Glock Gen 6: First Shots & First Impressions

Glock has just unveiled the first three Gen 6 models, and I had the opportunity to go hands-on with them at the range.

In 2026, it will be 40 years since Glock has been in the U.S. Over those four decades, we have seen Glock grow from a fledgling pistol manufacturer to a global influencer of handgun design. The company’s pistols are deployed with countless militaries and law enforcement agencies around the globe, and for good reason: they work.

On December 6, Glock marked a milestone with the introduction of its sixth generation. The first Glock Gen 6 pistols models to be released in the U.S. will be the G17, G19 and G45, and the G49 will be available in some international markets as well. Compared to previous generations, the new Gen 6 Glocks certainly look more different than ever, but the changes aren’t merely aesthetic. They result in an improved feel that’s immediately noticeable in the hand, especially after putting rounds on target.

From the frame to the trigger to mounting optics, a lot is different with Gen 6, so let’s dive into what’s new.

Gen 6 Glock Updates

The first thing I noticed when I picked up a Gen 6 Glock was the grip texture. It was toothy and sticky, but after shooting one, I also discovered it was not unpleasantly rough. The new texture is RTF6 which combines the abrasive RTF2 and the current Gen5 RTF4 texture patterns. You remember RTF2? It stuck to your skin like briars and chewed up your hand after only running a few mags. The RTF2 acts like a substrate to the RTF4 and together they create a very nice texture. Glock was also more generous with the RTF6, adding it higher up on the frame. The sides of the grip now also have palm swells so there is more grip contact with your hand, and a textured gas pedal was added that provides the support hand more leverage when shooting for speed.

Two other additions are an extended beavertail so users with ham-sized hands don’t get slide bite, and an undercut trigger guard that allows for a higher grip to better control recoil. Finally, the fence around the slide stop is higher, so if you ride the slide stop with your support hand you are less likely to induce a malfunction. As for holster compatibility, don’t worry, as the Gen 6 guns will fit Gen 5 holsters just fine.

I admittedly was pretty stricken by the Glock’s new looks, but I still approached the firing line with objectivity in mind. That said, it didn’t take too many rounds to realize that no, the Gen 6 isn’t just a pretty face; these pistols shoot great, too. The changes made to the grip provided more contact with my hand and really made me feel more connected to the gun than any previous generation of Glock.

Glock was quick to say that the internals of the Gen 6 guns have original Glock DNA. They didn’t want to mess too much with the proven Safe Action System trigger design. Glock’s mantra is: Test. Learn. Improve. When designing the Gen 6 pistols, Glock listened to user feedback and incorporated many long-awaited features into the new generation while still ensuring the pistols were safe and relentlessly reliable like all other Glocks. While at the event, Glock mentioned that one of the G19s on the line had 40K rounds through it with no hiccups. If that’s not reliable, I don’t know what is.

We were all still a bit stunned when Glock discontinued all double-stack Gen 5 pistols and replaced some of them with the new Gen V series. The V series pistols have a new slide, trigger assembly, and frame configuration that makes it harder to install the infamous MCD switch and convert the pistols to full-auto. Gen 6 Glocks incorporate the internal modifications of the V series, as well as a few others, like a new optic slide cut and extractor system, both of which are designed to play nice with aftermarket optics and their mounting screws. Another little improvement found on the slide is deeper front serrations for easier racking and press checks.

Speaking of optic mounting, the MOS mounting system is thankfully history. The new Gen 6 optic-ready system has a deeper slide cut so optics sit lower. It also uses a polymer plate that acts like a crush washer to absorb some of the shear force during recoil. Three plates are included with each pistol.

Another little but surprising change is that the new Gen 6 guns reverted to the single capture recoil spring.

While most of the new features are pretty small, they all add up to make a big difference in the shooting experience.

Running The Glock Gen 6

I had the opportunity to run a G17, a G19 and a G45, all of them sporting a variety of different optics. The new flat-faced trigger and the updated grip offered a different feel to these still-familiar pistols. I like the palm swells, texture, and the undercut trigger guard, which combined, seem to help the grip fill your hand better and provide a higher hold. Simply put, the Gen 6 creates a better interface between the shooter and the pistol.

After going hot with the new guns, my takeaway was that the most noticeable changes were the addition of the textured gas pedal and the undercut trigger guard. They facilitated a higher grip, more control and therefore resulted in a more shootable pistol. The pistols didn’t take a lot of effort or concentration to shoot well, and that remained true across the G17, G45 and the G19. That said, the G17 was my favorite since I shot it the best. These are all still Glocks at the end of the day though, and bigger pistols are easier to shoot well, so that shouldn’t be a big surprise.

A single range session is not enough to fully evaluate a new gun, but it was enough to appreciate the modifications Glock has made in their sixth generation of pistols. I can’t wait to get a sample gun so I can put it through its paces and really get to know it for a more comprehensive review.

The MSRP on all three of the new Gen 6 Glock models is $749.

To learn more about the new generation of Glock pistols, visit glock.com.

More On Glock

• Glock 17 Review: How The Full-Sized Striker-Fired Set The Standard
• Glock 48 MOS Review: The Goldilocks Glock?
• Glock P80 Review: The One That Started It All
• Glock 44 Review: Perfection In .22 LR?
• G43X and G48 Review: Solidifying The Glock 9mm Slimline Series
• The Baby Glock Buyer's Guide
• Best Glock Upgrades: Customizing For Performance

Next Step: Get your FREE Printable Target Pack

Enhance your shooting precision with our 62 MOA Targets, perfect for rifles and handguns. Crafted in collaboration with Storm Tactical for accuracy and versatility.

Subscribe to the Gun Digest email newsletter and get your downloadable target pack sent straight to your inbox. Stay updated with the latest firearms info in the industry.