Now, what is there left to say about Glocks? Light, reliable, and accurate, they are the standard against which all other pistols are compared. They are used worldwide in military, law enforcement, civilian self-defense, and competition applications. They ushered in the acceptance of the striker-fired polymer pistol that still reigns supreme.
Even today, 41 years after their debut, you still can’t go wrong choosing a Glock.
I’m specifically reviewing the Gen 4 Glock 35 today. The Glock naming convention is a little confusing, so I’ll break it down. This model has a full-sized 15+1 round capacity and double-stack frame with a long slide. It’s chambered in .40 S&W.
It’s marketed toward the competition and tactical market because of the long 5.31-inch barrel. A longer barrel achieves higher velocity and, for iron sight shooters, a longer sight radius for more accurate shots. The slide cut helps reduce slide weight for better reliability and recoil impulse. And the rail allows for the mounting of accessories such as tactical lights and lasers.
The Glock 35 was debuted in the Generation 3 lineup. The Gen 4 was released in 2010 and included some major advancements. First, although it kept the finger grooves, it introduced interchangeable backstraps to allow better fit for a wide variety of hands.
Second, improved grip texture was added for a surer handhold. Third, the recoil spring was improved to a dual nested design. Finally, an enlarged and ambidextrous magazine release was added.
There is both a MOS, optic-cut version, and a regular iron-sight-only version. There is no Gen 5 Glock 35.
Carry Option?
Even though it’s marketed as a competition or tactical pistol, it’s actually not a terrible carry pistol. The G35 is only 24.87 ounces empty, which is pretty light for full-sized pistol. Also, although it looks big, it is only about the size of a 1911, and many people carry those.
Sights/Optics
The pistol I got came with three-dot night sights. They are totally usable, but I don’t think they are the fastest design, especially considering this is marketed as a competition pistol.
Since I didn’t receive an MOS version, I decided to come up with my own solution for mounting a red dot. I had a DPP optic mount that I wanted to test out. It works by sliding into the rear dovetail of the sights. To this mount I installed a Holosun 507C. While it doesn’t mount the optic as low as the MOS system, it worked. And I had no trouble finding the dot.
Grip
As for the grip, I’ve never had a problem with the Glock grip angle. The 1911 grip angle points better for me, but I can shoot Glocks fine. I like the interchangeable backstrap. With the correct module, I can reach both the slide stop and magazine release. It also helps this model has an extended slide stop and enlarged magazine release.
Accuracy/Reliability
As for accuracy and reliability, this gun ran flawlessly, as expected. And it had “combat” acceptable accuracy. You may not win a bullseye competition with it, but you will stop any man-sized target.
Trigger
The trigger is nothing to write home about. It’s a Glock trigger, and it’s spongy feeling. The take-up is spongy. After you feel the wall, there is more spongy creep until a clunky break. The reset is audible and of medium distance. The pull weight is about 7 pounds, 5 ounces.
The biggest complaint I have with it is that, as with most Glocks, I get the dreaded “Glock finger” when I shoot it a lot. The frame rubs on my middle finger knuckle. It’s not a problem during a short range trip, but if I take it to a class, my finger will bleed by the end of the day.
I’d also like some forward slide serrations. Gen 5 Glocks have them, but they don’t make the G35 in the Gen 5 lineup.
Best Traits
The two best aspects of this gun are its value and ability to be customized. Right now, new ones can be had for under $600. Used ones, like on Guns.com, go for even less.
For this price, you are getting a pistol that can be pushed into service in multiple roles. As I said earlier, it can be carried on duty, it can be a great self-defense gun, or it can be used in multiple shooting sports.
In its stock configuration, it does not excel in any one role, but it can be built up.
Customization
Because of the popularity of the Glock platform, there are more modifications for this gun than you can shake a stick at. Really, the sky’s the limit. Whatever you can dream up, there is probably a manufacturer or gunsmith that can make it for you.
You can eliminate all this gun’s shortcomings with aftermarket accessories or modifications. If you want more accuracy, get a match barrel. If you want a better trigger, there are numerous to choose from. If you also get Glock finger, there are multiple frame modifications that can be done.
Just note, as you modify it, you add variables that can affect reliability, so tread carefully.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you want a .40 Smith & Wesson, the Glock 35 is a great starting point, especially if you want a gun that you can tailor to your needs.
Hope this review helps you make some good buying decision at Guns.com.