Table of Contents

• Action
• Trigger and Safety
• Cleaning and Maintenance
• Magazine Capacity and Accessories
• Finger Grooves and Holsters
• Glock Gen 3 VS Gen 4 Differences
• Slide
• Recoil Spring Assembly
• Frame Grip
• Trigger Bar
• Trigger Housing and Connector
• Ejector
• Back Straps
• Magazine Release
• Magazines
• Cost
• Glock Gen 3 VS Gen 4 Reliability Comparison
• Conclusion

The two latest versions of the Glock 19 are not what you would call ‘new’. The Gen 4 has been around for about six years now, and the Gen 3 was introduced in 1996, but people still ask me which one I would recommend, as both versions are readily available on the market. Many folks either love Glocks or hate them. Generally, those that don’t like Glock pistols don’t like polymer “plastic toy guns,” period. But those that do love Glocks, such as myself, often own several of them. Sure, they may not be the most attractive handguns on the market, but there is something appealing even in their utilitarian look to me. It is no secret that my family loves Glocks – between me and my relatives, the members of my family own every Glock model several times over! If you’re looking into buying a Glock, 19 or otherwise, you must have heard some good things about them. The Glock 19 has had some impressive iterations over the years, and we will compare two of their very best in this, our Glock 19 Gen 3 VS Gen 4 Review.

Most people are familiar with at least one of the models of these popular revolutionary polymer-frame pistols. The reason they were considered so revolutionary when they were introduced in the early 80’s mainly comes down to their striker fired, no-external hammer design, and the fact that they were one of the first polymer-framed handguns to be marketed in large numbers (the Glock 17).  Despite no longer being unique in these aspects; the availability and variety of holsters, OEM replacement parts and upgrades, and the ability to customize the Glocks to a shooters specifications and needs, have kept them popular and in demand throughout the years.

The Glock 19 is a compact polymer framed, locked-breech, double stacked, 9mm’s with no external hammer, and is one of the most popular of the Glock models, which is impressive given such entries as the Glock 17 and the Glock 26. For many, it is the go-to-gun for concealed carry and self-defense purposes. If you’ve ever fired or dry-trained on any of the Glock models, the Glock 19 will feel familiar to you, which is the beauty of having a unified-across-models Glock design. It means that even though you may be practicing with the subcompact or full size, the muscle memory will translate to the compact and vice versa, no matter which Gen it is. The Gen 3 and 4 versions of this compact pistol are similar but have some important differences that should be noted and considered when choosing between the two. Let’s start though by going over the similarities:

Glock Gen 3 VS Gen 4 Similarities

Action

Glocks are all striker-fired pistols, without external hammers. Instead of external hammers, the firing pin is “cocked” by an internal spring until the trigger releases it to strike the cartridge. When you rack the slide of a Glock to chamber the first round, the firing pin is only partially cocked. That provides a degree of safety because the gun can’t fire from the partially cocked configuration. When you pull the trigger, the cocking operation is completed until the backward motion of the trigger releases the fully cocked striker. With the striker-fired design, every trigger pull will feel the same.

Trigger and Safety

As with all Glock models, there are no external manual safeties. This means that all Glocks can be quickly drawn and employed if deadly force is required without the shooter needing to worry about flipping the safety on or off. Assuming there is a bullet in the chamber, just draw, point and you’re ready to fire. If you’re ever in a real-life blood pounding situation with adrenaline shooting through you, you’re going to want to have a gun that is as simple and direct as possible to operate. The Glock 19 trigger is part of the Glock Safe Action Pistol safety system.

Depressing the center part of the trigger releases the safety and allows the pistol to be fired. This is meant to reduce the risk of accidental discharge. Second, the Glock has an internal firing pin safety. This pin will keep the striker from launching itself forward. Third, there is a drop safety, which means the gun may be dropped from a significant height, with a round in the chamber, and this safety will ensure that the gun does not discharge. Trigger pull is about 5.5 pounds on all Glocks and can be easily increased or decreased depending on your preference by changing parts readily available from Glock.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Without a doubt, cleaning and maintaining Glocks are one of their major selling points: Because there are so few parts, the field stripping is really quick. Fewer parts also mean fewer malfunctions and less hassle. The less time it takes to maintain, the more likely you are to maintain the gun better and more frequently; so you will be dealing with fewer stoppages and problems. The Glock is the definition of rugged and low-maintenance: you can fire it dry or simply oiled since the slick surfaces of polymer don’t seem to have any wearing effects on the steel slide.  I personally do add a little lubricant on my G19 but it is not critical on the Glock. The Glock has an easy four piece disassembly process for cleaning and lubrication.  The spring is integral to the recoil assembly and guide rod so there is no chance of inverting the spring incorrectly or losing it.

Magazine Capacity and Accessories

Both Glock 19s have a 15+1 round capacity in their standard magazine and you can get purchase capacity magazines if you want (though this takes away from the concealability factor).  Both come equipped with a Picatinny accessory rail on which you can mount a variety of different accessories from lights to lasers etc.

Finger Grooves and Holsters

Both Glock 19 Gen’s have the same finger grooves and you can use the same exact holster for both generations, even if you’re using the different sized back straps of the Gen 4 – which I will explain about below.

Glock Gen 3 VS Gen 4 Differences

Though the list below might make it seem like there are many differences, they are really more noticeable to someone who has lots of experience with both. If you’re trying to figure out which to buy, most of the differences will likely not be as important to you, but they should still be considered.

Slide

One of the first differences people note about the Gen 4 Glocks across all models (even if you’re holding a Gen 3 and 4 that at a close glance seem to be very similar) is the fact that the slide is stamped with “Gen 4” on it. Another easy way to determine if you’re holding a Gen 4 is to look at the guide rod right below the muzzle; the Gen 4, which uses a dual-recoil spring guide rod, has a larger hole. For those really paying attention, the slide and barrel finish are different between the Gen 3 and 4. This doesn’t really make much of a difference, but the earlier Tenifer surface treatment has now been replaced by a similar process that is faster and safer to apply (and is meant to be better for the environment). The metal surfaces of the Gen 4 are of a slightly different color, being a lighter and somewhat duller grey than their Gen 3 contemporaries.

Recoil Spring Assembly

The recoil guide rod assemblies, as stated above, are different. Gen 3 features a single-spring guide rod assembly, and the Gen 4 has a dual-spring assembly. You can put a Gen 3 guide rod into the Gen 4 if you use the recoil spring adapter (it will not work the other way around). The dual recoil spring helps reduce the felt recoil and also increases the lifespan of the assembly because it isn’t working as hard as the Gen 3 single-spring. I personally do not find this recoil difference to be tremendous, and since I don’t do any competition shooting, I can manage fine with both. Still, any tiny help with accuracy and the reduction of recoil energy to the wrist sure feels nice when you spend a lot of time at the range like I do. Inside the frame, the dust cover features a wider channel to accommodate this larger dual-recoil spring assembly.

Frame Grip

The texture on the grip is a little different, with a more aggressive rougher texture on the Gen 4 grip which helps slightly for a surer grip when your hands are wet or sweaty.  This new checkering improves your grip and at the same time is still comfortable in long shooting sessions at the range, even without gloves.

Trigger Bar

The trigger bars on the Gen 3 and Gen 4 models are completely different. The Gen 4 features a rounded bump on the part that deactivates the firing pin safety, though it is still compatible with previous generation guns This bump helps keep the trigger bar centered on the firing pin safety. This also makes the trigger pull feel slightly rougher and increases the weight of the pull (by an estimated half-pound). Some people really don’t like this, though I have never had an issue with it. You can switch out the Gen 4 trigger bar for a Gen 3 if you prefer.

Trigger Housing and Connector

The trigger housings are different as well, though not drastically different. The Gen 4 has been redesigned to be compatible with the new and smaller frame, and the connector engagement angle is also slightly different. Because of this angle change, the connector features a modified angle to preserve the same trigger pull weight of the Gen 3 pistols. A Gen 4 connector can be used in a Gen 3 Glock, although it will alter significantly the weight of pull.

Ejector

The ejector was changed in the Gen 4 and can be swapped out between generations. However, it is not sold by itself – only with the trigger housing. I don’t see any real reason to do swap it out, though, as it functions just fine.

Back Straps

Gen 4 models come with two extra, alternate back straps to help fit these Glocks comfortably into a wider range of hand sizes. The smallest back strap is integrated into the frame, reducing the trigger distance of the standard size Gen 3 frame by approximately .08 in, making it more similar to a 1911. The medium back strap will add approximately .08 in. making it equal the size of a standard frame. Finally, the large backstrap increases the trigger distance by a total of approximately .16 in.

Magazine Release

Gen 4 magazine release buttons are not only larger for easier releases but are also ambidextrous, so unlike in earlier Gens, these are now made to be as equally comfortable in right or left-handed shooters.

Magazines

The magazines of both are generally compatible with each other, although if you change the magazine release over to the right-side (for left-handed shooters), then the older Gen 3 magazines, which were built for standard left-sided releases, will not work. The Gen 4 magazine has a notch on both sides, whereas the Gen 3 has only on the left-side (so they are good only for right-handed shooters).

Cost

The Gen 4, as a newer model, does cost more, but not by very much. The Gen 3 will run about $400-$500, with the Gen 4 coming in at about $100-$200 more in price – depending on where you’re purchasing from.

Glock Gen 3 VS Gen 4 Reliability Comparison

These are Glocks we’re talking about here – that means rugged reliability, no matter what generation you own! The Gen 4 had some issues when it first came out (as do many new guns and earlier Glock Gens), but Glock quickly ironed those out. In general, the simplicity and excellent design of the Glocks, with so few parts to break down, have given them a reputation of durability that is well deserved. They function well in almost any condition and hold up to abuse better than their lightweight construction might suggest, which is one of the reasons why many civilians and law enforcement officers in the U.S. and around the world carry a Glock of one model or another. Just imagine if you take care of your Glock properly – it’ll function that much smoother.

Conclusion

For me, the compact Glock 19, whether in Gen 3 or 4, is truly the Goldilocks pick of the Glock family. The 9mm bullet has enough stopping power for most practical self-defense needs. It isn’t too big for concealment, and weight-wise many will be comfortable carrying it. The Glock 19 also isn’t too small that you need to sacrifice much bullet capacity, grip comfort or sight radius. Also, most men and a large percentage of women can grip it and handle it properly and feel comfortable carrying it.

Personally, since I’m right-handed, I never needed the ambidextrous option of the Gen 4, nor did my hand need a different back strap size to fit well, but I do like the more aggressive grip texture of the Gen 4 and the larger magazine release makes switching mags, especially when you’re under stress, much easier. Though the dual-recoil spring assembly doesn’t make much of a difference in a 9mm gun like the Glock 19, every little bit helps. I would be happy if I ended up with either one, but at the end of the day, if I had to choose, I would take the Gen 4.

It truly boils down to a matter of taste. As always, no matter which you choose: as long as you are comfortable with your pistol choice and spend time becoming proficient with it, you’ve made a good choice. Both the Gen 3 and the Gen 4 also feature a plethora of accessory and modification options, making them as user-friendly as can be. Just remember to practice regularly to become the best shooter that you can be, and to always practice proper gun safety. It will also ensure that you’re confident in the handling of your weapon to be able to use it if ever you need to. The harder you train, the easier it will be when you’re in a stressful real-life situation to remember what to do and not fumble. That can be a real lifesaver. There is no wrong choice here, and I hope you’ll be happy with whichever one you get.

Thanks for reading our Glock 19 Gen 3 VS Gen 4 Review – be sure to check back for more on all things guns here at Gunivore!

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Table of Contents

• My Background
• The Guns Slides
• The Handles and Magazines
• A Personal Deal Breaker
• Comes Down to Preference
• Quick Overview Of Pros And Cons

Gun technology today has grown in leaps and bounds. It is rare that you will encounter a firearm that doesn’t work or has stoppage issues right out of the box. The trend is to build lighter, compact, modern-looking, efficient, reliable weapons. Both the Glock 19 and CZ P09 have their ups and downs, so I wanted to put them up against each other.

This is my Glock 19 VS CZ P 09 shootout, two of the more popular guns on the market today. They have certain similarities and are often compared together.  They also have certain distinct differences.  Either would be a good choice. Choosing one over the other wouldn’t be a disastrous mistake, but there are differences that personal preferences may dictate one over the other.

My Background

Just a small blurb about myself: I am an army combat vet and I volunteered with the police for 7 years. I have carried a pistol daily for nearly half my life. My style of shooting is very much geared towards combat, fast and lethal. I don’t do competition shootings. I don’t stand and take an extra two seconds to sight exactly between the sights. I don’t recommend that for those new with pistols, and it of course is a skill that has come from years of shooting, but as you will see, it has colored my specific opinion. While I currently own and carry a Glock 19 gen 4 and shoot it almost weekly- I have seen the CZ P-09 on the range I go to, and it is also a popularly purchased gun there.

I’m not looking at a spec sheet; you can find plenty of those on the internet.  This is my reaction based upon feel and experience.

Like many modern pistols, both guns have lower-half polymer frames, enabling less weight than the all-metal guns like the SIG Sauer P226.  Both are a stark black color.

The Guns Slides

The slide of the Glock is flat on top and of the CZ slightly rounded.  As I said, I don’t usually use sights- I use the slide as a pointing finger to the target and I found that with the flat wider slide top of the Glock it is slightly easier for me to acquire the target. On the CZ, the slide rides inside the frame rails rather than outside. Though some shooters, myself included, do not care for the reduced surface area with which to manipulate the slide and instinctively sight, this unusually tight slide-to-frame fit enables a very efficient barrel lockup, providing exceptional accuracy.

The Glock’s slide ribs (slide grips) are more pronounced, wider and straight up and down instead of the CZ’s slightly angled ribs making the Glock a tad easier to hold and rack the slide. The feature of the front slide ribs which was added assuming it would be viewed by people as a plus was seen to me as a negative. In holding the front ribs to rack the slide you winds up covering the ejector port which could cause stoppages.

The Handles and Magazines

The handle is similar and on both guns, and with the generation 4 Glock the back-strap can be changed to adjust for different sized hands, giving the same benefit as the adjustable CZ. The Glock slide release on the earlier generation Glocks was flat and a bit harder to lower, but with a wider lever on the generation 4 both the Glock and CZ’s slide releases are easy to activate. Both have Picattiny rails for a laser or flashlight attachment, and both guns are totally reliable.

Both supply full 9mm power, though the CZ does have an additional 4 bullets in the magazine and that is certainly nothing to sneeze at. This is the main reason for the size and weight difference between the two weapons, and in order to accommodate such a magazine, the CZ-P-09 had to be larger and not as comfortable to carry concealed within the waistband.

Both have nice sized magazine release buttons.  The metal magazine falls free and easy with the CZ, but the plastic magazine against the plastic inside of the Glock handle is not quite as smooth. That has never been a critical issue for me, but I thought I would add it as another CZ benefit. Both have textured handles, the handle of the CZ being a bit longer which sat better a bit in my large hand.  I personally counter the handle length by adding a heel to my Glock 19 magazines because of my wide fingers. For me it is a perfect fix and it is very comfortable. A nice feature on the Glock is the grooves on the handle for the fingers. The grooves insure the same hand hold every time and give a more steady hand hold. The CZ does not have any handle grooves. Again, some people don’t like the grooves.

A Personal Deal Breaker

The Glock is striker fired and does not have a visible hammer.  The CZ is hammer fired double action/single action firing DA/SA system. Each squeeze of the Glock is crisp and the same.  The CZ’s trigger squeeze for me was a little more spongy, as most DA/SA guns tend to be.

These last two points are for me a deal breaker, though for many likely won’t be.  I live in a bad area and for me, reaction time is critical- there is virtually no reaction time when someone jumps you.  Many of us carry the Glock loaded when walking around specific areas and it has served us well. When the Glock is loaded with a bullet in the chamber, slide racked it is not temptingly visible that there is a bullet in the chamber and the gun need only the trigger squeezed. I understand those of you who are squeamish about carrying a loaded pistol, and think this sounds nuts, but that just means you haven’t been in the situations I’ve been in.

While there is versatility with the CZ, it comes out of the box with a decocking lever that you can change it to a safety.  I’m less of a fan of the safety or a decocking leaver. With the gun in condition one: bullet in barrel safety locking the hammer back- the gun is in an inviting position for someone to attempt to grab it (especially since it isn’t as comfortable as a concealed carry weapon) and it may portray a mistaken picture of the owner as a crazy extremist. With the Glock racked, bullet in the chamber- it is not visible that the gun is ready in condition one and it less attracts a bad guy’s eye. The first shot like the last shot is  clean, easy, and a short pull. When using the decocker- the hammer is lowered safely so that it is forward and not back- but the first shot is hard and long that many not practiced shooters will most likely miss in an environment where there is no room for error. I need to know that when a bad guy or terrorist is a few feet away from me- all I need to know is that I draw the gun and shoot and each trigger squeeze is the same easy and clean squeeze. In my mind for my purposes, the Glocks ready to shoot bullet in chamber racked gives me the best chance to survive a close combat situation.

Comes Down To Preference

At the end of the day, when you’re trying to figure out which one is better, the Glock 19 or the CZ P-09, the answer is that it depends on personal preference. They are both excellent pistols and have slight advantages over the other. You must figure out what use you are planning for it, and which advantages best suit that use. I’ve fired a large array of weapons, and though some are more comfortable for various reasons than others, with today’s adjustable back-straps, Glock accessories and various customizations, it’s possible to make most modern pistols into one that you’re comfortable with (assuming you don’t have extraordinarily large or small hands or some other physical issue). If you do have smaller hands you might want to take a look at the Glock 26 which is designed for shooters with smaller hands.

Both are good as a duty pistol, match gun, range gun, and/or home defense. Both have fanatic supporters and detractors. I personally think the Glock is better as a duty pistol and home defense, and the CZ-P09 is better as a match and range gun. Maybe I stay with the Glock 19 because I’ve had it nearly half my life and I’m nostalgic about it. I’ve never had any issues with it so I stick with what works for me. There is no bad choice here, and you’ll eventually find what works best for you!

Quick Overview Of Pro’s and Con’s

Now that we have established that both are excellent guns, here are the specific pros and cons VS each other with the basic specs:

The CZ P09-

Length: 8.1 in.

Height: 5.79 in.

Width: 1.46 in.

Unloaded weight- 840 g.

Pros:

• Higher capacity 19 round magazine
• Longer barrel, and slide fit adds to accuracy and gives slighter longer range.
• Slightly smoother magazine release with metal magazines.

Cons:

• Larger and heavier make it not as comfortable for concealed carry.
• Magazines cost more.
• Rounded slide can be less convenient for instinctive sightless shooting.
• Trigger is not as smooth and consistent. Your first pull isn’t like the second.
• Harder to carry loaded without being very noticeable.

Glock 19, Gen 4-

Length: 7.28 in.

Height: 4.99 in.

Width: 1.18 in.

Unloaded Weight:  670 g.

Pros:

• Large selection of accessories and aftermarket add-ons.
• Lighter weight and smaller size make it optimal for concealed carry.
• Cheaper magazines.
• Crisper and consistent trigger pull.
• No revealed hammer to worry about.

Cons:

• Not as accurate for longer distance range and match shooting.
• Lower capacity 15 round magazine.
• Slightly less smooth magazine release.

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