A Detailed Look at the Grip
Grip Considerations
The first point of interaction between shooter and handgun, the grip, provides a substantial area for design differences. The Gen4 featured a grip characterized by interchangeable backstraps. This modular system allows for adjustments to the grip size, accommodating a wider range of hand sizes. This was a welcome innovation, allowing for a more customized fit and improved comfort for many users. The texturing of the Gen4 grip was also updated from previous generations, providing a more secure hold, even in wet conditions.
Conversely, the Gen5 features a redesigned grip. Perhaps the most striking visual change is the absence of finger grooves. While some shooters embraced the finger grooves of earlier generations, many found them less than ideal, especially for shooters with different hand sizes or those preferring a straighter grip. The Gen5’s grip is generally favored, offering a more uniform and adaptable feel. This design eliminates the constraint of the finger grooves, which could hinder a proper grip for some. Moreover, the Gen5 grip’s texture is more aggressive than that found on the Gen4, a design choice intended to enhance purchase and control, particularly during rapid firing or in adverse conditions. This refined texture contributes to a more secure and confident handling experience. The grip profile on the Gen5 has also been slightly modified, generally resulting in a slightly less bulky feeling in the hand.
Ultimately, the “best” grip is subjective and relies heavily on the individual shooter’s hand size, preferences, and shooting style. The modularity of the Gen4 remains an attractive feature for some, while the more streamlined, textured grip of the Gen5 offers a compelling alternative for many others. Both offer a sturdy, ergonomic feel, but the key to choosing between the two lies in understanding how the grip interacts with your specific anatomy.
A Focus on the Frame
Frame Characteristics
The frame of a Glock pistol is the heart of the weapon. It is where the internal components reside, and it provides the structural foundation. The Gen4 frame builds upon decades of experience. This generation retained the proven polymer construction known for its durability and light weight. A major change from the previous generation was the addition of a dual recoil spring assembly. This design was meant to improve recoil management, reducing felt recoil and improving reliability by absorbing energy more efficiently.
The Gen5 frame, however, offers additional refinements. Minor revisions to the frame profile subtly improved ergonomics and often resulted in a more comfortable feel, particularly after extended use. These alterations contribute to smoother transitions between targets and a better overall shooting experience. The frame design, while still adhering to Glock’s signature polymer construction, also benefits from further optimization of the internal architecture, designed for enhanced durability.
The cumulative effect of the frame changes in the Gen5 results in a pistol that is often perceived as being more controllable and easier to shoot accurately, especially during sustained firing. These subtle tweaks, when combined with the improvements in the grip and other areas, contribute to a refined shooting experience.
Examining the Slide
Slide Features
The slide, the moving part of the pistol that houses the barrel and breech, is another area where significant changes were implemented between these two generations. The Gen4 slide retains Glock’s standard finish, a proven treatment that provides adequate protection against corrosion and wear. The front and rear serrations on the Gen4 slide provide a practical surface for manipulating the slide during racking or malfunction clearing.
The Gen5, on the other hand, showcases some aesthetic and functional changes to the slide. Most prominently, the Gen5 slide features a nDLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) finish. This advanced coating enhances corrosion resistance, providing superior protection against wear and tear compared to the previous generation’s finish. The nDLC coating also reduces friction, contributing to smoother cycling of the slide. The profile of the slide can also differ slightly, with some Gen5 models featuring a more beveled front end. This minor alteration, though subtle, can contribute to easier reholstering and snag-free operation.
The benefits of these slide enhancements are mostly practical. The nDLC finish promises increased longevity and less susceptibility to damage from environmental factors. The ergonomic improvements, such as the refined slide serrations on some models, can improve the shooter’s control over the slide during operation.
Diving Into the Barrel
Barrel Details
The barrel of a pistol is crucial for accuracy. The Gen4 utilized a standard barrel design, known for its reliability and good performance. This barrel offered a proven platform for consistent shot placement, suitable for a wide array of shooting applications.
The Gen5 introduced the Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB). This barrel features enhanced rifling, designed to improve accuracy. The GMB’s enhanced design often results in a tighter grouping of shots, leading to an improved overall shooting experience, particularly for target shooting and precision applications. The design changes implemented in the GMB were the primary reason for the Gen5 improvement in overall accuracy. The GMB is a significant addition, and a key factor separating the two generations.
The shift to the GMB is a notable advancement. The improved accuracy, coupled with the other enhancements across the Gen5, makes it a more accurate pistol compared to the Gen4.
A Look at the Magazines
Magazine Considerations
Magazine compatibility and operation are also important. The Gen4 pistols, of course, are compatible with earlier Glock magazines. This offers shooters the flexibility of utilizing a wide range of available magazine types. The magazine release button, located on the left side, is easily accessible, allowing for quick magazine changes.
The Gen5 boasts enhanced features related to magazine operation. The most significant change is the introduction of an ambidextrous slide release. This improvement caters to both right- and left-handed shooters. Additionally, the magazine release button is now reversible, enabling shooters to customize their setup for their dominant hand. The magazine well itself has been slightly beveled, designed for faster, smoother magazine insertion. The Gen5 pistols are also compatible with existing Glock magazines and magazines featuring a slightly updated base plate, providing a wider range of choices.
The changes to the magazine controls and their compatibility speak to Glock’s commitment to user-friendliness and adaptability. This is a welcome improvement for shooters of all skill levels.
Examining the Controls
Control Layout and Functionality
The layout and functionality of the controls are essential to the overall shooting experience. The Gen4 followed the Glock’s familiar control layout. The slide release lever is situated on the left side, and the magazine release is also located on the left. This traditional configuration is familiar to many shooters.
The Gen5 builds upon the proven control layout while implementing crucial improvements. The ambidextrous slide stop lever stands as a key difference, giving the pistol a truly ambidextrous operation. The enhanced magazine release button makes magazine changes easier.
The Gen5’s enhancements contribute to improved ease of operation and flexibility, especially for left-handed shooters or those who prefer to train with both hands.
Comparing Performance and Handling
Performance Metrics
Comparing the performance and handling of these two generations reveals some interesting contrasts.
Recoil Management
The dual recoil spring assembly of the Gen4 helped manage recoil. This design improved overall control and allowed for faster follow-up shots, making the Gen4 a manageable pistol. The Gen5, with its enhanced grip, refined frame design, and the GMB, takes recoil management to a higher level. The combination of these enhancements results in a shooting experience with reduced muzzle rise and perceived recoil. This allows for more precise and controlled shot placement during rapid fire, as well as a more comfortable overall shooting experience.
Accuracy
The introduction of the Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) in the Gen5 has a notable impact on accuracy. While both generations are known for reliability, the GMB provides a definitive accuracy advantage for the Gen5. Shooters often report tighter groupings and enhanced precision with the newer model.
Reliability
Glock pistols are legendary for their reliability. Both the Gen4 and Gen5 maintain Glock’s reputation for dependability. Both generations have gone through extensive testing and have proven themselves as reliable weapons.
Exploring the Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Generation
Advantages of the Gen4
- Cost: Gen4 pistols are often more affordable than Gen5 models, due to their greater availability and the fact that the technology has been around longer.
- Familiarity: Many shooters are already accustomed to the Gen4’s design and controls.
- Aftermarket Parts: A wider selection of aftermarket parts and accessories are readily available for Gen4 pistols.
- Backstraps: The included backstraps allow you to tailor the grip to your hand.
Disadvantages of the Gen4
- Finger Grooves: The finger grooves are not a good fit for every hand size.
- Less Ambidextrous: Lacks the ambidextrous controls that the Gen5 offers.
- Slightly Less Accurate: While still accurate, it doesn’t have the GMB advantage of the Gen5.
Advantages of the Gen5
- Improved Grip: The redesigned grip enhances comfort and control.
- GMB: The Glock Marksman Barrel enhances accuracy.
- Ambidextrous Controls: The ambidextrous slide release and reversible magazine release cater to all shooters.
- nDLC Coating: The slide coating provides increased durability and corrosion resistance.
Disadvantages of the Gen5
- Price: Generally, the Gen5 pistols come with a higher price point.
- Finger Groove Elimination: Shooters who prefer finger grooves might find the Gen5 grip less comfortable.
Choosing the Right Glock: A Personalized Approach
Making a Choice
The “best” Glock depends heavily on your individual needs and preferences. For concealed carry, a comfortable grip and reliable performance are paramount. For competitive shooting, features like enhanced accuracy and faster reloads can be highly valuable.
If you value a streamlined grip, improved accuracy, ambidextrous controls, and a durable slide finish, the Gen5 is a strong contender. Its modern features often result in a more refined shooting experience, particularly for those who prioritize control and performance.
However, if budget is a significant factor and you are happy with the familiar design, and the advantages offered by the Gen4, you will find a reliable and effective pistol.
In Conclusion
Final Thoughts
The Glock Gen4 and Gen5 represent the evolution of a firearm icon. Each generation builds upon the fundamentals, offering enhancements that cater to different shooter preferences and needs. While the Gen4 remains a reliable and capable option, the Gen5 introduces a number of improvements that make it a compelling choice for many.
The key takeaway is that you should carefully consider your priorities, and handle both generations if possible, to determine which Glock best aligns with your individual requirements. Ultimately, both are excellent choices, each with its own strengths. Both will serve you reliably. Consider the features that you value most, and you can find the Glock that is the right fit for you.
