The Roots of a Powerful Handgun: The Glock 20 Story
In the world of handguns, certain names command respect. They represent not just a firearm but a legacy of performance, reliability, and a steadfast commitment to innovation. Among these titans, the Glock 20 holds a special place. Chambered in the formidable 10mm Auto cartridge, it’s a handgun designed to deliver serious stopping power. The Gen 5 iteration represents the culmination of Glock’s advancements, promising an even better experience. This review will delve into the Glock 20 Gen 5, examining its features, performance, and suitability for a variety of roles.
The Glock 20 didn’t just appear; it was born from a need. The 10mm Auto cartridge, developed in the early 1980s, offered a significant boost in power over existing pistol cartridges. Glock recognized the potential and integrated this impressive round into their already proven platform. The initial Glock 20 models, introduced some years after the original Glocks, quickly gained a reputation for their reliability, durability, and the sheer power they could deliver. This was a handgun built to perform, and perform it did. The Glock 20 became a favorite among law enforcement, hunters, and those who wanted a handgun with serious capabilities. It provided a robust package in a handgun that was relatively easy to handle and maintain.
Unveiling the Features: What Makes the Gen 5 Stand Out
The Gen 5 update brought a series of refinements that enhance the already solid foundation of the Glock 20. The Gen 5 version represents a significant step forward, incorporating improvements that address feedback from users and build upon the features that have made Glock a dominant force in the industry.
The Frame and Grip
The frame, the heart of the handgun, receives noteworthy improvements. Gone are the finger grooves, a feature that some found less than ideal. Instead, the Gen 5 boasts a more ergonomic grip. The absence of these grooves provides a more universal fit for a wider variety of hand sizes. The frame itself is constructed from Glock’s tough polymer, known for its strength and resilience. The grip texture has also been enhanced with what Glock calls a “rough texture,” or RTF, to improve purchase and control even in adverse conditions. The magazine release button is now ambidextrous, adding to the handgun’s versatility, making it a true option for both left and right-handed shooters. The magazine capacity remains a substantial offering, allowing for several rounds of the potent 10mm cartridge. This capacity adds to the overall effectiveness of the handgun.
The Slide and Sights
The slide, a critical component, also sees several upgrades. The front serrations, a new addition, offer better purchase for manipulation. The slide itself is treated with a durable finish that is designed to resist wear and tear. The sights come as standard sights, which are a good starting point. However, there’s always the option to upgrade them with aftermarket options, which cater to different needs such as night sights or more precise target sights.
The Barrel and Trigger
The barrel is a key part of the Glock 20’s performance. Gen 5 models utilize a Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) with enhanced rifling. This, in combination with the revised trigger, is designed to deliver improved accuracy. The trigger mechanism, which is a crucial part of the shooting experience, has been tweaked to offer a smoother pull and a more positive reset. The lighter trigger pull and shorter reset enhance follow-up shots and contribute to faster target acquisition. The trigger system is a striker-fired mechanism, as you’d expect from Glock, providing a consistent pull weight.
Safety Features
Glock handguns are known for their safety features. The Glock 20 Gen 5 incorporates a series of internal safeties, including a trigger safety, a firing pin safety, and a drop safety. These features, combined with the inherent robustness of the design, contribute to the overall safety of the firearm. While the Gen 5 does not incorporate an external manual safety, the internal features work as designed to prevent accidental discharges.
Disassembly and Maintenance
The Glock 20 Gen 5’s ease of disassembly and maintenance is also a significant advantage. The simple design means that cleaning and maintenance can be performed with relative ease, requiring few tools and minimal effort. This ease of maintenance helps to ensure the handgun’s continued reliability.
Putting It to the Test: Performance and Handling in Real-World Conditions
Accuracy is paramount, and the Glock 20 Gen 5 delivers. In range testing, the Glock 20 Gen 5 consistently produced tight groups, easily capable of delivering accurate shots at various distances. The combination of the GMB barrel and the improved trigger contributes to the accuracy. The ease of aiming through the factory sights also helps. With practice, the Glock 20 Gen 5 can deliver impressive results. The practical accuracy of the handgun ensures it is a capable performer.
Managing the recoil of the 10mm Auto can be a challenge. The Glock 20 Gen 5 manages recoil effectively with its frame design and mass. The ergonomics of the grip, including the rough texture, also help to maintain control. The overall design works to mitigate the felt recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots and a more enjoyable shooting experience. The 10mm Auto can be quite a powerful round, and the Glock 20 Gen 5 mitigates this power effectively.
Reliability is a core attribute of Glock handguns. The Glock 20 Gen 5 showed excellent reliability throughout the testing. There were no malfunctions with a range of ammunition types. The Glock 20’s track record for reliability is maintained in the Gen 5 iteration. This reliability is a testament to Glock’s design and manufacturing process. The handgun can be trusted to perform when it matters most.
The handling and ergonomics contribute significantly to the overall shooting experience. The absence of finger grooves provides a comfortable grip, the aggressive texture helps to maintain control, and the ambidextrous magazine release adds to the versatility. The Glock 20 Gen 5 feels solid and well-balanced in the hand, and the controls are easily accessible.
The Good, the Bad, and the Verdict: Pros and Cons
The Glock 20 Gen 5 has many strengths, it is a reliable and powerful handgun.
Its pros include the remarkable stopping power of the 10mm Auto cartridge, the legendary reliability that is a hallmark of the Glock brand, the ease of use and maintenance, the availability of aftermarket accessories and upgrades, and the generous magazine capacity. It is built with high-quality materials and designed to last.
The cons may include the potential for significant recoil that may be a challenge for novice shooters, the size and weight, which makes concealed carry more challenging than with smaller handguns, the trigger pull is what some may consider to be the traditional Glock trigger, and the initial cost of the handgun.
Suitable Applications: Where Does the Glock 20 Gen 5 Excel?
The Glock 20 Gen 5 finds its niche in several applications. It shines as a powerful self-defense and personal protection option. The 10mm Auto cartridge offers significant stopping power, making it a formidable choice for defending against threats. The handgun has the characteristics of a reliable self-defense choice.
Hunters also appreciate the Glock 20 Gen 5. The 10mm Auto cartridge has the power needed to take down medium-sized game, making the Glock 20 a versatile option for those seeking a reliable sidearm. The Glock 20 is an option for hunting game.
The Glock 20 Gen 5 has been used by some law enforcement agencies over the years, and it also offers value for target shooting and recreational shooting. Its accuracy, power, and reliability make it a fun and satisfying handgun to shoot at the range.
While the size and weight make it less suitable for concealed carry than smaller handguns, the Glock 20 Gen 5 can still be concealed with the right holster and clothing.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The Glock 20 Gen 5 represents a continuation of a proud legacy. It’s a powerhouse of a handgun, a testament to the power of innovation and refinement. The Gen 5 upgrades refine what was already a powerful and reliable platform. It is easy to see why the Glock 20 continues to be popular.
The Glock 20 Gen 5 is a great choice for those who want a handgun with serious stopping power, that is also reliable and easy to handle. It’s ideal for self-defense, hunting, or recreational shooting.
If you’re in the market for a powerful, reliable handgun that is built to withstand the test of time, the Glock 20 Gen 5 should be at the top of your list. It is a worthy addition to any collection.
