Glock pistols are incredibly popular among gun enthusiasts and law enforcement officers. The Gen 5 is no exception, boasting new enhancements that set it apart from previous generations. One of the most notable changes is the elimination of finger grooves, which allows users of all sizes to hold the gun comfortably. Other improvements include the addition of ambidextrous slide stops and a flared mag well.
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Enhanced Accuracy
Glock pistols have always been a top-of-the-line option for those seeking reliability in a compact form factor. Their ability to fit comfortably into a holster, provide exceptional trigger performance, and allow for quick, efficient reloads makes them an excellent choice for concealed carry and home defense. Gen5 Glock pistols are an evolution of perfection. They were inspired by the Glock M 17M and 19M pistols used by the FBI and boast more than 20 design changes compared to their Gen 4 counterparts. Most of these improvements revolve around enhancing the shooter’s experience. It includes a high-traction frame texture, the MBS for individual operator adjustability, ambidextrous slide stop levers, and the DLC finish for durability. Most notably, the finger grooves on the front of the frame have been eliminated. Removing these infamous cutouts is the most significant change to Gen 5 pistols. All Gen 5 MOS models feature front slide serrations, which are new to the line.
Ambidextrous Slide Stop
The fifth generation of Glock pistols brought a few more notable improvements. First, Glock dropped the locking block pin in favor of a dual recoil spring system, which reduces the number of working parts and may reduce the chance of malfunction. Glock also redesigned the extractor to serve as a loaded chamber indicator, giving shooters both visual and tactile confirmation that there is a round in the chamber. Other changes included a reversible magazine catch, flared magwell, and swappable backstraps to accommodate various hand sizes.
Finally, Glock engineers beefed up slide and frame width, adding 0.1 inches to most models. It may seem like a small change, but it’s one that many shooters appreciate.
MOS Slide Cuts
Glocks are infamous for leaving rectangular marks on the primers of fired rounds. Gen 5 models feature forward slide serrations that help reduce those marks. Another typical modification shooters farm out to enhance a Glock’s performance is installing an optic-ready cut in the pistol’s slide. Gen 5 models come standard with that cut, making it easier for law enforcement and civilian shooters to mount red-dot sights.
The Gen 5 features other improvements, such as a reversible magazine release for individual operator adjustability, the Glock Marksman Barrel (which allows users to shoot lead bullets), and the more rigid DLC finish. The FBI contract versions of the Gen 5, the 17M and 19M, have a few changes, such as a flared magwell, omitted finger grooves, and no trigger guard serrations.
Front Serrations
The Glock 26 is one of the best-selling models, and Gen 5 pistols are now available. With its polygonal rifling, enhanced barrel crown, ambidextrous slide stop levers, no-finger grooves, and superior Glock hard-surface finish known as DLC, the Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) ensures increased accuracy. Some Glock owners like to grip the slide by the front serrations for a quick press check before firing to ensure that a round is chambered. It’s helpful for professional users who have to rapidly press the slide several times a day while conducting a search and destroy operation.
Gen 5 pistols have a more significant magazine release and interchangeable back straps to fit different hand sizes. They also include a finger groove removal to make the guns more ergonomic. In addition, a new dual recoil spring system is designed to reduce felt recoil and improve cycle time. It is a significant improvement over the dual recoil spring systems in previous generations of Glocks.