Are you considering buying a Glock 20 Gen 4? If so, you’re hardly the first.
The Glock 20 has risen in popularity substantially in recent years in accordance with greater civilian acceptance of the 10mm round. Thanks to the fact that it’s suitable for a wide variety of applications, Glock 20 is undeniably a very versatile and practical sidearm.
This review covers the merits of the 10mm round, the development, and features of the Glock 20 Gen 4, and arguments for and against the idea of the Glock 20 being the most versatile pistol on the market today. We’ll also cover some accessories you can buy for your Glock 20 as well.
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Why Go With The Glock 20 10mm Auto?
If you’re considering a Glock 20 Gen 4, it’s likely you’re doing so because of the round it fires: the 10mm Auto.
The 10mm Auto was developed by the legendary Jeff Cooper in 1983. Originally referring to the round as the .40 Super, the round that later became known as the 10mm Auto was designed from the beginning to be around that offered superior ballistics and stopping power to the .45 ACP while also offering a roughly equal round count to the smaller 9mm Luger.
The 10mm was adopted by the FBI in their standard-issue Smith & Wesson 1076 handguns, but when it was determined that the round produced too much recoil for most agents to handle, they later switched to the .40 S&W (and then later back to 9mm in the mid-2010s).
The .40 S&W itself is essentially a shortened 10mm; it was produced in 1990 when Smith & Wesson modified a 10mm by shortening the shell casing from 25mm to 22mm. This permitted the new .40 S&W round to be used in guns built on 9mm frames.
The 10mm Auto has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years with the American shooting public thanks largely to its versatility. The idea of a semi-automatic pistol offering a large magazine capacity and ballistics very similar to the .357 Magnum is certainly appealing to a lot of folks, and it’s not hard to see why.
Development and Features of the Glock 20 Gen 4
The Glock 20, also sometimes referred to as the G20, was released in 1991. In essence, the Glock 20 is an oversized Glock 17; the former is 7mm longer and 2.5mm wider than the latter. The two pistols also share 50% of parts commonality. Magazine capacity of the Glock 20 is 15 rounds, 2 less than the 17’s 17 rounds.
While originally intended for use by security or law enforcement personnel, the Glock 20 has found a larger audience with the American shooting public. We’ll explore the reasons why in the next section.
The Generation 4 model of the Glock 20 offers a number of advantages over previous generations of the weapon. These include:
- Modular backstrap system
- Enlarged and reversible magazine release to accommodate both shooters
- Dual recoil spring assembly (designed to reduce felt recoil)
- RTF (Rough Textured Frame) surface on the grip for better traction in slippery conditions
- The adjustable dovetailed rear sight
Besides the Generation 4 model of the Glock 20, the other major variant of the Glock 20 is called the 20SF. This model uses a shorter frame reduced by 2.5mm overall, so it can be easier to handle for people with smaller hands.
Is The Glock 20 The Most Versatile Pistol You Can Own?
A strong case can certainly be made that the Glock 20 is one of the most versatile pistols that you could own, if not the most.
And the reason why largely comes down to its caliber. The 10mm offers ballistics roughly equal to the .357 Magnum, and the Glock 20 offers 15+1 rounds of this ammunition in a standard factory magazine.
In addition for use as a home or self-defense pistol, where it is incredibly effective, the Glock 20 has also been widely accepted by the American public as a ‘woods handgun’ for self-defense against the dangerous big game.
Many hunting guides from Alaska to the Lower 48 and all the way to Africa are known for using the Glock 20 for this very reason.
The Glock 20 handles very well with reduced recoil and faster reloading times in contrast to the Magnum revolvers that have been traditional favorites by sportsmen for use.
The fact that the Glock 20 weighs less than most revolvers and is, therefore, easier on the hip to carry is another major benefit.
So, why go with a 6 shot .357 Magnum or .44 Magnum revolver when you could go with a 16 shot Glock 20 that’s easier to carry, is faster to reload, and is easier to shoot? It’s a good question.
Accessories For Your Glock 20
After purchasing a Glock 20 10mm, here are some additional accessories you should consider for it:
| Product Name | Where to Buy | |
|---|---|---|
 | Amberide IWB Kydex Glock 20 Holster |  |
 | Outlaw Black Carbon OWB Holster | |
 | Truglo Tritium Green Night Sights | |
Amberide IWB Kydex Glock 20 Holster
If you’re looking for an affordable and yet quality concealment holster for the Glock 20, consider the Amberide IWB Kydex Glock 20 Holster. Also compatible with the Glock 21 in .45 ACP, this holster comes with a customizable cant feature, adjustable retention pressure, and a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.
Outlaw Black Carbon OWB Holster
The Outlaw Black Carbon OWB Holster is a good choice if you want an OWB holster instead to keep your Glock 20 strapped to your hip. These American-made holsters are custom-molded for your firearm of choice to ensure a secure fit.
Truglo Tritium Green Night Sights
Improving the sights is arguably the most important upgrade you can make to a standard Glock pistol from the factory. The Truglo Tritium Green Night Sights are built out of CNC-machined steel with a Fortress finish coating for excellent rust and corrosion resistance. The green dots only glow in dark or dim conditions; in daylight, you’ll see the white circles when lining up your sights.
Specs of the Glock 20 Gen 4
Here are the specs of the Glock 20:
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Capacity: 15+1 (standard)
- Length (overall): 8.07 inches
- Barrel Length: 4.61 inches
- Width: 1.12 inches
- Height: 5.51 inches
- Weight (empty): 30.69 ounces
- Weight (loaded): 39.86 ounces
Glock 20 Gen 4 Review – Conclusion
And that concludes our review of the Glock 20 Gen 4. A practical and dependable choice for both home defense and for defense while hiking or hunting out in the woods, the Glock 20 is a worthy addition to any gun arsenal.
