Glock 20 or wait for Gen4

[arthury]

I have been reading and researching about the Glock 20 and 20SF for the last 2 weeks and would like to see if you guys have any issues with it.
Here's how I see it:
Pros

Accuracy: Owing to the design of the 10mm AUTO, the accuracy is higher than other Glocks, except may be the 45ACP
Power: With the same bullet weight, power factor is higher than 357mag and 45ACP
Solidity: Glock 20 is built like a tank
Mag capacity: significantly larger than a six-shooter revolver
Barriers: No problems shooting through windshields, car-doors etc.


Cons

Recoil: may take more time for follow-up shots
Physically large: could be an issue for CCW
Costs of cases: Not easy to pick up free used cases in the range because the 10mm is not as popular as the 40SW


Is there anything I need to consider? Do you think Gen4 will be much better?

Just a note about my background: I've served in the military before and I hand load for 9mm, 45ACP, 357mag, 44mag and 500SW.

[.45fmjoe]

The Gen4 has been released, and I'll be picking one up when I can afford to since S&W has no plans for a 10mm M&P.

[arthury]

The Gen4 has been released, and I'll be picking one up when I can afford to since S&W has no plans for a 10mm M&P.

I thought the Gen4 is not publicly available until after SHOT 2013 is over? The ones available right now are Blue Label guns?

[plouffedaddy]

I thought the Gen4 is not publicly available until after SHOT 2013 is over? The ones available right now are Blue Label guns?

Correct.

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/tiffani33/Guns/IMG_0022.jpg

I love the Gen4 G20 :D

[Loki]

I've carried G21 and G20 from Gen 1 - Gen 3 but I'm one of those people with big enough hands it is not an issue for me.

45 is cheaper to shoot. :D

[arthury]

[...]
45 is cheaper to shoot. :D

I agree and 45ACP is easy to handload, too; but, penetration is questionable when it comes to going thru barriers.

[plouffedaddy]

I've carried G21 and G20 from Gen 1 - Gen 3 but I'm one of those people with big enough hands it is not an issue for me.

45 is cheaper to shoot. :D


To the best of my knowledge there were no G20/G21 1st Gen frames produced.

[TAZ]

If a G20SF exists, there is almost nothing to be gained by the gen 4. I had a gen4 21 and a 21SF and the grip difference wasn't noticeable even for me and my teeeeeny hands. Grip texture was the only differentiator between the 2 for me.

The 20/21 frame size is not difficult to carry concealed. I've carried one for well over 7 years in central TX heat with nothing more than a loose fitting shirt to cover. Quality holster and belt go a LONG way in making things disappear effectively. Granted you're not going to be doing gymnastics, but every day activities aren't an issue, at least not for me.

10mm vs 45 ACP is going to be a personal choice. I've never found snappy recoiling guns like 40, 357Sig or 10 fun or comfy to shoot so every time I've run one I've noticed my training sessions getting shorter and shorter. Think about how much training you're going to do and how cost and comfort will impact that.

[GJM]

I have the 20SF and G4 20, and prefer the G4 for the texture, which is particularly helpful with heavier loads, and other G4 features. The trigger was good right out of the box.

I use the 20 as a launcher for heavy penetrating bullets around bears, otherwise I prefer a 17.

[Hogsgunwild]

To the best of my knowledge there were no G20/G21 1st Gen frames produced.

I thought my G20 was a Gen 1. I purchased it new in early 1991.
What else could it have been?

[.45fmjoe]

I thought the Gen4 is not publicly available until after SHOT 2013 is over? The ones available right now are Blue Label guns?

Oh, then maybe I should pick one up now and be the coolest kid on the block. :D

[newalbanyguns]

I thought my G20 was a Gen 1. I purchased it new in early 1991.
What else could it have been?

Gen 2. Nothing but a 9 can be Gen 1.

All Gen 1 Glocks are only 9mm, and are 17s, 18s or 19s. They stopped making Gen 1 in mid 1988.

[varoadking]

I bought a blue label Gen4 G20 thru the GSSF program this past summer.

I have now been able to replace all 7 of my Gen3's with Gen4's, except for the Fishgill RTF2 G22, and am glad to have done so...

[bodhisattva]

10mm out of a Glock is still snappy but, overall, recoil is mild. I haven't seen a tangible benefit to the Gen4's dual recoil spring setup but I only have hands on experience with .40 and 9mm Gen4s. So, in my opinion, the only benefits to the Gen4 guns is the grip texture and that is a matter of preference. A Gen3 20 SF is easier to find and every bit as good of a pistol.

[Hogsgunwild]

Gen 2. Nothing but a 9 can be Gen 1.

All Gen 1 Glocks are only 9mm, and are 17s, 18s or 19s. They stopped making Gen 1 in mid 1988.

Thanks for the info. I never knew this.

[arthury]

Grip: I have no issues with the width and thickness of the grip. It felt different from the Beretta 92A1 but I have no issue pointing it. The only problem is the front side of the grip is somewhat quite sharp. As such, when I grip firmly, it kind of bites into the skin. It's different from "teeth" of a new Springfield TRP grip.

Failures: No problem feeding in the 100 or so rounds. There were 2 FTE. I will keep an eye on this. The OAL of my handloads are all somewhere between 1.255 - 1.26, so they were certainly within SAAMI specs. My powder charge were on the higher side. Cases were ejecting at angles between 4 o'clock all the way to 7 o'clock. The 7 o'clock ones are kinda weird. They fly over my head and land slightly to my left when I am facing the target. Spent cases look fine with the typical Glock elongated rectangular marking on the primer.

Recoil: Felt like a +P 45ACP but firmer. I would say somewhere higher than a 357mag but lighter than a light 44 mag.

Accuracy: The G20 thrilled me in this category. I guess the trajectory of the cartridge is very flat and the performance data showed that it's close to my 357mag revolver. Below are some data at 50ft.

Load data:

Bullet: MG 180gr JHP
Powder: Alliant Power Pistol (8.3-8.4gr)
Case: Starline
Primer: Federal LP
Speed: around 1150 fps


Conclusions: This is certainly a keeper and I am absolutely impressed with the cartridge, too. With deep penetration, barrier-busting abilities and high capacity, I am confident this is a good carry gun; perhaps, even suitable for fighting terrorists. :D

In my next range visit, I will test it at 25 yards.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8187445040_d4f3dd7bf3_c.jpg

[Bro KV]

I have a Gen3 20SF and 29SF and love them both. I love in California and I don't think Gen4 will ever make the roster.

I honestly think I have more fun and am more accurate with the 29SF. My hands are medium size.

I've only shot a Gen4 17 and liked it but that's a smaller frame.

[M96]

I have owned both and still have the Gen3 G20 and love it. I run Buffalo Bore 180gr JHP for carry ammo and UMC 180Gr JFP for training.

The UMC load clocks 1075 fps and has alot of muzzle flash, the Buffalo Bore load has very little flash but considerable recoil and clocks 1228 fps through my chrono.

Hits like a hammer with 603 ft/lbs ME and is reasonably accurate (avg 2" at 15 yds w/ 5 rds), this load is still carrying 408ft/lbs at 100 yards and 319 at 200 yds.

All in all its about as much juice as you can jam into a high capacity pistol. I carry it hunting and in my truck at work. I prefer a 1911 but I am all about the Glock if its a 10mm.

I did not care for the 29SF, just not enough to hold onto and the muzzle flip was something else. Reliable piece but not easy to shoot.

The G20 gets my full endorsement.