Glock Question

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jeffrefrig

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I’m not a Glock forum guy so I ask yinz guys. Is there much better difference between Gen 3 and Gen 4 in the model 23? Looking at the picture they have different sights. AIM Surplus has the Gen 4 “ on sale” for $350. My son’s birthday is coming up and I don't know if I want to get him, this Glock or the S&W MP 40. I have the SW and a Gen 3 M23 and have no complaints with either one. Actually the S&W is a 2.0 for $300. Any help appreciated. It’s not a beauty contest, just maybe accuracy and dependability. The Smith holds 15+1, Glock 13+1.
Thanks for your facts. Jeff T.
 
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If I recall correctly, the 3 has “finger grooves” and the 4 doesn’t. If you don’t care for the finger groove grip frame, the choice is obvious. If your son is used the the 1911 grip angle, the M&P might be a better choice. Either gun does basically the same job equally well, IMO.
 
Gen4 does have finger grooves. It has a more aggressive grip texture ,backstraps you can swap out to help fit the hand, a 2-piece RSA, a larger reversible mag release and is marked “Gen4” on the slide. Given the choices, I’d opt for the Gen4 23 over the S&W but that’s just me.
 
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The Gen 3 and Gen 4 pistols also have different recoil assemblies and ejectors as well.

The Gen 3 pistols tend to have more aftermarket support if you like to swap parts.
 
Glock GEN 3s were great guns as far as I remember but the Gen 4 guns had a lot of problems when they first came out. There was even a bit of panic buying to try to find the older GEN 3 guns. Glock is excellent about quickly getting their quality control in order after they have a gun with problems so if it’s a later GEN 4 I’m sure it’s fine
 
I own both gen 3 & gen 4 model 23’s and have had no issues with either one. I like the interchangeable back straps on the gen 4’s. I have also been looking at those 23’s at Aim & may add another one. They also have 9mm conversion barrels and Glock mags at very reasonable prices.
 
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The Gen4 also underwent a grip reduction, of sorts, that makes it not quite as hand-filling as a Gen3. They also have 'normal' lands-and-grooves rifling in their 'Marksman' barrels, no less issues with lead-nose practice ammo.
 
VictorLouis said:
The Gen4 also underwent a grip reduction, of sorts, that makes it not quite as hand-filling as a Gen3. They also have 'normal' lands-and-grooves rifling in their 'Marksman' barrels, no less issues with lead-nose practice ammo.
Click to expand...
Which is why they have the different size grip adapters. Also, the gen 5 has the marksman barrel, not the gen 4.

Jim
 
Lots of good tips to consider. Basically $50 difference, two less cartridge capacity, more after market gadgets for Glocks. I'll try to let him decide, I guess. I got a pretty inexpensive OWB holster for my 23-3 that holds the gun secure. The gen 4 may be a different one, but whatever.
I appreciate all the advice. Jeff T.
 
I have no love for the Glock 23 from any generation. Comes from shooting a buddy's Glock 23C with I now think was a suspect RSA. Empties landed two zip codes away and the recoil rattled your fillings.
 
LVSteve said:
I have no love for the Glock 23 from any generation. Comes from shooting a buddy's Glock 23C with I now think was a suspect RSA. Empties landed two zip codes away and the recoil rattled your fillings.
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Carried and qualified with a Glock 23 for 10 years before my retirement in 2014 so assume it was a Gen 1. Never any problems. The department has now reverted back to 9mm. The recoil from the .40 is a little sharp/snappy. .40 is also more expensive and may be harder to find than 9mm.

Probably a lot of .40 caliber Glocks on the used / trade in market. A lot of police departments are going back to the 9mm. The .40 was the "popular" police caliber in the 1990's when the FBI went to them.
 
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The security company I worked for adopted the FS M&P 40 caliber years ago. We had few problems with them but most of us hated them. We could have bought them when they were traded for the FN509. Out of 60 employees at my branch only 3 employees bought them. As the firearms instructor I did not. On the other hand I own four 9mm Shields. My only 40 is a FS Glock 22. I would recommend the slighty larger 22 over the 23.
 
jeffrefrig said:
Lots of good tips to consider. Basically $50 difference, two less cartridge capacity, more after market gadgets for Glocks. I'll try to let him decide, I guess. I got a pretty inexpensive OWB holster for my 23-3 that holds the gun secure. The gen 4 may be a different one, but whatever.
I appreciate all the advice. Jeff T.
Click to expand...

Since you are in PA, might want to check this link. They are good to do business with. I purchased a police trade in Sig P220 from them about a year ago.

https://www.officerstore.com/firearms/used-firearms

Personally, I like the 4th gen when talking .40 Glocks. In addition to the above noted differences, I also believe chamber support was better on the 4th gen guns.

Larry
 
I've decided to just let him pick which one of mine he wants after sleeping on it. Both are in very good condition and I have an extra mag for the S&W coming in the mail today or tomorrow.
Thanks for all the info to all of you. Knowing him he'll take the Glock; just because of his generation, etc. (Plus all 5 mags are loaded. $$$)
 
Fishinfool said:
Since you are in PA, might want to check this link. They are good to do business with. I purchased a police trade in Sig P220 from them about a year ago.

https://www.officerstore.com/firearms/used-firearms
Click to expand...

I can confirm the quality of the guns this company obtained in LE trade ins. I bought a Sig Sauer P220 that this company acquired from the CT State Police. They said it was one of their Grade 2 guns but it was absolutely immaculate. The only issue is that the shop is in Coatesville, Chester County, which would be a pretty long haul for you. It was close to 2 hours for me and I was coming from around Gettysburg. But who knows, it just might be worth it. Have credit card, will travel.
 
VaTom said:
Carried and qualified with a Glock 23 for 10 years before my retirement in 2014 so assume it was a Gen 1. Never any problems. The department has now reverted back to 9mm. The recoil from the .40 is a little sharp/snappy. .40 is also more expensive and may be harder to find than 9mm.

Probably a lot of .40 caliber Glocks on the used / trade in market. A lot of police departments are going back to the 9mm. The .40 was the "popular" police caliber in the 1990's when the FBI went to them.
Click to expand...

The only Gen1 Glocks manufactured were 17s and about 80-100 19s before the Gen2 was introduced in Dec 88/Jan 89 so the 23 you qualified with would’ve been a Gen2 or Gen3 (3s were introduced in 1998).
 
Valmet said:
The only Gen1 Glocks manufactured were 17s and about 80-100 19s before the Gen2 was introduced in Dec 88/Jan 89 so the 23 you qualified with would’ve been a Gen2 or Gen3 (3s were introduced in 1998).
Click to expand...

Thanks for the information. A Gen 2 then. I transitioned the small campus department from Smith Model 19s (4" nickel) to the Glocks around 1994. Traded in 7 Model 19's, 2 model 64's (2") and a Model 60 for the Glocks. The dealer allowed officers to buy back their revolvers at a fair price-I think around $275. I wasn't into collecting at the time so I didn't buy any myself. Wish I had now! Would love to have one of the 19s now.
 
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