Glock Generations: Detail and Feature Evolution

28 August, 2014 Features, History, Industry Profiles, V6N3, Volume 6

According to company literature, the first Glock pistols imported into the U.S. came
in January of 1986. These guns had serial numbers beginning with a two letter
alpha prefix of AF followed by a three digit number. This means for every two
letter combination, there were up to 1,000 pistols produced with numbers from 000
to 999. As of this writing, current new production Glock pistols bear serial numbers
with a four letter and three number combination, a testament to the brands
success and longevity over the past quarter century.
Most firearm manufactures who employ sequential serial numbering systems would
not guarantee the sequence of numbers exactly matches production order but on
the longer time frame they generally follow that trend. That is to say, a firearm
bearing the serial number ABC001 may not have been completed prior to the same
model numbered ABD001 but its a fair assumption that they were made around the
same time and that EFG001 came later. Notable exceptions to the standard serial
number structure are firearms ordered with specified serial number ranges and
formats for law enforcement agencies and commemorative models.

Magazine floor plates are of two distinct types: early versions for the Non-Fully Metal
Lined (NFML) magazines and later ones for the Fully Metal Lined (FML) magazines
also known as drop-free because their greater rigidity causes them to be less likely
to stick in the magazine well than their predecessors. The four distinct early
versions were originally smooth and then sequentially incorporated a Glock logo,

insert button hole, and finally a part number 455. Later FML floor plates began
with a different number 3602 that was eventually omitted.
Using this assumption as a framework, this article will seek to identify changes in
individual Glock cosmetic and design features and identify their sequence in the
model history. While a strict serial number sequence is an inexact assumption, an
accurate time line of importation for serialized firearms can be dated through
records available from Glock.
Overview of Glock Generations, Terminology and Associated Models
Because of the nature of the firearms manufacturing industry, terminology can be
inexact due to the influence of non-anticipated design changes, marketing
language, and customer terminology not originating from the manufacturer. In
some cases, this post production vernacular sets the standard for terminology in
use by most. This stands to reason given that the number of people buying, using,
and writing about the firearms far out numbers those within the company that
might otherwise like to control the terminology. This is how distinct Glock
generations came to be understood.
Glock pistols are categorized into four distinct generations (with a 4th ultimately
being officially acknowledged by the guns markings). The first generation guns had
a relatively uniform grip texture around the entire handle of the frame behind and
below the trigger guard and consisted of the original Glock model 17 and a few
scarce early model 19 pistols. The second generation guns had rectangular
checkering on the front and back grip surfaces and can safely be counted on to
include the models 17 through at least 24.

The NFML (left) and FML (right) magazine floor plates are not interchangeable with
each other due to a difference in width of their mounting points.
Third generation guns are described as those with finger grooves superimposed on
the front strap checkering and an accessory rail forward of the trigger guard on
models large enough to incorporate this feature. The addition of a slight thumb
rest at the upper edge of the grip is also among these third generation features
and this particular feature relates to U.S. importation criteria.

Finally, 4th generation Glock models incorporated rectangular checkering

throughout the grip surface, a smaller grip with back strap extensions, a reversible
magazine release, and the slide/recoil spring assembly was updated to include a
dual spring for all models. The new slide and guide rod assemblies are not backcompatible with earlier models.
While these categories are useful, the details in some cases can muddy the waters.
Several models of Glock firearms were made bearing the 3rd generation finger
grooves but no associated accessory rail. Guns of this type are rare and typically
described as transitional or Generation 2.5. For the collector or firearm examiner
wishing to evaluate this firearm, its safe to say that guns of this type were
produced in relatively low numbers and for a short period of time. The early
versions of the subcompact Glock 26 and 27 pistols (9mm and .40 S&W) produced
around the same time had finger grooves on the front strap of the pistol that were
devoid of checkering that eventually appeared on later 3rd generation versions of
those models. The slightly larger subcompact models 29 and 30 (10mm and .45
ACP) were always made with the checkered finger grooves but eventually produced
with the previously omitted accessory rail. The earlier non-railed versions of the
Glock 29 and 30 frames were made for a longer period of time than the early
smooth finger grooved versions of the model 26 and 27 frames.

The brief advent of the Glock 21 SF with ambidextrous magazine release required a
new magazine design incorporating a cutout on the front face of the magazine wall.
All subsequent magazines have incorporated this feature even though the
ambidextrous system was short lived.
All models produced during the various generations were made consistently with
the features of that generation. For that reason, early models like the Glock 17 will
have versions from each of those generations. The Glock model numbers appeared

sequentially although some models like the select fire 18 and the .380 models (25
and 28) are less common due to NFA and import restrictions.
Generation 1 Glock Features
The Generation 1 guns are an exclusive club consisting of only the model Glock 17
and a very few of the earliest model Glock 19 pistols. (The Glock 18 is the select
fire version of the model 17 and while 1st generation versions exist, because of
their rarity and distinct internal geometry they wont be discussed in this article.) A
long-slide version of the 17 known as the 17L was also produced using 1st
generation frames but the slides are interchangeable and the frames are
indistinguishable with other model 17s. These will be described hereafter as
belonging to the standard frame size designed for pistols chambered in 9mm Luger,
.357 Sig, .40 S&W, .380 ACP, and eventually the .45 GAP (wide frame guns came
later). The model 17 is categorized as a full sized pistol while the 19 is considered
to be a compact in size. Both models were almost exclusively chambered for 9mm
Luger although a few special exceptions have been known to exist (e.g.-9x21mm in
Europe).
The first Glock pistols imported into the U.S. came with serial numbers beginning
with a two letters followed by the typical three numbers and a US suffix indicating
they were for export to the United States. The two characteristic proof mark logos
appeared on the frames, slides, and barrels while additional markings, such as a
three letter manufacturers code and a pentagon appeared on the barrel only.
The official serial number in the United States is the one appearing on the frame
which
includes the US suffix. These numbers
appear on a metal insert on the bottom of the
frame just ahead of the trigger
guard. The early versions of these
were black in color and the US appears
to be in a different font than the alpha-numeric
characters that make up the rest of
the numbers. These black serial
number plates were used in the
early Generation 2 Glock 19 pistols
in the same serial number ranges
as their Generation 1 Glock 17
siblings.
Glock pistols have always had two
cartouches on the top and bottom of
the right side of the grip. The
upper cartouche on the generation 1
pistols reads: GLOCK, INC.,
SMYRNA, GA. while the lower
marking read US. Pat. 4,539, 889.
Each of these is a single line of text that appears with embossed characters over a
smooth background surface in the polymer of the frame surrounded by the existing
texture.
The model 19 had another feature change from the 17 to add points towards those
required for importation into the U.S. The otherwise smooth trigger of the model 17
was replaced with a serrated version. All Glock pistols the size of the model 19 or
smaller were fitted with serrated triggers for importation, although its not
uncommon for their owners to prefer the smoother trigger and retrofit the parts

since they are interchangeable. Another key difference between the models 17 and
19 is the geometry of the barrel lug and matching locking piece inside the frame.
They are positioned differently which is why barrels are not interchangeable
between the full sized and compact frames. This distinction remains in subsequent
generations and models/calibers.

Generation 2 Glock Features

Because the Glock 17 preceded the Glock 19, there was initially no need to
distinguish the two frames by markings. In fact, the very first Glock 19 pistols (1st
generation) were actually made from Glock 17 frames that were trimmed to
accommodate the smaller slide and magazine. An apparent mold mark on the left
front corner of the trigger guard was eventually used for a marking location
indicating which frame was being produced. This subsequent mold mark consists of
a circular cartouche with the number 17 or 19 depending on the frame (earlier
model 17s had no such mark).
As has been described above, the main change that constitutes the generation 2
models is the retexturing of the grip surface. This rectangular pattern grip
checkering on the front and back of the grip is often referred to as grenade
checkering. Early generation 2 pistols were model 17s and 19s that retained the
two single line grip cartouches on the right side, the 17/19 mold marks on the left,
and Austrian proof marks of the generation 1 models, but not all had the silver
colored serial number insert plate.
Around 1990 & about half-way through the two-letter serial number ranges, Glock
started importing the models 20 (10mm), 21 (.45 ACP), 22, and 23 (both .40 S&W).
By this time, the Austrian proof marks and the 17/19 mold mark were no longer
present. The models 22 and 23 are essentially the .40 S&W versions of the 17 and
19 respectively; however, the more powerful cartridge forced a design change that
added an additional pin to retain the locking piece in the frame. Some rare & early
versions of these pistols may not have had the additional (3rd) pin. The models 20
and 21 were the first of the wide frame sizes made to accommodate the 10mm Auto
and .45 ACP cartridges, respectively. All of these models are 2nd generation or later
with both locking block pins in their design.

Early generation 1 Glock 17 pistols were not marked with a circular cartouche on
the left front corner of the trigger guard bearing the model number. Later first and
second generation Glock 17 and 19 pistols were for a time and then later this
feature was deleted. Note, the serrated trigger of the Glock 19 model was necessary
to comply with U.S. import regulations due to its smaller size.
Prior to reaching the end of the two-letter serial number ranges, a second line was
added to the upper cartouche on the grip of the pistol which now read: MADE IN
AUSTRIA / GLOCK, INC., SMYRNA, GA.
Right around the time of the rollover from two-letter serial numbers to three-letter
series, the internal parts of the pistol changed from being mostly black in color to
silver. This feature is not always a reliable one to consider because older guns
receiving factory or armorer upgrades often have newer silver colored parts
including some early upgrades to pre-EH### pistols that required an enhanced
trigger bar that would increase the sear/striker engagement. These improved early
trigger bars had a + stamped on the top rear portion near the area of striker
engagement. While this upgraded trigger bar had a distinct shape, this author has
seen at least one example of an earlier shaped part that has a bronze/gold color.
Shortly after the change from two-letter to three-letter serial numbers, a second line
was added to the lower cartouche on the grip with two additional patent numbers.
The next internal upgrade in this approximate chronology was angled cuts made to
the interior of the frame to relieve the back two corners where the locking piece
sits. Without this modification, those two corners were prone to the initiation of
vertical cracks in the polymer due to the repeated impact of the corners of the
metal locking piece to the frame. The relief cuts seemed to prevent the occurrence
and could also be added to older models after the cracks had begun (essentially
removing the cracks in the process of making the cuts at their location).

Midway through the 2nd generation, relief cuts were added to the rear cutout area
for the locking block. Earlier models tended to develop tiny cracks in the polymer of
that area due to the impact of the locking block corners during recoil. For a time,
Glock would retrofit earlier guns if requested, although, theres little indication these
small cracks were more than a cosmetic issue.
As with other internal upgrades, because these were often done by the factory after
production, their presence tells less about the age of the pistol than their absence.
Hypothetically, were the people at Glock, Inc. to discover an old batch of early
generation 2 serialized frames; they would surely complete these upgrades before
assembling them into pistols to be sold as new. Likewise, pistols returned to the
factory as trade-in towards new models might also have similar upgrades.
The list of generation 2 changes above can be described sequentially based on the
assumption of the serial numbers being sequential although this may not strictly be
true. A more accurate description would be to say the changes listed here occurred
during a watershed period during the middle of the second generation. The change
from black internal parts to silver upgrade parts, the locking piece relief cuts, and
the addition of a second line of text of the lower cartouche are all relatively
contemporary changes roughly coinciding with the change from the two-letter to
three-letter serial number range. Also in this time frame, the spring and guide rod
assembly was upgraded to a one piece unit.

From the first generation to the fourth, Glock models have undergone subtle
changes to the markings and textures replicated in the molded polymer frames.
A few years later, in 1994, Glock began importing the model 24, which is essentially
the 2nd generation equivalent of the 17L described earlier chambered in .40 S&W.
With the exception of custom marked guns, all model 24s and all subsequent model
numbers have at least three letters in the serial number range. Some time later the
angle of the right rear surface of the ejection port was changed from a 90 degree
angle to something slightly larger. This change occurred between the introduction
of the model 24 and the subcompact models 26 and 27 in 9mm and .40 S&W
respectively. What this means is that one may encounter a model 24 with the
earlier 90 degree ejection port angle but all models 26 and later had the newer
geometry.
The early model 26 and 27 pistols were the first to incorporate finger grooves in the
front strap of the grip; however, these were not checkered like those that came
before and after. It may be easiest to regard the models 26-28 with the smooth
front strap as generation 2 because they are like the proto type for the generation 3
changes and appeared prior to the addition of the accessory rail that fully defines
generation 3 guns. These first subcompact pistols incorporated the thumb rest
feature at the top of the grip so they could be legally imported into the U.S. market.
On the other hand, the large frame subcompact pistols, models 29 and 30
(chambered in 10mm Auto and .45 ACP respectively) were always produced with
checkered finger grooves on the front strap and their ultimate upgrade to having an

accessory rail occurred much later so it may be best to classify all of these in
generation 3.

Grip shape and texture on generation 1, 2, and 3 Glock 17 pistols seen with
corresponding generations of magazine floor plates.
Generation 3 Glock Features
Generation 3 Glocks incorporated all of the feature changes listed above and
changed very little in the years to come. A few early models of the .357 SIG pistols
were made with finger grooves and no accessory rail (a.k.a. generation 2.5) but
these can be considered rare. Additional models added after the switch to
generation 3 included the 29 (10mm), 30 (.45 ACP), 31-33 (.357 SIG), 34 (9mm), 35
(.40 S&W), and the slim frame model 36 which was unique in that it was a .45 ACP
pistol with the slide dimensions of the 9mm and a single stack frame that was even
thinner! The models 37-39 were later introduced in the .45 GAP cartridge. These
guns used the standard 9mm sized frame with a wider slide similar to the 10mm/.45
ACP models.
Towards the later years of the 3rd generation, some special versions of existing
models were introduced along side the standard models. Versions of several
models described as having a Rich Texture Finish (RTF) were made that incorporated
a distinct texture on all surfaces of the grip and cosmetically unique slide
serrations. These were not commercially successful and subsequently produced in
smaller numbers.

In 2013, Glock unveiled a new model at the SHOT Show; the 30S. This gun combines
the traditional wide frame of the model 30 (.45 ACP) with a slim slide similar to the
Glock 36.
Some of the larger 10mm/.45 ACP models were made with Short Frames (SF) that
had a grip back strap/palm swell that was reduced in size. These models arrived
around the same time as the addition of the accessory rail on the subcompact
versions (29/30) and were marked on the right side of the frame above the trigger
guard with a short cartouche bearing an SF embossed on the smooth polymer.
One smaller subset of these models is the Glock 21 SF with the larger 1913 rail built
into the frame instead of the usual single notch accessory rail. These were made in
anticipation of design features requested for a new U.S. Army service pistol
competition. This particular model was made with a new ambidextrous magazine
release that was very different from the previous designs. This system captured the
magazine with a thin paddle on the forward interior of the magazine well and would
not function with older magazine designs. For this reason, all subsequent
magazines were made with this additional forward cutout, although the military
competition never happened and these design features have not been repeated on
subsequent models.
Around the time of the SF models, the serial numbers on Glock frames dropped the
US suffix and all slide, frame, and barrel numbers were identical. This occurred
before the arrival of the 4th generation designs or the U.S. made Glock pistols that
appear to all use the longer four letter plus three number serial number structure.
At present, both 3rd and 4th generation pistols are being made in the U.S. and
Austria. The only technical difference between the two seems to be in the metal
finish the Tennifer process used in Austria has been replaced by a Melonite process
for U.S. made handguns. It remains to be seen if this difference will distinguish the
two products in the open market.