Glock’s new product reveals have long been the subject of speculation and amused derision, owing in large measure to their unpredictability and the nuanced innovations of the new products. “A .22 LR-cal. pistol? That’s the new gun?” or “A 10 mm? So what?” Of course, non-Glock enthusiasts also claim each new Glock is essentially just like all the previous Glocks.
Granted, Glock sort of set itself up for this when it embraced “Perfection” as its marketing watchword. How do you make wholesale changes to something you’ve previously claimed was perfect? Well, the new GEN 6, “V” series Glocks are about to change all of that. The pistols are revelatory and the changes substantive. But first we need to address the elephant in, if not the room, then certainly cyberspace.
Rumors vs. Reality
The online scuttlebutt regarding the V-series pistols goes largely like this: Glock is being sued because its G-series semi-automatic pistols can easily be converted to fire full automatic with the mere installation of a “switch,” a device that can be 3D-printed. Instead of “sticking to its guns” (pardon the expression), the company knuckled under to the antis and is changing its core product line. This move, claimed those on the outside looking in, was incredibly short-sighted as the antis will never be satisfied, it suggests a lack of resolve on the part of the company, and whatever changes that are made can be (and already have been) overcome by those with criminal intent.
If that scenario seems a bit strange given the company’s vaunted business acumen, you’re right. What is actually going on is that Glock is facing a “coordinated and well-funded” attack by six jurisdictions over the convertibility of its G-series pistols. However, the company was aware of the issue and examining it two years prior to the first official complaint. Moreover, it is well aware that the antis will never be satisfied and that whatever redesign the company came up with would be surmountable. (You can convert a toaster into a space shuttle with enough modifications.) As to the notion of Glock “giving in” to the antis, realize that the GEN6 guns do not meet California’s pending regulations and that the fight is not over.
One of the complaints the antis have made in court is that Glock hadn’t tried to remedy the problem (although most reasonable people would conclude the problem is with the criminals, not the company). By making the V-series pistols more difficult (though not impossible) to convert, the company took away a major element of the litigants’ case against it. And, truth be told, the product line was overdue for a refresh, anyway, so why not add switch-resistance to the mix?
OK, that explains—and justifies—the thinking. Now, for the good stuff. Even if you don’t subscribe to “Glock Perfection,” the new GEN6 pistols move strongly in that direction. The changes are both plentiful and welcome. Kimber, decades ago, changed the M1911 market by looking at the modifications most aficionados of “Ol’ slabsides” made after purchasing a pistol. Glock looked at what owners of its pistols did to enhance those improvements and has incorporated them into the product line.
What Changed
The initial offerings in GEN6 will be the Models 17, 19, 45 and (for the international market only) the 49. (None of Glock’s slimline pistols is affected by the “V” changes.) Each of the GEN6 pistols will be marked with a “V,” and each includes the following enhancements.
Flat-face trigger: The Glock Performance Trigger isn’t compatible with the GEN6 Glocks. No matter; Glock has done a fine job with this new one. There’s a good amount of take-up before what can be described as a “rounded step.” It breaks nicely at the traditional 5.5 pounds and that flat face offers a greater sense of control. Also, trigger reach has been reduced.
Palm swell: After extensive research, palm swell has been added to enhance feel while still providing a comfortable fit for the widest range of shooters.
Deeper slide serrations: Often overlooked, slide serrations offering good purchase are essential to efficient manipulation of the gun, so Glock has deepened those on the GEN6 pistols.
Thumb rest: Referred to as the “gas pedal” by some, Glock added textured, bilateral thumb ledges to the dustcover, both as an index point and to help the operator control muzzle rise. Because the frame is just a little narrower on GEN6 pistols, the new guns will still fit existing holsters despite the thumb rests.
Undercut trigger guard: To prevent “Glock knuckle,” the underside of the trigger guard where it meets the grip is radiused, allowing a high grip and reducing discomfort. However, though thinner, the trigger guard remains strong enough for duty use.
Enlarged slide-stop-lever border: A small, low wall now surrounds the sides and bottom of the slide-stop lever to prevent accidental engagement of it, no matter your hold.
Enlarged beavertail: Larger than even the largest option on previous generations, the GEN6 beavertail protects the shooter’s hands from contacting the slide during firing, regardless of your hold or hand size. Two sizes of backstrap inserts are included, too.
RTF6 grip texture: The company has experimented with a lot of grip textures in the past and now believes the best of all possible options was to combine two of their previous textures into one pattern. Dubbed RTF6, it offers purchase without abrasiveness, either to skin or clothing.. It does feel better than previous Glock grip textures.
Optics cut: The GEN6 Glocks have an improved optics cut over the MOS pistols. The pistols come with a selection of three polymer optics plates. Each optic plate fits snugly and flush to the slide thanks to a deeper cut. Your MRDS screws directly to the slide with the optic plate functioning like a durable, reusable crush washer. RMR, DeltaPoint Pro and other footprints will be offered.
Slide-cover plate: This is now made out of metal instead of plastic and recontoured, as part of the effort to frustrate “switch” installation.
Single recoil spring: The company has returned to a single, captive recoil spring rather than the dual, nested unit with which we’d become familiar. The dual-spring arrangement was embraced when the .40 S&W was all the rage and its pressure curve presented performance challenges. Now that the 9 mm has largely supplanted it (and everything else), Glock saw no reason not to return to the single-spring design.
What hasn’t changed? Well, the Safe-Action Trigger system has not changed. Nor has the reliability. In shooting sample GEN6 pistols with scores of others recently, I did not witness a single malfunction. They were easy to shoot and accurate. In fact, they were remarkably comfortable and familiar but, looking at them, I knew why.
My personal Glock has a textured thumb ledge, big beavertail, enhanced trigger (due to a Ghost connector), improved grip and slide purchase (courtesy of Talon Grips), and an undercut trigger guard. Glock has made all my aftermarket fixes (and several others) standard on the new pistols. While we haven’t done extensive, formal testing yet, it’s pretty evident that these are the best pistols Glock has yet to produce.
