Glock 19 Gen 4 ( Chapter 2 )

Published on December 30, 2010
Duration: 26:57

This video provides an expert-level assessment of the Glock 19 Gen 4's reliability with various 9mm ammunition types, presented by veteran firearms reviewer Hickok45. The testing focuses on identifying how different ammunition power factors affect the pistol's cycling, particularly the Gen 4's dual recoil spring system. Key takeaways include the importance of ammunition quality for consistent performance and the potential for malfunctions with lower-power loads.

Quick Summary

The Glock 19 Gen 4's reliability is generally high, but can be affected by ammunition power factor. Lower-power 115gr loads may cause malfunctions like stovepipes if the shooter 'limp-wrists' or if the ammo is at the lower end of the power threshold. Hotter 124gr NATO rounds can help break in the Gen 4's stiffer dual recoil spring system.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Testing Objectives
  2. 01:22Ammunition Overview
  3. 02:53Winchester 9mm NATO Performance
  4. 04:12Magazine Compatibility and Handling
  5. 07:43Testing Speer, Blazer, and Remington
  6. 12:07Federal Champion and Malfunction
  7. 15:45Final Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

How does ammunition type affect the Glock 19 Gen 4's reliability?

The Glock 19 Gen 4's reliability can be influenced by ammunition power factor. Lower-power 115gr loads, like Federal Champion, are more prone to causing malfunctions such as stovepipes if the shooter exhibits 'limp-wristing' or if the ammunition is at the lower end of the power threshold. Hotter loads, like 124gr Winchester NATO, may aid in breaking in the Gen 4's stiffer dual recoil spring system.

What is 'limp-wristing' and how does it affect pistol function?

'Limp-wristing' is a shooting error where the shooter's wrist is not held firmly enough. This allows the wrist to absorb too much recoil energy, preventing the firearm's slide from cycling completely. For semi-automatic pistols like the Glock 19 Gen 4, a firm grip is essential to provide the necessary resistance for the slide to cycle fully and eject spent casings.

What types of 9mm ammunition were tested in the Glock 19 Gen 4?

The video tested a wide array of 9mm ammunition, including Winchester NATO (124gr), Speer Lawman, Blazer (aluminum-cased), Federal Champion, American Eagle, Magtech, and Remington UMC (all typically 115gr). Winchester White Box was used for bulk shooting. The focus was on evaluating how different weights and power factors affected the pistol's performance.

What malfunctions occurred during the Glock 19 Gen 4 testing?

During extensive testing with hundreds of rounds across two videos, only two malfunctions were reported. One was a 'stovepipe' failure to eject with Federal Champion 115gr ammunition, attributed to its lower power factor. Another malfunction occurred with Remington UMC. These were isolated incidents in otherwise reliable performance.

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