Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

I don't know much about Glocks. I've picked up 2 or 3 of them for no particular good reason, but all I really know (or ever cared to know) about them is that they shoot well and are accurate but just don't feel right to me.

But y'all keep talking about the different "generations" of Glocks. It ain't hard to figure out what you're talking about in a general way, but what are the differences between the generations and how can you tell which generation of Glock you've got?

This is generation 1-3

and this is generation 4


There is a couple version in between but its unlikely you have those because theyre pretty rare.

You don't see too many Gen 2s for sale anymore. Their main difference is the lack of grip finger grooves, and Gen 2s only have two pins rather than three pins holding the locking block, slide stop lever, and trigger mechanism in the frame.

Gen 3's added grip finger grooves and the third frame pin to better support the locking block and slide stop lever in the frame.

Gen 4s added a new dual spring recoil spring assembly, a slightly shortened frame grip (reducing trigger reach) with two add-on back straps for different hand sizes, a rougher textured grip, a larger magazine release, and the ability to have the magazine release on either side of the pistol.

Here is what I like most about Glocks:
Simple - you can be your own gunsmith, parts are relatively cheap and third party options are many
Consistent trigger pull and Short Reset - easily learned and allows you to run the gun fast
Lightweight - makes for easier carry
Inexpensive yet both reliable and durable

The .40 caliber models didn't start until the second generation but they all had three pin frames even though the 9mm didn't get it until the third gen.