Will A Gen 3 Glock Slide Fit A Gen 4?

ByBuffalo Rifles Blog

Will a Gen 3 Glock Slide Fit a Gen 4?

The Glock 17 is one of the most popular handguns in the world, and for good reason. It’s reliable, accurate, and easy to use. But what if you have a Gen 3 Glock and you want to upgrade to a Gen 4? Can you just swap out the slide, or do you need to buy a whole new gun?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between Gen 3 and Gen 4 Glocks, and we’ll answer the question of whether or not a Gen 3 slide will fit on a Gen 4 frame.

We’ll also discuss some of the other factors you need to consider when upgrading your Glock, such as the type of barrel you want and the sights you prefer.

So if you’re thinking about upgrading your Glock, read on for all the information you need to know.

Will A Gen 3 Glock Slide Fit A Gen 4?

| Feature | Gen 3 | Gen 4 |
|—|—|—|
| Slide | Yes | Yes |
| Barrel | Yes | Yes |
| Trigger | Yes | Yes |
| Firing pin | Yes | Yes |
| Ejector | Yes | Yes |
| Magazine release | Yes | Yes |
| Safety lever | Yes | Yes |
| Grips | No | Yes |
| Frame | No | Yes |

Note: Gen 3 Glocks have a different grip than Gen 4 Glocks, so a Gen 3 slide will not fit on a Gen 4 frame.

Glock is a popular brand of semi-automatic pistols that are known for their reliability and durability. The company has been making Glocks since the 1980s, and there are now four generations of Glock pistols on the market.

Gen 3 Glocks were introduced in 2003, and they were the first Glocks to feature a number of improvements over previous generations. These improvements included a new grip texture, a redesigned trigger, and a new barrel.

Gen 4 Glocks were introduced in 2010, and they featured even more improvements over Gen 3 Glocks. These improvements included a new slide stop lever, a new magazine release, and a reversible magazine catch.

One of the most common questions about Glocks is whether or not a Gen 3 slide will fit on a Gen 4 frame. The answer to this question is no, a Gen 3 slide will not fit on a Gen 4 frame.

This is because the Gen 4 frame has a different geometry than the Gen 3 frame. The Gen 4 frame is wider at the rear, and it has a different shape for the slide stop lever.

As a result, a Gen 3 slide will not fit on a Gen 4 frame. However, a Gen 4 slide will fit on a Gen 3 frame.

Differences Between Gen 3 and Gen 4 Glocks

There are a number of differences between Gen 3 and Gen 4 Glocks. These differences include:

  • Frame differences: The Gen 4 frame is wider at the rear than the Gen 3 frame. This is to accommodate the larger slide stop lever on the Gen 4 frame.
  • Slide differences: The Gen 4 slide has a different shape for the slide stop lever. This is to accommodate the wider frame on the Gen 4 frame.
  • Internal differences: The Gen 4 Glocks have a number of internal improvements over the Gen 3 Glocks. These improvements include a new recoil spring assembly, a new firing pin safety, and a new extractor.
  • Other differences: The Gen 4 Glocks also have a number of other differences, such as a different grip texture, a redesigned trigger, and a new barrel.

Compatibility of Gen 3 and Gen 4 Glock Parts

The Gen 3 and Gen 4 Glocks are not completely compatible with each other. This is because the Gen 4 Glocks have a different frame than the Gen 3 Glocks.

As a result, the following parts are not compatible between Gen 3 and Gen 4 Glocks:

  • Frames: Gen 3 frames are not compatible with Gen 4 slides.
  • Slides: Gen 4 slides are not compatible with Gen 3 frames.
  • Slide stop levers: Gen 4 slide stop levers are not compatible with Gen 3 frames.

However, the following parts are compatible between Gen 3 and Gen 4 Glocks:

  • Barrels: Gen 3 and Gen 4 barrels are compatible with each other.
  • Internal parts: Gen 3 and Gen 4 internal parts are compatible with each other.
  • Grips: Gen 3 and Gen 4 grips are compatible with each other.

The Gen 3 and Gen 4 Glocks are not completely compatible with each other. This is because the Gen 4 Glocks have a different frame than the Gen 3 Glocks.

However, the following parts are compatible between Gen 3 and Gen 4 Glocks:

  • Barrels: Gen 3 and Gen 4 barrels are compatible with each other.
  • Internal parts: Gen 3 and Gen 4 internal parts are compatible with each other.
  • Grips: Gen 3 and Gen 4 grips are compatible with each other.

If you are looking for a Glock that is compatible with both Gen 3 and Gen 4 parts, you can purchase a Gen 4 Glock. However, if you are looking for a Glock that is only compatible with Gen 3 parts, you can purchase a Gen 3 Glock.

Will a Gen 3 Glock Slide Fit a Gen 4?

The answer to this question is no, a Gen 3 Glock slide will not fit a Gen 4 Glock. The two generations of Glock pistols have different dimensions, and the Gen 4 slide is too wide to fit on a Gen 3 frame.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the Gen 3 and Gen 4 Glock slides:

Gen 3 and Gen 4 Glock slides side-by-side

As you can see, the Gen 4 slide is wider at the front and back than the Gen 3 slide. This is due to the addition of the Gen 4’s “nub” and the beavertail.

The Gen 4’s nub is a small protrusion on the front of the slide that helps to prevent the slide from riding up on the frame during recoil. The beavertail is a large, curved protrusion on the back of the slide that helps to protect the shooter’s hand from the slide during recoil.

These two features are not present on the Gen 3 slide, so it will not fit on a Gen 4 frame.

Pros and Cons of Using a Gen 3 Slide on a Gen 4 Glock

There are a few pros and cons to using a Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 Glock.

Pros:

  • The Gen 3 slide is typically lighter than the Gen 4 slide. This can make the pistol feel more nimble and easier to control.
  • The Gen 3 slide is also typically less expensive than the Gen 4 slide. This can be a significant factor for budget-minded shooters.

Cons:

  • The Gen 3 slide does not have the Gen 4’s nub and beavertail. This means that it will not provide the same level of protection for the shooter’s hand during recoil.
  • The Gen 3 slide may not be compatible with some Gen 4-specific accessories, such as sights and holsters.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use a Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 Glock is a personal one. There are pros and cons to both options, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

a Gen 3 Glock slide will not fit a Gen 4 Glock. There are a few pros and cons to using a Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 Glock, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Will a Gen 3 Glock slide fit a Gen 4?

No, a Gen 3 Glock slide will not fit a Gen 4 frame. The Gen 4 frame has a different geometry than the Gen 3 frame, and the slide will not engage with the locking lugs on the frame.

What are the differences between a Gen 3 Glock and a Gen 4 Glock?

The main differences between a Gen 3 Glock and a Gen 4 Glock are the following:

  • The Gen 4 frame has a different geometry than the Gen 3 frame, with a larger beavertail and a more pronounced grip texture.
  • The Gen 4 slide has a different finish than the Gen 3 slide, and it is also slightly thicker.
  • The Gen 4 Glock comes with two different recoil spring assemblies, one for standard ammunition and one for +P ammunition.
  • The Gen 4 Glock also has a reversible magazine catch, which can be installed on either side of the frame.

Can I convert a Gen 3 Glock to a Gen 4?

Yes, it is possible to convert a Gen 3 Glock to a Gen 4. However, this requires the purchase of a new Gen 4 frame, as well as a new slide and barrel. The conversion process is relatively straightforward, but it is important to note that it will void the warranty on your Glock.

What are the advantages of a Gen 4 Glock over a Gen 3 Glock?

The Gen 4 Glock has a number of advantages over the Gen 3 Glock, including:

  • A more comfortable grip, thanks to the larger beavertail and more pronounced grip texture.
  • A more reliable recoil spring assembly, which helps to reduce felt recoil and muzzle flip.
  • A reversible magazine catch, which allows you to customize the Glock to your preferred shooting hand.

**What are the disadvantages of a Gen 4 Glock over a Gen 3 Glock?

The Gen 4 Glock has a few disadvantages over the Gen 3 Glock, including:

  • A higher price tag.
  • A slightly heavier weight.
  • A different geometry, which may not be compatible with some aftermarket parts.

Which Glock is better, Gen 3 or Gen 4?

The best Glock for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a Glock with a more comfortable grip, a more reliable recoil spring assembly, and a reversible magazine catch, then the Gen 4 Glock is a good option. However, if you are on a budget or you are looking for a Glock that is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket parts, then the Gen 3 Glock may be a better choice.

whether or not a Gen 3 Glock slide will fit a Gen 4 Glock depends on a few factors. The most important factor is the barrel. If the barrel is the same length and has the same number of lugs, then the slide will fit. However, if the barrel is a different length or has a different number of lugs, then the slide will not fit. Additionally, the slide stop and the extractor need to be compatible with the Gen 4 frame. If they are not, then the slide will not fit properly.

It is important to note that even if all of the components are compatible, there may still be some slight differences in fitment between a Gen 3 slide and a Gen 4 frame. This is because the Gen 4 frame is slightly wider than the Gen 3 frame. As a result, a Gen 3 slide may not sit as flush against the frame as a Gen 4 slide. This can lead to some minor issues, such as the slide being difficult to rack or the slide not returning to battery properly.

Overall, it is possible to fit a Gen 3 Glock slide on a Gen 4 Glock frame, but there are some potential issues that should be considered before doing so.

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