Glock 19 Gen 3 vs. Gen 4

[foggymt]

Looking to get a Glock 19 and am not sure if I should go with Gen 4 or get the older Gen 3. I believe they sell a conversion kit for the .22 for Gen 3. I am not sure if they make one for the Gen 4 model.

[jmstevens2]

I can tell ya I like my .22 conversion for my 23. It has saved me a ton of money at steel shooting matches. It also taught me immediate action drills as it is VERY picky about the ammo it eats.

[foggymt]

I figured that I would end up getting the conversion kit forthe Glock 19 to a .22.

I am not sure if the Gen 4 has one available.

I was also looking for some feedback as to maybe some other benefits and/or information that would make a person lean one way or another.

I know the Gen 4 has the removable backstraps and a double recoil spring.

I know the Gen 3 has been out for some time and has numerous after-market options and accessories.

[Damian]

I switched from a G19/3 to a G19/4 and I love the Gen4.

The changes are small but add up to make a difference.  I love the new texture, the large mag release button and the different back straps.  I have smaller hands and prefer the G19/4 with no back strap at all.  People with larger hands can move up to the medium or large back strap.

The G19/4 is now shipping with the new 04 spring which eliminates the issues with the original 03 spring.  So don't go by the youtube videos of problems with the Gen4's.  It's been fixed and they run like any other Glock.

The dual spring really does nothing in my opinion because I can't tell the difference in recoil or muzzle flip. The trigger is also identical despite some people saying it's stiffer.

I don't have a .22 conversion kit for any of my guns but I can only imagine how great of an option this must be.  Just remember that we are talking about a Glock here, so the Gen4 conversion kits will be available in the near future.

The way I see it, the Gen4 gives you 3 grip sizes to fit the gun best to your hand and this is a great thing.  The larger mag release is also a plus.  I find that releasing the mag requires less effort with the larger button.  In Texas, it's hot and you sweat a lot.  The new texture feels much better and gives you a better grip than the Gen3.

Overall the Gen4 simply provides better features and I can't think of a reason to stick with the Gen3.  Love my Gen3, but the Gen4 has quickly made me forget about my Gen3.

[foggymt]

Thanks for the great feedback!