How To Know What Gen Glock You Have?
Glocks are some of the most popular handguns on the market, and for good reason. They’re reliable, accurate, and easy to use. But with so many different Glock models out there, it can be difficult to know which one you have. That’s where this guide comes in.
In this article, we’ll show you how to identify your Glock by its generation. We’ll cover everything from the serial number to the external features, so you can be sure of which Glock you’re shooting.
So whether you’re a new Glock owner or you’re just curious about your current Glock, read on to learn how to identify your Glock by generation.
| Generation | Characteristics | Dates Produced |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Generation |
|
1986-1998 |
| 2nd Generation |
|
1998-2010 |
| 3rd Generation |
|
2010-Present |
Glock pistols are some of the most popular and widely used handguns in the world. They are known for their reliability, durability, and accuracy. But with so many different Glock models available, it can be difficult to know which one you have.
This guide will help you identify the generation of your Glock pistol. We’ll cover the different generations of Glocks, what to look for to identify each generation, and how to find the serial number on your Glock.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently identify the generation of your Glock pistol.
Generations of Glocks
Glock pistols have been in production since the early 1980s. Over the years, Glock has made a number of changes to their pistols, both big and small. These changes have been grouped into generations.
There are currently five generations of Glock pistols:
- Generation 1 (Gen 1): The first generation of Glock pistols was produced from 1982 to 1988. Gen 1 Glocks are characterized by their simple, utilitarian design. They have a fixed barrel, a straight trigger, and a plastic frame.
- Generation 2 (Gen 2): The second generation of Glock pistols was produced from 1988 to 1998. Gen 2 Glocks introduced a number of improvements over the Gen 1, including a textured grip, a reversible magazine catch, and a slide stop lever that was easier to operate.
- Generation 3 (Gen 3): The third generation of Glock pistols was produced from 1998 to 2010. Gen 3 Glocks added a number of new features, including an ambidextrous slide stop lever, a wider magazine release, and a modular backstrap system.
- Generation 4 (Gen 4): The fourth generation of Glock pistols was produced from 2010 to 2017. Gen 4 Glocks introduced a number of new features, including a flared magwell, a reversible magazine catch, and a grip texture that was designed to reduce slippage.
- Generation 5 (Gen 5): The fifth generation of Glock pistols was introduced in 2017. Gen 5 Glocks introduced a number of new features, including a new trigger, a new slide stop lever, and a new barrel.
How to Identify the Generation of Your Glock
There are a few different ways to identify the generation of your Glock pistol.
- The easiest way to identify the generation of your Glock is to look at the serial number. The first two digits of the serial number will tell you the generation of your Glock.
- You can also identify the generation of your Glock by looking at the markings on the slide. Gen 1 Glocks have no markings on the slide. Gen 2 Glocks have the word “GLOCK” stamped on the left side of the slide. Gen 3 Glocks have the word “GLOCK” stamped on the left side of the slide and the model number stamped on the right side of the slide. Gen 4 Glocks have the word “GLOCK” stamped on the left side of the slide, the model number stamped on the right side of the slide, and the letters “FS” stamped on the barrel. Gen 5 Glocks have the word “GLOCK” stamped on the left side of the slide, the model number stamped on the right side of the slide, and the letters “MOS” stamped on the barrel.
- Finally, you can also identify the generation of your Glock by looking at the features of the pistol. Gen 1 Glocks have a fixed barrel, a straight trigger, and a plastic frame. Gen 2 Glocks have a textured grip, a reversible magazine catch, and a slide stop lever that is easier to operate. Gen 3 Glocks have an ambidextrous slide stop lever, a wider magazine release, and a modular backstrap system. Gen 4 Glocks have a flared magwell, a reversible magazine catch, and a grip texture that is designed to reduce slippage. Gen 5 Glocks have a new trigger, a new slide stop lever, and a new barrel.
How to Find the Serial Number on Your Glock
The serial number on your Glock is located on the frame, just below the trigger guard. The serial number is a unique 17-digit number that is used to identify your Glock pistol.
You can also find the serial number on your Glock’s original box. The serial number will be printed on a sticker on the inside of the box.
How to Know What Gen Glock You Have?
The Glock pistol is one 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 generations of Glocks on the market, it can be difficult to know which one you have.
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: 00-09
- Gen 2: 10-19
- Gen 3: 20-29
- Gen 4: 30-39
- Gen 5: 40-49
2. Look at the slide serrations. The slide serrations on Glocks have changed slightly over the generations.
- Gen 1: Single-line serrations
- Gen 2: Double-line serrations
- Gen 3: “Tumbled” serrations
- Gen 4: “Aggressive” serrations
- Gen 5: “Gen5” serrations
3. Look at the magazine release. The magazine release on Glocks has also changed slightly over the generations.
- Gen 1: Rectangular magazine release
- Gen 2: Rounded magazine release
- Gen 3: “Tumbled” magazine release
- Gen 4: “Aggressive” magazine release
- Gen 5: “Gen5” magazine release
4. Look at the trigger. The trigger on Glocks has also changed slightly over the generations.
- Gen 1: “Safe Action” trigger
- Gen 2: “Safe Action” trigger with a longer trigger pull
- Gen 3: “Safe Action” trigger with a shorter trigger pull
- Gen 4: “Safe Action” trigger with a reversible trigger safety
- Gen 5: “Safe Action” trigger with a modified trigger safety
5. Look at the sights. The sights on Glocks have also changed slightly over the generations.
- Gen 1: Fixed sights
- Gen 2: Fixed sights with a white dot on the front sight
- Gen 3: Fixed sights with a tritium dot on the front sight
- Gen 4: Adjustable sights
- Gen 5: Ameriglo Bold sights
Once you have identified the generation of your Glock, you can find more information about it online or in a Glock owner’s manual.
What Are the Differences Between the Generations of Glocks?
The different generations of Glocks have a number of differences, both in terms of their appearance and their performance.
Appearance
The most obvious difference between the generations of Glocks is their appearance. The slide serrations, magazine release, trigger, and sights have all changed slightly over the generations.
Performance
The performance of the different generations of Glocks is also slightly different. The Gen 1 Glocks were the first to be produced, and they are the least accurate and reliable of the generations. The Gen 2 Glocks were improved over the Gen 1 Glocks, and they are more accurate and reliable. The Gen 3 Glocks were further improved over the Gen 2 Glocks, and they are the most accurate and reliable of the generations. The Gen 4 Glocks introduced a number of new features, such as a reversible magazine release and adjustable sights. The Gen 5 Glocks are the newest generation of Glocks, and they feature a number of improvements over the Gen 4 Glocks, such as a modified trigger safety and a new grip texture.
Which Generation of Glock is Best?
The best generation of Glock for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a reliable and accurate handgun, the Gen 3 Glock is a great option. If you are looking for a handgun with a number of features, such as a reversible magazine release and adjustable sights, the Gen 4 Glock is a good choice. If you are looking for the latest and greatest in Glock technology, the Gen 5 Glock is the best option.
How to Tell If a Glock is Gen 4 or Gen 5
The Gen 4 and Gen 5 Glocks are very similar in appearance, but there are a few key differences that can help you tell them apart.
Slide serrations
The slide serrations on the Gen 4 Glocks are “aggressive”
there are a few ways to tell what generation Glock you have. You can look at the serial number, the markings on the slide, or the magazine catch. Once you know what generation your Glock is, you can be sure that you have the right parts and accessories for it.
Here are some key takeaways:
- The first generation Glocks were made from 1986 to 1998. They are characterized by their rounded trigger guard and lack of a front serrations.
- The second generation Glocks were made from 1998 to 2010. They have a square trigger guard and front serrations.
- The third generation Glocks were made from 2010 to 2017. They have a flared magwell and a reversible magazine catch.
- The fourth generation Glocks were made from 2017 to present. They have a modular backstrap system and a nDLC finish.
By knowing what generation your Glock is, you can be sure that you have the right parts and accessories for it. You can also learn more about the history of the Glock pistol and how it has evolved over the years.