Choosing between the Glock 17 Gen 5 and Gen 4 can feel overwhelming. Both are highly regarded handguns, but subtle yet significant differences exist that cater to different preferences and shooting styles. This in-depth comparison will highlight the key distinctions to help you make an informed decision.
Key Differences: A Head-to-Head Breakdown
The Glock 17 Gen 5 boasts several improvements over its predecessor, the Gen 4. These enhancements primarily focus on ergonomics, reliability, and ease of maintenance. Let's delve into the specifics:
1. Slide Serrations: Enhanced Control and Grip
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Gen 5: Features aggressive, front and rear, ambidextrous slide serrations. These provide a more secure grip, even with wet or gloved hands, facilitating faster and more controlled slide manipulation.
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Gen 4: Offers less aggressive serrations, primarily located at the rear of the slide. While functional, they don't offer the same level of grip and control as the Gen 5's more extensive serrations.
2. Marksmanship and Accuracy: Refined Trigger and Barrel
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Gen 5: Incorporates an improved, smoother trigger with a reduced trigger pull weight. This refined trigger contributes to enhanced accuracy and shot-to-shot consistency. The Marksman barrel, with its improved rifling, also adds to enhanced accuracy.
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Gen 4: The Gen 4 trigger, while reliable, is noticeably heavier and not as crisp as the Gen 5's. The barrel is also a slightly less refined design compared to the Gen 5 Marksman barrel.
3. Enhanced Ergonomics: Glock's Commitment to Comfort
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Gen 5: Eliminates the Gen 4's finger grooves, offering a more universally comfortable grip for a wider range of hand sizes. The absence of finger grooves allows for a more natural grip, improving control and reducing hand fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
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Gen 4: Retains the finger grooves, which some shooters find beneficial, while others find them restrictive or uncomfortable. This is a significant point of contention between the two generations.
4. Magazine Compatibility and Release: A Seamless Transition?
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Gen 5: Uses the same magazines as the Gen 4. This is an important consideration for shooters who already own Gen 4 Glock 17 magazines.
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Gen 4: Magazines are backward-compatible with the Gen 5; however, not all Gen 4 magazines function flawlessly in the Gen 5 models, sometimes requiring minor adjustments.
5. Other Notable Differences
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Recoil Spring Assembly: The Gen 5 features a redesigned recoil spring assembly for improved reliability and smoother cycling.
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Ambidextrous Slide Stop Lever: Both the Gen 4 and Gen 5 offer ambidextrous slide stop levers, a feature many shooters appreciate.
Which Glock 17 is Right for You?
The "better" Glock depends entirely on individual preferences and priorities.
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Choose the Glock 17 Gen 5 if: You prioritize a smoother, lighter trigger pull, more aggressive slide serrations for enhanced control, and a more universally comfortable grip without finger grooves. The improved accuracy and reliability are also key benefits.
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Choose the Glock 17 Gen 4 if: You prefer the feel of finger grooves on the grip and are less concerned about the slightly heavier trigger pull and less aggressive slide serrations. The cost savings compared to the Gen 5 might also influence your decision.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to handle both models, if possible, and see which one feels better in your hand. Consider your shooting style, hand size, and budget to make the most informed choice. This detailed comparison should provide a solid foundation for your decision-making process.
