Glock Gen5 has been released. The wait is over. The newest Generation includes a few cosmetic changes and functional upgrades.
The Glock Gen5 is released in the Glock 19 and Glock 17 models.
Gone are the finger grooves, the Gen5 gets back to the roots of the original. Considering this is one of the first things requested when customizing, it just made sense. The Gen5 looks like a Gen1 and Gen4 hybrid. It retains the texture of the Gen4 with the grip of the Gen1.
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A left side slide release makes this latest iteration fully ambidextrous, as it retains the Gen4 reversible magazine release.
The magazine well has been flared, which is nice for both tactical and competitive shooters. Looks like Glock caught the fever of the SIG P320 X-Five on this one, but it is nice. Reloads are a snap.
The biggest upgrade is what Glock calls the new “Marksman barrel.” This change supposedly halves the accuracy of the old Glock standard. Before, 4 inches at 25 yards was the factory standard. Now it has been changed to 4 inches at 50 yards. Time will tell if this matters to shooters, but it is great to know the potential is there.
There have been major changes to the geometry of the safety plunger, the part that makes the Glock drop safe. It is now angled, which makes for a better trigger pull out of the box. It’s still not a custom-tuned single action, but it is a major improvement.
The wait is finally over for the Gen5. Glock is set to release them within the next few days.
Clay Martin is a retired Marine and Green Beret, having served with distinction in the 3rd Special Forces Group. A multi-service, multi-decade sniper, he’s also a seasoned 3-Gun competitor and a Master-ranked shooter in USPSA Production. When he’s not writing about firearms and tactics, Clay is the author of the novel Last Son of The War God, a gritty story about dispensing justice the hard way. Follow him on Twitter @offthe_res or visit his website at Off-The-Reservation.com.
Experience:
– U.S. Marine Corps Infantry, Scout/Sniper, and Recon Marine
– U.S. Army Green Beret, 3rd Special Forces Group (ODA Comms SGT, Intel SGT, SFAUC Instructor)
– Competitive Shooter – Master-ranked in USPSA Production, experienced 3-Gun competitor
– Tactical Instructor – Extensive background in teaching carbine, pistol, CQB, and survival skills
– Author – Fiction and non-fiction works on warfare, survival, and American resilience
– 2A Advocate – Defender of the Constitution and vocal proponent of gun rights
– Outdoorsman – Idaho-based hunter, adventurer, and father of feral children and dogs
I have two Glocks. Gen 1 glock 17 and gen 2 glock 20. thousands of rounds, no issues.
They’re still butt-ugly 2 by 4s with a fire hole.
I just can’t like a gun that screams “soulless, mass-produced plastic widget.”
I’m glad for their fans, though. I hope they’ve finally hit a home run. They just aren’t for everyone, sorry.
Really interested in this new gen5, cant wait to get my hands on one!
Are they California compliant?
Aside from the change to the barrel, this looks like a hail Mary to attract government/military contracts. Any Gen5 will be more usable for a greater percentage of shooters that happen to pick it up, but all the personality is now gone.
When I chose my Glock, I went to the dealer and held every single model in my hand. Then I narrowed it down to my “Top 4” and took used models to the range. Then I settled on the one that felt perfect in my hand and bought it new from the same dealer. I’m glad my Glock doesn’t have an ambidextrous slide catch or magazine release for example. That’s just additional junk on your gun if you aren’t planning on selling it later.
Summary: A greater % of people will think the Gen5s feel good, but a lower % of people will think they feel perfect. That’s a great thing if you are planning on buying hundreds or thousands of them to outfit an organization, but it’s a step backward if you are looking for your personal carry.
Great article,I thought the Gen-5 was going to have front slide serration?
Great reputation, good shooter, easy to maintain. Why can’t I warm up to Glocks? I’m not planning on participating in gun fights where I’ll need 15 or 17 + 1 rounds, if I can’t get the job done in 3 I’m the loser anyway. My Rutgers, Colts, and/or S&W do a great job and they’re cheaper.
An honest assessment, and reasoned thinking.
I have owned 5 Glocks, great guns for reliability and accurate as any other.
But I just can’t get to liking them well enough to “love” them!
I tried, I really did!
Ghost triggers, better sights, and all that stuff.
None ever felt good in my hand.
Glocks are great, I wouldn’t ‘diss’ them, but I just can’t love ’em!
But I have an HK VP that really appeals to me.
Strange.
easy- lock slide to rear, remove slide cover plate and striker, release slide and remove- no pulling of trigger required Mr. Scaredy Cat
I bought my first Glock about a month ago and haven’t had a chance to shoot it. I like the way you can it feels, looks, etc. I also have a smith and wesson m&p 9mm shield. I ‘like them both’.
I love Glocks but——-
Find a way to dis assemble without pulling the trigger.
Competent gun owners unload their pistol before attempting disassembly, therefore pulling the trigger is a non-issue.
I have owned a few Glocks.Don’t have any at this time, not expected to own another.I always go back to my 1911.It has never failed and is a basis that can be improved on without purchasing another handgun.I just can not get use to that second little trigger in the middle of the main one. Just me i guess.Many old shooters have embraced this handgun and others have not.I am one that has not. They keep trying to improve this handgun,but it still is the same boat anchor for many shooters.
its still a glock
And a Colt is still a Colt, a Ruger a Ruger, a Smith a Smith.
We ask, what is your point?
This really sucks. Glock has now taken away most of my favorite excuses. When I was not shooting well with my duty weapon I was able to go to the excuse zone and say, “Well that’s the crummy Glock barrel.” and, “I hit the narrow magwell on reload, wish the department would allow us to flare them.” or, “These grips are grooved for someone with meaty Austrian hands.” So now what am I gonna say. Thanks a bunch Glock.
As a Glock Armorer and FFL seller of Glocks it is good personally and professionally for me to see the upgraded Barrel and new flared magwell area. However this is simply Glocks failed military bid now being offered to the public. I love Glocks and believe in them 100% for carry options. But hope they get producing other calibers quickly if this truly is the NEW Glock to replace all others.
Looks like Glock listened to their fan base! Nice to see a gun manufacturer care and take small but incremental improvements to give those of us what we really wanted.