beat. -Matt |
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Quoted:
In the interest of full disclosure, I am long-time anti-Glock. That is probably a little too strong. I have always respected what a Glock represents (a no-nonsense, utilitarian tool), but I have always made a big deal of the extreme grip angle- they point up in the air for me. In my efforts to buy the next best thing, I have gone through an XD, USP, and a Caracal. I still think that Caracal succeeded in one-upping Glock, but their recalls have pretty much killed any chance of the brand expanding here in the US. I've been shooting my Caracal in Steel Challenge matches for a couple of years, but I want better sights, a lighter trigger, and a longer sight radius (none of these are possible with the Caracal). When I look back at all of my pistol choices over the years, I now wish that I just bought Glocks. I have probably made too much over the grip angle; it will probably take 10 minutes to adjust to it. I'm ready to bite the bullet and buy a Glock. This brings me to the Glock 34. The Gen 4's have been out for a few years now, but I see that the Gen 3's are still available. I know that the Gen 4's got a bad rap for some teething problems. Is the gen 3 still the pistol to get, or is the 4 better? I see the backstrap options as a plus for the 4, but the recoil assembly seems like a negative. Are these the main differences? And reversible mag release. Most people who stick with Gen 3 is because we are heavily invested in it and are happy with it as is and don't feel a need to change. If you are new to Glocks, I'd recommend getting the Gen 4 as it offers you more options. You will quickly adjust to the grip angle. It is all about what you are used to. |
. Can't complain too much though, since he is selling it to me for $20 over cost.
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UPDATE:
I went back and forth on whether to get a Gen 3 or 4 G34. I ended up going with the Gen 4 because I wanted the option of changing the grip size. I just picked it up two days ago, and I definitely made the right choice. After playing with the different backstraps, I settled on the large beavertail. It is the first pistol since the CZ52 where I have enough room to get my support hand on the grip without pushing my strong hand off of the backstrap (thumbs forward grip). Also, the grip angle which I have stressed about for 15 years is a non-issue. If I close my eyes, draw the pistol to a firing position, then open my eyes, the sights are perfectly aligned with my left eye (cross-eye dominant). The only negatives so far (I haven't got to shoot it yet) are things that I planned to change anyways (the sights and the trigger). The rear sight is too busy; I'll be changing them out to Warrens or TTI. The trigger isn't that bad, but it isn't good either. I am discovering the beauty of a Glock though = there are endless possibilities to change the trigger and some don't even cost much (connector and springs). |