Gen 3 or Gen 4 G20 10mm?

mlk3454 · December 21, 2012, 11:06 AM

I am looking to pick up a G20 sooner rather than later. I understand I will have to wait until after the Shot Show to pick up the gen 4 as I dont have the membership or profession to get it sooner. My questions revolve around fit and modifications:

1. I like the feel of the SF model in the gen 3; I understand that the smaller backstrap size is the same for the gen 4s?
2. I plan on using the gun for bow range deer hunting as well as beer protection while backpacking. I will be handloading to the full potential of the round...do I need to upgrade the spring/rod for the gen3? Would the new recoil system of the gen4 be able to take that abuse?
3. I am in NY and am limited to 10 round mags. I may be interested in getting a couple preban mags for practice and or home defense. I have a buddy that has a gen4 G19 and the preban mags fit extremely tight. Is there any word on if this is the norm or do they not fit well or require modification?
4. I am looking to change the sights to at least a green fiber up front and possibly an adjusteable rear (for hunting): any recommendations?
5. As far as upgrades go I know there are a million for the older generations; will they work for the gen 4?

I have searched through this forum and also a couple others and have been overwhelmed with the amount of information with upgrades and accessories. I am looking for opinions based on experience to help. Thanks!

chris in va · December 21, 2012, 02:57 PM

You're allowed to carry a handgun while bow hunting?

mlk3454 · December 21, 2012, 03:00 PM

No you technically can't carry a handgun while bowhunting but I would be using the G20 at roughly bow ranges to take deer. I apologize for the confusion with my wording. I do hunt with a Ruger SRH in 480 for the long shots but I enjoy getting much closer to the animals.

Moyer · December 23, 2012, 10:59 AM

I'd like opinions on some of those as well, especially about the hot loads. I've been trying to decide between .45 Super & 10mm for close range deer.

I'm not interested in a Gen 4 though. Nothing against them, but I love my Gen 3 G19 and I just have no reason to change.

bamaranger · December 23, 2012, 05:01 PM

One mod you might want to consider is a 3.5 connector. We have one
Scherer and one Ghost and are not dissapointed with either, and do believe they make the guns more shootable, and as long as handled safely and a good holster, no less safe.

Pistol range for me is also bow range, 30 yds or so.

Don't really want a rail on any of my pistols.

Some early Glock mags were not "drop free" if fully loaded, maybe your bud has some of those.

If I were going to shoot top end ammo, I would up spring.

Finally, and I can't help myself, what other guns do you use for "beer protection." yuck yuck

mlk3454 · December 23, 2012, 11:15 PM

I've seen a bunch of people recommending the 3.5 connector as well as a 6lb trigger? a over travel stop, as well as a 24lb spring. Do these mods work on the gen4 or do you need the gen3? I figure you need the gen3 for the spring mod. If I backpack I will Cary most any gun for "protection" but if I hunt bear I use a SRH in .480

Sevens · December 23, 2012, 11:54 PM

Quote:

I will be handloading to the full potential of the round...do I need to upgrade the spring/rod for the gen3? Would the new recoil system of the gen4 be able to take that abuse?

With the full-spec (and beyond?!) rounds, it's as much about keeping the pistol closed up to get the full power from the round as it is about what kind of abuse the pistol itself may take. Buffalo Bore mentions this on their website with regard to why they get certain numbers from a chronograph that some others aren't always able to quite match with their own chronograph and a box of pricey Buffalo Bore ammo.

To further just this one angle of your list of questions, I might also suggest that if getting every bit of power from your G20 platform (whichever you get) is a priority, you'll want to look in to an extended 6-inch barrel. Owning a KKM myself, I can highly recommend their products, though I will admit that I have also been impressed by Lone Wolf barrels as well, but not enough to keep me from getting the KKM.

One last suggestion I'd make is to skip well past the idea that you need to get this pistol new. There are so many G20's out there that never get the love and I'd guess that a good share of those never even get to see full-spec 10mm ammo. Add that on top of the way Glock does a fine job of standing behind their pistols...I would never buy one of these new if I could save a little dough on a used one.

We'll be looking forward to seeing you in the Handloading & Reloading area of the site to discuss serious 10mm handloads. We don't get near enough 10mm chatter over there.

osageid · December 24, 2012, 01:31 AM

I have recently purchased a SF G20 G3 and have been more than satisfied with the gun so far. Even have shot some 200grain Buffalo Bore , I doubt you would need to do much to the gun. Get one and try it before thinking of any mods. Just my $.02

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Redhawk5.5+P+ · December 24, 2012, 07:27 AM

Quote:

1. I like the feel of the SF model in the gen 3; I understand that the smaller backstrap size is the same for the gen 4s?

Just spend more money and you'll find out the later.

Quote:

1. I like the feel of the SF model in the gen 3;...... Get back to me.

kcub · December 24, 2012, 07:48 AM

If mag restricted I would go with a 1911. I like Glocks but the 1911 feels and points more better for me.

Tinner666 · December 24, 2012, 08:12 AM

Not sure where I read it, but since I'm reloading for Glocks too, I read that OEM Glock barrels didn't fully support the cartridge and Wolf or KKM barrels are necessary if loading hot.
I'm sorry I didn't keep the links, I just absorbed info here and there and made decisions based on that, but now can't tell where I got the info. I bought Wold barrels based on the info I got if that helps any.

mlk3454 · December 24, 2012, 08:59 AM

I already have a commander length 1911. I love the gun but shoot more. 22 out of it than. 45 and it wouldn't serve my desired need that I posted like I wish.

Mrgunsngear · December 24, 2012, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Not sure where I read it, but since I'm reloading for Glocks too, I read that OEM Glock barrels didn't fully support the cartridge and Wolf or KKM barrels are necessary if loading hot.

This isn't true for the newly made Glocks. I have both and the advantage of the Gen3s is the ability to run heavy springs without an adaptor. The Gen4 grip surface feels a lot better in the hand. Pros and cons...

Xfire68 · December 24, 2012, 11:10 AM

Plouffedaddy wrote:

Quote:

This isn't true for the newly made Glocks.

"Newly" meaning? Gen 4 or later made Gen 3's and Gen 4's?

I am curious as I own a new Gen 3 as it seems only you and a few others have the Gen 4's! LOL

I could not wait any longer for the Gen 4's to become available.

I will add I love my Gen 3 G20!

Moyer · December 24, 2012, 11:17 AM

What's required then for hot loads? Nothing? A stronger spring?

Xfire68 · December 24, 2012, 11:41 AM

I shot some warmer loads in my Gen 3 without issue.

I did replace the recoil spring with a 20lb.

Tinner666 · December 24, 2012, 11:48 AM

I believe, but haven't looked that my 19 is G2. My 26 is G4. Still looking into the spring issues now.

Mrgunsngear · December 24, 2012, 03:12 PM

Quote:

What's required then for hot loads? Nothing? A stronger spring?

Nothing is required but the rounds will have higher velocities and more consistent velocities with a 20-22lb spring. I run 20lb springs in mine FWIW.

December 21, 2012, 11:06 AM	#1
mlk3454 Member Join Date: May 21, 2009 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 60	Gen 3 or Gen 4 G20 10mm? I am looking to pick up a G20 sooner rather than later. I understand I will have to wait until after the Shot Show to pick up the gen 4 as I dont have the membership or profession to get it sooner. My questions revolve around fit and modifications: 1. I like the feel of the SF model in the gen 3; I understand that the smaller backstrap size is the same for the gen 4s? 2. I plan on using the gun for bow range deer hunting as well as beer protection while backpacking. I will be handloading to the full potential of the round...do I need to upgrade the spring/rod for the gen3? Would the new recoil system of the gen4 be able to take that abuse? 3. I am in NY and am limited to 10 round mags. I may be interested in getting a couple preban mags for practice and or home defense. I have a buddy that has a gen4 G19 and the preban mags fit extremely tight. Is there any word on if this is the norm or do they not fit well or require modification? 4. I am looking to change the sights to at least a green fiber up front and possibly an adjusteable rear (for hunting): any recommendations? 5. As far as upgrades go I know there are a million for the older generations; will they work for the gen 4? I have searched through this forum and also a couple others and have been overwhelmed with the amount of information with upgrades and accessories. I am looking for opinions based on experience to help. Thanks!

December 23, 2012, 05:01 PM	#5
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,820	gotta love it One mod you might want to consider is a 3.5 connector. We have one Scherer and one Ghost and are not dissapointed with either, and do believe they make the guns more shootable, and as long as handled safely and a good holster, no less safe. Pistol range for me is also bow range, 30 yds or so. Don't really want a rail on any of my pistols. Some early Glock mags were not "drop free" if fully loaded, maybe your bud has some of those. If I were going to shoot top end ammo, I would up spring. Finally, and I can't help myself, what other guns do you use for "beer protection." yuck yuck

December 21, 2012, 02:57 PM	#2
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	You're allowed to carry a handgun while bow hunting?

December 21, 2012, 03:00 PM	#3
mlk3454 Member Join Date: May 21, 2009 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 60	No you technically can't carry a handgun while bowhunting but I would be using the G20 at roughly bow ranges to take deer. I apologize for the confusion with my wording. I do hunt with a Ruger SRH in 480 for the long shots but I enjoy getting much closer to the animals.

December 23, 2012, 10:59 AM	#4
Moyer Member Join Date: December 20, 2011 Posts: 47	I'd like opinions on some of those as well, especially about the hot loads. I've been trying to decide between .45 Super & 10mm for close range deer. I'm not interested in a Gen 4 though. Nothing against them, but I love my Gen 3 G19 and I just have no reason to change.

December 23, 2012, 11:15 PM	#6
mlk3454 Member Join Date: May 21, 2009 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 60	I've seen a bunch of people recommending the 3.5 connector as well as a 6lb trigger? a over travel stop, as well as a 24lb spring. Do these mods work on the gen4 or do you need the gen3? I figure you need the gen3 for the spring mod. If I backpack I will Cary most any gun for "protection" but if I hunt bear I use a SRH in .480

December 24, 2012, 01:31 AM	#8
osageid Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2010 Posts: 286	I have recently purchased a SF G20 G3 and have been more than satisfied with the gun so far. Even have shot some 200grain Buffalo Bore , I doubt you would need to do much to the gun. Get one and try it before thinking of any mods. Just my $.02 Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

December 24, 2012, 07:48 AM	#10
kcub Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2010 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 3,335	If mag restricted I would go with a 1911. I like Glocks but the 1911 feels and points more better for me.

December 24, 2012, 08:12 AM	#11
Tinner666 Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2012 Location: Richmond, Va. Posts: 353	Not sure where I read it, but since I'm reloading for Glocks too, I read that OEM Glock barrels didn't fully support the cartridge and Wolf or KKM barrels are necessary if loading hot. I'm sorry I didn't keep the links, I just absorbed info here and there and made decisions based on that, but now can't tell where I got the info. I bought Wold barrels based on the info I got if that helps any.

December 24, 2012, 08:59 AM	#12
mlk3454 Member Join Date: May 21, 2009 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 60	I already have a commander length 1911. I love the gun but shoot more. 22 out of it than. 45 and it wouldn't serve my desired need that I posted like I wish.

December 24, 2012, 11:17 AM	#15
Moyer Member Join Date: December 20, 2011 Posts: 47	What's required then for hot loads? Nothing? A stronger spring?

December 24, 2012, 11:41 AM	#16
Xfire68 Senior Member Join Date: April 1, 2010 Location: Communist State of IL. Posts: 1,562	I shot some warmer loads in my Gen 3 without issue. I did replace the recoil spring with a 20lb.

December 24, 2012, 11:48 AM	#17
Tinner666 Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2012 Location: Richmond, Va. Posts: 353	I believe, but haven't looked that my 19 is G2. My 26 is G4. Still looking into the spring issues now.