I am new to the forum and through a fair amount of prior reading decided to purchase a Gen 4, Glock model 20 for a side arm protection while archery hunting out West. I currently use a GP100 wheelgun in .357 and thought I would have more firepower at my side with the 10mm pistol for the weight. Plus an excuse to purchase another firearm!
It is obvious from reading the posts there are some serious 10mm shooter here and I am looking for assistance in terms of your opinions.
I was not a Glock fan due to my personal issue with the aesthetics of the guns but they had a good reputation of reliability. I had a unique opportunity to purchase a new one through a relative who works at a sporting goods store at a attractive price so I went for it.
The reviews I found were mostly quite positive.........until I found this forum and this was after I placed the order(6 week delivery for the good deal). Now I am concerned about my decision. I desire to have confidence in the pistol to carry the extra weight while hunting.
Have I make a mistake? or do I try to find a load that the G20 runs reliably? I had hoped to use it for some whitetail hunting with a 6 inch barrel if I could shoot it well enough.
It is not too late for me to cancel the order but I don't desire to spend a fair amount more $$ for something else. Any opinions would be welcome.
Note: I have shot handguns for many years and own maybe 9 including Browning, Sig, CZ, Ruger, Dan Wesson, S&W, and Beretta. I am no expert but am comfortable shooting. (I have not experienced the failures to feed in any of my autos as I have read on this forum)
Thank you!
BLS
BLS, Welcome to the forum! The Gen 4 guns have presented issues for some and not for others. Personally I don't think they are that problematic although some of the highest impulse ammo can cause issues with timing of the slide.
That being said, you may not have any issues, but then again it might. Just take some time to get to know you pistol, how it functions.
Best regards!
I agree with Shadow, and you will probably get a decent gun.
On the other hand, the Gen 3 is the safer bet.
Thank you for your comments. Maybe I will leave it on order. Is the Gen 3 still available?
There are plenty of them out there. The SF model is closer in grip size to the Gen 4.
Just do a search here for Glock 20:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Pistols/BI.aspx?Keywords=*glock+20
Gen 3 SF gets my vote as well. Gen4s are good guns when they run right. Let's face the facts here; We didn't buy a 10mm to shoot mild loads. If they will not run right with hot ammo I have no use for it and would just carry my 44 wheel gun.
Honestly, as a G20 Gen4 owner, with the issues I've had, I'd rather knowing what I know now rather have just got a G20 Gen3SF. Seems like those are very close in grip to the Gen4 (at least without any Gen4 backstraps applied) and have the reliability of the Gen3 series. Something isn't right with the Gen4, they need to spend some effort on figuring out what and come up with some kind of fix(es). It's not Glock Perfection when 1 in 10 is FTF.
Just another data point. I bought a G20 Gen4 about a year ago. Never had a single problem with it. Has around 300-400rds through it. Standard power, high power (Underwood), and all kinds of reloads. Not a single FTF, FTE, etc. I like the new grip better and also wanted ambidex mag release because I shoot left handed. I am very pleased with mine.
I have another thread on a RIA 10mm that took a lot to get it dialed in. Others don't have a problem with theirs. So maybe lemons get out there???
GL;
I am an unrepentant gun snob. For many years I would have NOTHING but Sig, H&K, Dan Wesson. As my shooting and experience evolved, I have somewhat become open to other guns. For example, I happen to think for the money the Springfield XDm in 45 is VERY hard to beat. To me, Glocks were like Chevy or Honda - I am fortunate I have the means to do "better." So, my point?
Last summer I rented a Gen 3 Glock 20 just to try for the first time, the venerable 10mm. LOVED the power and have to have a 10mm. Sooooooo, I go looking for a Dan Wesson Razorback in 10mm. After searching, I finally found one on the planet Neptune but they were back-ordered everywhere else. Since I had no Hisbzzr's, the official currency on Neptune, I had to change platforms if I REALLY wanted a 10mm. I just couldn't warm up to the EA products and they were hard to find also.
I broke down and did the unthinkable - went to my local gunshop and bought a new Glock 20 Gen 4. I took it home and just looked at it and couldn't believe I did it.
Welllllllll, it is now my gun of first choice for defense. I have had ZERO problems with it, souped it up with a KKM barrel, Trijicon HD night sights, Hogue grip which just molds to my big hands, and just started using it for my new classes in Tactical Defensive Handgun series from my local range/pro-shop. My instructor couldn't believe I was going to train and qualify with it but I was shooting lights out compared to the other students (not to mention the intimidation of the sound which was noticeably louder than most of the other guns).
Out of my three guns, it has moved up to my number one night-stand gun. I mean, 3-15 mags of supercharged hollow points......I don't care what people say about stopping power of handguns. I have three high capacity magazines that I assure ANYONE will stop even a buzzed-up-on-drugs intruder.
Oh, people always want to shoot it. I have about 500-650 rounds with ZERO failures OR problems of any kind.
DO - NOT - HESITATE to purchase and value this gun.
Now; I probably won't buy another Glock since they all look alike and I do like variety.............. BUT! I am thinking now I have my concealed carry I can't think of a better product than a compact with 10 rds. of 10mm.
Like I said, I can't believe it but this is a true story. Awesome product!
Pat
BL - sorry about the GL :(
For what it's worth, I personally think Glock magazines are some of the best I have ever had. Just MY opinion.