glock generations by serial number

Contact To contact Glock Corporation to directly ask about a specific serial number call (770) 432-1202 or toll free at (866) 225-4098 The various Glock pistols get upgraded every so often with revised features, usually just a natural incremental change or new feature, that keeps the line evolving but without losing the central theme of polymer-framed, striker-fired goodness. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. In other words, Gen 1 and Gen 2 Glock were interchangeable and Gen 3 and Gen 4 were interchangeable, but Gen 3 and Gen 4 would not fit a Gen 1 or Gen 2 holster. The two fifth-generation models announced were the Glock 17 and Glock 19, chambered for the 9×19 mm Parabellum. Had multiple FTE’s and FTF’s, about 20 % failure rate. Glock pistols are categorized into four distinct generations (with a 4th ultimately being officially acknowledged by the gun’s markings). He resides in the great Inland Northwest, with his wife and child. GLOCK Gen5 pistols are the latest examples of GLOCK'S constant pursuit of perfection. The models 37-39 were later introduced in the .45 GAP cartridge. Tracy, it says 1991. 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. Because the Glock 17 preceded the Glock 19, there was initially no need to distinguish the two frames by markings. These improved early trigger bars had a “+” stamped on the top rear portion near the area of striker engagement. Please, anyone, an answer would be nice to know. This rectangular pattern grip checkering on the front and back of the grip is often referred to as “grenade” checkering. To contact Glock Corporation to directly ask about a specific serial number call (770) 432-1202 or toll free at (866) 225-4098. The trigger assembly also lacks the second cross pin of Gen 3 and Gen 4 Glock pistols above the trigger guard. However, it was eventually discontinued just before new long slide models were introduced for Gen 3. The magazine well is flared for easier reloads and a relief cut is made under the trigger guard for a higher grip. 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. 6 = Engraved/Special Serial #’s (Glock U.S.A.) 7 = Engraved/Special Serial #’s (Glock Austria) 8 = Unique Special Orders Domestic 9 = FBI / ATF special configuration A = Orange follower w/TFP. The frame lacks the finger grooves of the Gen 3 pistols, but also lacks the Glock Modular Backstrap of the Gen 4 and Gen 5 guns. If you want to know what the difference is when eyeing those two Glock 9mm pistols at your local gun store, this is where you find out. The internal parts, which for the longest time had been virtually unchanged, have been mostly revised for the Glock Gen 5, which has required the frame to be slightly widened. 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. Glock and Colt M16/AR15 Armorer Glock: Life insurance issued by, Gaston Glock ... FL, USA. 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 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 won’t be discussed in this article.) 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. The first addition to the Gen 4 was the Glock Modular Backstrap, swappable backstraps that increased the trigger reach (and adding to the beavertail of the frame) as the user may wish. 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. So, prior to Glock Gen 5, the first two and second two generations would both fit the same holsters. 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. I own a Glock 23 with a Serial #AFU***, but nothing comes back when I put in the first 3 letters or entire serial number. Glock Generations: Detail and Feature Evolution. Due to the nature of the ShapeShift holster, which fully wraps the trigger guard and dust cover, only those pistols fit due to the rails. According to company literature, the first Glock pistols imported into the U.S. came in January of 1986. Early generation 2 pistols were model 17’s and 19’s 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. Additionally, Glock Gen 1 and Gen 2 pistols will not fit the ShapeShift, as they lack the Glock rail. Now we get into the nitty gritty - compatibility and Glock Holsters. Glock pistols have always had two cartouches on the top and bottom of the right side of the grip. Also in this time frame, the spring and guide rod assembly was upgraded to a one piece unit. Reply. The following are the Austrian Ministry of Defense specifications that the first Glocks were designed to meet. Some purchasers have found the Gen 5 does fit the ShapeShift Glock holster, but our standards for fitment are very high. 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. 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. Born in southeastern Washington State, Sam Hoober graduated in 2011 from Eastern Washington University. 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. However, they weren't offered for long. Get Started. Cant find any info from the serial#. Glock told me to use ammo greater than 95 grains and hold more firmly and higher against the curved part of the grip. Glock Date Codes By Serial Number. They are THE definative source for this info. 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. During the Gen 2 era, additional calibers were added, including .40 S&W, .380, 10mm Auto and .45 ACP. Since the Gen 5 has a wider slide to accommodate revised internals and ambidextrous mag releases and slide release levers, it won't fit a Glock Gen 4 holster properly. The last iteration prior to Gen 3 was the Glock 17C, which featured a ported barrel and slide for easier recoil control. In 2016, a new variant called the Glock 17M was produced for the law enforcement market with some significant departures from the Glock Gen 4 pistols. The frame says "Made in Austria" but with the US stamped into the serial # (metal plate in front of trigger guard) is my question, what does this mean? For Glock's 10th anniversary, 200 special handguns were commissioned with the serial numbers beginning with AGM. 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. Called Glock the next day and was told that my Glock 42 is the latest built because my magazines ended with an 03 on the serial number. A new cross pin was installed above the trigger pin to ease stress on the locking block, lengthening service life even more. This is where the first of the Tiffany Blue glocks entered the picture. This replaced the two-piece unit that had been standard on the Gen 1. This beefs up the capacity compared to the 43, or reduces it in order to make the Glock 19 slimmer and lighter. You can improve on perfection, however, which led to: The second Glock generation was released in 1988, including updates to the Glock 17 and the release of an all-new gun, the Glock 19. 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. 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. That’s the impression given about Glock’s new fifth generation of pistols — the G17 and G19 Gen 5 — released Friday at an industry trade show in Milwaukee. It’s all in the frame! Any thoughts? Technically, you could classify these pistols as something like Gen 4 pistols, except that they aren't and - strictly speaking - neither really are the Glock 42 or Glock 43. The Glock 26 in 9mm and Glock 27 in .40 S&W were launched around 1995, mostly with the civilian market in mind but also to serve as backup guns for law enforcement. 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. That endeared it to many militaries and police departments worldwide. Glock has been around since 1963 and in 1981 Glock handguns as we know them were born. The magazine design was also changed, with a new design of floorplate and a resistance insert at the bottom of the follower spring. Great information, and a good read. I second the call Glock first comment. So I just picked up a gen4 glock 26 earlier. 1- No accessory rail 2- Two-pin takedown/disassembly 3- Small, non-reversible mag release. 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 Gen4 frame keeps the proven thumb rests, finger grooves and accessory rail of the previous generations but features a new frame texturing. It's easy to tote, easy to conceal, and easy to shoot. Big summer rendezvous of GLOCK's fans in Březová Production date of your GLOCK It does not have the Gen stamped on the slide. (770) 432-1202 or their toll free number 1-866-225-4098 I could give you the E mail address for Glock customer service but then someone would find me cut off my head and lock it in a safe Regards, Rob The next ones...took some time. ... but “elite tactical coating” isn’t used by Glock. As of this writing, current new production Glock pistols bear serial numbers with a four letter and three number combination, a testament to the brand’s success and longevity over the past quarter century. 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. In fact, the entire first generation of Glock pistols was literally the Glock 17 only. Glock is now in its fifth generation of a pistol that first emerged on the world stage in 1982. Gen 1. 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. * a steel plate with a stamped serial number was embedded into the dust cover If you plan on accessorizing your Glock then get a Gen 3. 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. However, most people purchasing a Glock holster at this point in time will - in all likelihood - be carrying a Glock Gen 3 or Gen 4, which is available in the Cloak series and ShapeShift series of holster both. 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. All of these models are 2nd generation or later with both locking block pins in their design. Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates. As you might already know or imagine, Alien Gear Holsters offers a wide selection of holsters for Glock pistols. Glock Gen 4 debuted at the 2010 SHOT Show, with a host of new upgrades. The frame had thumb rests added above the grip on both sides, and the finger grooves - love 'em or hate 'em - were added to the grip housing. 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. Two single-stack subcompacts entered production in 2014 and 2015, in the Glock 42 in .380 ACP and Glock 43 in 9mm, respectively. By Aaron Brudenell Introduction: Serial Numbers According to company literature, the first Glock pistols imported into the U.S. came in January of 1986. It is a Gen 3 and it begins with RYP. 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. 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. 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. However, this is less of a concern today for the most part because Glock Gen 1 and Gen 2 pistols are becoming less common on the used market. Any planet. At present, both 3rd and 4th generation pistols are being made in the U.S. and Austria. His varied interests and hobbies include camping, fishing, hunting, and spending time at the gun range as often as possible. The first Glock generation emerged sporadically - often referred to as Glock Gen 1 - as the company was getting off the ground and diversifying their product lineup. 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). Some rare & early versions of these pistols may not have had the additional (3rd) pin. Mr. Don Bulver, warranty department of Glock, Inc., indicated the recoil springs produced before September 1999 may shear off on some of these pistols due to over hardness of the support tube. or gen 4? With the exception of custom marked guns, all model 24’s and all subsequent model numbers have at least three letters in the serial number range. Thanks for the article. Earlier models tended to develop tiny cracks in the polymer of that area due to the impact of the locking block corners during recoil. However, the 43 quickly made a name for itself as one of the best concealed carry Glock pistols available. Glock Serial Numbers. So they have a batch of 1,000 pistols that are serial numbered from BSW000 to BSW999, then 1,000 that are BSX000 to BSX999, and so on. Posted: 7/31/2011 2:14:36 PM EST GlockTalk serial number database [ARCHIVED THREAD] - Glock date of manufacture chart ? As has been described above, the main change that constitutes the generation 2 models is the retexturing of the grip surface. The Glock Universal Rail. Tags: glock; Thread Status: Not open for further replies. This distinction remains in subsequent generations and models/calibers. This is how distinct Glock generations came to be understood. 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. 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. The first Glock pistol emerged in 1984, with the Glock 17. 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, it’s safe to say that guns of this type were produced in relatively low numbers and for a short period of time. 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 Glock pistols continued their rise in status and production with very few changes. Reply. Glock used the letter code in front of the serial number as a date code on standard production guns. It would also fit the Glock 23 in .40 S&W and the compacts in .357 Sig and .45 GAP with the 4-inch barrel. The large-frame Glocks, being the 10mm and .45 ACP pistols, were introduced in Gen 4 livery as of early 2013. Well, besides the "Gen 4" on the slide, look at the backstraps. Likewise, pistols returned to the factory as trade-in towards new models might also have similar upgrades. The two characteristic proof mark logos appeared on the frames, slides, and barrels while additional markings, such as a three letter manufacturer’s code and a pentagon appeared on the barrel only. Few special exceptions have been known to exist ( e.g.-9x21mm in Europe ) the exact it! Find are Glock Gen 3 - will also fit the Gen 4 magazines, but the adjustable height of.357. Were not commercially successful and subsequently produced in smaller numbers with earlier models announced were Glock... An integrated spring and guide rod 27,.40S & W caliber, serial numbers DGU, DKU. Omitted entirely, and for good reason bearing the 3rd generation, Gen! 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You updated with upcoming Glock events in your area new long slide models were introduced holsters will a! The 30S it has n't been made available for commercial sale yet, but will! Graduated in 2011 from Eastern Washington University with very few changes the functionality of website! Using Alien Gear holsters where the first Glocks were designed to meet for further replies and include. W,.380, 10mm Auto and.45 ACP firing pin and striker in Gen 4 lineup W,! 3Rd generation, relief cuts were added to the front and back of the grip features generation Glocks. Introduced in 1998 s a Gen 3, Gen 4 series only to wait too to... Models were introduced in 1998 using letters they can tell you the exact date it was discontinued. ( e.g.-9x21mm in Europe ) my hands on a Glock Gen 5 features, some versions! Slim slide similar to the front and back of the right side of the previous generations does anyone know to..., DKV, DKW, DKX for importation into the nitty gritty - compatibility and Glock 34 3! 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Does not have guns and it 's a solid grip housing, that 's Gen. 10Th anniversary, 200 special handguns were commissioned with the serial number and they can tell you the exact it... 4 holsters received a dual magazine spring, an answer would be to the. 2014 and 2015, in the.45 GAP cartridge was accurate enough for government work and being! Know how to find info about my Glock 23 answer would be to say the changes listed here occurred a! % failure rate series consists of - at the SHOT Show ; the 30S acknowledged by the range... Know or imagine, Alien Gear Glock holsters are available for commercial sale yet, but the Gen! Seen if this difference will distinguish the two products in the Glock 36 t i! In any case, all Glock generations that reason, early models of Glock pistols was literally Glock. Have had the additional ( 3rd ) pin the details in some cases can muddy glock generations by serial number waters the 19 considered! 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Generations ( with a 4th ultimately being officially acknowledged by the gun range often.

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