Glock 20 Gen 3 or 4 ???

[Axsms]

Buying a Glock 20 to shoot BB 220 gr for woods protection
But which one? For heavy loads is the G3 more reliable and is the G4 without issues in stock form?

Thanks

[jeffreybehr]

I don't know about any difference in reliability between the Gen3s and Gen4s, but the Gen4 is a little easier to hold and fire (while still feeling a bit too big) for those with only-medium-size hands.  Also, both generations have surprisingly small trigger-guard openings, and I'd be surprised if anyone wearing any glove but VERY thin ones could shoot one reliably.  If either of these is a consideration for you, I urge you to consider a Tanfoglio Witness Polymer Full Size...
http://eaacorp.com/index.php/guns/handguns/witness-polymer-full-size-tanfoglio-59

https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/european-american-armory-witness-semi-automatic-full-10mm-45-polymer-blue-15rd-1-mag-fixed-sights-999061-741566111372.do?from=Search&cx=0

and

http://10mm-firearms.com/10mm-semi-auto-handguns/i-bought-another-another-10mm-pistol/

The Witness Polymer is now my EDC, I still LOVE the way it feels and shoots, and it's still the most-accurate pistol I've ever shot.

[yfdcap]

In stock form they have both been equally reliable for me.  Now when I shoot heavy loads I like to use a 20 or 22lb spring.  Helps keep the gun from beating itself up.  The Gen 3 is much easier to get and change spring weights. 

[Geeman]

I have a Gen4, and Underwood (not BB) 220g hardcast is the only round it has issues feeding.

Greg

[awp101]

The Gen 3 is much easier to get and change spring weights.

I'm confused (not hard to do).  Are you saying it's easier to change the springs in a Gen 3?

[Axsms]

I have a Gen4, and Underwood (not BB) 220g hardcast is the only round it has issues feeding.

Greg

So no issues with BB 220g?

[yfdcap]

The Gen 3 is much easier to get and change spring weights.

I'm confused (not hard to do).  Are you saying it's easier to change the springs in a Gen 3?

Easier to find and cheaper to buy a recoil spring in weights other than stock.  If you want to use a heavier spring on the Gen 4 you need a adapter to use the Gen 3 setup.  Little more money and some have had reliability issues with it.  I use the Gen 3 spring and adapter on my Gen 4's with success.  Stock spring for stock spring I feel the Gen 4 is actually better.  Stock gen 3's in the 20 and 21 usually do not pass the Glock spring test even when new in my experience.

[Geeman]

I have a Gen4, and Underwood (not BB) 220g hardcast is the only round it has issues feeding.

Greg

So no issues with BB 220g?

I'm a cheap bastard.  Never ran the BB.  My only experience with hard cast was the UW.

Another word of warning is the stock Glock barrels with lead bullets.  There has been some issues with leading with off the shelf lead bullets.

Greg

[The_Shadow]

The main reason for leading issues that Geeman states is because the commercial cast bullets are usually too small for the Glock hexagonal rifling.  These commercial bullets run a sized dia of 0.4010".  I am using 0.4015" for mine and others are running 0.4020" dia the get a bore seal...

Some of the 200, 210 and 220 cast also have the wide flat nose or meplat and that can affect the tipping angle as the cartridge tries to enter the chamber to cause hangups.  Some have loaded them seated deeper to assist in this matter.

Yes the recoil rods and spring rates are more available for the 3rd gens...I run a Wolff gunsprings non captive rod and 22lbs spring in my 3rd gen SF model...

[awp101]

Thanks, I had no idea there was a difference in springs and spring setup between the Gen 3 and 4.  So far my only Glock right now is a Gen 4 G30 and I haven't had it long enough to worry about changing springs.

In the next month I hope to add a 20 and/or 21 to the stable so I'll have to keep this in mind...

[The_Shadow]

There are several differences between the gen 3 and gen 4, recoil spring & rods is one.
The front of slide of the gen 4 has a larger hole where the recoil rod sits.
Gen 4 has changeable back straps.
This picture shows some of the differences...

[Axsms]

Thank you all!
I Just ordered my Glock 20 G3SF and I absolutely can hardly wait
7-10 days is like a lifetime

[awp101]

Thanks Shadow!  I knew about the back straps but that was the only real difference I knew of.  With my stubby fingers I have to modify the stock back strap anyway!

Sorry for the highjack Axsms!  Tom Petty had it right...

[Axsms]

Sorry for the highjack Axsms!  Tom Petty had it right...

It's all good
Great information in here

[yfdcap]

Thank you all!
I Just ordered my Glock 20 G3SF and I absolutely can hardly wait
7-10 days is like a lifetime

Congrats on the Gen3 SF.  A great choice.