Glock generation differences

[Lowdown3]

Trying to help a friend select a pistol. On the full size 9mm, what is the difference in the "generations?" He is evidently able to find a "4th generation" model for less than a "3rd generation" model.

Parts interchange? Any advantages to "4th gen?"

[RobertJ]

Gen 1= no light rail, no finger grooves, minimal texturing.
Gen 2= no light rail, finger grooves, more texturing and heavy on backstrap. (still my favorite model for some odd reason)
Gen 3= Light Rail added, deeper more texturing.
Gen 4= Light rail even more texturing and custom panels to fit grip/hand size.
Theres probably more, but this is the meat and taters of the different gens.

[Dennis W]

Gen 1 is a 2 pin frame and some of the parts are not interchangeable.
Gen 2-4 is a 3 pin frame, I believe most of the parts are interchangeable.
Gen 4 you can reverse the mag release for left handed.

[Rmplstlskn]

According to Pistol-Training.com, the Gen 4 is more accurate with a tighter lockup...
http://pistol-training.com/archives/4966

But they also say reliability is hit-n-miss with Gen4 over Gen 2/3...

Pick your poison... :-)

I am an XD guy, so no skin in the game...

Rmpl

[Benn Gleck]

My daughter's Gen 4 19 has a different guide rod/spring than my Gen 3, so no interchangeability.

[Lowdown3]

Good to know, thanks guys.