The Glock 20 Gen4 is perhaps the ideal pistol for those who want a handgun with magnum power and 16 rounds at the ready. The Glock 20 Gen4 features four major improvements over prior models (which have long since ceased production)—refinements that significantly increase the firearm’s functionality and ergonomics.
Glock 20 Gen4 Frame
The Glock 20 Gen4’s frame provides interchangeable backstraps that reduce or increase the grip circumference and hence the trigger reach, improving individual shooter comfort and control. The importance of handgun comfort needs no elaboration, but the added benefits of a hand-fitting grip are worth pointing out.
First, a good fit affords the shooter access to the magazine release and the slide lock without his or her having to change their firing grip. Secondly, and more critically, it places the finger fully and centrally on the trigger, positioning it to make a straight rearward pull, not sideways and rearward. Third, while difficulty reaching the trigger causes the shooter to rotate the hand around the side of the pistol, with a proper fit, the thumb and the trigger finger form a “V,” aligning the barrel with the forearm, maximizing accuracy and channeling recoil backward for fast follow-up shots on target.
The Glock 20 Gen4’s frame is molded to the size of the Glock 20 SF (short frame) and provides two interchangeable backstraps (one increasing the Gen4’s grip size by 2 millimeters, the other by 4 millimeters), making for three grip sizes total. Adding a backstrap is quick and simple and does not alter the grip angle. With an unloaded Glock, use the disassembly tool supplied to remove the trigger housing pin, hook the backstrap to the bottom of the grip, push it onto the grip, and reinstall the pin to ensure that it’s correctly centered. Since the pin does not require a tap hammer and punch to remove like most cross pins, the Glock 20 Gen4 can be taken to the range quickly adjusted to fit the hands of different shooters, making the Glock, among other things, a great family gun. One side note: Glock pistols are extraordinarily simple to disassemble using only the tool supplied. Such simplicity is a real benefit for Glock-trained armorers.
A More Secure Grip
The Glock 20 Gen4 showcases a Rough Textured Frame (RTF) and a reversible, enlarged magazine catch. The RTF, applied on all grip surfaces, helps cement the shooter’s grip, thus improving control and making the Glock 20 Gen4 handle well during recoil or when used in the rain or with slippery hands (which, admittedly, aren’t the exact conditions under which the average consumer may use his or her pistol, but then, Glocks are designed for serious circumstances, not just range play). The new magazine catch is a major improvement, being easy to reach with the thumb of the firing hand, simplifying reloading.
A Powerful Gun Needs a Powerful Spring Assembly
Lastly, the Glock 20 Gen4 features a dual recoil spring assembly. This entirely stainless steel part consists of an inner coil spring that wraps around the guide rod; the spring is covered by a steel case, which is in turn wrapped by a larger secondary spring. The assembly is more durable and heavier than the standard unit, and it helps reduce muzzle rise when used with the powerful 10mm load.
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