A Brief Look Back: The Evolution of Glock
To fully appreciate the advancements of the Glock Gen Five, it’s crucial to understand its lineage. Glock, a company founded by Gaston Glock in Austria, revolutionized the firearms industry with its polymer-framed, striker-fired pistols. The initial Glock models, quickly gained traction, known for their durable construction and straightforward operation. Over time, the design underwent refinements, each iteration adding features and improving upon the previous one.
The Glock Gen Four, released after earlier generations, brought significant updates. One of the most notable changes was the introduction of the dual recoil spring assembly, designed to mitigate felt recoil and improve reliability. This generation also included interchangeable backstraps, offering shooters the ability to customize the grip to better fit their hands. The Gen Four became a widely adopted standard, praised for its consistent performance.
The Gen Five, arrived on the scene with even further enhancements, aiming to elevate the Glock experience to new heights. The Gen Five represents the culmination of Glock’s continuous refinement, offering notable improvements across several key areas.
Frame and Grip: Holding the Difference
The frame is the foundation of any handgun, and the Glock Gen Five and Gen Four differ in their approach to ergonomics.
With the Gen Four, you’ll encounter the Rough Textured Frame, or RTF. This texture, though effective in providing grip, can sometimes be perceived as slightly abrasive by some shooters. A significant feature of the Gen Four frame is the inclusion of interchangeable backstraps. These allow users to alter the grip size, accommodating different hand sizes and preferences. This level of customization helped solidify the Gen Four’s place as a versatile option.
The Glock Gen Five, however, offers a noticeable shift. Gone are the finger grooves, a design element that some found restrictive. The finger grooves, present on earlier Glocks, were meant to aid with grip but did not suit all hand sizes, with many shooters finding that their fingers did not properly align, detracting from grip comfort and weapon control. Instead, the Gen Five features a more aggressive grip texture, a subtle yet important evolution that enhances the overall feel. This enhanced texture delivers a secure hold, even in adverse conditions. The Gen Five retains the ambidextrous slide stop lever, a thoughtful addition for left-handed shooters. The magazine well has been further enhanced, being beveled for quicker, more efficient reloads. The frame design overall is more streamlined and refined.
Slide and Controls: Precision in the Details
The slide is the upper portion of the pistol, housing the barrel and other critical components. The Gen Four and Gen Five slides present distinct visual and functional differences.
The Gen Four slide showcases Glock’s commitment to robust construction and reliable operation. The slide finish is designed to withstand the rigors of extensive use and environmental factors.
The Gen Five introduces a series of thoughtful refinements. One immediately noticeable change is the addition of front slide serrations. These serrations, located on the front of the slide, provide extra gripping surface, enhancing the ability to manipulate the slide for press checks or malfunction clearance. The Gen Five also boasts a refined slide finish, designed to provide increased durability and corrosion resistance. The ambidextrous slide stop lever, already present in the Gen Four, has been improved for ease of use. The controls are strategically positioned for intuitive operation.
The Trigger Experience: Feel the Difference
The trigger mechanism is a crucial element in any pistol, influencing accuracy and overall shooting experience.
The Gen Four trigger, known for its consistent performance, offers a smooth pull and a distinct reset. The trigger’s design provides a reliable and familiar shooting experience for Glock users.
The Gen Five’s trigger system has been subtly but significantly enhanced. The trigger pull has been refined to be noticeably smoother and crisper. The trigger reset, the point at which the trigger is ready to fire again, is shorter, enabling faster follow-up shots. These changes result in enhanced accuracy and better control. The overall trigger experience provides a more intuitive and satisfying feel.
The Barrel: Precision in Action
The barrel is where the projectile gains its velocity and direction, playing a vital role in accuracy.
The Gen Four features the standard Glock barrel, designed for reliable performance and accuracy.
The Gen Five introduces the Marksman Barrel. This barrel features a refined polygonal rifling pattern, designed to enhance accuracy potential. The Marksman Barrel also features a better crown to aid in shot consistency. The result is a pistol capable of delivering tighter groupings and improved precision. This refinement directly contributes to the Gen Five’s reputation for improved shooting performance.
Magazines: Consistent Feeding
Magazines are critical for reliable feeding of ammunition.
Gen Four magazines are known for reliability and compatibility.
Gen Five magazines feature an updated design, notably with a modified follower. This updated design aids in smooth and reliable feeding. The follower is the component that ensures the round is pushed into the chamber correctly. While Gen Five magazines are compatible with previous generations, earlier magazines may not function optimally in the Gen Five.
Recoil Systems: Taming the Power
The recoil system manages the energy generated when the pistol is fired.
The Gen Four utilizes a dual recoil spring assembly, a key upgrade from earlier generations. This system helps mitigate recoil and enhance reliability, reducing the felt recoil impulse.
The Gen Five builds upon this design with a refined dual recoil spring assembly. The refinement of the system further reduces felt recoil and helps to ensure consistent and reliable operation. The impact is reduced muzzle flip for faster follow-up shots, ultimately resulting in improved shooter control.
Evaluating the Performance: A Direct Comparison
When comparing the Glock Gen Four and Gen Five in terms of performance, certain distinctions emerge.
Accuracy, a cornerstone of any firearm, is significantly improved with the Gen Five. The Marksman Barrel plays a pivotal role in achieving tighter groupings, enhancing the overall accuracy potential of the pistol. While the Gen Four is already a reliable and accurate firearm, the Gen Five generally exhibits an edge in this area.
Recoil management, a critical factor in controlling the pistol during rapid fire, shows slight differences between the two generations. The refined recoil spring assembly and grip design on the Gen Five contribute to reduced felt recoil and quicker follow-up shots. The Gen Four’s dual recoil spring system also performs well.
Reliability, a hallmark of Glock pistols, is a commonality between these two generations. Glock’s unwavering commitment to rigorous quality control helps ensure both the Gen Four and Gen Five will consistently function in a wide range of environments.
The Gen Five distinguishes itself in ease of use. The ambidextrous controls and improved grip texture streamline the handling and operation of the pistol. While both pistols are relatively easy to use, the Gen Five offers incremental improvements.
Exploring Advantages and Disadvantages
Both the Gen Four and Gen Five bring strengths and weaknesses to the table.
The Gen Four stands out as a very solid and reliable option. The backstrap system provides customizability for improved grip. The wide availability of aftermarket parts and accessories is a significant advantage.
The Gen Five shines due to several key factors. The Marksman Barrel enhances accuracy, while the improved trigger creates a smoother shooting experience. The ambidextrous controls cater to both left and right-handed shooters. The more aggressive grip texture provides a secure hold.
On the other hand, some Gen Four downsides are the potentially less refined trigger feel compared to the Gen Five, and the finger grooves may not fit all hands.
Gen Five downsides include a higher price point. The backstrap system is simpler in the Gen Five.
Making Your Choice: Buyer Considerations
Choosing between the Glock Gen Four and Gen Five is ultimately a matter of personal preference and intended use.
Shooting experience level is an important factor. Novice shooters may find the Gen Five easier to control because of the better trigger and grip. Experienced shooters will appreciate the subtle enhancements the Gen Five offers.
The primary purpose of the firearm should influence your decision. For concealed carry, the compact size and improved ergonomics of the Gen Five make it an excellent choice. The Gen Four can be equally effective.
Budget will play a crucial role in this decision. The Gen Four is typically more affordable, offering excellent value. The Gen Five comes at a higher price point.
The grip plays a major factor in the experience. If you have smaller hands, the Gen Five may fit more comfortably, eliminating the need for backstraps. If you prefer a specific grip size, the backstraps on the Gen Four offer more customization.
The availability of accessories should also be considered. Both generations enjoy extensive aftermarket support, but availability may vary. Ensure that any accessories you desire are compatible with the specific generation you choose.
In Conclusion: The Verdict
The Glock Gen Five and Gen Four are both excellent pistols. The Gen Five represents Glock’s ongoing effort to refine its platform. The improvements in accuracy, grip, and trigger make it an impressive choice. However, the Gen Four remains a very solid and reliable option, and its availability and lower price make it attractive.
The best choice for you depends on your unique needs. If you value the newest features, the Gen Five is an excellent choice. If you want a great pistol and prioritize affordability, the Gen Four is an excellent choice as well. Both are fantastic choices, and you can’t go wrong with either.
Ultimately, the key is to handle both Glock generations. Compare the features, test the ergonomics, and determine which pistol best suits your needs and preferences. This will help you select the Glock that is right for you. Happy shooting!
