On the Range with Gen4 Glocks
So are the Gen4 updates to the Glock platform just a bit of marketing fluff, or do they really make the pistol better? As a fan and owner of Gen3 Glock models that span the size and caliber categories, I believed it was logical to test a few of the Gen4 models for myself before making up my mind. So far, I like what I’ve seen.

Although the Gen4 changes work nicely on all the Glock frame sizes, they really shine at the extremes, namely, the largest frame models (G20 and G21) and the smallest (Subcompacts). In the case of the heavy-hitting 10 mm G20 and .45 ACP G21, the dual-spring recoil assembly nicely reduces the level of felt recoil. Achieving the same amount of recoil reduction in the Gen3 pistols requires the installation of an aftermarket steel guide rod and heavy-weight recoil spring. For shooters with smaller hands (like me), the reduced grip circumference and aggressive grip texturing takes the largest of the Glock grips from feeling too large to handle comfortably, to a workable shooting grip. It’s also easier to reach and operate the enlarged magazine release.

The Subcompacts are favored for their excellent combination of low weight, ammunition capacity, and stopping power. However, when loaded with high-velocity cartridges such as the .357 SIG and 10 mm, they can be a handful to shoot. The reduced grip size and aggressive grip texturing of the Gen4 again work to make these little bucking broncos manageable in the felt recoil department.

With 18 models of Gen4 Glocks to choose from these days, it was hard to pick a single model to work with for this evaluation. However, after test firing the new-for-2013 G33 Subcompact in .357 SIG at the SHOT Show this year, I was eager to get my hands on another one for a thorough field test. The G33 is lean and compact, sharing the same barrel length, slide width, and grip profile as the G26 (9 mm) and G27 (.40 S&W). As a result, a wide variety of holsters, sights, and after-market accessories are available to fit it. Weighing 19.75 ounces. unloaded, the G33 uses a nine-round flush-fit magazine. If you are looking to extend the two-finger grip, or to increase the pistol’s ammunition capacity, the G33 will accept G32 13-round or G31 15-round magazines.

At the range, the G33 proved to be both a dependable and accurate pistol to work with. This gun ran flawlessly with a mix of full-metal-jacket and hollow-point ammunition. The factory fixed sights are not the best system available, but they get the job done. The magazines proved to be reliable, and they dropped free cleanly when the enlarged magazine release was pressed. The trigger pull was slightly lighter than expected, breaking at 5 pounds, 6 ounces, instead of the advertised 5 pounds, 8 ounces. Although the stock Gen4 Glock triggers are a little heavy and a bit mushy (like their predecessors), the tactile and audible click of the short trigger reset allows the shooter to ride the trigger for quick follow-up shots.

The G33 demonstrated a level of accuracy usually reserved for larger handguns. When testing short-gripped, short-barreled carry pistols, it’s not uncommon to wheel targets into the 7-yard range to check their performance. However, the Glock Subcompacts tend to demonstrate accuracy potential in line with their Compact and Standard compatriots. So accuracy testing was conducted with targets at 25 yards to see what the pistol could really do. Working slowly from a bench rest, the selected test ammunition produced five-shot groups ranging from 2.73 inches to 3.61 inches in size, with five group averages in the 3.05 inch to 3.29-inch size range.

Shooting the pistol off of the bench in a two-handed grip confirmed that the G33 is not a gun for recoil-shy shooters. The levels of perceived recoil produced by the .357 SIG cartridge are usually comparable to or slightly greater than those of the .40 S&W in pistols of similar size. Having fired Glock Subcompacts in the “Big Three” defensive calibers (9 mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP), I found this pistol and ammunition combination to be less palm-pasting than the .40 S&W, but certainly more peppy than the 9 mm.

Final Thoughts
After three decades of proven reliability, durability and accuracy, you can still find shooters who have little in the way of positive commentary to share in regards to the “ugly” Glock pistol. But handsome is as handsome does. Despite all of its competitors, the Glock is still one of the most highly prized and commonly adopted defensive pistols on the market.

Some shooters may be wondering if it’s time to trade out their earlier Glocks for the new Gen4 models. Based on my experience, that won’t be necessary. If the Glock you have fits your hands and fills your defensive requirements, then there’s no need to give it up or sell it off any time soon. In fact, Glock has kept the Gen3 and SF versions in its catalog, at least for now. If, however, you’re in the market for a new pistol, a lifetime member of the South Paw Club, or find the Gen3 pistols to be a poor fit for your hand shape, then the Gen4 updates will certainly make the latest versions of the Glock an attractive defensive option.

Glock G33, Gen4
Importer: Glock, Inc. (Dept. AR), 6000 Highlands Parkway, Smyrna, GA 30082; (770) 432-1202
Caliber: .357 SIG
Action Type: short-recoil-operated, locked-breech semi-automatic, center-fire pistol
Slide: matte-black, gas nitrate steel
Frame: matte-black polymer
Grips: Multiple Back Strap (MBS) system
Barrel: 3.43"
Rifling: hexagonal, six-groove; 1:9.84" RH Twist
Magazine: detachable-box; nine-round capacity
Sights: fixed post front polymer, drift adjustable for windage rear
Overall Length: 6.30"
Width: 1.18"
Height: 4.17"
Weight: 19.75 ozs.
Accessories: extra magazine, two backstraps with exchange tool and pin, magazine loader, cleaning brush, hard case, lock, owner’s manual
Suggested Retail Price: $599