GLOCK: 4th Generation coming soon

[Melensdad]

Apparently Glock can't get its act together when it comes to its grip.

Now they are going back to something closer to the original design with their grips and giving up on some of the more aggressive molding in the side panels. It appears the finger grooves on the front strap have been toned down, but are sill present in a reduced form. And then there are the fishscale slide serrations

Could this photo be real?

[Dargo]

All I have heard is that "4th Generation" mags are different than previous generations and not compatible. What the heck are they thinking if that is true?! I can't imagine one of the great things about Glock, same caliber mags fit all smaller frame pistols of that caliber.

[Melensdad]

I didn't hear anything about the magazines of the new guns being incompatible with the current guns, but if so that seems like a mistake by the marketing department!!!

I've never been, and am still not, a Glock fan, but I can see why some are attracted to them and the insanity of altering the magazines eludes me. The guns work, there is no argument. So why mess with a system that is, even if self proclaimed, perfection?

[Dargo]

My exact same thoughts Bob. The rumor, which is really all it was, I'd heard from a dealer was that Glock felt that they needed to stay fresh and generate new sales after tremendous growth. Part of the new generation was to reinvigorate their already lucrative magazine sales. Personally, I hope the rumor is wrong and I believe it will backfire if true. As you know, I own(ed) a few Glocks and a boatload of their high cap mags. I won't buy any of the 4the 4th Gen. Glocks nor their mags if they are incompatable with previous generations. Again, hopefully just an incorrect rumor.

[Fret Fodder]

The incompatibility of magazines isn't really new. The GL 21 and the GL 21 SF don't share, and I don't think the GL 21 SF will work in either of the smaller GL 30 or GL 36 (not completely sure on that).

The additional magazine sales probably do figure into Glock's marketing strategy, but I bet the redesign has more to do with getting additional LE contracts in the US. Apparently the "long arm of the law" has "small hands", and the grip size has been a complaint by many departments who would have otherwise adopted the Glock.

Notice the caliber, 40 S&W, of the advertised pistol. Don't think that's by coincidence. I suspect Glock's going for those LE contracts and quite possibly the US Military contract, capitalizing on the larger calibers.

There will be some civilian sales as a result of the improved grip, but the darn things don't wear out and most of the Glock buying public already has one or five, so repeat sales to those customers won't be a significant percentage by comparison. The majority will come from these potential new customers who are taking a second look (like Bob????)

[Big Dog]

Originally Posted by Fret Fodder

The incompatibility of magazines isn't really new. The GL 21 and the GL 21 SF don't share, and I don't think the GL 21 SF will work in either of the smaller GL 30 or GL 36 (not completely sure on that).

Weird, my G30's magazines are interchangeable with Reapers G30 SF.

[wolfman]

With Obama in office, it better get here before the middle of Jan, or it may not be available at all

[Melensdad]

Originally Posted by wolfman

With Obama in office, it better get here before the middle of Jan, or it may not be available at all

Well if it holds more than 10 rounds of ammo, it will likely get limited by the next Assault Weapon Ban. Even handguns will get limited by the AWB, it is not just rifles. For this reason alone, I always recommend that people who own a handgun that holds more than 10 rounds should probably have a half dozen magazines.

But I doubt that anything will happen in January. Obama will take office and when he enters office he will have his hands full with the economy and other issues. Gun bans are high on the agenda of things to do, but I tend to think we'll have a bit more time.

JUST MY OPINION