Choosing between a Glock Gen4 and Gen5 can feel overwhelming. Both are renowned for reliability and performance, but subtle yet significant differences exist. This in-depth comparison will help you decide which generation best suits your needs and shooting style. We'll delve into key features, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each to empower you with the knowledge to make an informed purchase.
Key Differences: Gen4 vs. Gen5
The Glock Gen5 represents an evolution of the Gen4, refining existing features and incorporating new innovations. Here's a breakdown of the crucial differences:
1. The Trigger: Enhanced Feel and Performance
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Gen4: Features the standard Glock trigger with a slightly rougher surface. While reliable, some shooters find it less refined than the Gen5's offering. The Gen4 also included interchangeable backstraps for customized grip size.
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Gen5: Boasts an improved, smoother trigger with a reduced trigger pull weight and a more refined trigger face. This results in a crisper, cleaner break, enhancing both accuracy and shooting comfort. The removal of the finger grooves is also a notable change here.
Advantage: Gen5, due to its significantly improved trigger feel and performance.
2. Slide Features: Ambidextrous Features and a Marksman Barrel
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Gen4: Features a rail system for mounting accessories and a reversible magazine catch, catering to both right and left-handed shooters.
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Gen5: Retains the accessory rail and ambidextrous magazine release. However, it also incorporates a nDLC (nitride) coated barrel, offering enhanced corrosion resistance and smoother slide operation. The Gen5 also does away with the finger grooves.
Advantage: Gen5, for the addition of the nDLC coated barrel and the more modern, arguably more comfortable, lack of finger grooves.
3. The Magazine: Changes in Design and Capacity
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Gen4: Uses the standard Glock magazine, offering various capacity options depending on the model and local regulations. The magazine catch is reversible.
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Gen5: Employs a slightly revised magazine, generally maintaining compatibility with Gen4 magazines (although some minor inconsistencies can occur). The revised magazine offers improved feeding reliability in certain situations.
Advantage: Minor advantage to Gen5 for improved reliability, though compatibility largely negates a significant difference.
4. Overall Ergonomics: A Matter of Preference
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Gen4: Provides interchangeable backstraps, allowing shooters to customize the grip size and fit. This is a significant advantage for those with smaller or larger hands.
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Gen5: Omits the interchangeable backstraps but improves the overall grip texture. The removal of finger grooves allows for a more natural grip for many shooters. This design is generally preferred for users with a larger variety of hand sizes.
Advantage: This is a matter of personal preference. Gen4 wins for shooters needing customizability, while Gen5 might be preferable for those who appreciate a more uniform, modern grip.
Which Generation is Right for You?
The optimal choice hinges on individual priorities and shooting style:
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Choose the Gen4 if: You need interchangeable backstraps for a customized grip, prioritize cost-effectiveness (Gen4s are often slightly cheaper), and are not overly concerned about the minor trigger differences.
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Choose the Gen5 if: You prioritize a smoother, more refined trigger, prefer the enhanced corrosion resistance of the nDLC barrel, value the modern design aesthetic without finger grooves and appreciate the slightly improved magazine design.
Ultimately, both the Glock Gen4 and Gen5 are exceptional handguns. The best choice depends on your personal preferences and shooting needs. Consider handling both models if possible before making your decision. This hands-on experience will help solidify your preference.
