How To Tell What Gen Your Glock Is?
Glock pistols are some of the most popular and well-respected handguns on the market. They’re known for their reliability, accuracy, and durability. But with so many different Glock models available, it can be difficult to tell what generation your Glock is.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the different ways to tell what generation your Glock is. We’ll cover everything from the serial number to the external features. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to confidently identify your Glock’s generation.
So whether you’re a new Glock owner or you’re just curious about your current Glock, read on to learn how to tell what generation your Glock is.
| Generation | Features | How to Tell |
|—|—|—|
| Gen 1 | Straight trigger, no finger grooves, no accessory rail | Look for a straight trigger, no finger grooves, and no accessory rail. |
| Gen 2 | Curved trigger, finger grooves, accessory rail | Look for a curved trigger, finger grooves, and an accessory rail. |
| Gen 3 | Ambidextrous slide stop, reversible magazine release, extended beavertail, improved barrel, and improved sights | Look for an ambidextrous slide stop, reversible magazine release, extended beavertail, improved barrel, and improved sights. |
| Gen 4 | Modular backstraps, interchangeable grip texture, and a new striker safety | Look for modular backstraps, interchangeable grip texture, and a new striker safety. |
| Gen 5 | Marksman barrel, nDLC finish, and a new trigger | Look for a Marksman barrel, nDLC finish, and a new trigger. |
Glock pistols are some of the most popular handguns in the world, and for good reason. They are reliable, accurate, and easy to use. But with so many different Glock models on the market, it can be difficult to tell what generation your Glock is.
In this guide, we will show you how to tell what generation your Glock is by looking at the following features:
- Serial number
- Firing pin safety
- Magazine release
- Slide stop
- Grip
We will also provide a brief overview of the features that distinguish each generation of Glock pistols.
Gen 1 (Serial Numbers: 1-199,999)
The Glock 17 Gen 1 was the first Glock pistol ever produced. It was introduced in 1982 and was chambered in 9mm Luger. The Gen 1 Glock featured a polymer frame, steel slide, fixed sights, no finger grooves, and an ambidextrous safety.
The Gen 1 Glock was discontinued in 1988, but it is still a popular collector’s item.
Gen 2 (Serial Numbers: 200,000-300,000)
The Glock 17 Gen 2 was introduced in 1988 as a refinement of the original Gen 1 Glock. The Gen 2 Glock featured a number of improvements over the Gen 1, including:
- Adjustable sights
- Finger grooves
- Ambidextrous safety
The Gen 2 Glock was also available in a number of new calibers, including .40 S&W and .357 SIG.
The Gen 2 Glock was discontinued in 1998, but it is still a popular choice for law enforcement and self-defense.
Gen 3 (Serial Numbers: 300,000-400,000)
The Glock 17 Gen 3 was introduced in 1998 as a further refinement of the Gen 2 Glock. The Gen 3 Glock featured a number of improvements over the Gen 2, including:
- Stainless steel slide
- Fixed sights
- No finger grooves
- Ambidextrous safety
The Gen 3 Glock was also available in a number of new calibers, including .45 ACP and 10mm Auto.
The Gen 3 Glock is the most popular Glock pistol ever produced. It is used by law enforcement agencies and militaries around the world.
Gen 4 (Serial Numbers: 400,000-500,000)
The Glock 17 Gen 4 was introduced in 2010 as a further refinement of the Gen 3 Glock. The Gen 4 Glock featured a number of improvements over the Gen 3, including:
- Modular backstraps
- Textured grip
- Ambidextrous magazine release
The Gen 4 Glock was also available in a number of new calibers, including .380 ACP and 9mm Luger.
The Gen 4 Glock is a popular choice for law enforcement and self-defense.
Gen 5 (Serial Numbers: 500,000-Present)
The Glock 17 Gen 5 was introduced in 2017 as a further refinement of the Gen 4 Glock. The Gen 5 Glock featured a number of improvements over the Gen 4, including:
- New barrel design
- Improved trigger
- New sights
The Gen 5 Glock is the latest and most advanced Glock pistol ever produced. It is a popular choice for law enforcement and self-defense.
In this guide, we have shown you how to tell what generation your Glock is by looking at the following features:
- Serial number
- Firing pin safety
- Magazine release
- Slide stop
- Grip
We have also provided a brief overview of the features that distinguish each generation of Glock pistols.
We hope this guide has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
How To Tell What Gen Your Glock Is?
Glock pistols are some of the most popular handguns on the market, and for good reason. They are reliable, accurate, and easy to use. But with so many different Glock models available, it can be difficult to tell what generation your Glock is.
Here is a quick guide to help you identify the generation of your Glock:
Gen 1 (Serial Numbers: 1-50,000)
The Gen 1 Glock was the first generation of Glock pistols, and it was produced from 1982 to 1988. It is characterized by its all-metal construction, including a steel slide and frame. The Gen 1 Glock also has fixed sights and no finger grooves.
To identify a Gen 1 Glock, look for the following features:
- Serial number between 1 and 50,000
- All-metal construction
- Fixed sights
- No finger grooves
Gen 2 (Serial Numbers: 50,000-200,000)
The Gen 2 Glock was introduced in 1988, and it featured a number of improvements over the Gen 1. These improvements included a modified trigger, a new grip texture, and a reversible magazine catch. The Gen 2 Glock also had a few cosmetic changes, such as a different slide serration pattern and a new finish.
To identify a Gen 2 Glock, look for the following features:
- Serial number between 50,000 and 200,000
- All-metal construction
- Fixed sights
- Finger grooves
- Ambidextrous magazine catch
Gen 3 (Serial Numbers: 200,000-400,000)
The Gen 3 Glock was introduced in 1998, and it featured a number of significant improvements over the previous generations. These improvements included a new polymer frame, a redesigned slide, and a new barrel. The Gen 3 Glock also had a few cosmetic changes, such as a different grip texture and a new finish.
To identify a Gen 3 Glock, look for the following features:
- Serial number between 200,000 and 400,000
- Polymer frame
- Stainless steel slide
- Fixed sights
- No finger grooves
- Ambidextrous safety
Gen 4 (Serial Numbers: 400,000-Present)
The Gen 4 Glock was introduced in 2010, and it featured a number of new features and improvements over the previous generations. These improvements included modular backstraps, adjustable sights, and finger grooves. The Gen 4 Glock also had a few cosmetic changes, such as a different grip texture and a new finish.
To identify a Gen 4 Glock, look for the following features:
- Serial number between 400,000 or higher
- Polymer frame
- Stainless steel slide
- Modular backstraps
- Adjustable sights
- Finger grooves
- Ambidextrous safety
Glock pistols are some of the most popular handguns on the market, and they are available in a variety of generations. By knowing how to identify the generation of your Glock, you can be sure that you are getting the right gun for your needs.
How Do I Tell What Generation My Glock Is?
There are a few ways to tell what generation your Glock is. Here are the most common methods:
- 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 the serial number “123456” is a Gen 4 Glock.
- Look at the markings on the slide. The Glock logo on the slide will have a different number of dots depending on the generation of the gun. Gen 1 Glocks have one dot, Gen 2 Glocks have two dots, Gen 3 Glocks have three dots, and Gen 4 Glocks have four dots.
- Look at the magazine catch. The magazine catch on Gen 1 and Gen 2 Glocks is a small, round button. The magazine catch on Gen 3 and Gen 4 Glocks is a larger, rectangular button.
- Look at the trigger. The trigger on Gen 1 and Gen 2 Glocks is a smooth, curved trigger. The trigger on Gen 3 and Gen 4 Glocks has a serrated trigger face.
What Are the Differences Between the Generations of Glocks?
The different generations of Glocks have a number of differences, including:
- Size and weight. The Glock 17 is the only Glock model that has not changed in size or weight over the generations. The other Glock models have all gotten slightly larger and heavier with each new generation.
- Magazine capacity. The magazine capacity of the Glock 17 has remained the same at 17 rounds for all generations. The magazine capacity of the other Glock models has increased with each new generation.
- Slide serrations. Gen 1 and Gen 2 Glocks do not have slide serrations. Gen 3 and Gen 4 Glocks have front and rear slide serrations.
- Trigger safety. Gen 1 and Gen 2 Glocks do not have a trigger safety. Gen 3 and Gen 4 Glocks have a trigger safety that prevents the gun from firing if the trigger is not pulled all the way to the rear.
- Magazine release. The magazine release on Gen 1 and Gen 2 Glocks is located on the left side of the frame. The magazine release on Gen 3 and Gen 4 Glocks is ambidextrous and can be located on either side of the frame.
Which Generation of Glock Is Best?
The best generation of Glock is the one that is best for you. The different generations of Glocks have different features and benefits, so you need to decide which ones are most important to you. If you are looking for a small, lightweight gun, then a Gen 1 or Gen 2 Glock might be a good option. If you are looking for a gun with a high magazine capacity, then a Gen 3 or Gen 4 Glock might be a better choice. If you are looking for a gun with a trigger safety, then a Gen 3 or Gen 4 Glock is the only option.
Ultimately, the best generation of Glock is the one that you are most comfortable with and that meets your needs.
there are a few different 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. You can also look at the markings on the slide or frame. Glocks from Gen 1 to Gen 3 have a different serial number format than Glocks from Gen 4 and up. Finally, you can look at the physical characteristics of the gun. Glocks from different generations have different features, such as the shape of the trigger guard, the location of the slide stop, and the type of sights. By knowing what generation your Glock is, you can be sure that you have the right parts and accessories for it.