Introduction
The world of firearms is filled with choices, but some pistols stand out for their reliability, performance, and sheer power. The Glock 32 Gen 4 represents one such offering. This compact handgun, chambered in the formidable .357 SIG, offers a compelling blend of concealed carry practicality and potent stopping power. This **Glock 32 Gen 4 review** will delve into the details, exploring its features, handling characteristics, performance on the range, and suitability for both experienced shooters and those seeking a reliable self-defense option.
From its humble beginnings as a polymer-framed pistol designed for military applications, Glock has become a household name in the firearms world. The company’s dedication to simplicity, durability, and performance has earned it a loyal following. The Gen 4 series represented a significant evolution in Glock’s design, introducing a range of improvements over the previous generations. The Glock 32 Gen 4, with its compact frame and the snappy .357 SIG cartridge, is a testament to the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation.
The .357 SIG cartridge itself is a key selling point of the Glock 32 Gen 4. It’s a round that offers a unique blend of high velocity and impressive energy, borrowed from the .357 Magnum. Its higher velocity allows for flatter trajectories, providing increased effective range compared to the popular 9mm Luger. The .357 SIG’s capabilities make the Glock 32 Gen 4 an appealing choice for those prioritizing stopping power.
Specifications and Features
Let’s explore the specific features that set the Glock 32 Gen 4 apart:
This pistol is a blend of functional design and reliability. The dimensions, while falling in the compact category, maintain a size that offers a balance between concealability and effective handling. The frame is constructed from Glock’s high-strength polymer, known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear. The slide is crafted from steel, ensuring longevity and structural integrity even with repeated use.
One of the key elements of the Gen 4 design is the Rough Textured Frame (RTF). This textured surface significantly improves the grip, offering a secure purchase even in adverse conditions, such as wet hands or sweaty palms. This enhanced grip is crucial for maintaining control during rapid firing and mitigating the recoil of the .357 SIG cartridge.
The Gen 4 also incorporated interchangeable backstraps. Three different sizes come standard, allowing users to customize the grip to perfectly fit their hand size. This personalization enhances comfort and control, contributing to improved accuracy and faster target acquisition.
A dual recoil spring assembly (RSA) is another hallmark of the Gen 4 design. This system helps to mitigate recoil, making the pistol more manageable during rapid firing and reducing wear and tear on the frame.
The magazine release is another area of improvement. The Gen 4 features a reversible magazine catch, making the pistol ambidextrous. This is a welcome feature for left-handed shooters.
The Glock’s Safe Action System provides a three-step safety system. A trigger safety, a firing pin safety, and a drop safety all work in concert to prevent unintentional discharge. These features combine to make the Glock 32 Gen 4 a safe and reliable firearm, suitable for both experienced shooters and those new to handguns.
Ergonomics and Handling
Let’s move on to how this pistol handles and feels:
The grip of the Glock 32 Gen 4 feels solid and comfortable in the hand. The RTF surface provides a secure hold, and the available backstrap options allow for precise customization, tailoring the grip’s feel to different hand sizes. The ergonomic design allows the pistol to sit comfortably in the palm, promoting instinctive pointing and quick target acquisition.
The controls are intuitive and easy to operate. The slide release lever is conveniently positioned, allowing for quick reloads, and the magazine release is easily accessible, ensuring that spent magazines can be ejected and replaced without fumbling. The trigger pull is a standard Glock experience. It’s not as refined as some premium triggers, but it’s consistent and predictable, making it easy to learn and master.
The pistol’s balance is well-considered. The distribution of weight contributes to a feeling of control and stability. Even when loaded with a full magazine of .357 SIG ammunition, the weight distribution prevents the pistol from feeling unwieldy. This balance is particularly important for maintaining accuracy during rapid fire and follow-up shots.
Performance
Let’s examine its performance out on the range:
Accuracy testing, conducted at various distances, provides essential insights into the Glock 32 Gen 4’s performance. At typical defensive engagement ranges, such as seven yards, the pistol consistently groups shots tightly. As the distance increases, to 15 or even 25 yards, the Glock 32 Gen 4 continues to hold its own, providing acceptable accuracy. A significant part of accuracy depends on the shooter and their practice, but the inherent accuracy of the Glock 32 Gen 4 is more than adequate for self-defense purposes.
Reliability is a hallmark of the Glock brand, and the Glock 32 Gen 4 certainly lives up to that reputation. During testing with a variety of ammunition, the pistol demonstrated consistent performance. Malfunctions, such as failures to feed or eject, were rare. The Glock 32 Gen 4’s reliability stems from its simple and robust design, a design that’s stood the test of time.
The trigger, as mentioned before, is consistent and predictable. It has a relatively short reset, allowing for rapid follow-up shots. While not a match-grade trigger, it is functional and easy to learn. The slightly heavier pull, characteristic of Glock triggers, is a safety feature that many shooters appreciate.
The .357 SIG cartridge produces significant recoil, but the Glock 32 Gen 4 handles it relatively well. The dual recoil spring assembly helps to mitigate the felt recoil, making the pistol controllable, even during rapid firing. The muzzle flip is noticeable but manageable, and with consistent practice, follow-up shots can be made quickly and accurately.
Concealed Carry Considerations
Now let’s turn our attention to how well this pistol serves for concealed carry:
The Glock 32 Gen 4’s compact size makes it a viable option for concealed carry. While not as small as some micro-compact pistols, the Glock 32 Gen 4 can be readily concealed under appropriate clothing. The choice of holster, and how it’s worn, plays a crucial role in achieving comfortable and discreet concealment.
Inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters, which conceal the pistol within the waistband, are a popular choice, offering excellent concealment and easy access. Outside-the-waistband (OWB) holsters, worn outside the waistband, can also work well. Depending on the belt and cover garment, the firearm can easily be concealed.
Holster selection is crucial for comfort and concealability. The proper holster provides a secure fit and protects the trigger, preventing accidental discharges. The design of the holster itself can also play a part in concealment, and the material used can impact comfort when carrying the pistol for extended periods.
The Glock 32 Gen 4 can be a good choice for concealed carry, but it’s not perfect for every situation. Some may find the extra recoil of the .357 SIG more challenging to manage than 9mm. However, the power of the cartridge gives you a lot of confidence. When selecting a concealed carry pistol, it’s critical to weigh the pros and cons, considering personal preferences, and needs.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick overview of the good and the bad aspects of this pistol:
On the positive side, the Glock 32 Gen 4 offers a reputation for being highly reliable, it has a compact size that is manageable for concealed carry, and the potent .357 SIG cartridge provides excellent stopping power. Accessories are widely available, and the overall price is reasonable compared to other pistols in this category.
On the downside, the recoil is higher than some other calibers, especially 9mm. The trigger is functional, but it may not be to everyone’s taste, and the cost of the .357 SIG ammunition tends to be higher.
Comparison to Other Pistols
How does the Glock 32 Gen 4 compare to similar firearms?
Comparing it to the Glock 23 Gen 4, which is the same size but chambered in .40 S&W, the main difference lies in the caliber. The .357 SIG offers a slight performance advantage in terms of velocity and energy, but the .40 S&W may have greater ammunition availability in some areas. For many shooters, either would suffice.
Against something like a Sig Sauer P320 Compact in either 9mm or .357 SIG, you’ll see a similar level of reliability and performance. The P320’s modularity is attractive, though, and it’s possible to swap frames and slides for a highly customized setup.
The key distinction is in the caliber choice, the user’s preference, and sometimes, depending on your needs and what your needs are, the overall cost of ownership.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Let’s summarize everything in a final thought:
The Glock 32 Gen 4 is a compelling choice for those seeking a compact, reliable, and powerful handgun. Its combination of features, performance, and the inherent stopping power of the .357 SIG make it a worthy option for self-defense and concealed carry. It embodies Glock’s dedication to quality and performance.
For many, the Glock 32 Gen 4 would be a fine choice. The high-velocity round, the reliable performance, and the Glock’s well-earned reputation all contribute to making this pistol a solid choice. The .357 SIG might not be for everyone, but those who appreciate its blend of power and controllability will find the Glock 32 Gen 4 an excellent choice.
The best way to determine if this handgun is suitable for you is to handle it, and if possible, test-fire it. If the size, feel, and caliber match your needs, the Glock 32 Gen 4 will not disappoint. The Glock 32 Gen 4 offers impressive capabilities in a well-designed package, and, for some, it is the ideal handgun for their needs.
