10mm-Auto

Firearms => 10mm semi-auto handguns => Topic started by: bjw0007 on June 01 2015 08:20:24 PM MDT

Title: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: bjw0007 on June 01 2015 08:20:24 PM MDT
Hey all,

I have had the joy of playing with my friend's 10mm RIA and have now officially been bitten by the 10mm bug.  I have had some issues with feeding in the RIA, and am taking a 2nd look at Glock (which I never even considered before).  I think if I get a gen3sf or a gen4 the grip will be ok.  My only concern is felt recoil.

How does the recoil compare between the G20 and other 10mm guns, especially a 40oz 1911?  I find the RIA pleasant to shoot for even nuclear loads.  Will the G20 be at least as pleasant to shoot for full power as nuclear in the RIA?
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: jiminthe burg on June 01 2015 08:33:41 PM MDT
I have a 3rd gen 20 and the recoil isn't too bad. The hottest load I 've shot with it  is 10.2 grs of AA#7 under 200 gr fp fmj and recoil wasn't bad.I'm using 20lb Wolff r/s w/ one of their guide rods. While it is lighter than my 1006 & witness match, to me it is pleasant to shoot
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: bjw0007 on June 01 2015 08:37:36 PM MDT
Thanks.

I'm just worried that I won't like the recoil once I buy it.  I don't want to piss off the wife even more [from buying it in the 1st place] by having to sell it or have it be a safe queen.

Honestly, I'm fine with any amount of recoil, as long as it isn't "shocking", like when you miss the nail with a hammer and hit the handle against the board.  That bone jarring shock you get from full power low grain 357s in lightweight wheel guns I can't stand.
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: Taterhead on June 01 2015 08:54:20 PM MDT
The big 20 is a recoil eating machine. The big grip, heavy slide, and maybe a bit of "give" from the polymer = a gun that I can rattle off 300 rounds in one sitting without getting uncomfortable at all. Frankly, steel guns bite more and are less comfortable for me to shoot than the 20.

Get the 20. It is arguably one of the most versatile handguns out there. My older Gen3 has been incredibly reliable.
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: rw on June 02 2015 12:23:58 AM MDT
Mine feels softer on recoil than my 23 does, neither bothers me at all though.
I got both before surgery for severe carpal tunnel in both hands, even not fully healed neither phases me.

Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: 10mmfan on June 02 2015 02:11:13 AM MDT
It feels different but not bad. If you are concerned about 10mm recoil avoid the 29.
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: sqlbullet on June 02 2015 07:59:12 AM MDT
I don't have a 20.  I do have a 29.  Despite 10mmfan's concerns, I can honestly say I think the 29 feels about like my full size witness or Para in recoil.  I can only surmise the 20 would be less felt recoil.

I agree with Taterhead.  The polymer frame has enough give and flex to really tame the recoil down.
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: brio on June 02 2015 08:56:24 AM MDT
I have a g20sf gen3 and with hot underwood or buffalo bore I find the recoil to be very minor. I have 2 guns that the recoil gets to be uncomfortable after awhile, a Ruger Redhawk Kodiak 44 magnum, 2.75 inch barrel and believe it or not, a Kel tec PF9 9mm. Sometimes I'll warm up with those 2 then when I've had it with recoil, I'll switch to the Glock.
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: rw on June 02 2015 01:00:47 PM MDT
Quote from: brio on June 02 2015 08:56:24 AM MDT
I have a g20sf gen3 and with hot underwood or buffalo bore I find the recoil to be very minor. I have 2 guns that the recoil gets to be uncomfortable after awhile, a Ruger Redhawk Kodiak 44 magnum, 2.75 inch barrel and believe it or not, a Kel tec PF9 9mm. Sometimes I'll warm up with those 2 then when I've had it with recoil, I'll switch to the Glock.

I agree on the pf9, i put 4 rounds through the one i had and said screw this.. the width of the grip and its angle makes them feel much worse than they should be. The ruger lc9s i have now feels like a 22 almost in comparison.
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: brio on June 02 2015 02:25:21 PM MDT
Thanks for the info RW, I'm gonna check out the Ruger.
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: Dave84 on June 06 2015 09:05:25 PM MDT
Really like mine as well. As for the Glock 20 even full power Underwoods are not bad at all.
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: 4949shooter on June 07 2015 04:55:40 AM MDT
I have two 20's (a gen 3 and gen 4). The recoil is there but is completely manageable, even with full power stuff like Underwood and Buffalo Bore.

There are people on the range who I have offered to let shoot these guns, who decline because they are intimidated. But it really isn't that bad. Just lock your wrist and fire away!
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: pacapcop on June 07 2015 10:19:33 AM MDT
I run the Gen 3 Full Size in a qual course for carry using Underwoods 180's and soon to be 165's. Super soaker with recoil. One yr did it with 1006, but the G20 Gen 3 won the test for me.
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: Denver1911 on June 07 2015 12:15:34 PM MDT
I shot my GI longslide alongside my friends G20c.  I preferred the recoil of the Glock.  Something about that big plastic grip I guess.  I still like my GI better, but the recoil of the Glock seemed more tame.
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: bjw0007 on June 07 2015 01:33:54 PM MDT
I tried a friend's gen2 G21 this weekend, mainly for fit rather than recoil.  I wasnt quite happy with the grip but it wasnt bad.  Knowing that, I think a gen3 sf or gen 4 should fit nicely
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: bandit3 on June 07 2015 01:48:58 PM MDT
I've got a 29 &20c I shoot Underwood without any problems. The 29 is about like one of my commanders in 45.
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: pacapcop on June 07 2015 06:45:46 PM MDT
Try the Gen4 21. Even better with less grip mass. I recently purchased a Pa State Police total Gen 4 21 factory Night Sights
Hardly used if that. Runs like a champ. www.classicfirearms.com
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: bjw0007 on June 08 2015 07:38:27 PM MDT
I'm pretty set on a G20 now.  Especially since I think I can find a grip size that will work.

One last question, would y'all recommend switching out barrels?  I plan on reloading some full power loads.  My concern isn't so much that I'm casting for it, but about case life and possible Glock smiles.

Thanks,
-Ben
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: rw on June 08 2015 08:37:39 PM MDT
Quote from: pacapcop on June 07 2015 06:45:46 PM MDT
Try the Gen4 21. Even better with less grip mass. I recently purchased a Pa State Police total Gen 4 21 factory Night Sights
Hardly used if that. Runs like a champ. www.classicfirearms.com

I would find another dealer.. classic has a pretty bad reputation now.
There are a lot of police trade in glocks out there now.
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: Dave84 on June 09 2015 07:14:36 PM MDT
If you want longer case life. I would say a Kkm barrel might be the way to go. I've always heard people rave about them. Had a stornlake myself that was very tight. Would not feed Underwood correctly so it had to go.
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: dakota1911 on June 11 2015 01:19:15 PM MDT
Had one years ago and did not think it was that bad compared to say a 21.  A friend just drooled all over it and gave me enough money so I sold it to him.  I have been thinking about getting a new Gen 4, or since I have already owned a 20 then maybe a 29.  Saying that I have a Glock 36 and don't think it is that bad either.
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: rjp on June 12 2015 03:58:02 PM MDT
Ive been running a gen3 - 20, with 22# springs a 6" barrel and only shoot 200 gr. The load is published and shows 1275fps @ 12 ft. The recoil seems less objectionable to me than a heavy Ruger 357. The Ruger with the fire breathing H110 loads leaves your hand feeling like you've been catching a baseball barehanded. The 10mm with the same horsepower is a firm push no doubt, but to shoot a box full would be boringly comfortable.
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: bjw0007 on June 12 2015 04:34:28 PM MDT
Ok, new question:

Gen3 SF or Gen4?
I need the smaller grip that either would provide.  Have they worked out the issues with the Gen4?
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: cwall64 on June 12 2015 05:04:04 PM MDT
Quote from: bjw0007 on June 12 2015 04:34:28 PM MDT
Ok, new question:

Gen3 SF or Gen4?
I need the smaller grip that either would provide.  Have they worked out the issues with the Gen4?

I am left handed so I wanted the Gen4 for the mag release option.  I bought my Glock 20 Gen4 in January and it has run flawlessly in stock configuration and modified with new barrel and heavier RSA...  Others have had different experiences, but thought I would give a positive review for the Gen4.
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: chucky2 on June 12 2015 09:09:44 PM MDT
Quote from: bjw0007 on June 12 2015 04:34:28 PM MDT
Ok, new question:

Gen3 SF or Gen4?
I need the smaller grip that either would provide.  Have they worked out the issues with the Gen4?

The short answer to that is:  No.

You will either get a Gen4 G20 that works properly (handles in spec upper end loads like Underwoord, PBR VS), or you will get a Gen4 G20 that doesn't.  If you get one that doesn't, based on others who are  in the same boat, you will have a low chance of fixing the issue.  Sending the pistol back to Glock will not fix the issue - they will return it saying no problems found after shooting some of the weakest 10mm out there (even if you tell them specifically the issue occurs with higher end ammo).

If you want reliability, Gen3/Gen3SF is a far better bet.

Chuck
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: wingspar on June 13 2015 12:13:05 AM MDT
The grip that comes installed on the G20 Gen4 is 0.2 inches shorter than the Gen3 SF.  That info came from emailing Glock and sold me on the Gen4 vs the Gen3 SF.  Plus you have the new double recoil spring in the Gen4 that is supposed to help with recoil, tho I can't say for sure as my Gen4 is the only 10mm I've ever shot.  I do believe the small grip on the G20 Gen4 is smaller than the G21.  I looked at a G21 a few years ago and passed on it cause it felt too big in my hands.

Some people have problems with the hotter loads with the G20 Gen4, but I have not had any problems at all, and I've shot a lot of different loads from warm .40 loads up to the Underwood 220 grain HCL stuff, and that stuff has some recoil to it.  No problems at all.  My gun is all stock and I may consider an aftermarket barrel if I ever start reloading 10mm, but as long as I'm shooting factory ammo, I'm not concerned.
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: bjw0007 on June 13 2015 06:54:10 PM MDT
Can said issues be fixed with aftermarket springs and barrel?  I need the smallest grip i can get.
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: chucky2 on June 13 2015 10:01:40 PM MDT
I think I've heard of one guy on here, 4949 I believe, who was able to fix his Gen4 G20 with a spring kit.  Everyone else has been SOL.  Glock themselves can't fix them, their "fix", after the customer plays hardball, is to send a Gen3SF.  That's after they try and pass off what you sent back as working fine.  The Gen4 G20's are a dice roll...
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: 4949shooter on June 14 2015 06:07:04 AM MDT
Quote from: chucky2 on June 13 2015 10:01:40 PM MDT
I think I've heard of one guy on here, 4949 I believe, who was able to fix his Gen4 G20 with a spring kit.  Everyone else has been SOL.  Glock themselves can't fix them, their "fix", after the customer plays hardball, is to send a Gen3SF.  That's after they try and pass off what you sent back as working fine.  The Gen4 G20's are a dice roll...

Yes, I haven't any problems shooting Underwood through my Gen 4 with the 24 pound RSA installed (Glockmeister).

Perhaps I just got lucky?
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: chucky2 on June 14 2015 08:33:14 AM MDT
I can't remember what others tries and when, but maybe since you tried that available fix after others, when it maybe wasn't available to them, you were the first?  I can't remember what others have tried so can't say for sure.  It sure would be great if that were the fix, but if so, one would think Glock would have gone that route also.
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: pacapcop on June 14 2015 09:02:13 AM MDT
Gen 3 Full Size runs 100% with a 22lb spring steel guide rod or just stock.
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: jazzsax8 on June 14 2015 11:05:54 AM MDT
I had both the 20 SF and 29 SF for a while. After scoring a 4.6 inch KKM and 6 inch LWD for the 29, I ended up selling the 20! With the exception of a little shorter sight radius the 29 really is a 20 when properly configured but will go much smaller for CCW.  I don't consider either to be a real target pistol compared to numerous other options that I can now spend the 20's money on!  Still makes perfect sense to me but some disagree.  This same choice applies to the G26 and the beloved G19, heresy!
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: bjw0007 on June 14 2015 01:10:27 PM MDT
What do yall think the chances are of getting a lemon gen 4?  Is it like 1 in 10 or more like 50-50?
Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: 4949shooter on June 14 2015 07:43:37 PM MDT
Quote from: bjw0007 on June 14 2015 01:10:27 PM MDT
What do yall think the chances are of getting a lemon gen 4?  Is it like 1 in 10 or more like 50-50?

It's hard to say for sure, but it seems like the newer Gen 4's are better. Redbaron has a newer piece like mine and doesn't have any issues with his either.

I wish I could give you a guarantee but obviously this isn't possible with any caliber gun from any manufacturer.

Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: jester617 on June 18 2015 03:55:49 PM MDT
 Took my G20 Gen4 NIBx out for the first time this morning. Brought along G21 Gen4 also. 

Fired 100 rounds of Federal FMJ and 20 BB out of both.  Alternated 1 mag 45 then 1 mag 10mm.

To be honest, I felt the 10mm had less recoil even with the full loads.



Title: Re: Felt Recoil Glock 20
Post by: chucky2 on June 19 2015 12:18:37 PM MDT
Quote from: bjw0007 on June 14 2015 01:10:27 PM MDT
What do yall think the chances are of getting a lemon gen 4?  Is it like 1 in 10 or more like 50-50?

Impossible to say.  There are people that have bought relatively recently and they still are getting Gen4 G20's that FTF with higher in spec ammo.  Now, whether that's new old stock or not, I don't think anyone has posted that.