The Glock 23 Gen 4 has solidified its place as a popular and reliable choice among both law enforcement and civilian shooters. This review dives deep into its features, performance, and overall value, helping you determine if it's the right compact .40 S&W pistol for you.
What Makes the Glock 23 Gen 4 Stand Out?
The Glock 23 Gen 4 builds upon its predecessors, incorporating several key improvements that enhance its usability and performance. These upgrades include:
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Improved Grip Texture: The Gen 4 boasts a significantly enhanced grip texture compared to earlier generations. This aggressive texturing provides a more secure and confident hold, even in wet or sweaty conditions. This is a substantial upgrade appreciated by many shooters.
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Interchangeable Backstraps: The inclusion of interchangeable backstraps allows for personalized customization of the grip size. This feature caters to a wider range of hand sizes, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for a broader user base. Finding the perfect grip is crucial for accuracy and control.
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Dual Recoil Spring Assembly: The dual recoil spring assembly contributes to smoother recoil management and reduced felt recoil. This is particularly beneficial during rapid fire or extended shooting sessions, reducing fatigue and improving accuracy.
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Improved Trigger: While still maintaining Glock's characteristic trigger pull, the Gen 4 features some refinements that make it slightly smoother and more consistent than previous generations. This improved trigger contributes to better accuracy and control.
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Reliable Operation: Glock pistols are renowned for their reliability, and the Gen 23 Gen 4 is no exception. It's known for its consistent performance in diverse conditions, making it a dependable choice for self-defense or concealed carry.
Performance and Handling: On the Range with the G23 Gen 4
The .40 S&W cartridge offers a potent balance of stopping power and manageable recoil in a compact package. The G23 Gen 4 delivers this power with commendable accuracy and consistent performance. Its relatively lightweight design, coupled with the improved grip texture and recoil spring assembly, makes it easy to handle and control, even during rapid firing sequences.
Advantages:
- Compact Size: Its compact size makes it ideal for concealed carry, offering a powerful self-defense option that isn't overly bulky.
- High Capacity: The standard magazine capacity of 13 rounds provides ample firepower for most situations.
- Ease of Maintenance: Glocks are known for their simplicity and ease of maintenance, requiring minimal effort to keep clean and operational.
- Affordable: Compared to many other compact .40 S&W pistols, the Glock 23 Gen 4 offers exceptional value for its performance and features.
Potential Drawbacks:
- .40 S&W Recoil: While manageable, the .40 S&W cartridge's recoil can be more noticeable than 9mm for some shooters. This is subjective and depends on individual tolerance.
- Polymer Frame: Some users prefer the feel of a metal frame, though the polymer frame of the G23 Gen 4 contributes significantly to its lightweight design.
Final Verdict: Is the Glock 23 Gen 4 Right for You?
The Glock 23 Gen 4 is a highly capable and versatile compact pistol. Its improvements over previous generations, particularly the enhanced grip and recoil management system, significantly improve the shooting experience. If you're looking for a reliable, accurate, and easy-to-carry .40 S&W pistol, the G23 Gen 4 is certainly a strong contender. However, it's essential to consider your individual needs and shooting preferences, specifically regarding recoil tolerance for the .40 S&W caliber. If you're unsure, renting one at a range for a test fire is highly recommended.
