Understanding the Glock 27 Gen 4 and Its Place
The world of concealed carry is a dynamic arena, constantly evolving with advancements in technology and a growing emphasis on personal protection. For those seeking a reliable, compact, and powerful handgun, the choices can seem overwhelming. However, one name consistently rises to the top: Glock. And within the Glock lineup, the Glock 27 Gen 4 stands as a compelling option, perfectly embodying the brand’s renowned durability and user-friendly design within a smaller, easily concealed package. This review delves deep into the Glock 27 Gen 4, examining its features, performance, and overall suitability for various purposes, helping you determine if this pistol is the right fit for you.
The Glock 27 Gen 4 isn’t just another handgun; it’s a descendant of a legacy of innovation. It is a compact pistol, specifically designed for concealed carry and personal defense. The Glock family is known for its commitment to simplicity, reliability, and ease of use, qualities that have made the brand a favorite among law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian shooters alike. The Glock 27, chambered in the potent .40 S&W caliber, takes those core principles and packages them into a more concealable size. This combination offers a balance of power and portability that appeals to a wide range of users.
The fourth generation of Glock pistols, which is what “Gen 4” represents, introduced significant improvements over its predecessors. These advancements focused on enhancing the user experience and further improving the overall performance of the firearm. The Gen 4 models aimed to refine existing designs, making them more comfortable, versatile, and adaptable to different shooters and shooting scenarios.
Examining Key Features and Specifications
The Glock 27 Gen 4, despite its compact size, is packed with features that contribute to its overall functionality. The pistol’s specifications are important to understand before going into its features.
Caliber and Capacity
The Glock 27 Gen 4 fires the .40 Smith & Wesson round. This cartridge is known for its stopping power, offering a significant advantage for self-defense situations. The magazine holds a respectable number of rounds, providing ample firepower in a compact package. The standard magazine holds a good amount of rounds making it a suitable choice for personal protection.
Size and Weight
Unloaded, the pistol is relatively lightweight, making it comfortable for all-day carry. This is a crucial factor for concealed carry, as a heavy handgun can quickly become tiresome. The overall length, barrel length, width, and height all contribute to the Glock 27 Gen 4’s concealability. It is small and manageable, allowing for discreet carry in various holster configurations.
Gen 4 Advancements
The Gen 4 version of the Glock 27 offers several key advancements over previous generations:
- Interchangeable Backstraps: This is a notable upgrade, allowing shooters to customize the grip size to better fit their hand. This enhances comfort, control, and the overall shooting experience. The backstraps come in different sizes, ensuring a more personalized grip.
- Rough Texture Frame (RTF): The frame’s textured surface provides a secure grip, even when hands are wet or sweaty. This is essential for maintaining control during rapid firing and in stressful situations.
- Dual Recoil Spring Assembly: This design helps to reduce felt recoil, making the Glock 27 Gen 4 more comfortable and manageable to shoot. The reduction in recoil also contributes to faster follow-up shots.
- Reversible Magazine Catch: This feature allows both left- and right-handed shooters to operate the magazine release with ease. This contributes to the ambidextrous nature of the pistol.
Assessing Ergonomics and Handling
Ergonomics are crucial when choosing a handgun. The Glock 27 Gen 4’s compact size means that careful consideration was given to the feel in the hand.
Grip Comfort
The grip is a critical element. The compact frame might be challenging for those with larger hands, but the included interchangeable backstraps help in achieving a more secure and comfortable grip. The Rough Texture Frame provides the necessary grip traction, even when conditions aren’t ideal.
Trigger Feel
The trigger is another key consideration. The Glock trigger is known for its consistent pull and short reset. The Glock 27 Gen 4’s trigger is similar to other Glock models, offering a predictable and reliable feel. The consistent trigger pull is known to promote accuracy by removing surprises from the shot.
Control and Operation
The controls are designed for simplicity and ease of use. The slide release and magazine release are readily accessible. The design is intuitive, allowing for quick and efficient operation. The takedown process is also straightforward, facilitating easy cleaning and maintenance.
Recoil Management
Recoil management is a crucial aspect of shooting a compact pistol, especially in .40 S&W. While the round is known for its power, the Glock 27 Gen 4’s design mitigates some of the recoil. The dual recoil spring assembly helps to reduce the amount of felt recoil, and a secure grip is key to controlling the pistol during firing. Even though it is a compact handgun, recoil is manageable with practice.
Evaluating Performance and Accuracy
Accuracy is paramount for any handgun. The Glock 27 Gen 4, despite its compact size, is designed to be accurate and reliable.
Accuracy Testing Results
Accuracy testing is essential to assess performance. This typically involves shooting groups at various distances. During testing, the Glock 27 Gen 4 has demonstrated consistent accuracy. The pistol is capable of producing tight groups, showing its inherent precision.
Reliability Assessment
Reliability is another critical aspect of a firearm. The Glock 27 Gen 4 is known for its ruggedness. During testing, the pistol performs reliably, cycling ammunition consistently with minimal malfunctions. The Glock design has a reputation for reliability under harsh conditions.
Ammunition Compatibility
Ammunition compatibility is also important. The Glock 27 Gen 4 is designed to function with a variety of ammunition types. During testing, it shows good performance with different bullet weights and styles. It’s important to test different ammunition types to understand the pistol’s performance with various loads.
Comparative Performance
Comparing the Glock 27 Gen 4 to other pistols in its class is also valuable. Other compact handguns in the .40 S&W caliber will be compared. The Glock 27 Gen 4 often holds its own in terms of accuracy, reliability, and overall value. The Glock’s robust build adds to its longevity in comparison to other compact handguns.
Considering Concealed Carry Applications
Concealed carry is a primary use case for the Glock 27 Gen 4.
Size and Concealment
The pistol’s size is important for concealability. The compact dimensions make it easy to conceal under clothing. The Glock 27 Gen 4 can be carried in different ways, including inside-the-waistband (IWB) or outside-the-waistband (OWB) holsters.
Holster Options
There are a wide range of holster options available for the Glock 27 Gen 4. IWB holsters provide maximum concealment, while OWB holsters can be more comfortable for extended wear. The choice of holster will depend on individual preference and the specific carry situation.
.40 S&W Considerations
Carrying a compact .40 S&W pistol presents advantages and disadvantages. The .40 S&W round offers substantial stopping power, which can be a benefit in self-defense situations. However, the compact size means a reduced magazine capacity compared to some larger pistols. The recoil may be more pronounced than in larger handguns, and proper training is necessary to manage it effectively.
Analyzing Advantages and Disadvantages
Understanding the pros and cons helps you determine if the Glock 27 Gen 4 is right for you.
Pros
- Reliability and Durability: The Glock 27 Gen 4’s design is known for its robust construction and its ability to function reliably in challenging conditions. Glocks, in general, have a reputation for reliability.
- Compact Size: This makes it easy to conceal and carry, which is a crucial factor for many users.
- Ease of Use and Maintenance: The Glock design is known for its simplicity, making it easy to learn and maintain. The takedown process is also straightforward, allowing for quick and easy cleaning.
- Value for the Price: The Glock 27 Gen 4 typically offers good value for its performance and features.
- Aftermarket Support: There is a vast amount of aftermarket support, including holsters, sights, and other accessories, which allows for personalization and customization.
Cons
- Trigger Feel: Some shooters may not prefer the Glock trigger, which is known for its consistent pull, but which doesn’t have the same crisp break or short reset as other triggers.
- Recoil: The recoil can be more noticeable compared to larger handguns, particularly for new shooters.
- Grip Size: For shooters with larger hands, the compact grip can be challenging without the use of the included interchangeable backstraps.
Exploring Accessories and Modifications
The Glock 27 Gen 4 has a robust aftermarket that allows for customization.
Popular Accessories
Popular accessories include holsters. There is a wide selection of holsters that provide secure and comfortable carry options. Aftermarket sights are available, allowing for improved target acquisition. Weapon lights and lasers also help in low-light situations.
Aftermarket Parts
There are also several aftermarket parts, such as triggers and grip modifications, that cater to users who want to refine the handling and performance of their pistols. However, users should be mindful of their local gun laws and the warranty conditions of the Glock 27 Gen 4.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
The Glock 27 Gen 4 is a worthy contender in the compact handgun market. It combines reliability, power, and ease of use in a package that’s ideal for concealed carry. Its compact size makes it concealable, and the .40 S&W chambering provides considerable stopping power. The inclusion of the interchangeable backstraps, rough texture frame, dual recoil spring assembly, and reversible magazine catch in the Gen 4 model significantly enhance the pistol’s functionality.
The Glock 27 Gen 4 is a versatile handgun suited for a wide range of users, from experienced shooters looking for a reliable concealed carry option to those newer to firearms. Its easy-to-use design and rugged construction will ensure your investment in safety.
In conclusion, the Glock 27 Gen 4 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a compact .40 S&W pistol. The Glock’s reputation for reliability and value makes it a compelling option. With proper training and responsible gun ownership, this pistol can serve as a reliable tool for personal defense. If you are looking for a compact pistol, it is definitely worth considering the Glock 27 Gen 4. You can find them at most gun stores or online. Consider also researching various options and comparing the features that you need.
