The Glock 23 gen 4 is an incredibly smooth gun, arguably with the best trigger on any of the Glock handguns. It has the newest “dot” connector, and I can assure you that it works!
However, the most common problems with the Glock 23 Gen 4 are: magazine problems, FTF issues, failure to eject and RSA problems.
After reading this article, you will know the solution to all these problems. You will also know how the users feel about this product. So stay tuned!
Features & Specifications of Glock 23 Gen 4:
| Barrel Length | 102 mm |
| Magazine Capacity | Standard: 15 Optional: 14 / 15 / 16 / 22 |
| Overall Length | 185 mm |
| Caliber | 40 S&W |
| Twist Rate | 1:9.84 |
| Sights | Factory Sights (polymer, steel, night) |
| Safety | Safe Action |
| Dimensions | Width (Overall): 32 mm Height Incl. Mag.: 128 mm |
| Weight | With empty magazine: 675 g |
| Trigger Pull | 28 N |
Common Glock 23 Gen 4 Problems and Solutions
| Problems | Solutions |
| Magazine Problems | Change magazine springs or troubleshoot. |
| FTF Issue | Replace parts. |
| Failure to Eject | Shoot proper ammo. Replace the ejector. |
| RSA Problem | Regularly check if RSA ispreperly seated after reassembly. |
Magazine Problems
The gun wouldn’t accept the magazine. It takes a lot of effort to smack it several times before it locks into place.
FTF issues are also seen.
Possible Reasons
In the new Glock 23 Gen 4s, this is a common problem.
The magazine spring is extremely tight with just 12 rounds. It needs more force to push in the magazine as well.
The Fix
Wear out the gun. wait for the spring to be loose enough to round comfortably.
In extreme cases, change the mag springs. But I prefer the OEM ones!
FTF Issue
You’d fire two or three rounds, and then the slide would lock, even though the chamber is empty and there are still rounds in the magazine.
The round isn’t in the chamber all the way and is tilted. So the guns will not fire.
Possible Reasons
It may happen when you use Gold Dot 165 ammunition. GD is obviously not the right bullet for your gun. Try a different SD kind.
The feed ramp develops burs on the ramp from the JHP of the gold dots.
Most 40SW bullets have flat noses. Adding a hollow point to the end makes it possible that the tip will catch.
Guns and ammunition also have different specs, so what works or doesn’t in one may not work the same in another.
Also, there was a problem with early Gen 4 magazines for the 357 Sig and 40 S&W. It also could be the RSA being weak. Maybe the grip isn’t alright either.
The Fix
Here are a few things you can replace:
- Change the ammo. Feed proper ammo suitable for the Glock 23. (E.g: Whitebox ammo, Winchester 185gr, etc).
- Change the RSA.
- Change the magazines if the gun was manufactured during the earlier years.
Failure to Eject
FTE problems happen between 200 and 300 rounds. The trigger doesn’t go back and doesn’t reset.
You may also need to watch out for erratic ejections that don’t make sense.
Possible Reasons
A new gun, a hurt finger, and a bullet that might not be of high power-these are common reasons for poor eject.
There existed an extraction problem initially when the Glock 23 Gen 4s came out. But the change to the recoil assembly fixed the extraction problem pretty quickly.
However, the ejection problems went on for a while. People have blamed both the ejectors and the extractors for the erratic ejection.
The Fix
Shoot High power guns. You may be shooting Winchester but if it’s a 165 gr, what’s the point? A 124g would probably cure the issue.
Change the extractor or the ejector. Newer versions of the ejectors have been made, and aftermarket companies have also made their extractors.
RSA Problem
The spring’s circular seat, which maintains tension on the half-moon groove barrel cut, is not completely seated when the pistol is disassembled (field stripped for cleaning).
It is protruding from the barrel’s half-moon cut.
Possible Reasons
Only after the handgun is entirely assembled does the recoil spring assembly (RSA) remain seated in the notch.
It will always be slightly out of place (not entirely seated in the half-moon notch) when you disassemble the handgun.
Because it is snagged by the same notch as you remove the slide from the frame (this is normal).
A little increase in spring noise doesn’t necessarily indicate that you have an issue.
Unless some element of the RSA is actually snagging on another part (slowing/stopping the slide’s forward motion) or you are finding plastic scrapings/chips inside the pistol.
The Fix
The RSA’s rim should always be fully seated back into the half-moon notch during reassembly. Otherwise, it could catch on another component and break when the slide is mounted to the frame. This occurs frequently.
Check the RSA for damage and replace it if necessary.
User Feedback on Glock 23 Gen 4
Users think that the Glock 23 gen 4 is a great and dependable pistol, fun to shoot, accurate, and worthy of EDC. And they stand by their opinion even when the .40 Glocks were getting some bad wrap.
However, some didn’t like the new grip texture. They also disagreed with the choice of interchangeable back straps by Glock.
The new recoil spring had problems too when it came out, and the new trigger bar bump annoyed many.
In my opinion, it can be the most reliable pistol. Yes! It may malfunction once or twice, attributed to a bad magazine or recoil spring. But it is a user favorite.
Top 3 Alternative Guns of Glock 23 Gen 4
Based on comparing the specs, features, practicality, and performance, I have found the 3 best alternatives to Glock 23 Gen 4.
Springfield XDM 40
Glock fans are not a fan at all of the Springfield triggers. Glock and M&P have entirely different grip angles.
Everyone prefers the M&P grip angle over the Glock, save from Glock fanboys. The mags, grip and performance, overall improve a lot with this one!
Smith & Wesson M&P 40c
Due to the way it fits your hand, the Glock easily loses to the M&P for daily carry. In terms of reset and travel, the trigger performs better. In addition, it has many more contemporary features than the Gen 4 Glock.
Bersa Thunder Pro Ultra Compact
Except for not being available most of the times, the Bersa Thunder is an amazing gun! Not overly pricey and light-weight for a 380. Therefore, it is not difficult for a beginner female shooter to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the 15 yards accuracy of a Glock 23 Gen 4?
Differs with ammo. About 1.8 inches with Hornady 155-grain XTP.
What type of frame does the Glock 23 Gen 4 have?
Polymer.
Is the Glock 23 Gen 4 convertible?
Due to the OEM Glock barrel’s larger chamber tolerances, a new barrel is needed. Additionally, you need exceptionally good sizing dies to guarantee a consistent bullet size.
What material is the Glock 23 Gen 4 slide made of?
Steel.
Do they still make Glock 23 Gen 4?
No.
Conclusion
With the Glock 23 Gen 4, you will feel like you are shooting almost exactly a 9mm! The recoil is significantly superior to the others.
Even for new shooters, this is a highly suggested pistol! It is really accurate, delightful to shoot, and very simple to manage.
Users adore this item! A job well done by Glock! So in my opinion, you should definitely give this a try!
My mod 23 has been less then dependable. The take down latch spring has broken many times and this allows the latch to fall out of the slide when shooting! Qualified gunsmiths replace the springs and the process starts over. Stick to 9mm Mod 19 or try another mfg company.