Glock has been around since 1963 and in 1981 Glock handguns as we know them were born. Glock categorizes their guns as Generation 1, Generation 2, Generation 3, Generation 4, Generation 5, and recently Generation 6. On top of that, there have been changes to the line between full generations, for instance the glock 26 is available in a generation 2.5.
Telling the difference between the Generations (we’ll can then Gens from here on) may seem daunting at first however if you know what you’re looking for it’s not hard at all. We’ll break down the aesthetic differences in the Gens to help you easily determine what you Gen you have so you can get the right TALON Grip for your Glock pistol.
Gen 1 Glocks (1982-1988)
17, 17L, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23
Characteristics:
- Flat front strap (no finger grooves)
- Subtle pebble grip texture on the entire pistol grip area
- No thumb rests
Gen 2 Glocks (1988-1997)
17, 17L, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23, 24, 31, 32
Characteristics:
- Flat front strap (no finger grooves)
- Subtle Pebble grip texture on the side panels
- Checkering on the front strap and backstrap
- No thumb rests
Gen 3 Glocks (1995-2010)
17, 17L, 19, 19C, 20, 20SF, 21, 21C, 21SF, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39
Characteristics:
- Finger grooves on front strap
- Thumb rests
- Ambidextrous magazine release on some models
- A rail is molded into the frame
- Addition of Rough Textured Finish (RTF) in Gen 3.5
Gen 4 Glocks (2010-Present)
17, 17L, 19, 19C, 20, 20SF, 21, 21C, 21SF, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 30S, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43
Characteristics:
- Finger grooves on front strap
- Thumb rests
- Additional backstraps on all models except the 42 and 43
- Addition of Gen 4 on the slide
Gen 5 Glocks (2017-2025)
17, 17v, 19, 19V, 19X, 20, 2126, 26V, 30, 34, 43X, 44, 44V, 45, 45V, 48, 49
- No finger grooves
- Thumb rests
- Flared magwell
- Ambidextrous slide stop
- Ambidextrous magazine release
- Additional backstraps on all models except the 43X and 48
- Gen 5 on the slide
Gen 6 Glocks (2026-Present)
17, 19, 45
- No finger grooves
- Thumb rests are less prominant and include stipple pattern
- Flared magwell
- Ambidextrous slide stop
- Ambidextrous magazine release
- Additional backstraps on all models
- Gen 6 on the slide
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STICK TO YOUR GUNS!
Gen 3s don’t have reversible magazine release. Gen 4 was when they added the feature.
Thank you for pointing that out. On some models an ambidextrous mag release was available but on most models the feature was not added until Gen 4.
Adam
Actually they do, but not in the sense that it’s on both sides at the same time. It means that the magazine release can be changed to either side, therefore it is reversible, but you have to take the gun apart to change it.
My Gen 3 has it
I have Talon Grips on a couple of my Glocks – give a better grip when hands are wet or sweaty, worth while addition IMHO.
A suggestion – perhaps listing the serial # series for each ‘generation’ would be easier for most folks to determine which gen they have. For example: Model 17 SN-WNXXX is a lot easier to decipher than looking for cosmetic differences – particularly true with one that is ‘close’ to the next or
preceding gen.
And NO – it’s nunya how many I have 😉
Great idea! It’s a pretty big project but someone has taken it on here- https://www.glocktalk.com/threads/glock-serial-number-research-project.1287557/
That thread died in 2012. apparently
Gen 3 has a rail
The Gen 3 was also the first to have the accessory rail — an important change.
Gen 3&4 Glocks have 3 pins, gen 1,2, and 5 have 2 pins.
Anything in .40 or better has had 3 pins other than early prototypes. Without 3 pins they found cracking happening in the frames
One of the instructors at the Joint Armament Facility (JAF) at Fort Bragg got his hands on a prototype on the civilian market somehow. It’s a late Gen 2 serial number 17 with three pins and still no rail. He brought it in and showed us. Glock wants it back from him 🤣
greeting flyman
my glock 17 has 2 pins and finger groves w / a accessory rail i purchased it the mid 2000 is it a gen 1 or gen 2 . can you give me a clue??
thank you
bob diaz
finger groves are not on 1 or 2, right…must be gen 3 with rail and finger grooves.
Neither based on the information above, as stated finger grooves started in Gen 3.
Not really true. Different models got the third pin at different times. Some late in Gen 2, some well after Gen 3 started.
Hello, I have a model 23 RTF Gen 3, will these grip stick to this model RTF? Thanks Joe!!
The Glock 27 came out in 1997 I purchased two. According to you that makes it gen 3. Mine do not have integral rails molded into the frame.
The first Subcompacts 26 & 27 were introduced in 1996 and are commonly referred to as being a “Gen 2.5” being a pre Gen 3 model but including the finger grooves. My dad has one of these as well. Mine is a Gen4 model.
I have a 27 that I bought in Feb. 1996 and am not sure if it is considered a Gen. 2.5 or Gen. 3 ??
What generation did Glock start using a screw to hold the front sight. I have a Gen 2 and gen 3. They have what looks like a staked front sight base, no hex head screw n either one.
G24s only go up to gen 3
They only made 24s in gen 3 only
Gen 2 and Gen 3. Gen 2 included the 24, 24P, and 24C. Gen 3 included the 24 and 24C.
I got that hole on the back of my grip and the talon grip I was sent cobra it but on the demonstration model there is a cut out on the Talin grip tape…..how do I get that? I have a Glock 19 gen 3.
I have a Glock 26 Serial # MVS – – – I believe it is a Gen 3 – it has finger groves, thumb rests, but a rail is not molded into the slide. It is not a Gen 4. So does it sound like a Gen 3 even though it does not have the molded rail on the slide??
I have the same not sure what gen exactly
Gen 3 G26 doesn’t have the rail.
Gen 1 did not include models 20 and later. Those came out in Gen 2. 17, 17L, 17L ported, 17 cutaway, 17 in 9×21, 18, and 19 were all Gen 1.
Question for you: My GLOCK 19 does not have the “Gen” stamp indicated. Why would this be?
19X doesn’t have the gen marking on the slide…just says 19X.
I have a G27 Gen 3 and there is not a rail on the bottom. It’s smooth like the Gen 2 but it does have the Gen 3 grip. I’m confused a bit.
Does the Gen5 Glock 19 have a rifled barrel and a more traditional chamber and feed ramp ?
I bought my 17 in February 2021. And I love it !!! BUT, is it possible for a 17 Gen 3 to REMAIN UN SOLD at a high volume store until 2021?!!!
I also have a Gen 3 9mm with only 2 pins. Is there a date range that these were produced before that rear slide seat (?) pin?
That’s right. I have a g26 gen 3 and there is no rail molded to the slide sn is BFBP###. I imagine that’s because barrel is so short won’t fit?
Model 19 Serial #BSWS*** purchased new in 7/21 in CA no gen # on slide? What Gen?
“.40 or better”? You mean to say my 9mm is not better than .40?
I have a Glock 9X19, it has all the characteristics of a Gen 5 lower, but has no Gen # noted on the slide. The slide has a cutout for red dot installation. I want to replace the trigger, how do I determine which trigger to purchase, if I can’t identify the Gen.
This is the best blog so far keep
Very good details for identifying the generations!
My Block 19 has no generation number on the slide. How can I tell what generation it is?
It says mi 34 is a gen 4 but it doesn’t have the inter chargeable grips. It’s exactly like the gen 3 but it says they didn’t make a 34 in gen 3. ??????
Is there a Glock 27, “Generation 2.5” ? Purchased mine in February 1996.
Have a Glock 19, G5. How will take to ship to me and what is the cost and add a other 16” barrel this gun? Is your number work, I try to call someone.
Hello, I can not find anywhere talon grip for y glock 36 with fingers groove. Someone to inform me where I can find some…
Thanks 😉
My 43X doesn’t say Gen 5 on the slide.
Was there a 22rtf glock made in Gen 3? Mine seems to be in between the 3 and 4, having some of both?
Glock 23 meets all characteristics of gen 4, however it only says Glock 23 Austria, no imprint of gen…bought new, in 2006.
Can you determine date of manufacture by serial number?
By far one of the best web explanations with photos covering Glocks. Very informative and helpful not to mention, Talon the only grips for My Glocks. Talon folks know Glocks. Well written articles and quality products are the proof.
Hello
What are the changes with Glock 17c
missing model: Gen 3 includes a 34. I have a 34 that has the exact features pictured for gen 3 including no removable backstraps
43X gen 5 do not have gen 5 on the slide
I was told that any and all true glocks don’t has any type of safety on them I find this hard to believe but I could be mistaken about what he was trying to say to me he said that is how you can tell the difference between a true Glock and a knockoff
This was extremely helpful in allowing me to identify that my Glock 35 is a ‘Gen 3’!
Thanks so much!
There’s no listing for G44 chambered in 22lr.
I struggling to believe my Glock 45 is a mistake. I bought it from a very reputable gun store. It is by all accounts a gem 5. However. When I do my research I can’t find anything that resembles my Glock. For instance…it def has all the normal features of the gen 5. With the exception of not being an MOS. It does NOT have the gen 5 stamp on the slide. It was sold as a gen 5. It has no finger grooves. It has. Thumb rest. Tiny dimples on grip. Ambidextrous mag dump and slide lock. Yet it also has the fish gills at the fore and aft of the slide. I’m at a loss. Came with the case and everything. It’s not a used gun or from a previous owner. Cannot for the life of me figure it out. It only says the Glock logo next to a “45, then “Austria” followed by 9×19. That’s it. I know it’s def not. Gen 3 or earlier. Any thoughts
No mention of how to id a Glock MAGAZINE generation
I have the Glock 35 and don’t see it anywhere listed? How do you figure out what gen it is?
Great, detailed guide! I especially appreciated the clear breakdown of each Glock generation and the key visual cues like finger grooves, thumb rests, and backstraps — it makes identifying your model so much easier. The TALON Grips section was also very informative, highlighting how proper grips can improve retention, accuracy, and comfort. Definitely bookmarked for reference before my next Glock upgrade!