Why does this matter?
Owning a Glock is almost a rite of passage for firearms enthusiasts. These pistols, celebrated for their reliability, simple design, and widespread availability, have become a global standard. But as the Glock lineage has evolved over the years, with new generations bringing innovations and refinements, a question arises: How to tell what generation Glock you have? Knowing the specific generation of your Glock is not merely a matter of curiosity; it’s crucial for a variety of reasons, from ensuring parts compatibility to selecting the right accessories and understanding its full potential. Let’s delve into the methods for accurately identifying your Glock’s generation.
Consider this: you’re ready to upgrade your pistol with a new trigger, a set of enhanced sights, or a tactical light. You’ve found what you think is the perfect item, but you’re presented with options specific to Glock Gen three, Gen four, or Gen five. Will it fit your pistol? Knowing the generation is the key to ensuring everything works seamlessly. Beyond modifications, understanding your Glock’s generation impacts the fit of holsters, as some holsters are designed for the specific frame dimensions and features of a particular generation. Even more fundamentally, when ordering spare parts, you *must* identify your generation to ensure you receive the correct components, as many parts are not interchangeable between generations.
Visual Inspection of the Slide
Let’s look at some of the visual indicators you can use. One of the most obvious places to begin is the slide, the upper portion of the pistol that houses the barrel and the firing mechanism. Glock generations have distinct differences here.
Gen one and Gen two
Gen one and Gen two Glocks, the early models, are relatively easy to distinguish. Look for the absence of finger grooves on the grip. The slides often display a simpler, more functional appearance. The metalwork might also have a rougher finish compared to later models. The markings on the slide are typically simpler as well, often showing “GLOCK” in a more basic font with no model number stamped. Keep in mind these are older guns, and their exact condition can affect how easy it is to identify them.
Gen three
Moving on to Gen three, you’ll immediately notice a significant change. The inclusion of finger grooves on the front of the grip is perhaps the most iconic difference. Look also for the accessory rail, a small rail under the muzzle that allows for the attachment of lights or lasers. The rail is a key indicator that your Glock is a Gen three or newer. Also look for the thumb rest on the frame. The thumb rest has been removed in later generations.
Gen four
Gen four Glocks are marked by a range of updates. The most noticeable is the redesigned grip texture, often more aggressive than the Gen three. The magazine release button is enlarged and can be reversed to the other side of the frame, making it ambidextrous. Inside, a dual recoil spring system is another key identifying feature. This system improves the pistol’s durability and reduces felt recoil. Keep in mind that there are various grip modifications people do on their Glocks, so always check the overall shape of your gun for these visual clues.
Gen five
Gen five represents the most current generation of Glock pistols. The most eye-catching change is the elimination of the finger grooves. The front of the grip now features a much straighter, streamlined appearance. The magazine well is noticeably flared, designed to facilitate faster and more efficient magazine changes. The slide receives forward serrations, providing additional gripping surfaces at the front. The slide release lever is now ambidextrous, and the finish on the slide is usually an nDLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating, which enhances durability and corrosion resistance.
Modular Optic System (MOS)
The modular optic system, or MOS, is a significant addition to some Gen five models. These pistols feature a slide that is designed to accept a variety of red dot sights. If your Glock has a slide cut for an optic, it’s most likely a MOS model, and therefore a Gen five.
Frame Inspection
Inspecting the frame, the lower part of the pistol that contains the grip and the fire control system, is another vital part of the identification process.
Finger Grooves and Other Features
As mentioned earlier, the presence or absence of finger grooves is a critical factor. No grooves? Likely a Gen five. Finger grooves? Probably a Gen three or four. But as we’ve discussed, the best approach is to look at all of the various visual cues and not to rely on any one feature alone.
The accessory rail is your other indicator. If your Glock has an accessory rail, it’s Gen three or newer.
The magazine release has changed between generations. The Gen four release is larger and can be reversed, a feature absent on earlier generations.
Sometimes, the grip texture will provide a quick clue, particularly on Gen four and Gen five models. These models use a more textured grip that gives more retention.
Other Methods of Identification
While visual inspection will help you the most, there are some other methods to check your Glock’s generation. The serial number can provide some clues. Some earlier Glock models had an older marking style, but a great majority of the markings are consistent between generations.
Serial Number and the Glock Website
The most reliable way to confirm your Glock’s generation is to consult the Glock website or other official resources. Using your serial number, you can often obtain information about the date of manufacture, which can help you to confirm the generation. Go to the official Glock website. Look for a section or a tool specifically designed to check the serial number. Input the serial number of your firearm, and see what information pops up.
Always rely on official resources, and do not depend on unofficial online databases. The internet contains lots of information, but not all of it is correct.
Transitional Models and Modifications
Here’s another important point: There are certain situations where things can get confusing. If your Glock has undergone modifications, such as a swapped slide or frame, identifying its original generation becomes more complicated. Sometimes, especially with older guns, parts could have been swapped. Be aware that modifications can make identification more challenging.
Sometimes, certain Glock models may not fit the general guidelines due to being a special edition or a rare variant. Do some research on your Glock.
What if you find that your Glock has features that appear to be a mix of different generations? This might indicate a transitional model or that parts have been swapped. If in doubt, consult a qualified gunsmith or a Glock expert. It’s possible your Glock incorporates parts from multiple generations.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
You might have more questions. Where can you find more information about your specific Glock model? Start with the Glock website. The official website is the best place to find detailed specifications, manuals, and other resources.
Is your Glock’s generation the same as its model number, such as a Glock nineteen? No, but there’s a correlation. A Glock nineteen can come in any of the current generations.
Conclusion
So, to summarize, knowing the generation of your Glock is an important task. Use the visual cues in the slide, the frame, the serial number and the official Glock resources to determine the generation of your pistol.
Now, go take a look at your Glock, and see what generation it is! Be sure to double-check your findings, and remember that knowing your Glock’s generation ensures you can take advantage of the best features and upgrades. Remember to prioritize safety, responsible gun ownership, and proper training.
