GLOCK Drops New Gen6 Pistols
On December 4 the GCA was invited to an invite-only event along with other media outlets and online influencers. We thought it would be more info on Gen5 V series but it wasn’t. GLOCK took the opportunity to launch a sixth generation of GLOCKs.
The GLOCK Gen6 guns are currently composed of all 9mm guns; the classic G17, the benchmark G19, and the under-popular G45. The G49 will also be available internationally; not in the U.S. It’s appropriate GLOCK drops the big news since 2026 marks 40 years that GLOCK has been in the U.S. So what’s different about the Gen5 series compared to the new GLOCK Gen6 guns? Where do I start?
New GLOCK Gen6 Enhancements
The new Gen6 guns have a drastic change to the outside of the pistols. They look like sexed up GLOCKs. The texture, idea point, beaver tail, trigger and slide have all gone through a make-over. Here’s the breakdown:
GLOCK Gen6 Texture: The new texture is called RTF6 which combines RTF2 and the current RTF4. Simple math. The super aggressive RTF2 texture works with the RTF4 to create a texture that is grippy yet none abrasive. There is also more texture on the grip higher up on the frame.
GLOCK Gen6 Palm Swell: Even bigger news is the sides of the grips now have now have palm swells so more grip makes contact with your hand.
GLOCK Gen6 Pas Pedal: A gas pedal or index point for the support hand has been added to provide more leverage when shooting for speed. It’s covered in RTF6, like the grip and the area re-contoured. No need to buy new holsters either. Gen5 holsters are compatible with the new Gen6 guns.
GLOCK Gen6 Beaver Tail: The new Gen6 guns still have modular back straps. Two are included with the pistol, but a beaver tail is built into the frame to protect shooters with over-sized hands from slide bite.
GLOCK Gen6 Undercut Trigger Guard: A common DIY modification on GLOCKs has been to take a Dremel tool to the rear of the trigger guard. GLOCK has done this for us. The new undercut trigger guard allows for a higher grip to better control recoil.
GLOCK Gen6 Slide Stop Fence: Do you ride the slide stop and cause the pistol not to lock back after the final shot? A higher fence around the slide stop has been incorporated to reduce this issue.
GLOCK Gen6 Flat Face Trigger: The new Gen6 flat face trigger matches a flat face trigger shoe to a Gen5 V series trigger system. The flat face trigger is another common DIY customization. The Gen6 trigger system is similar to Gen5 guns and previous generations of GLOCKs with a double-action feel. It is not Glock’s Performance Trigger.
GLOCK Gen6 Optic Ready System: The MOS mounting is old-school and still available on Gen5 V series. The new Gen6 optic ready system has been totally redesigned with a deeper slide cut so the optic sits lower. Gone are the metal plates, replaced with a polymer plate, which absorbs some of the shear force during recoil and acts like a crush washer. A total of three plates are included with each pistol to fit popular open emitter red dot sights.
GLOCK Gen6 Forward Slide Serrations: GLOCK added front slide serrations with Gen5 guns and for Gen6 pistols the front slide serrations are deeper at the top. There is more purchase to racking the slide or do a press check.
GLOCK Gen6 Extractor: A redesign of the extractor was done so there should be no issues with mounting aftermarket optics with aftermarket mounting screws.
GLOCK Gen6 Recoil Spring Assembly: A throw back to previous generations is a single captured recoil spring with the new Gen6 guns in lieu of the double spring assembly.
The internals of the new Gen6 pistol have original GLOCK DNA. The safety action trigger is a proven design. There’s a fine line between performance and safety and GLOCK understands the landscape.
Reason For GLOCK Gen6
It should be no surprise that GLOCK follows the Test-Learn-Improve process for product development. GLOCK does not follow trends, but they do listen to user feedback. The enhancements in the new Gen6 pistols incorporate the response from GLOCK users.
How Does The GLOCK Gen6 Perform?
I didn’t have time to give the new Gen6 GLOCKs a thorough review, but the after about 200 rounds through a G17, G19, and G45 I did get a good vibe from the new pistols. I like how they look and how they feel in hand. The RTF6 texture, palm swell grip, and undercut trigger guard allowed my hand to better adhere to the pistol with no discomfort and grasp it higher. There was no doubt the GLOCK Gen6 was adhered to my hand. The flat trigger is easier to press and manipulate.
Going hot with the Gen6 G19 the first few shots felt familiar if not different if that makes any sense. The grip was nice, the index point helpful and I didn’t feel like I was reaching for the trigger. The take up and break on the trigger was typical Gen5. I like the flat face trigger. Sure there is muzzle flip, but all 9mm compacts have muzzle flip. I felt I could get on top of it better because of the undercut. The G45 is a nice gun because it has more grip to hang onto. I felt I could shoot the G45 faster and more accurately. Finally the classic G17 felt like it had been worked on by some aftermarket shop specializing in GLOCKs. It was easy to shoot it well and not really try.
Final Thoughts On The GLOCK Gen6 Pistols
We were all wondering why GLOCK discontinuing all double stack Gen5 pistols and replaced some of them with a new Gen5 V series. The V series pistols have a new slide, trigger assembly, and frame configuration to make them more tamper proof for MCD switches. The Gen6 GLOCKs incorporate the same internal modifications as the V series. According to our sources the V Series, which GLOC not a Gen5 will continue to be built. The V Series be GLOCK’s new baseline of product while they focus on the Gen6 line. The MSRP on any of the new GLOCK Gen6 models is $749. We hope to receive a sample pistol for further testing and are looking forward to really get to know the new Gen6 GLOCK.
