Preferences for the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Gen models of Glocks?

[Brownie]

Which model glock do you carry, and which generation is it?

Why do you choose to carry that model and particular generation of glock?

If you had a preference between the generational models presently available, which one would it be and why? 1st, 2nd, or 3rd?

[DocH]

I prefer the 1st gen models,tho I only have one. My G19's are both older 2nd gen guns.
I despise checkering of any kind,I just find it obnoxious ,and I don't need it to control my pistola.
The 1st gen 17 grip was "right" in my opinion and made for better handling. I wish they'd bring it back as an option.
Mypersonal G26 is the 2.5 with grooves but no checkering on the front strap.I can live with that. I have sleeves on the 19's but will probably just have the entire grip on both stipppled eventually. Probably on my current 30,too. No checkering on either 1911.

[Matthew Temkin]

I bought my G19 back in 1989, so i would guess it is first generation.
Until shooting one I liked the latest models with the finger grooves, but after borrowing Mike's in Tuscon--and getting "Glock Rash"---I will stick with the older models until senility sets in.

[Roundeyesamurai]

3rd Gen- for the simple reason that I like having the rails and the bottom grip crest.

The best part about a 3rd Gen is, if you like the 1st or 2nd Gen grip better, you can "convert" a 3rd Gen grip to 1st or 2nd, with a belt sander.

[Guantes]

AAAAh, Primitive Pete rears his head.

[Gunslinger808]

I use both the model 22 and 27, in 3rd gen.
Rails for the Surefire on the 22, and the finger grooves actually fit my hand.

[RAM]

I'm not sure what a gen 2 looks like, My glocks are late model (3rd gen) with finger groves and rails, except the G27/no rails.

Gen 1 no rail or finger groves, what's a gen2?

[Roundeyesamurai]

RAM, good question, and I think even some Glock owners don't know the difference.

Here is a picture of the three grip generations:

http://www.glockfaq.com/images/pics/framegens.jpg

First Generation has a uniform grip texture;

Second Generation has checkering on the front and back straps, and a checkered panel on either side of the grip;

Third Generation has finger grooves and rail.

[RAM]

Senior round one,

Thanks for the info, I have seen the 3 Gens before but really never noticed the difference between 1 & 2. Probably because I haven't owned them.

You are right, many glock owners don't know the diff, I've owned 7, currently have 5!

Thanks again.

[Brownie]

I asked the question because I had recently purchased a 3rd gen g-17 and the trigger guard, where it met my middle finger, created a hot spot after two days and 800 rds downrange.

My 1st gen g-17 had never done that before. I wasn't so sure I liked the 3rd gen even though the finger grooves and checkering seemed to give me a better purchase and more recoil management.

After RES' post about the belt sander idea, I put the dremel and polishing compound to that spot on the trigger guard, and it is good to go now. It's smoothed out and the edge is broken nicely in less than two minutes work.

Thanks for the suggestion RES. I would not have thought to try it without your comments.

[The Searcher]

I have used both second and third generation. I like 3rd generation better on the G19 but not by enough to fuss over.

It's been my experience that finger grooves and similar hand shaped moldings usually fit someone else's hand not my own. I try to avod them.

[Brownie]

Like Gunslinger808, the finger grooves fit my hand like a glove. I looked at the 3rd gens [ kicked the tires] for a long time before deciding to get one.

I needed a second g-17 as students are borrowing the glock often enough and I thought it was time to have one dedicated just for them. I have gov 45's and revolvers they can use if needed already.

Oh yes, the students now get the 1st gen g-17, not my new one :D

[DocH]

I am probably going to need to do the dremmel,sander trick on my newest G30. I have this same problem with the hot spot on the knuckle of the middle finger. In fact it's a big calous now. I carried the old one for 2 years before I gave it to my son,and I just put up with it,but no longer.
His fingers are smaller and it doesn't seem to bother him. Never thought that problem would come up with "long handled"G17,tho.Brownie,you must have some really big hands. I think the short grip of the 30 is part of the culprit,too.

[Brownie]

Afternoon Doc,

Actually my hands would be considered medium to small, but I do tend to bring the fingers up into the trigger guard as high as possible with every handgun I fire.

Word of caution/advice when you use the dremel. I used the soft drum wheel and some polishing compound. Use light pressure on the wheel. It looked like I wasn't getting results and when I applied some pressure to it, it took material quickly. I also used the slowest speed on the dremel.

[Roundeyesamurai]

No prob, Brownie.

Have you tried the 25-cent trigger job or the speed trigger yet?

[Brownie]

Not yet, but I plan to in the future, as well as getting night sights asap.

The dremel worked great and the problem area is just what the doctor ordered now.

[Roundeyesamurai]

Cool.



(Ten characters)

[DocH]

Thanks for the tip Brownie. I'll use caution.

[JMusic]

Ok boys whats the 25 cent trigger job?

[Roundeyesamurai]

It's a polish of the metal-metal contact surfaces in a Glock pistol.

Here's picture directions:

http://www.alpharubicon.com/mrpoyz/glock/

[Brownie]

JM,

It's on the way to you via email right now, with pics.

[7677]

I like the Gen II with the G19 and Gen III with the G17/.

[RAM]

Brownie,

I call it Glock finger!

BUT, I just can't bring myself to dremmel my guns. When I know I'm going to be shooting over 500 in a day I tape up the finger and it's good to go.

Some say train like you'll fight and I agree with that to a point, but my point is that if I need to fight with 500 or more rounds in a day, I'm in over my head to start with, so I tape it up. For a low round count (under 500) there isn't a problem.

In addition to carving the trigger guard. Put the gun into any holster you will be using with that gun and check that the holster does not hang over the trigger guard where your finger can come in contact with it. The holsters I use all had some hang over and they are just as likely to cause Glock finger as the trigger guard especially if you draw the weapon a couple hundred times dry practicing in addition to the 500 or more rounds fired.

Two deiifernt Blade tech's and two Blackhawk CQC holsters had this problem. And the dremmel tool works great on holsters also!

Side note:
On my droped offset Blade Tech, it would occasionally not release the weapon when trying to draw it. After cutting back the edge of the holster so it would not hang out past the trigger guard the hangup problem went away so I am sure that my middle finger was hitting that part of the holster pretty hard and causing the holster to not release correctly. On that and many other kydex holsters the retention is in that area of the holster where it clamps onto the trigger guard.

[Brownie]

RAM,

Glock Finger, a new term has been born on the net [ unless you have put this out on the net previously :cool: ]

The modification to my G17 is very slight, if I didn't show you what had been done and just handed you the gun, most would never notice it. By breaking that edge touching my middle finger, it also smoothed that pebble finish nicely. No more irritation.

On that and many other kydex holsters the retention is in that area of the holster where it clamps onto the trigger guard.

Thats how the Sting Ray holds the gun as well. I tested the modifcation in the Sting Ray and it is good to go, but you are absolutely correct that the draw issues with the middle finger can be problematic :( .

[Sean]

I asked the question because I had recently purchased a 3rd gen g-17 and the trigger guard, where it met my middle finger, created a hot spot after two days and 800 rds downrange.

My 1st gen g-17 had never done that before. I wasn't so sure I liked the 3rd gen even though the finger grooves and checkering seemed to give me a better purchase and more recoil management.

After RES' post about the belt sander idea, I put the dremel and polishing compound to that spot on the trigger guard, and it is good to go now. It's smoothed out and the edge is broken nicely in less than two minutes work.

Thanks for the suggestion RES. I would not have thought to try it without your comments.

What polishing compound did you use Brownie? I get that with my 3rd Gens too, and though I "live with it", I would like to knock it down some.

[Brownie]

I used flitz, but any polishing creme will do.

Go slow, not a lot of pressure or you'll take material quickly. I broke the edges and checked it, then some more and rechecked it, till it was smooth. Then took some 0000 steel wool and polished the area.

Can't tell it was done, but no more hot spots on that 3rd gen.

[Sean]

I appreciate the heads up Brownie. I apologize to you all for digging up the bones of this old thread, but it spiked a question.

I don't have any Flitz handy, but I have the dremel and Simichrome...ought to do the trick.

I think I will practice on my 2nd Gen 19...it may be getting one of the new aluminum frames soon, so, it could be the sacrificial lamb.

[Brownie]

Sean,

I did a 3rd gen 19 today with no problems in about 5 minutes. The steel wool smoothed out the final look and you can't tell it has been touched.

Thats 4 glocks that have had the treatment now, easy on the pressure with the dremel polishing wheel, let us know how you make out on your attempt.

[Sean]

Will do. I have free time today, so I am thinking today is the day to jump in and grind some polymer.

I am going to tape the heck out of the front-strap area of the grip frame to guard against oops's.

[Brownie]

Let me know how you make out on this one.

[7677]

I have been issued a new third gen G19, but I have not had the Glock finger yet. Ditto for my personally owned third gen G19, however my G26 grip was worked on by the previous owner and it does fit my hand better.

[Brownie]

As of this week, I've gone back to carrying one of the first gen glock 17's. I've shot them extensively while training, and just plain like the pebbled grip better for some reason.

The 3rd gen 17 may get sold or likely traded off:D

I'll keep the 3rd gen 19 until I find a 2nd gen, but I'm not carrying it anyway so there's no hurry in getting the next 2nd gen 19 that comes into the shop;)

[DocH]

Brownie,if you happen to get a 2nd Gen. 19 after you get yourself one I'll take it,maybe we can do a FFL transfer. Got two already but you can't have too many of these. I'm not searching for one,but always casually look around to see if there ar any at the shops I walk into.

[Brownie]

I'll keep a lookout and let ya know Doc.

Now that I want one, we probably won't take one in trade for a year, but one can never tell what walks through the doors at the shop.

[DocH]

Good enough,B. Like I said,no hurry. just something I'm always on the lookout for because they serve my needs well. Thanks.

[7677]

When I was in Denver last month, I finally got to put my new issued third gen G19 through its paces and while it did just fine the new feel of the grip took some getting used to especially during the rapid fire drills. It took me a couple of tries before I got the new feel and handling of the gun and the cadence of my rapid trigger pull coordinated.

Because there is no way I can go back to my old 2nd gen G19, I bit the bullet and bought a 3rd gen G19 so that I have a second weapon to take with me to training events.

I agree that you can never have to many Glocks especially the G19. While I like the G17 and 26, they just don't feel as good in my hands as the G19 does.

[Brownie]

I think thats my problem as well 7677. I've fired so many rds through the g17 first gen series that it's hard to get wrapped around the new feel of the finger grooves.

In time I'm sure it would be acceptable, but at this point, the first generation is the go to gun. Maybe I should start using the 3rd gen in training more until I get used to it like the one I've had since 88.

[SwampRat]

Well, its been awhile guys since I've been over here. Glad to see ya'll are still carrying on as usual. Reading this thread has got me to thinking now. Gonna deliver my PT145 tomorrow to a guy at the races. He wanted it after getting a feel for it and my replacement will be the purchase of a G19. Never been a big Glock fan as a I've always carried a 1911 and currently a P14-45 but I guess its time to bite the bullet and get a Glock. Had a chance to fire a friends G23 and really liked it. However reading about the 19 and all the rave reviews plus cost of ammo in case I actually decide to carry it, practice and compete with it will save me some bucks. I think the wife might snatch the 19 though, we shall see. Guess I'll have to look around and see what fits my hand the Gen P,II, or III. I've some Gen II's and III's around by not Gen I's. I like the durability, reliability and the lack of having to use fine motor skills in a combat situation i.e. safety. Seen guys forget or miss those things under pressure and some were pretty damn good. Love that SA trigger though. We shall see. Anyways, Brownie just thought I'd jump in here and say Hey to everybody. Happy Fathers day to all of you Old Dads out there..

[Brownie]

Good to see you posting SwampRat. Going to the dark side with glock?:eek:

Have a safe holiday sir.:cool:

[SwampRat]

Good to see you posting SwampRat. Going to the dark side with glock?:eek:

Have a safe holiday sir.:cool:

Well I wouldn't quite say I'm ready to start carrying one yet being a hard core 1911 45 fan..ya know, ex military and all that garbage. I might be a little hard headed but I'm not stupid either. Time will tell whether I switch over to the G19 for carry or not. I guess I'll go ahead and get the Gen III as I can always get rid of the finger grooves if I dont like 'em but I cant add 'em if I do..If I can get used to the double stack Para I imagine another 2X4 in my hand wont be hard to handle. Lighter weight, shorter barrel, more rounds even if they are 9's. Of course old age, recoil, price of ammo, weight, ease of carry and concealability wouldn't have anything to do with it either. :)

[DocH]

Hey,Swamp Rat,good to see a post from you again.

The last sentence of your last post are exactly the reasons I always seem to go back to the G19. I like my 1911's too,but the G19 is just so practical and such a common sense carry pistol it just works well for me at this point in my life.

If you havn't already,look over my 9mm ammo tests thread. Lots of good stuff out there for the nines now.A lot better than they used to be back when we all wanted nothing but a .45,:)

[SwampRat]

DocH, had not read that thread before. Thanks..What great info and I as the others really appreciate all the work and effort you did to provide us with it..Great Stuff. I think I'd lean more to the RA9T if I was to pick one out of the bunch in the G19.

[DocH]

DocH, had not read that thread before. Thanks..What great info and I as the others really appreciate all the work and effort you did to provide us with it..Great Stuff. I think I'd lean more to the RA9T if I was to pick one out of the bunch in the G19. Yep,that's my pick also.Overall best performer with great penetration. In case you're interested I'll be doing the same testing with 45 ACP's in July and I'll post up the results on that also. I'll be running several premium loads along with some others for comparison.

[SwampRat]

Always interested in .45 performance as I carry one..I've got some off the wall .45 ammo here I've never tested..if you want it it's yours..Double Tap 165gr/JHP/box claims 1325fps..another one is .45acp by Fiocchi/200gr/JHP..and some by Aguila called Law enforcement/Military, 117gr .45acp HP. metal cartridge case.

[Brownie]

In the last several weeks I've been carrying my sig 200 "carry" model [ it's the commander size to their full size 220 ]. It's stoked with standard velocity 230 grain Win Ranger T's. I'm looking forward to the coming tests Doc will perform on various loads in 45acp.

My guess is the standard load 230 Win Ranger T will be at or near the top of the performance charts like it's 9mm brother.

I need to get with Jerry Kirkpatrick shortly and order more of that load, the prices are starting to climb on that line of ammo.

[DocH]

Swamp Rat ,if you want any of those tested I'll be glad to include them.If you want to send me about 10 of each that's all that's needed for a good test with chronographing and smacking the wetpack.
Brownie's sending some odd ones to include also. I'll pm you my address if you decide to send some. The more types I have,the more interesting it becomes.
I'll say that I'm with Brownie on the RA45T prediction. I like the Golden Sabre heavy weights too. We shall see.:) I'll start the testing about the third week in July. That will give me time to prepare everything. PM inbound.

[7677]

This last Friday I went to the range to qualify with my new third gen G19 and my G26. I did better with my G26 then my G19 including the group sizes and score. For some reason, when I drew my G19 the grip felt different then what I’m used to and I was not getting the grip I wanted. This caused me to have to access what I was doing and slowed down my draw and trigger speed. The gun is new with just over a thousand rounds through it and the trigger pull is not as smooth as with my G26. The only solution is to increase my training and put more rounds down range until I get used to the new grip.

I also shot a 9mm XD Sub-compact and I really liked the gun. I tested it with my two to the body and one to the head point shooting drill at 5 yards. Both groups were within three inches and the headshots were dead center.

[DocH]

I like that drill you described. It's always part of our range regimen with the Glocks and the .45. Very realistic.
For what it's worth,when I use the G26 for a while ,then go directly back to the 19,it always feels a little awkward to me also to begin with. I think it has something to do with the location of the hump on the backstrap,but that's just a SWAG.
Much as I like the little 26 I've been sticking with the 19 lately for the most part. The wife ,on the other hand can humm with her 26 and won't even pick up a 19.:D 1911 is another story. She loves it!

[SwampRat]

Doc, got the PM and I'll get some on the way. Appreciate what you're doing..BTW, your PM box is full and wont take anymore messages..

[DocH]

Thanks Swamp Rat. I'll include everything you send in the tests.

I'll get the box emptied,meant to do it the other day.:)

We were just saving everything from Brownie,'cause we love him so much!:eek: :D :D

[Brownie]

Thing is, I save everything from you as well Doc.:cool:

Really looking forward to the review and tests on the 45acp stuff. Same as with the 9mm's data, throw up the results and I'll sort that again for you. It might save you some work, and it's no problem to run with the figures at all.

[DocH]

Sounds like a plan,B. I've got two big and one small household project to get completed. Looking good right now so I may be able to start the testing a week earlier than anticipated.
Still working on the range setup at my sister in laws property ,too,so I'm staying a little busy but everything is shaping up slowly but surely.
Had a black bear in the area of her house the other day so I'm taking some heavy armament when I go there these days.
Had another one downtown last week,too. Cops spotted it near the probation office. Maybe he was trying to report in.:D They lost sight of it and about two hours later it was hit and killed by an SUV.About 6 mos. to one year old and about 150 to 200 lbs.
I think he may have been trying to make it back to Berry College Campus area. There in there, as well as big deer.

[SwampRat]

Almost forgot about the ammo DocH, just boxed up 30 rounds and I'll get it out Monday..

[DocH]

Sounds good,brother. I'll get you all the performance data I'm capable of on the stuff you send. Have a safe fourth.:)

[mercop]

I only carry 2nd Gen Glocks. I hate finger grooves for the same reasons stated by Bill Jordan in No Second Place Winner.

[Brownie]

Well,

I'm back to my first gen glock 17 again. :o

I just like the "feel" of the first gen stippling and no finger grooves better [ probably because I've shot this one more than any other handgun I own ]. I want to carry that Sig 220 carry but it doesn't hold enough bullets to work the shop:D