Why does this matter?
Proudly owning a Glock is nearly a ceremony of passage for firearms fans. These pistols, celebrated for his or her reliability, easy design, and widespread availability, have change into a worldwide normal. However because the Glock lineage has advanced over time, with new generations bringing improvements and refinements, a query arises: The way to inform what era Glock you’ve? Understanding the precise era of your Glock just isn’t merely a matter of curiosity; it’s essential for a wide range of causes, from making certain elements compatibility to choosing the suitable equipment and understanding its full potential. Let’s delve into the strategies for precisely figuring out your Glock’s era.
Take into account this: you’re able to improve your pistol with a brand new set off, a set of enhanced sights, or a tactical gentle. You’ve discovered what you assume is the right merchandise, however you’re introduced with choices particular to Glock Gen three, Gen 4, or Gen 5. Will it suit your pistol? Understanding the era is the important thing to making sure every little thing works seamlessly. Past modifications, understanding your Glock’s era impacts the match of holsters, as some holsters are designed for the precise body dimensions and options of a specific era. Much more essentially, when ordering spare elements, you *should* establish your era to make sure you obtain the right parts, as many elements are usually not interchangeable between generations.
Visible Inspection of the Slide
Let’s take a look at a number of the visible indicators you should utilize. Some of the apparent locations to start is the slide, the higher portion of the pistol that homes the barrel and the firing mechanism. Glock generations have distinct variations right here.
Gen one and Gen two
Gen one and Gen two Glocks, the early fashions, are comparatively straightforward to tell apart. Search for the absence of finger grooves on the grip. The slides typically show an easier, extra purposeful look. The metalwork may also have a rougher end in comparison with later fashions. The markings on the slide are usually easier as properly, typically exhibiting “GLOCK” in a extra primary font with no mannequin quantity stamped. Have in mind these are older weapons, and their precise situation can have an effect on how straightforward it’s to establish them.
Gen three
Transferring on to Gen three, you will instantly discover a big change. The inclusion of finger grooves on the entrance of the grip is maybe essentially the most iconic distinction. Look additionally for the accent rail, a small rail below the muzzle that permits for the attachment of lights or lasers. The rail is a key indicator that your Glock is a Gen three or newer. Additionally search for the thumb relaxation on the body. The thumb relaxation has been eliminated in later generations.
Gen 4
Gen 4 Glocks are marked by a spread of updates. Essentially the most noticeable is the redesigned grip texture, typically extra aggressive than the Gen three. The journal launch button is enlarged and might be reversed to the opposite facet of the body, making it ambidextrous. Inside, a twin recoil spring system is one other key figuring out function. This technique improves the pistol’s sturdiness and reduces felt recoil. Needless to say there are numerous grip modifications individuals do on their Glocks, so all the time test the general form of your gun for these visible clues.
Gen 5
Gen 5 represents essentially the most present era of Glock pistols. Essentially the most eye-catching change is the elimination of the finger grooves. The entrance of the grip now encompasses a a lot straighter, streamlined look. The journal properly is noticeably flared, designed to facilitate sooner and extra environment friendly journal adjustments. The slide receives ahead serrations, offering further gripping surfaces on the entrance. The slide launch lever is now ambidextrous, and the end on the slide is often an nDLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating, which reinforces sturdiness and corrosion resistance.
Modular Optic System (MOS)
The modular optic system, or MOS, is a big addition to some Gen 5 fashions. These pistols function a slide that’s designed to simply accept a wide range of pink dot sights. In case your Glock has a slide minimize for an optic, it is probably a MOS mannequin, and subsequently a Gen 5.
Body Inspection
Inspecting the body, the decrease a part of the pistol that incorporates the grip and the fireplace management system, is one other important a part of the identification course of.
Finger Grooves and Different Options
As talked about earlier, the presence or absence of finger grooves is a essential issue. No grooves? Probably a Gen 5. Finger grooves? In all probability a Gen three or 4. However as we have mentioned, the very best strategy is to take a look at all the numerous visible cues and to not depend on anyone function alone.
The accent rail is your different indicator. In case your Glock has an adjunct rail, it is Gen three or newer.
The journal launch has modified between generations. The Gen 4 launch is bigger and might be reversed, a function absent on earlier generations.
Generally, the grip texture will present a fast clue, notably on Gen 4 and Gen 5 fashions. These fashions use a extra textured grip that provides extra retention.
Different Strategies of Identification
Whereas visible inspection will allow you to essentially the most, there are another strategies to test your Glock’s era. The serial quantity can present some clues. Some earlier Glock fashions had an older marking type, however an amazing majority of the markings are constant between generations.
Serial Quantity and the Glock Web site
Essentially the most dependable strategy to affirm your Glock’s era is to seek the advice of the Glock web site or different official sources. Utilizing your serial quantity, you possibly can typically receive details about the date of manufacture, which can assist you to substantiate the era. Go to the official Glock web site. Search for a piece or a instrument particularly designed to test the serial quantity. Enter the serial variety of your firearm, and see what data pops up.
At all times depend on official sources, and don’t rely upon unofficial on-line databases. The web incorporates a number of data, however not all of it’s appropriate.
Transitional Fashions and Modifications
Here is one other necessary level: There are particular conditions the place issues can get complicated. In case your Glock has undergone modifications, comparable to a swapped slide or body, figuring out its unique era turns into extra difficult. Generally, particularly with older weapons, elements may have been swapped. Bear in mind that modifications could make identification more difficult.
Generally, sure Glock fashions might not match the overall pointers as a consequence of being a particular version or a uncommon variant. Perform some research in your Glock.
What for those who discover that your Glock has options that seem like a mixture of totally different generations? This would possibly point out a transitional mannequin or that elements have been swapped. If unsure, seek the advice of a certified gunsmith or a Glock knowledgeable. It’s doable your Glock incorporates elements from a number of generations.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
You may need extra questions. The place can you discover extra details about your particular Glock mannequin? Begin with the Glock web site. The official web site is the very best place to search out detailed specs, manuals, and different sources.
Is your Glock’s era the identical as its mannequin quantity, comparable to a Glock nineteen? No, however there is a correlation. A Glock nineteen can are available in any of the present generations.
Conclusion
So, to summarize, figuring out the era of your Glock is a crucial job. Use the visible cues within the slide, the body, the serial quantity and the official Glock sources to find out the era of your pistol.
Now, go check out your Glock, and see what era it’s! Be sure you double-check your findings, and keep in mind that figuring out your Glock’s era ensures you possibly can benefit from the very best options and upgrades. Bear in mind to prioritize security, accountable gun possession, and correct coaching.
