Glock 26 - Gen 3 or Gen 4 and why?

[UNC151]

Rented and shot a Gen 3 and it works so much better for me than the Glock 43. The price difference between a Gen 3 and 4 is $70ish. I really like the backstrap feature on my G19 Gen 4 and will likely go for a G26 Gen 4, but I wanted to hear your thoughts on it.

TIA!

 

[umungus1122]

If you like that feature, go with the 4.

 

[CT8]

What feels the best is the way to go.

 

[hatt]

Originally Posted By: umungus1122
If you like that feature, go with the 4.
Pretty much. If you like what the gen 4 offers than get it. If not then gen 3 all day.

 

[billt460]

Originally Posted By: 2015_PSD
.....The price difference between a Gen 3 and 4 is $70ish.....


Remember part of that $70 is because you get 3 magazines with the Gen 4 guns. One more than with a Gen 3.

 

[sw99]

Gen 4 they also introduced a different finish. It wan not popular but I think it's proving to be very durable. I like the different backstraps also. I have a Gen 4 G26 and love it. It shoots as good as any full size Glock I own (G41,G35,G22). I am always amazed at how accurate this little gun is.

 

[Robenstein]

Gen 4 also has that larger recoil spring setup. That of course means they took some meat out of the dust cover of the polymer frame. I am not sure how that will affect the "pig nosing" of the frames in that area.

 

[UNC151]

Originally Posted By: Robenstein
Gen 4 also has that larger recoil spring setup. That of course means they took some meat out of the dust cover of the polymer frame. I am not sure how that will affect the "pig nosing" of the frames in that area.
I thought the Glock Gen 3 subcompacts also had the new dual stage recoil spring?

 

[Ryan]

I like the 4th gen over the 3rd gens mainly because of the bigger mag release button.

 

[AMC]

All the problems that the Gen 4 Glocks initially had have been worked out. IMO, There is no reason to buy a gen 3 at all anymore.

 

[UNC151]

Originally Posted By: AMC
All the problems that the Gen 4 Glocks initially had have been worked out. IMO, There is no reason to buy a gen 3 at all anymore.
Unless the price dictates.

 

[hatt]

Originally Posted By: 2015_PSD
Originally Posted By: AMC
All the problems that the Gen 4 Glocks initially had have been worked out. IMO, There is no reason to buy a gen 3 at all anymore.
Unless the price dictates.

Gen 3 9mms are one of the most proven handguns ever built.

 

[bubbatime]

When the Gen 4 came out, there were a ton of problems. Its been quite a while and the they seem to have worked the kinks out of the gen 4 guns.

As to the dual spring recoil setup, the Glock 26 always had a dual spring recoil setup. Ive never looked inside a Gen 4 G26, but it would not surprise me if they used the same recoil spring in it since it was already a dual spring setup.

I never really cared for the gen 4 and always just bought the gen 3 guns.

That changes when they start selling the new Gen 5 guns though. I absolutely will buy a stack of Gen 5 G17 and G 19 guns when they are available.

 

[Hokiefyd]

The problems with the earlier Gen 4s are what steered me away from the brand back when I bought a few 9mm pistols. The Grip Force Adapter made the Gen 3 a perfect fit for me, and it's the Glock I told myself I'd buy if I bought one.

That is until word of the Gen 5s has surfaced over the last few months. So far, everything I've seen about it, I like. No more fingergrooves. No more serrated trigger. Ambi slide stop (no really a plus for me, but a smart thing for Glock to do). Rounded muzzle contour.

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/08/16/photos-new-glock-17m-leaked/

Looks like a really nice pistol.

 

[UNC151]

Thanks guys. I found a Gen 3 with 100 rounds (the current owner says) put through it for $400. I will take a look and if it is in the shape described, I will likely grab it since a new Gen 3 is $499 and a Gen 4 is $569 locally (plus tax). I never thought I would become a "Glock Guy", but I am rapidly converting.

 

[geekster]

That's a good deal on the gun. I would snag it as well. I have Gen 2,3, and 4 and like them all for different reasons. I'm more partial to my Gen 2 19 out of all of them. Then second would be my Gen 4 34 which is a pleasure to shoot. I've had no problems with any of my Gen 4s to date. I waited until it seemed like they got things worked out FWIW.

 

[Al]

In less than 2 weeks I put 600 rounds through my gen 4 26. Not one hickup. Totally love this thing. I shoot it better than my 43.

 

[UNC151]

Originally Posted By: Al
In less than 2 weeks I put 600 rounds through my gen 4 26. Not one hickup. Totally love this thing. I shoot it better than my 43.
I shot the 26 better than the 43 that I rented. While the 19 is my favorite Glock, I am going to pick a 26 to add to the collection. The 43 and 42 did not impress me.

 

[Al]

Originally Posted By: 2015_PSD
, I am going to pick a 26 to add to the collection. The 43 and 42 did not impress me.
They each have their place. Some feel they can shoot the 42 better. I am taking private tactical lessons by a former SWAT team sgt and now teaches firearms at a college. Two of the problems he noticed on me was my weak hand thumb was tight..needs to be loose...Also he highly recommended the Grip extension which I had removed, You could see the problems on the video he took of me.