Paul Markel, Firearms Contributor
Officer.com

“So what’s the big deal? They changed the grip or something?” The question was posed by a cop friend and the subject was the new GLOCK 23 Generation 4 model. Recently I had the opportunity to closely examine the new GLOCK Model 23 in the current configuration and now feel better qualified to tackle that question.

Veteran police officers today are intimately familiar with the GLOCK series of pistols. Many of them can remember the big deal it was when GLOCK added the accessory rail and finger grooves to the frame. The differences between the original GLOCK 17 and Generation 2 versions were slight and primarily aimed at staying in the good graces of the United States BATFE.

Regarding the Generation 3 models, in addition to the aforementioned frame changes, GLOCK modified the extractor to function as a loaded chamber indicator. They also made slight internal improvements such as a beefed up locking block.

Gen 4

The Generation 4 models include all of the previously mentioned upgrades and one of the most radical changes to date. The most obvious change is the new MBS (Multiple Back Strap) frame. Out of the box the new G23 is configured for the small or standard back strap. Medium and Large back straps are included. To install the M or L back straps you simple removed the small pin in the frame with the included punch tool and replace it with a longer polymer pin. The entire process takes a minute or two.

Read the full article here.