The Glock Gen 3 and Gen 4 models feature some notable differences in their ejector designs. Let’s explore the variances between the two generations.
Gen 3 Ejector:
The Gen 3 Glock pistols, which were widely used and established the Glock brand’s reputation, were equipped with a standard ejector design. This ejector consisted of a stamped metal piece that was fitted onto the trigger housing mechanism. It featured a straight, flat shape without any noticeable angles or contours.
Gen 4 Ejector:
With the introduction of the Gen 4 models, Glock made several design enhancements to improve the pistol’s overall performance and ergonomics. One significant update was the redesign of the ejector. The Gen 4 ejector features a more pronounced and angular shape compared to its Gen 3 counterpart. It incorporates a “wing” or “bump” on the rear surface, often referred to as the “claw” or “beavertail” ejector.
The primary purpose of this redesigned Gen 4 ejector was to enhance reliability, particularly with different ammunition types and recoil spring setups. The additional material and shape changes were intended to provide more consistent ejection patterns and reduce the chances of malfunctions, such as stovepipes or failure-to-eject issues. The beavertail-like extension aids in ensuring positive ejection by facilitating better contact with the spent casing during the ejection process.
Another notable feature of the Gen 4 ejector is its compatibility with both standard and heavier recoil springs. This flexibility allows shooters to customize their pistols according to their preferences or specific shooting requirements.
It’s worth mentioning that Glock later introduced a revised ejector design, known as the Gen 4 “BTF” (Brass to Face) ejector. This revised version aimed to address potential issues related to brass casing ejection. The Gen 4 BTF ejector was developed to redirect the ejected casings away from the shooter’s face, preventing cases from bouncing off the shooter’s arm or hitting them directly.
Overall, the Gen 4 ejector design offers improved reliability and better adaptability to different ammunition and recoil setups, addressing some of the minor limitations observed with the Gen 3 ejector.
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