Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Gen 4 vs Gen 5

My son and DIL have a never ending debate with me about which is best. The Gen 4 or Gen 5.

My son claims Glock did not improve anything so why not choose the Gen 4. He in general hates Glocks anyway.

I believe the finish looks and is truly better on the Gen 5. The trigger and barrel is also slightly better.

I truly do not like the finish on Gen 4 Glocks and I have read several reviews from people who have had issue with the finish as well.

If given a choice, I will take a Gen 5 every time over a Gen 4.

Manufacturing 101: Sell something at a greater cost with less manufacturing expense.

The cheapest thing to "improve" is appearance, which isnt difficult with plastics.

I don’t own any glocks, but been toying around getting one for the past couple weeks.
Either a 19 or a 45. So I’ve been watching and reading just about everything I can.
I’d go with the gen 5 because I like the non finger groove grip. And supposedly it has a match barrel. I’m favoring the 45 because my local shop has one with factory night sights. The front sight is green center with orange outline, pretty nice sights.
And yes the trigger and finish are supposed to be an improvement?
I like the fact that they come with 3 mags.
It wouldn’t be my everyday carry but I’m sure I’d work it in my winter attire.
I’ve also been looking at the S&W mp 2.0 9mm with the 3.6”bbl. 15rnd. It has gotten some good reviews. And it’s about $100 cheaper, but no night sights. They would be another $100 after market add on. Seems like all S&W mp 2.0’s with night sights are law enforcement only guns. No idea why.
Decisions Decisions

I like the features better, flared magwell, forward slide serrations, no finger grooves, trigger, the breech face cut that eliminates BTF and the general look of the gen 5's.

Across the board they are supposed to be more accurate but I've shot a single gen 4 that has turned in some incredible offhand groups.

I don't think it's worth debating which is best, it's a choice, make it for yourself.

This thread is close to being trollish.

HeavyLoad,

IMHO, I'd say you have drilled down to the meat of the matter, as far as semi-auto carry pieces go. I've handled all 3 of those at least 10x.

Another one you might consider is the Sig 365 or 365 xl. I picked up a 365 xl several months ago and really like it. The grip angle also makes it very easy for me to shoot accurately. Also comes with factory night sights. I carry it in a Milt Sparks VM II IWB that I carried a Kahr PM9 in for years. Fits very close to the body. I rotate between it and a G19 for daily carry, depending on what clothes I'm wearing that day.

I'm liking the 365 xl so much, I ordered another one, just because. With these commie squirrels in DC and the chaos they're causing, you never know.

I’d take a gen 2

I already have the 365, my favorite and most accurate carry gun.
I’m looking more towards a range/nightstand gun. And a winter carry option.

The Gen 5 Glocks have several changes vs the Gen 4, but only two improvements, IMO. Firstly, they beveled the muzzle end of the slide (as they had always done only for their subcompact models, previously), and secondly they got rid of the finger grooves. Finger grooves are fine if your particular hand happens to fit them right, but otherwise they cause issues. For example, the finger grooves on the gen 4 Model 17 fit my hand like a glove, but on the Gen 4 Model 19, they don't, since they are closer together, so on the 19, my pinky rests on the point of the last finger groove instead of in the groove itself, throwing off the feel of my grip on the gun. Finger grooves were a huge mistake to start with. Otherwise, I can take or leave any of the other Gen 5 changes.

My first Glocks were Gen 5's so no opinion on Gen 4's, at least none based on experience.

The half moon cutout on the first Gen 5 grips is a deal breaker, it's annoying and uncomfortable, the newer ones with the front serrations (FS in the description) did away with that. Agree with everyone else, the removal of finger grooves is a great improvement. Generational differences aside, "Glocks work" is the bottom line and all I really care about. The other stuff is moot for me but makes good fodder for debate. As a leftie I really appreciate the ambidextrous slide release on the Gen 5 that functions equally well on both sides.


Fired and compared a Smith 2.0 4" Compact against the Glock 19 and 17 extensively. All are capable of one raggedy hole accuracy at 7 yards if you're careful but the Smith trigger is easier to manage in aimed slow fire. But that's not what these pistols are about. The Smith is more comfortable in the hand, you don't get Glock knuckle. Both have ambi slide releases (ostensibly) and easily reversible mag releases.

I thought long and hard and let the Smith Compact go for the sole reason that the slide release lever on the right side - the one a leftie would use - is almost non-functional where the Glocks work well. Otherwise I would have chosen the Smith. That's probably a non-issue for most but thought I'd mention it. I am keeping a full size 5" Smith 2.0, the FDE model, simply because I really like it and it's very easy to shoot, but it's a range toy and a Glock 17 is the main full size self defense pistol for home or vehicle. All that said, a Sig P365 or 365 XL are the concealed carry pieces.

Yeah, I have two Gen 5 Glocks, and neither has the half moon cut out. The Gen 5 Model 26 never had it, and I waited till they got rid of it on the Gen 5 Model 19 before I bought one.

I still have 2 M&P 2.0 Compacts with 4" barrels and an M&P45, all 3 are fine guns that I still shoot.

I started looking at the gen 5 Glock's and wound up buying a G45 then a G17 MOS FS and finally a G19 FS. I have spent a lot of time with the 19 and eventually sold the 45 and a 43 I forgot about. I kept the 17 with the red dot but picked up a G44 to go with the 19 and I find the 19 to be my favorite. It's easily concealable and I shoot it just as good as the Smith's. The only mods were a set of Trijicon HD XR sights. I carry it everyday, no one including myself thought I'd switch from the Smith's but I did.

It appears I have a lot of support from most of you guys here for the Gen 5!

I'm with you guys. I do believe it is better and offers more positive features over the Gen 4.

I'm of two minds on the finger grooves. On the one hand, the ones on the 19 fit my hand perfectly. On the other hand, I really don't need them for control on a 9mm. Do I wish that my old Gen2 G23 had them? Hell yes!

I agree. The finger groove models fit my hand and I never had a problem with them. That said, the new Gen 5 grips feels great as well.

There were little improvements in the finish, barrel, trigger and slide that were not earth shaking, but they are improvements none-the-less.

I will say the best handgun finish ever was the original Tennifer, on the early models. About 1/2 way through Gen 3 production is when I believe it went down hill. The Gen 4 finish is perhaps the worst. Hopefully, the Gen 5 finish will prove better.

This is like splitting c...unt hairs.

True, but were it not for bifurcated pubic pili, forum traffic worldwide would decrease some 47%...

I always regret selling my early 1990s, Gen 2 Glock 19. Had that Tennifer finish and no finger grooves. Best of both worlds.

The finger grooves on the 17 fit my hand just right but the 19 was scrunched up under the trigger guard. Not needed for recoil but helped with grip indexing on the draw for some I guess.

If a person is buying new I can't imagine why they'd want a 4 over the five.

Agreed.

I have to step up my game. I'm still trying to destroy a Gen 3

You Glock guys are funny!

Save yourself some $$$ and buy a hi point

https://www.hi-pointfirearms.com/

-Jake

Buy a Ruger


Happy Trails


Bob

Why? Nobody else does. Their SR series were good guns and good sellers. Their American and Security Nine series haven't done anything around here.

I bought a gen 4 over a 5 that was cheaper!

At the time I wanted one without the forward cocking grooves.

Have since bought a Glock 44 with the forward cocking grooves, and NO finger grooves.

Now wish I would have bought a gen 5 Glock 19

Virgil B.

I just bought 2 EC9S a week ago, one for me and one for the wife.
They’re nice and concealable but it doesn’t beat the P365.

Some have mentioned the SW MP 2.0 handguns.

I own and have shot several. They have been 100% reliable and very accurate. They also have excellent triggers. The thing I like most about them is they do NOT move in your hand when you shoot. They point more natural than the Glocks I own, are less expensive and equally reliable. They too are outstanding handguns.

The ONLY gripe is if you carry the gun close to your body, the grip texture will abrade your skin and be uncomfortable. However, it your holster does not make the grip touch your skin, they are excellent handguns!

Yes I had a S&W 2.0 in 45acp and the grip was definitely abrasive on the baby fat. But it did feel good in the hand. Sold the gun to a buddy and used the money towards a Kimber 1911.

On the 2.0, guys, can't you sand down the texture to smooth it out? If that's the only complaint.......seems like an easy fix.

I agree, on the points above. Nothing wrong with the S&Ws, they are well made.

Yes, you can knock the sharp tips off on the side next to your skin easily if you feel that's necessary. The 2.0 M&P is a better mouse trap than Glock imho.

I also like the Shield in 45acp, but Glock in everything else.

I have 2 of the 2.0’s and the one drawback for them is Apex makes products that work for them. I first said I wasn’t gonna touch the insides of mine but a buddy let me shoot his with the flat faced trigger and carry/duty kit I promptly ordered 2 and they make a huge improvement on an already good thing.

Fortunately, there’s not much you can do with a Glock at least with Apex. After trying I put the original trigger back in and have several thousand rounds fired. I’m learning the stock Glock trigger and really liking it for a carry gun. Out of 4 gen 5 guns, the triggers are all the same. With my M&P’s I have a little over a half pound difference in the 2 I have. Apex said it’s just tolerances, nothing can be done.

Both good guns.

Because of the Glock grip frame size in .45?

But then you get rid of the grippiness that is liked when shooting them.

I didn't sand the whole grip, just the offending parts of one side.

Yes

I could see that. Likely S&W's M&P has a slimmer grip, as does the Walther PPQ-45.

Can't say, but I like the S&W Shield 45. I shoot it very well and I'm not a handgun guy.

My thoughts.....

I'm a lefty, so Gen 5 for me Gen 5 G19 is my church carry gun loaded with Underwood 124 grain +P+ Gold Dots.

Ron

I would struggle to put good money down on any new glock after shooting the much much better sig p320 trigger. Glock is pretty stagnant regards real improvements over many years. Plus some kind of an arrogant Assh-le company that puts plastic sights on a pistol when you can get very nice steel night sights with a green insert on comparably priced sigs or SW's etc.

If night sights are your thing. Funny how so many think their way is the way. Give me cheap sights and I'll pick what I want. I'd rather shoot a sling shot than use 3 dot night sights you see. So they are a waste of money too.

Soooo you never played in the dark I take it.

So you can shoot in the dark? Impress me and prove it. If you can't see your target at 5 feet away, night sights ain't gonna help. Funny how you make assumptions, just like Jimmy thinking he's right about everything.

That's one thing I equally find annoying about Glocks. There's no comparing apples to apples on price because you always have to take into account changing out the sights. Or, at least I do.

Still like Glocks, though.

Who said shoot? I said play.

I still have them, the damn magazines keep me captive.

These days, you have at least three choices in sights from the Glock factory. You can go with the traditional plastic one, the Glock tritium night sights, or Ameriglo night sights with a bright red from post. No changing out necessary, if you order them with the sights you like.

I played when I was 7,congrats?

There was a time when you couldn’t mount a light on a service weapon and all you had was baton length flashlight at your disposal. Night sights were pretty awesome when doing a dark/dimly lit building or field.

if they could only fix the damn trigger like so many other striker fired pistols have.

[/quote]
These days, you have at least three choices in sights from the Glock factory. You can go with the traditional plastic one, the Glock tritium night sights, or Ameriglo night sights with a bright red from post. No changing out necessary, if you order them with the sights you like. [/quote]

What's your preference?

macay had the solution to this which i just did on a 23. it is hugely improved over the stock trigger. maybe 30bucks in parts, a little flitz polishing and good to go

I'll never understand why people find the Glock trigger's to be such an issue.

That aftermarket? Ameri-Glo? Thanks.

Nor I.

https://youtu.be/FiIBzYiq7Wo


Try this one, geez

Me, either. I've heard a lot of people complain that it's "long". I guess they don't know how to shoot a 2-stage. I know the Glock isn't a 2-stage, but it shoots like one.

Yessir.

Ameri-Glo.

I'm not sure if Glock offers them as a factory option or not. But they're great IMO.

I'm not sure what you're saying exactly but night sights make a huge difference in low light.

Whether you're shooting from the 5 or the 50, your hit percentage will improve.

Of course "nights sights" is not exclusive to tritium these days since an RMS or some quality fiber optics can yield the same results. But I am a huge fan of tritium.

They are a factory option.