Glock G23 Gen4
Glock Ges.m.b.H. · Pistol · In Production · 2010
Also known as: G23 Gen4, Glock 23 Gen 4
Overview
The Glock G23 Gen4 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in .40 S&W, produced by Glock Ges.m.b.H.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 605 g (21.3 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 890 g (31.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 185 mm (7.28") |
| Barrel Length | 102 mm (4.02") |
| Height | 128 mm (5.04") |
| Width | 32 mm (1.26") |
| Sight Radius | 153 mm (6.02") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Safe Action |
| Trigger Pull | 28 N (6.3 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 13 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 308 m/s (1010 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 546 J (403 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Tenifer |
Calibers
- .40 S&W · primary — also known as .40 Smith & Wesson, 10x22mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Trigger Safety, Firing Pin Safety, Drop Safety
- Features: Polymer Frame, Safe Action Trigger, Polygonal Rifling, Accessory Rail, Modular Backstrap System, Dual Recoil Spring, Rough Textured Frame, Reversible Mag Release
Base model
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Law Enforcement (various agencies)
- U.S. Federal Air Marshals
- Drug Enforcement Administration
Production
Production years: 2010-present
Gen4 variant of the G23 compact platform. The G23 has been in production since 1990.
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Gaston Glock
Notes
The Glock 23 was introduced in 1990 as the compact counterpart to the G22. The Gen4 variant arrived in 2010. Weight without magazine is 605g (21.34 oz), making it lighter than the Gen5 at 687g due to the different slide and frame construction. Height is 128mm (5.04 inches), slightly shorter than the Gen5's 129mm. The dual recoil spring assembly was particularly beneficial on the compact .40 S&W platform, where the shorter slide and lighter weight amplify the snappy recoil characteristics of the cartridge. Magazine capacity is 13 rounds with compatibility for G22 full-size 15-round magazines.
Background
The Glock 23 Gen4 was the plainclothes officer's best friend during the peak of the .40 S&W era. Federal agencies like the DEA and Air Marshals prized the compact .40 for its combination of concealment and firepower, and the Gen4's modular backstrap made it shoot better than ever. The dual recoil spring was especially welcome in the compact frame -- the original G23 was notorious for its snappy recoil in .40 S&W, and the Gen4's spring assembly smoothed out the shooting experience considerably. It remains a capable compact duty pistol for those who appreciate the .40's ballistic edge over 9mm.