How To Tell What Gen Glock You Have?
Glock handguns are some of the most popular and widely used firearms in the world. They are known for their reliability, accuracy, and affordability. But with so many different Glock models on the market, it can be difficult to tell what generation Glock you have.
In this article, we will discuss how to tell what generation Glock you have. We will cover everything from the external features to the internal components. By the end of this article, you will be able to identify your Glock’s generation with confidence.
| Generation | Dates of Production | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1986-1998 |
|
| 2 | 1998-2010 |
|
| 3 | 2010-Present |
|
Glock pistols are some of the most popular and widely used handguns in the world. They are known for their reliability, accuracy, and affordability. Glocks are also known for their different generations, which have different features and characteristics.
If you own a Glock, it is important to know what generation your gun is. This will help you to identify the correct parts and accessories for your gun, and it will also help you to troubleshoot any problems that you may encounter.
This guide will help you to identify the generation of your Glock pistol. We will cover the different features of each generation, and we will provide you with a serial number lookup chart.
Gen 1 (Serial Numbers: 1-500,000)
The first generation of Glock pistols was produced from 1982 to 1988. Gen 1 Glocks are characterized by their smooth trigger guards, lack of finger grooves, and a single-column magazine release.
Gen 1 Glocks are also known for their distinctive “humpback” slide. This is a result of the fact that the barrel lugs are located on the top of the slide, rather than the sides.
Gen 1 Glocks are still popular with collectors, but they are not as common as newer generations of Glocks.
Features of Gen 1 Glocks:
- Smooth trigger guard
- Lack of finger grooves
- Single-column magazine release
- Humpback slide
Gen 2 (Serial Numbers: 500,000-1,500,000)
The second generation of Glock pistols was produced from 1988 to 1998. Gen 2 Glocks feature a serrated trigger guard, finger grooves, and a reversible magazine release.
Gen 2 Glocks are also known for their improved ergonomics and reliability. They are also more durable than Gen 1 Glocks, and they are less likely to rust or corrode.
Gen 2 Glocks are still popular with shooters, and they are a good choice for both concealed carry and home defense.
Features of Gen 2 Glocks:
- Serrated trigger guard
- Finger grooves
- Reversible magazine release
- Improved ergonomics and reliability
- More durable than Gen 1 Glocks
Gen 3 (Serial Numbers: 1,500,000-3,000,000)
The third generation of Glock pistols was produced from 1998 to 2010. Gen 3 Glocks feature a number of improvements over previous generations, including a textured grip, a new slide finish, and a redesigned magazine release.
Gen 3 Glocks are also known for their improved accuracy and reliability. They are also more comfortable to shoot than previous generations, and they are less likely to malfunction.
Gen 3 Glocks are still popular with shooters, and they are a good choice for both concealed carry and home defense.
Features of Gen 3 Glocks:
- Textured grip
- New slide finish
- Redesigned magazine release
- Improved accuracy and reliability
- More comfortable to shoot than previous generations
Gen 4 (Serial Numbers: 3,000,000-4,500,000)
The fourth generation of Glock pistols was produced from 2010 to 2017. Gen 4 Glocks feature a number of new features, including a modular backstrap system, a reversible magazine catch, and a flared magwell.
Gen 4 Glocks are also known for their improved ergonomics and performance. They are also more comfortable to shoot than previous generations, and they are less likely to malfunction.
Gen 4 Glocks are still popular with shooters, and they are a good choice for both concealed carry and home defense.
Features of Gen 4 Glocks:
- Modular backstrap system
- Reversible magazine catch
- Flared magwell
- Improved ergonomics and performance
- More comfortable to shoot than previous generations
Gen 5 (Serial Numbers: 4,500,000-Present)
The fifth generation of Glock pistols was introduced in 2017. Gen 5 Glocks feature a number of new features, including a nDLC finish, a new barrel, and a redesigned slide.
Gen 5 Glocks are also known for their improved accuracy and reliability. They are also more durable than previous generations, and they are less likely to rust or corrode.
Gen 5 Glocks are still popular with shooters, and they are a good choice for both concealed carry and home defense.
Features of Gen 5 Glocks:
How to Tell What Gen Glock You Have?
Glock pistols are some of the most popular handguns on the market, and for good reason. They are reliable, accurate, and affordable. But with so many different generations of Glocks available, it can be difficult to tell what gen your Glock is.
Here is a quick guide to help you identify your Glock’s generation:
1. Look at the serial number. The first two digits of the serial number will tell you the generation of your Glock.
- Gen 1: Serial numbers start with 170,000-199,999
- Gen 2: Serial numbers start with 200,000-299,999
- Gen 3: Serial numbers start with 300,000-399,999
- Gen 4: Serial numbers start with 400,000-Present
2. Look at the slide. The slide on a Glock is the part that houses the barrel and firing pin. The serrations on the front of the slide will be different depending on the generation of your Glock.
- Gen 1: The serrations on the front of the slide are straight.
- Gen 2: The serrations on the front of the slide are angled.
- Gen 3: The serrations on the front of the slide are serrated.
- Gen 4: The serrations on the front of the slide are scalloped.
3. Look at the grip. The grip on a Glock is the part that you hold in your hand. The texture of the grip will be different depending on the generation of your Glock.
- Gen 1: The grip on a Gen 1 Glock is smooth.
- Gen 2: The grip on a Gen 2 Glock has a pebbled texture.
- Gen 3: The grip on a Gen 3 Glock has a textured grip.
- Gen 4: The grip on a Gen 4 Glock has a different textured grip depending on the model.
4. Look at the sights. The sights on a Glock are the two metal pieces that you use to aim the gun. The sights will be different depending on the generation of your Glock.
- Gen 1: The sights on a Gen 1 Glock are fixed.
- Gen 2: The sights on a Gen 2 Glock are adjustable.
- Gen 3: The sights on a Gen 3 Glock are adjustable.
- Gen 4: The sights on a Gen 4 Glock are adjustable.
5. Look at the magazine release. The magazine release is the button that you press to release the magazine from the gun. The magazine release will be in a different location depending on the generation of your Glock.
- Gen 1: The magazine release is on the left side of the frame.
- Gen 2: The magazine release is on the left side of the frame.
- Gen 3: The magazine release is on the left side of the frame.
- Gen 4: The magazine release is reversible and can be positioned on either side of the frame.
Once you have identified the generation of your Glock, you can find out more information about its specific features and specifications.
Gen 1 Glocks
The first generation of Glock pistols was introduced in 1982. Gen 1 Glocks are characterized by their smooth grips, fixed sights, and ambidextrous slide stops.
Gen 1 Glocks are still popular today, but they are becoming increasingly rare. If you are lucky enough to own a Gen 1 Glock, you should consider yourself a collector.
Gen 2 Glocks
The second generation of Glock pistols was introduced in 1988. Gen 2 Glocks are characterized by their pebbled grips, adjustable sights, and ambidextrous slide stops.
Gen 2 Glocks are still popular today, and they are a good choice for both beginners and experienced shooters.
Gen 3 Glocks
The third generation of Glock pistols was introduced in 1998. Gen 3 Glocks are characterized by their textured grips, reversible magazine catches, and dual-safety systems.
Gen 3 Glocks are the most popular Glocks on the market today. They are reliable, accurate, and affordable.
Gen 4 Glocks
The fourth generation of Glock pistols was introduced in 2010
How can I tell what generation Glock I have?
There are a few ways to tell what generation Glock you have.
- The easiest way is to look at the serial number. The first two digits of the serial number will tell you the generation of your Glock. For example, a Glock with a serial number starting with “17” is a Gen 1, a Glock with a serial number starting with “20” is a Gen 2, and so on.
- Another way to tell is by looking at the markings on the slide. Gen 1 Glocks have no markings on the slide, Gen 2 Glocks have a “SAFE” and “SEMI” marking on the slide, and Gen 3 Glocks have a “SAFE” and “SEMI” marking on the slide as well as a “3” marking on the side of the slide.
- Finally, you can also tell by looking at the features of your Glock. Gen 1 Glocks have a straight trigger, Gen 2 Glocks have a curved trigger, and Gen 3 Glocks have a reversible magazine catch.
Here is a table summarizing the differences between the generations of Glock pistols:
| Generation | Serial Number | Slide Markings | Features |
|—|—|—|—|
| Gen 1 | 17xx-xxx | None | Straight trigger, no magazine safety |
| Gen 2 | 20xx-xxx | “SAFE” and “SEMI” | Curved trigger, magazine safety |
| Gen 3 | 30xx-xxx | “SAFE” and “SEMI” | Reversible magazine catch |
| Gen 4 | 40xx-xxx | “SAFE”, “SEMI”, and “3” | Textured grip, interchangeable backstraps |
| Gen 5 | 50xx-xxx | “SAFE”, “SEMI”, and “5” | Marksmanship barrel, ambidextrous slide stop |
What are the differences between the generations of Glock pistols?
The generations of Glock pistols have a number of differences, including:
- The trigger. Gen 1 Glocks have a straight trigger, while Gen 2 Glocks have a curved trigger.
- The magazine safety. Gen 1 Glocks do not have a magazine safety, while Gen 2 Glocks have a magazine safety that prevents the pistol from firing if the magazine is not properly inserted.
- The slide stop. Gen 1 Glocks have a slide stop that is located on the left side of the frame, while Gen 2 Glocks have a slide stop that is reversible and can be located on either side of the frame.
- The grip. Gen 1 Glocks have a smooth grip, while Gen 2 Glocks have a textured grip that provides more traction.
- The backstrap. Gen 2 Glocks have interchangeable backstraps that allow the shooter to customize the grip to their individual hand size.
- The barrel. Gen 4 Glocks have a Marksmanship barrel that is designed for improved accuracy.
- The slide stop. Gen 5 Glocks have an ambidextrous slide stop that can be operated from either side of the frame.
Which generation of Glock is the best?
There is no one “best” generation of Glock pistol. The best generation for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
If you are looking for a reliable and affordable pistol, then a Gen 3 Glock is a great option. Gen 3 Glocks are well-made and have a proven track record. They are also relatively affordable, making them a good choice for budget-minded shooters.
If you are looking for a pistol with the latest features, then a Gen 5 Glock is a good option. Gen 5 Glocks have a number of improvements over previous generations, including a Marksmanship barrel, an ambidextrous slide stop, and interchangeable backstraps.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which generation of Glock is right for you is to try out different models and see what you like best.
How can I tell if my Glock is Gen 4 or Gen 5?
The easiest way to tell if your Glock is Gen 4 or Gen 5 is to look at the serial number. The first two digits of the serial number will tell you the generation of your Glock. For a Gen 4 Glock, the first two digits will be “40”; for a Gen 5 Glock, the first two digits will be “50”.
You can also tell if your Glock is Gen 4 or Gen 5 by looking at the markings on the slide. Gen 4 Glocks have a “
In this blog post, we have discussed how to tell what generation Glock you have. We have covered the different generations of Glocks, as well as the key features that distinguish each generation. We hope that this information has been helpful, and that you are now able to identify the generation of your Glock.
Here are some key takeaways from this blog post:
- The first generation of Glocks was produced from 1982 to 1988.
- The second generation of Glocks was produced from 1988 to 1998.
- The third generation of Glocks was produced from 1998 to 2010.
- The fourth generation of Glocks was produced from 2010 to present.
- The fifth generation of Glocks was produced from 2017 to present.
The generation of your Glock can be determined by looking at the following features:
- The slide serrations
- The barrel crown
- The magazine release
- The slide stop
- The trigger housing
By looking at these features, you can easily identify the generation of your Glock.