It’s been eight years since Glock introduced the Gen 5 series of pistols. Now they’ve introduced their next generation. Since its introduction in 1982, Glock has shaped how we think about pistols. And while the pistols introduce since then haven’t been as revolutionary they’ve proven the Glock is good at iterative innovation. The Gen 6 introduces tweaks to keep the pistol at the head of the pack. The new generation of Glocks launches with new Glock 17 Gen 6, Glock 19 Gen 6, and Glock 45 Gen 6 models, all chambered in 9x19mm.

So What’s New?

Firstly, the Gen 6 has the standard interchangeable backstraps but the enlarge beavertail is now integrated into the frame. More notable they have improved the ergonomics by introducing a palm swell to the sides and front strap of the grip. The backstraps also feature an all new blend of the RTF2 and RTF4 textures for optimal grip on the pistol. The Gen 6 pistols have a flared magazine well for quick reloads. And of course it still feeds from standard Glock magazines.

A new undercut in the trigger guard allows users to get a higher grip on the pistol, this, combined with new shelves (or ‘gas pedals’) cut into the pistols’ frame enables flatter shooting and better control and accuracy. The Gen 6 now features fencing around the slide release catches and also boasts forward and rear slide serrations which are angled deeper into the slide to enable users to wrack the slide more easily.

Internally, Glock has reverted to the original captive single recoil spring assembly. Additionally, the Gen 6 barrel is not compatible with earlier generations due to geometry changes. Other than that there is parts compatibility with many of the other components.

The pistols also have a new optics mounting system which is compatible with RMR and DPP footprints. There’s no sign of the COA system introduced last year with Aimpoint. This system has been rolled out across all the pistols and each gun comes with a series of polymer plates which act as shims and reportedly absorb some of the recoil. Finally, the pistols have a new factory flat faced trigger design which retains Glock’s classic Safe Action system.

The pistols also incorporate the same changes seen in the recent Glock V series guns which are intended to prevent conversion to full-auto.

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Below is a breakdown on the specs of each of the three new Gen 6 pistols and some hi-res photos.

Glock 17 Gen 6

Glock 17 Gen 6 – Full-size pistol

• 17 round magazine capacity
• 202mm / 7.95 inch overall length
• 114mm / 4.49 inch barrel
• 680g loaded weight (23.99oz)

Glock 19 Gen 6

Glock 19 Gen 6 – Compact

• 15 round magazine capacity
• 185mm / 7.28 inch overall length
• 102mm / 4.02 inch barrel
• 640g loaded weight (22.58oz)

Glock 45 Gen 6

Glock 45 Gen 6 – ‘Crossover’ (G19 slide on a G17 frame)

• 17 round magazine capacity
• 189mm / 7.44 inch overall length
• 102mm / 4.02 inch barrel
• 655g loaded weight (23.10oz)

While the Gen 6 couldn’t be described as revolutionary it does represent an iterative improvement on the Glock Gen 5 MOS pistols. Changes to the internals aim to further improve reliability and the more prominent external changes seek to maximise the pistols’ ergonomics and handling.

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