G26 Gen4 and Gen3 differences

[jhs1969]

Does anyone know what or if there is any differences between the Gen4 and Gen3 G26, other than the grip of course?

[WickedWillis]

Springs, magazine releases, finish.

[kevN]

Magazine release is the biggest functional difference. Gen4 is bigger & reversible.

[JHC]

The above is accurate. I thought my Gen 3 trigger was ever so slightly lighter as is the pattern Gen 3 vs Gen 4. With less to hold onto, I prefer the purchase on the Gen 4, texture and size.

[jhs1969]

Thanks guys, I need to pick one up soooon. Is the trigger bar the same or does it have the Gen4 'bump' on it? I replaced the bar in my Gen4 G23 along with the connector with good results, hoping the G26 is good to go.

[ggammell]

The Gen 4 G27 had the bump. You can switch it as preferred. The recoil spring should be the same as a Gen 3 though.

[Airhasz]

Wasn't the gen4 known for brass to face problems?

[jck397]

Wasn't the gen4 known for brass to face problems?

I think that was largely limited to the G17 and G19. Since the G26/27 were designed around the dual-recoil spring, it seemed like the Gen. 4s had fewer teething problems. That being said, I'm of the opinion (somewhat informed, but by no means expert) that the Gen. 4 issues were either recoil-spring weight issues that have been ironed out, or a period where some out-of-spec or tolerance-stacked slides slipped through.

I prefer the Gen. 4s for both grip texture and grip size/shape. This is particularly noticeable in the baby Glocks where the "hump" is higher up. My personal approach is to avoid Glocks in the L through S or T range, but would not hesitate to buy a current production gun, and for the Gen. 3 vs. 4 baby Glocks, it's just a matter of opinion on texture/grip shape.