If it aint broke don't fix it? Gen 4 G26 review
I've been tossing around the idea of trying out a Gen 4 Glock ever since they released their sub compact variety. I've never been on the "must have the newest version of everything" train, so I didn't run out and buy one right away. A great opportunity came up last weekend, that allowed me to become an owner of a brand new Gen4 G26, in exchange for my Gen3 G26. I was hesitant, because I really love(ed) my Gen3, it was my daily carry, and I shot it very well. I went ahead and made the trade, mainly because it was already set up with night sights (as was my Gen3), and the grip texturing was quite appealing from the get go. Initially I really didn't have much use for the different size back straps, because I was perfectly fine with the size of the Gen3 grip. Basically I was taking a chance with this one.
I took it out for the first time today, not sure what to expect. I had been handling it and dry firing it all week, and realized that I really liked the way it felt with no back strap, this makes it a tad smaller, front to back, than the Gen3 Glocks. For it's first shot, I opted to go ahead and go with the configuration that felt most comfortable, which was no back strap, and immediately realized that wasn't going to work. The pistol was not nearly as controllable as the Gen3 I was used to (I have average/medium size hands), and my accuracy was significantly compromised with this configuration. On goes the "M" back strap, which makes it the same size as the Gen3 Glocks. Accuracy was back to what I was used to with my Gen3, and controllability was greatly improved.
This is where I was surprised, and what prompted me to do this review. Originally, I hadn't planned on using the "L" back strap, because it just felt to large for my hands, and wasn't as comfortable as the other ones, but for Shits and giggles, I decided to throw it on anyway. I can not believe what a difference it made in my accuracy, especially for rapid fire shots. Controllability was leaps and bounds better than it was the first time, and quite a bit better than with the "M" back strap. I know recoil wasn't any different than the Gen3, but between the larger back strap and the grip texture, it felt a bit lighter, just more controllable is all. In total, I shot 150 rounds through the new Gen4, 100 of which were with the "L" back strap, and I couldn't be happier.
The grip texture is quite nice, and better than the Gen3 IMO, however it may be a bit rough for some. I wear undershirts all the time, and my hands are like a leather glove, so it doesn't bother me at all, and only aids in controllability as far as i'm concerned.
For those of you who are certain, the Gen3 Glocks give you everything you need, and are perfect for you, I highly recommend at least trying out a Gen4 G26 if you get the chance, hell you can come shoot mine if you'd like. You may find, that what you thought was perfect, actually had room for improvement. I'm now considering picking up a Gen4 G27, maybe I can learn to love the 40s&w cartridge in a package like this.
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...326_210653.jpg
Sorry for the crappy pic, photography is not my strong point.
