The Glock Gen 4 23 has solidified its place as a favorite among both law enforcement and civilian shooters. This review delves into its features, performance, and overall value, offering an in-depth look at what makes this .40 S&W pistol so popular. We'll cover everything from its ergonomics and reliability to its accuracy and aftermarket support, helping you decide if the Glock Gen 4 23 is the right pistol for you.
Ergonomics and Handling of the Glock Gen 4 23
The Glock Gen 4 23 boasts improvements over its predecessors, particularly in its ergonomics. The most noticeable change is the enhanced grip texture. Glock moved away from the smooth polymer of earlier generations to a more aggressive, textured surface, providing significantly improved grip, even with wet or sweaty hands. This improved grip translates directly to better control and accuracy during shooting. This textured grip is noticeably different from the Gen 3 and earlier models and makes a considerable impact on shootability.
Another key ergonomic feature is the adjustable back straps. The Gen 4 allows you to customize the grip size by swapping out different back straps. This accommodates a wider range of hand sizes, leading to a more comfortable and secure hold, regardless of your individual preferences. This simple, yet effective feature contributes significantly to its overall user-friendliness.
The Glock Gen 4 23's trigger is known for its relatively consistent pull, although some shooters find it slightly stiff compared to other pistols. The trigger's action is considered safe and reliable, with a consistent break. However, individual preferences vary widely, and you should personally test the trigger to assess its suitability for you.
Size and Weight Considerations
The Glock Gen 4 23 strikes a balance between concealability and shootability. It's compact enough for concealed carry, but substantial enough to provide manageable recoil. The weight, while not featherlight, is well-balanced, making it easy to handle during extended shooting sessions. The specific dimensions and weight are readily available online and vary only slightly depending on the specific configuration.
Performance and Reliability of the Glock Gen 4 23
The Glock Gen 4 23 is renowned for its reliability. Glock pistols, in general, have a solid reputation for function in even the most demanding conditions. This reputation is well-earned, and the Gen 4 23 lives up to the expectation. The pistol's straightforward design and robust construction contribute to its extremely low malfunction rate. Thousands of rounds can often be fired without a single failure to feed, fire, or eject. This reliability makes it a popular choice for self-defense and duty use.
Accuracy and Ammunition Considerations
While known for its reliability, the accuracy of the Glock Gen 4 23 is also noteworthy. The pistol consistently delivers accurate shots at various distances. Many shooters report excellent accuracy with a variety of .40 S&W ammunition. However, experimentation with different ammunition types is recommended to find the load that best suits your individual pistol and shooting style. Some shooters might find certain ammunition brands deliver better accuracy than others.
The Glock Gen 4 23: A Comparison with Competitors
The Glock Gen 4 23 competes against a range of other .40 S&W pistols, including the Smith & Wesson M&P40, SIG Sauer P229, and Springfield XD(s) .40. While each offers unique features, the Glock often stands out due to its combination of reliability, affordability, and aftermarket support. The Glock platform is incredibly popular, resulting in a vast ecosystem of aftermarket parts, holsters, and accessories. This makes it easy to customize and upgrade the pistol to meet individual preferences.
| Feature | Glock Gen 4 23 | Smith & Wesson M&P40 | SIG Sauer P229 | Springfield XD(s) .40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Moderate | Moderate | High | Moderate |
| Reliability | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Ergonomics | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Aftermarket | Extensive | Extensive | Extensive | Extensive |
Aftermarket Support and Customization Options
The extensive aftermarket support available for Glock pistols is a major advantage. Numerous companies produce parts for Glocks, including triggers, sights, barrels, and various other accessories. This allows for significant customization, allowing you to tailor the pistol to fit your individual needs and preferences. Whether you want to upgrade the sights for improved visibility or change the trigger for a smoother pull, the options are virtually limitless.
Conclusion: Is the Glock Gen 4 23 Right for You?
The Glock Gen 4 23 is a capable and reliable pistol that offers a compelling combination of features. Its improved ergonomics, robust construction, and extensive aftermarket support make it a strong contender in the .40 S&W market. However, whether it’s the right pistol for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as your hand size, shooting style, and intended use before making a decision. If you’re looking for a reliable, customizable, and reasonably priced .40 S&W pistol, the Glock Gen 4 23 is definitely worth considering.