Why does this matter?
Proudly owning a Glock is sort of a ceremony of passage for firearms lovers. These pistols, celebrated for his or her reliability, easy design, and widespread availability, have turn out to be a world normal. However because the Glock lineage has advanced over time, with new generations bringing improvements and refinements, a query arises: How you can inform what technology Glock you could have? Understanding the particular technology of your Glock will not be merely a matter of curiosity; it’s essential for quite a lot of causes, from making certain components compatibility to deciding on the appropriate equipment and understanding its full potential. Let’s delve into the strategies for precisely figuring out your Glock’s technology.
Contemplate this: you’re able to improve your pistol with a brand new set off, a set of enhanced sights, or a tactical mild. You’ve discovered what you suppose is the proper merchandise, however you’re offered with choices particular to Glock Gen three, Gen 4, or Gen 5. Will it suit your pistol? Understanding the technology is the important thing to making sure all the pieces works seamlessly. Past modifications, understanding your Glock’s technology impacts the match of holsters, as some holsters are designed for the particular body dimensions and options of a selected technology. Much more essentially, when ordering spare components, you *should* establish your technology to make sure you obtain the proper parts, as many components should not interchangeable between generations.
Visible Inspection of the Slide
Let’s take a look at among the visible indicators you should use. 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 simple to tell apart. Search for the absence of finger grooves on the grip. The slides typically show an easier, extra useful look. The metalwork may additionally have a rougher end in comparison with later fashions. The markings on the slide are sometimes less complicated as properly, typically displaying “GLOCK” in a extra fundamental font with no mannequin quantity stamped. Bear in mind these are older weapons, and their precise situation can have an effect on how simple it’s to establish them.
Gen three
Shifting on to Gen three, you will instantly discover a big change. The inclusion of finger grooves on the entrance of the grip is probably essentially the most iconic distinction. Look additionally for the accent rail, a small rail underneath 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 variety 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 will 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 method improves the pistol’s sturdiness and reduces felt recoil. Take into account that there are numerous grip modifications folks do on their Glocks, so at all times verify the general form of your gun for these visible clues.
Gen 5
Gen 5 represents essentially the most present technology of Glock pistols. Essentially the most eye-catching change is the elimination of the finger grooves. The entrance of the grip now incorporates a a lot straighter, streamlined look. The journal properly is noticeably flared, designed to facilitate quicker and extra environment friendly journal modifications. The slide receives ahead serrations, offering extra gripping surfaces on the entrance. The slide launch lever is now ambidextrous, and the end on the slide is normally 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 quite a lot of crimson 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 hearth 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 vital issue. No grooves? Doubtless a Gen 5. Finger grooves? In all probability a Gen three or 4. However as we have mentioned, one of the best strategy is to have a look at the entire varied 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 will be reversed, a function absent on earlier generations.
Typically, 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 verify your Glock’s technology. The serial quantity can present some clues. Some earlier Glock fashions had an older marking model, however a fantastic majority of the markings are constant between generations.
Serial Quantity and the Glock Web site
Essentially the most dependable option to verify your Glock’s technology is to seek the advice of the Glock web site or different official sources. Utilizing your serial quantity, you may typically acquire details about the date of manufacture, which may help you to substantiate the technology. Go to the official Glock web site. Search for a bit or a software particularly designed to verify 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 depend upon unofficial on-line databases. The web incorporates a lot of data, however not all of it’s appropriate.
Transitional Fashions and Modifications
This is one other necessary level: There are specific conditions the place issues can get complicated. In case your Glock has undergone modifications, resembling a swapped slide or body, figuring out its authentic technology turns into extra sophisticated. Typically, particularly with older weapons, components may have been swapped. Bear in mind that modifications could make identification more difficult.
Typically, sure Glock fashions might not match the final tips as a result of being a particular version or a uncommon variant. Perform a little research in your Glock.
What if you happen to discover that your Glock has options that look like a mixture of completely different generations? This may point out a transitional mannequin or that components have been swapped. If unsure, seek the advice of a professional gunsmith or a Glock professional. It’s attainable your Glock incorporates components from a number of generations.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
You might 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 one of the best place to search out detailed specs, manuals, and different sources.
Is your Glock’s technology the identical as its mannequin quantity, resembling a Glock nineteen? No, however there is a correlation. A Glock nineteen can are available any of the present generations.
Conclusion
So, to summarize, realizing the technology of your Glock is a crucial activity. Use the visible cues within the slide, the body, the serial quantity and the official Glock sources to find out the technology of your pistol.
Now, go check out your Glock, and see what technology it’s! You’ll want to double-check your findings, and keep in mind that realizing your Glock’s technology ensures you may make the most of one of the best options and upgrades. Keep in mind to prioritize security, accountable gun possession, and correct coaching.
