If you were looking for a surprise when the GLOCK 23 was introduced, you were likely disappointed. Ho-hum? Hardly. The GLOCK 23 is everything you would have expected Gaston to deliver. The GLOCK 23 Gen4 is GLOCK’s standard, simple, reliable and extremely functional design that has allowed the brand to ride so many hips over the years.
Over the past few weeks, I have spent some time “working” at the shooting range. After sending about 500 rounds downrange, I have compiled a short list of thoughts.
With and without furniture and several different mixes of ammo, the 23 Gen4 produced zero failures to feed, failures to eject or misfires. No one has ever accused me of being a pistoleer, but the 23 produced all the accuracy I could have asked for and my talents could produce. The finish is plenty durable to withstand the rigors of holster wear. The low bore axis aided in the 23’s ability to tame recoil, but let’s be honest. The .40 S&W has more velocity coming out of the pipe than a .45 ACP, so some recoil is to be expected.
Like all GLOCKS, cleaning is a breeze and there are plenty of aftermarket parts, upgrades or modifications available to make it just about any type of shooting platform you prefer. In a matter of seconds, you can swap out the barrel and shove in a G19 magazine and pop off 9 mm ammo until your heart’s content. And for its size and weight, the 13+1 capacity isn’t bad either.
Sights would have to top the list of complaints, however. I have guns with plastic sights and do not plan on drop testing this one, but I’ll admit I have never been a fan. The serrated trigger comes standard due to import rules — but never lasts long in one of my guns. Thankfully, it is easy to change. Then there is the backstrap system. Personally, I have never had an issue with it and like the options, but I have heard a few comments from others.
My chronograph gave up on me, so I called a ballistician friend down South for a few numbers. Here are his results:
- Federal HST 165gr. JHPs: 1,051 fps, 405 ft./lbs. energy
- Federal HST 180gr. JHPs: 997 fps, 397 ft./lbs energy
- Winchester Ranger 135gr. JHPs: 1,124 fps, 379 ft./lbs. energy
I cannot find much difference between the Gen3 and Gen4 sans a few new options such as the changeable backstraps. I have never experienced a problem after the thousands of rounds I put through my GLOCK 23 Gen3 and do not see any reason the Gen4 would not be every bit as reliable. Along those same lines, unless you are having significant grip issues, I cannot see a reason to upgrade from the Gen3 to the Gen4 either.
GLOCK 23 Specifications
Caliber: .40 S&W
System: Safe Action
Length: 6.85 in. (174 mm)
Height: 5 in. (127 mm)
Magazine Capacity: 13+1 (standard) | 15/17 (optional)
Trigger Pull: 5.5 lbs. (2.5 kg)
Trigger Travel: 0.5 in. (12.5 mm)
Caliber Modification: Yes (9 mm barrel/magazine change-outs)
Have you purchased a Gen4? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
One thought on “GLOCK 23 Gen4”
I replaced my well used early Gen2 G23 with a new Gen4, didn’t think they could improve it, but the grip is better and recoil is reduced, I love mine! I still have my original G23 of course, will never part with it!