Gen 4 Glock Updates, Gen 5 M Sneak Peeks

Current Events Industry News Max Slowik This Week
Gen 4 Glock Updates, Gen 5 M Sneak Peeks

Cutouts at the front of the slides and barrels reduce recoil and muzzle flip. (Photo: Carolina Gunrunners)

It looks like Glock is releasing updated, competition-oriented Gen 4 C pistols. These pistols have factory-cut slides and ported barrels for improved recoil reduction. These revised models should hopefully hit store shelves later this summer.

In addition to adding Gen 4 17C and 19C pistols to their lineup Glock is working with Lipsey’s to deliver upgraded Glock 17 and 19 FS pistols to their catalog.

Glock FS pistols come with steel sights, extended magazine release buttons and front and rear slide serrations. Standard Gen 4 Glocks come stock with polymer sights and only rear slide serrations.

Like the standard models these are chambered for 9mm Luger. In addition to the full- and mid-size Glock 17C and 19C pistols Glock is releasing a run of longlide Gen 3 17L pistols in 9mm and Glock 24 pistols in .40 S&W.

Gen 4 Glock Updates, Gen 5 M Sneak Peeks

The improved FS models. (Photo: Carolina Gunrunners)

The FS-series pistols have a $665 MSRP while the longslide models run a little more at $729. The C-series guns are right in the middle at $674. Real-world prices are typically lower.

Of course the big announcement everyone is waiting for is the upcoming “Gen 5” or M-model pistols. While the official word on these guns is still not out, new photos of the Glock 17M are making the rounds.

Glock developed the M-series to meet specific military and agency requirements. Glock has already begun to issue these guns to select users with Glock 17M and Glock 19M pistols spotted in the wild.

These new photos give us a solid insight on what stands to be the next generation of Glock service pistols. What we’re seeing is more than just a revised frame but a new slide and barrel assembly as well.

When the first photos of Glock’s upcoming M-series leaked out it was clear that the company redesigned the frame with a fingergroove-free grip. The grip texture matches the Gen 4 pattern and uses the same backstrap system.

Gen 4 Glock Updates, Gen 5 M Sneak Peeks

New photos of the so-called Gen 5 Glock 17M. (Photo: Handgun Planet)

The M-series also features ambidextrous slide release levers and a reversible magazine release making it lefty-friendly, a common agency requirement. According to Handgun Planet the grip houses a beveled magwell, too.

Changes to the Gen 5 slide include a rounded muzzle for faster, safer holstering and a new, tougher finish. Internally the pistols sport a new configuration as well, with a reportedly higher-quality factory trigger.

See Also: Check out These Leaked Photos of ‘Gen 5’ Glock 17M

The biggest change is to the barrel. Instead of Glock’s standard polygonal rifling, the M-series looks like it will have conventional rifling with a recessed target crown. This may be a cost-cutting measure or it could just be a different way of achieving the same accuracy and reliability standards set by the service pistol giant.

Naturally, none of these features are set in stone and may not completely represent the next generation of Glock pistols, but it’s interesting to see the company adopt other industry standards as they move forward.

These are exciting times for Glock fans.

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  • Spike Unruh August 4, 2017, 10:12 pm

    I am a Glock, Smith and Wesson, H&K, Sig Sauer And Beretta Armour. 34 parts to a Glock platforms and I can take down and replace, repair any part with 1 tool. Glock has never failed me even after 11,000 rounds through my 23. Just saying.

    • Ofc. Ryan Porter September 5, 2017, 10:30 pm

      Very well said, brother!! I sure wish I could post pics of my Glock’s I also like to stipple and do undercut with a dribble in you to Woodburn to stipple. Much love to you all, safe shooting…and as always God bless us all!
      Ofc. Ryan

  • Michael Gettles April 28, 2017, 8:53 pm

    Did anyone else notice the Gen 5 is a 2 pin instead of a 3?

    • J. Burnett June 30, 2017, 2:07 pm

      Question: Does this new pistol have a manual safety? For regular daily carry, I will not use a Glock with the current safety(?) system Glock offers. Thank you. J. Burnett

      • C. Gowan July 23, 2017, 12:04 pm

        I hate these ridicilious comments about glock safties. There are five safties in reguards to Glocks. The three offered by the company on each Glock as well as one between your ears and finnaly keeping your finger off the trigger. How much safer do you want???
        Carry the gun on one hip and the magezine in your back pocket.
        The glock is plenty safe. If it seems unsafe to you; then perhaps you shouldnt own a gun

        • Mike August 25, 2017, 9:21 am

          A lot of folks think this way. But when you chamber a round in a Glock, there isn’t enough tension on the striker spring to ignite the primer, if, for some reason, the striker is disengaged. Without the trigger being depressed, the Pin Safety (plunger) is physically blocking the striker from poking out anyway. I got my first Glock (3rd gen Glock 26) in 2011. I’ve had one in the pipe for almost 7 years now. I’ve never had an issue. Its the one that I trust the most.

    • Spike Unruh August 4, 2017, 10:15 pm

      It is a 2 pin very similar to the 42 and 43

    • Ofc. Ryan Porter September 5, 2017, 10:31 pm

      Yeah new block 2!

  • G. Miller April 17, 2017, 8:59 pm

    Just a quick comment on Glock, not to be confused with a hypothetical weapon that’s not in production. I’ve been a police, range master for 17 years with the Glock 22 as our primary weapon of carry. Its a fine weapon, end of story. I’m a graduate of Gunsite Academy, AZ., (Expert Rating-Golden Raven) I think in 2003, when carrying anything other than a 1911 was considered a bit whimpy. My mentor in firearms training is a Gunsite instructor of 15 years. I won’t try to argue caliber, or specific brand, or modern production ammunition in various calibers. I will say that I’ve never seen a better performing weapon for the average person, or COP, than the Glock pistols that I have carried. They work. They are reliable. They are durable. I carry one every day. My personal self defense (Favorite) choice is the Glock 22 in a IWB holster. I carry an extremely light weight S&W revolver 357/38 on a daily basis when off duty. I shoot single action hunting revolvers, black powder rifles and revolvers, hunting rifles, police shotguns, patrol rifles, I avidly collect firearms and have done so for 40 years. The Glock handgun has always been a fine weapon. It works. It’s proven, I trust it. Would I buy the first new production gun? (Maybe), but I would put it through the paces with my ammunition and equipment as well. I’ve seen Glock bashed many times, but I have never experienced failure based on design.

    • ROBERT PHILLIPS April 19, 2017, 5:25 am

      Amen brother.

    • Gene Stephens April 25, 2017, 8:01 pm

      Ditto everything G. Miller said about the Glock.

    • Juan N August 13, 2017, 7:52 am

      You nailed it, buddy

    • Ofc. Ryan Porter September 5, 2017, 10:38 pm

      Agreed 100 percent!! I’m an Officer, as well, and my Glock’s never let me down and saved my partner and I. I have a good Glockpile and I wish I could send you guys pics.

  • Robert Skinner April 15, 2017, 6:31 pm

    Some people choose Chevy. Another chooses Ford. Yet another chooses BMW. Each believes his brand is the fastest, prettiest and better than the others. Same with firearms. Some people like Smith and Wesson. Some H and K. Others swear by a Glock. So pick your favorite, and live or die with it. Why berate someone if they choose differently from you? I happen to have several different make weapons. But if I was only allowed to have one, give me that beautiful Glock. My choice. Not yours. You don’t have to carry or shoot it. So pick your own favorite. I won’t try to tell you that you have chosen poorly. Your gun will.

    • FirstStateMark April 16, 2017, 11:38 am

      I couldn’t have said it better!

  • Rob April 15, 2017, 3:07 pm

    The one suggestion I’d give to Glock is to undercut and radius the trigger guard. It’s easy to get Glock knuckle, especially when shooting Glocks in 40 cal.

    Other than that, GTG!

  • Dan April 15, 2017, 12:20 pm

    Glocks may be ugly to some, but they are relatively lightweight, extremely reliable, and accurate.

  • Norm Fishler April 15, 2017, 11:38 am

    Just wonderin’ why the comment I sent in two days ago was never shown.

  • donald sellers April 15, 2017, 10:37 am

    ALL GLOCKS HAS TWO SAFETYS, ONE IS BETWEEN YOUR EARS, THE OTHER IS KEEP YOUR FINGER OUT OF THE TRIGGER GUARD UNTILL YOU SEE A TARGET. KEEP IT SIMPLE. JUST FOR THE RECORD ALL GLOCKS FOR MANY YEARS NOW HAS BEEN MADE IN THE USA ALL OF THEM PARTS ALSO. THERE IS NONE BETTER FOR THE MONEY YOU SPEND . THEY WORK……………………………

  • Dean April 14, 2017, 10:33 pm

    Unbelievable comments. You like Glocks, buy one. You don’t like Glocks, but something else. Lots of choices. Good grief! Nuf said.

  • John April 14, 2017, 7:56 pm

    Like what you carry. Shoot it well. Who cares what anyone says? If you feel comfortable, safe and proficient go for it.

  • Robert Howard Webber April 14, 2017, 2:37 pm

    Looks good to me not surprised by all the hate. I wonder how the rifled barrels work in the M series?

  • David April 14, 2017, 12:11 pm

    As someone who owns handguns from Ruger, S&W, Sig, Colt, Kel Tec, and a few others including the highly demonized Glocks, I always wondered why people that do not like Glocks don’t simply buy something else. But then I realized all the venom was due to that law that requires everyone to buy a Glock. Oh, wait….

  • Ron April 14, 2017, 12:09 pm

    Glocks are the Blackberrys and Motorolas of the gun world. They just don’t get it.
    So many other manufacturers have already made much better pistols than Glock offerings.
    I think now that SIG has the US Army contract, LEO’s and “other professionals” will start looking at the better options.

    • Robert Mowery April 14, 2017, 6:52 pm

      What happened to ” America First?” I know these will be made in America but the bulk of the money will go to Germany. There are many fine handguns made in America owned by Americans. Just my opinion of which I am to intended to have. Semper Fi.

      • what April 15, 2017, 11:35 pm

        Why will the bulk of money go to Germany when Glock is an Austrian company?

    • IZ April 15, 2017, 4:34 am

      Glocks are more like the AK 47 of pistols. There may be some better pistols out there….but ultimately; UNFAILING reliability is the most important when choosing a battle firearm. The Glock fits that purpose nicely. UNFAILING reliability !

  • Mike Mullen April 14, 2017, 11:40 am

    Anyone who needs a pistol with a comp on the end to shoot well simply doesn’t practice enough………

    Practice, and more practice eliminates all recoil issues. If you don’t believe me, ask Dave Sevigny, or Rob Leatham. Both used uncompensated weapons for decades and both are amongst the winningest pistol competitors of all time.

    • Charlie April 14, 2017, 6:58 pm

      Whatever, that is a BS comment. No amount of practice will alleviate any major portion of the recoil issues with a 44 magnum derringer or a 577 TREX or most other big bore doubles for that matter. You might learn to shoot them better, but you will NEVER eliminate the recoil.

      • +Doctor Who April 18, 2017, 8:09 pm

        For starters;
        A Derringer in .44 Magnum will have recoil equal to firing a Magnum caliber in an Extra light Firearm making no sense at all and no gain thanks to the rule of Diminishing returns.
        After much testing, that derringer is best with a .45 L.C. short cartridge, ACP length, with a fast burning powder, 900fps, 230 gn HP bullet.

        Try it.

    • Gary Damron May 23, 2017, 10:14 pm

      Mr. Mullen,

      I do believe you are wrong on the use of compensators for Glock pistols. I was a member of the Alaska State Trooper and the Alaska Department of Corrections for almost 25 years.

      I had a skiing injury early in my 20’s. This required removing a tendon from my forearm into my thumb. Now my right thumb was twice was twice the size as the left one. Every time the slide came back it bit off a big chunk of my flesh. To say it hurt is a polite understatement. I was issued a Gen II Glock 22C. I never had another bitten knuckle and gun was as accurate as any other handgun I had ever carried before.

      So don’t lump those who use the 22C as limp wristed. I have carried S&Ws in .357 and 9mm, Glocks in .40, 9mm, and .45, Ruger in 357, and Colts from snake guns to 1911’s, and AR’s.

      Thank you for your time,

      Gary Damron

  • cisco kid April 14, 2017, 10:52 am

    You often wonder who the numb skulls are that run Glock. The name of the game so to speak in manufacturing is to sell your product not prevent it from being sold. Many people do not buy Glocks for the simple reason that they do not offer an “alternate model” that has a manual safety on it. Now everyone knows Glock has for years had a “manual safety model” for sale to foreign countries that do not allow its import unless it is equipped with one. So why do they not make that model available to the American Market? It makes no economic sense. H&K gives one that very option, if you want one, H&K will sell you one with a manual safety. That’s why I bought and carry an H&K not a Glock because I was able to get the manual safety model. Glock ended up losing another sale and another life long customer all because they do not offer this option.

    • gary sheldon April 14, 2017, 7:46 pm

      I like Glock,……….a lot. It can put evil to sleep as well as any other firearm of the same style (semi auto pistol).

    • IZ April 15, 2017, 5:17 am

      Every Glock has a safety on its trigger. The pistol will NOT fire unless the trigger is squeezed. What other safety do you require ? Perhaps our country has failed miserably by not manufacturing an alternate model of a revolver with a manual safety. Smith and Wesson, Ruger, Colt….etc etc…all the firearms manufacturers do NOT offer a manual safety on their revolver pistols. Our beloved government model 1911 has a safety on it….simply because it was designed to be carried loaded with the hammer cocked…almost certain disaster without the safety. Modern firearms are DESIGNED without an extra external manual safety lever. They are designed NOT to need one and remain SAFE unless of course you pull the trigger. If you lack the confidence, or you require extra external manual safety, simply buy a different pistol that offers what you want, but criticizing Glock for not having one is like criticizing a new car for not having a real key that you must stick into the steering column to lock and unlock it. Grow up and embrace pistol technology (Glock has not changed its basic design for more than 30 years) Where have you been living ? More than likely, you are simply not experienced enough to understand the characteristics of the modern day pistol.

      • Dan April 15, 2017, 11:08 am

        I don’t understand the predominance of negative comments regarding safeties on concealed carry pistols? It seems that the authors of most of the pistol articles I read manage to include some type of negative comment about having a manual safety. My favorite pistol of the many I own, is a Glock 27, which I would like even more if it had an ambidextrous on/off switch.

        The argument is usually made that double action pistols don’t require them because revolvers don’t, but a Glock trigger is not really comparable to most revolver triggers I have ever had. I believe that having a pistol with or without a manual safety is a personal preference, but for most authors and experts to be so anti-manual safety is a bad idea because many of those new to concealed carry rely on what they read online for guidance in selecting a pistol.

        Concealed carry seems to be growing in popularity across the country, and a lot of those applying for licenses are new to shooting and especially to concealed carry. I believe that part of the reason there hasn’t been more backlash against us is that (at least I) have not yet heard of any high profile concealed carry accidental discharges that resulted in death.

        Some may believe a manual safety will end up being left on in a high stress situation, but I believe if a person doesn’t train enough to avoid that possibility, they should not be carrying in the first place. I am not against pistols without manual safeties, but I would like to have that option available on all models, and for authors and experts to stop advocating against them – their articles won’t influence the opinions of most of us who have carried for years, but might influence those new shooters who may benefit the most from them.

        It is unlikely most of these new shooters will ever need to defend themselves with a pistol, but very likely that some of them will throw a Glock in their pocket on their way to Walmart, a pocket shared with keys, coins, etc, or throw one into their car’s glove compartment without a proper holster, or improperly draw under stress, or place their finger on the trigger prematurely, and on and on. In addition to the potential tragedy, the anti-gunners will pounce on incidents like those, and you will see our favorite politicians running for cover, or changing their stance on gun control altogether, and the most famous Tweeter of all time will be the first to declare that something needs to be done! There’s a reason safeties were named safeties!

    • James June 20, 2018, 7:04 pm

      Plenty of countries police forces use glock with no external safety.

      What multiple studies how is that it is changing gun type a person is used to that results in ND risk elevation for a period of time. People going from hammer to striker increase ND risk, and people going from striker to hammer or striker with safety also increase ND risk, especially the first year or two they are training

      We also know that increasing trigger weight passed 7 lbs increases the amount of misses (NYPD has one of the worst records on bystanders hit).

      most US departments that went from revolver to glock saw a DECREASE in ND per officer. There is clear evidence people treat revolvers, high trigger weight and guns with safety’s more carelessly.

  • Tom Petrocik April 14, 2017, 10:09 am

    I was a Glock hater for some time and wouldn’t give them the time of day. Mainly because they lacked a lockout safety, which I thought insane. After retiring from the MI DOC, where among other things was the armorer. The state dropped the S&W M15s and went the the Glock 17s, which I also thought insane. Thought for sure I’d be reading/hearing of unintended discharges and staff injuries or worse, surprisingly it didn’t happen. Checking with friends still employed in the training division I learned the Glocks were working out great state wide and my concerns were wrong. A few years later I purchased a new Glock 19, admittedly more so just to have one and p–s off the liberal leftist gun haters. Ive since become a Glock lover and have purchased a Glock 42 replacing my Browning BDA 380. I’ve replace the stock barrel in the 19 with a Wolf barrel and have a pop out trigger plugs for both Glocks, just so I can feel warm and fuzzy 😎 . now a big Glock fan. Love the 19 gen4!

  • ToddB April 14, 2017, 8:27 am

    All the make overs of the glock, and they still refuse to change the grip angle. Or at least make a replaceable back strap like most other polymer pistols, so you can change the grip. Its the whole reason I dont own glocks, that grip angle, just don’t like it. It would be so simple to cut out that empty part of the rear grip, and a neat little slide in panel. Nope, not glock. They probably grumbled and gritted their teeth as they took off the finger grooves, or put in an ambi slide lock. They fix that grip, I will buy, if not, then I will stick to other brands. Brands who seem to actually care what I want in a gun.

    • Harold Littell April 14, 2017, 10:15 am

      The grip angle is from the 1911A1 (arched main spring). This is perfect for me. All my 1911s have this except my WW I Colt. YEARS Ago Glock made Gen Slim frame modals, Then came the Gen 4 with changeble back straps. They have had these o the market for over FIVE YEARS. I bet you are a big fan of Hi-Points, the most “Jam for the Buck”.

    • Mark C. April 14, 2017, 11:22 am

      I completely understand your point, but if they changed the angle all that compatible magazine through all the sizes goes away. That would be a shame. As for the grip angle, I’m certain that the S&W offers more for the dollar in amenities and is more comfortable to shoot, but as for me, I’ve trained for 14 months now with a 17 and 26 (big and little 9mm) and the grip angle issue is all in training. You can adjust within 20 minutes of actual shooting and drawing. Not defending Glock per se, I wouldn’t have went with them if it weren’t for getting a screaming deal on both of mine, I would have certainly went with S&W.

      On a side note, I hope Glock doesn’t become the next iPhone…charging a premium due to “originality” and being streamlined but not really offering anything that’s really innovative for some time. They both spend an awful lot of money reminding folks how great they are and that reputation seems to go far, but I won’t pay a premium for it.

  • Pat J April 14, 2017, 8:13 am

    It doesn’t matter to me what anyone thinks of Glocks. But the photo of that Gen 5 without finger grooves is a beautiful thing to a big-handed Glock shooter. I won’t stand in line to get one, but I will get one when the crowds thin out. They’re going to sell big.

  • Vincent April 14, 2017, 8:04 am

    Most states are concealed carry,no one gets to see what your carrying. Except if you had to draw your weapon to protect yourself and I don’t think the bad guy is going to say, wow what an ugly gun . Do you wear designer jeans and a polo shirt or Levi’s and fruit of the loom tee shirts. It’s a Glock , they work and look just fine.

  • angel April 14, 2017, 7:55 am

    I agree with DENNIS, my GLOCKS shoot great. Try some good ammo…………….

  • Dan April 14, 2017, 6:06 am

    They might be Ugly….. like “Coyote Ugly” ! But, I still like the way it preforms…… daily or nightly!

  • Dennis April 14, 2017, 5:20 am

    If you want pretty, pretty then buy something else. If you want a handgun that will function when you NEED IT buy a Glock.

  • Roccaas April 14, 2017, 5:01 am

    Any word on how large the G17L run will be? Outside of the G18, they seem to be the Sasquatch of the Glock world~~talked about but never seen.

    • Rob April 15, 2017, 3:05 pm

      I saw one and handled one at a local LGS in SW PA. I thought about it long and hard, but I left the store without it.

      Later, I went back to see if the LGS still had it, but it was long gone.

      The Gen 3 17L has an amazing feel to it. The trigger was better than ANY stock Glock trigger I had ever tried, and I liked the extended magazine release and extended slide stop.

      Comparatively speaking, the price was the lowest I had seen at $667.00. Online, I’ve seen them listed for as much as $750.00.

      I’m still kicking myself.

  • Dilligaf April 13, 2017, 12:07 am

    Glocks are gawd awful ugly and shoot like shit IMO. I wonder if glock is still crying that they lose the Army contract…….

    • TrumpIsApuppet April 14, 2017, 2:56 am

      The army ONLY chose Sig because they went for the cheapest deal. Special Forces, Navy SEALS, etc choose their pistol, and if you research it. They’ve mostly have chosen Glock. You sound like a typical troll that probably doesn’t even a firearm.

      • Slipkid April 14, 2017, 7:56 am

        Another insider, with all the answers.

      • Slipkid April 14, 2017, 8:00 am

        Everyone knows that their reason is the correct reason, an expert of sorts.

    • Glocky April 14, 2017, 2:57 am

      You said that just to hate Glocks obviously…Never owned one. Have 7 pistols. Hi Power, 1911, Mak, P64 etc….Always wanted one but they are bulky and ugly. Can’t deny the durability and functionality tho. Would get a Gen 5

    • FukkTrump April 14, 2017, 2:57 am

      The army ONLY chose Sig because they went for the cheapest deal. Special Forces, Navy SEALS, etc choose their pistol, and if you research it. They’ve mostly have chosen Glock. You sound like a typical troll that probably doesn’t even a firearm.

      • Awesome Bill from Dawsonville April 14, 2017, 9:22 am

        Keep drinking that Kool-aid

    • Dennis April 14, 2017, 5:12 am

      I don’t know what you’ve been shooting but my glock shoots great! Maybe it’s the shooter?

    • Joe Preisser April 14, 2017, 9:10 am

      If you think they shoot like shit, you haven’t shot one…or the one you shot was used as a blacksmiths anvil before you shot it…or maybe you can’t shoot at all KB commando

    • IZ April 15, 2017, 4:56 am

      If you think that they shoot like shit…you are simply not a pistolero. I have made my living with handguns for the last 38 years. In my current agency, we are running Sigs and we have been running them for the past 15 years. But at one point the agency tried to to change our sidearm to the Sig 350. It went through all of the trials and it supposedly passed the all so they began issuing them to us in the field…..huge mistake. Very few agents in the field liked the new 350. We all were wondering who did the evaluations and how no one notice the obvious drawbacks of the pistol. Word got out quickly and all the 350’s were quickly recalled and we were issued new versions of the sig that we were already carrying.
      So don’t go tooting your unexperienced horn about how good the Sig 350 is for the military. It has its drawbacks and as soon as some real trigger pullers begin to put this pistol through its paces….no doubt there will be a lot of complaining. I am not going into detail but we shoot a lot and it was quickly revealed that it was not going to work out for us. Perhaps if you are going to carry it a lot and use it very little, its of no consequence, but if they are going to shoot it for any prolonged period….certainly seek another pistol. Glocks are great because they offer unfailing reliability, they are ergonomically comfortable and there is nothing extra on the gun to manipulate when you need it to go bang! Sigs are good pistols…but not all sigs are created equal. Fortunately, Glocks are great pistols and ALL the different Glock models ARE created equally well.

      • Blasted Cap April 17, 2017, 7:20 am

        Considering the fact that the Army went with the Sig 320 not the 350 makes your argument either invalid or uninformed.

  • Will Drider April 11, 2017, 5:25 pm

    Don’t you mean “Compensated” not “Competition” which is what the “C” abbreviation stood for in the past? Glock discontinued standard production of the “C” effective Jan 2014. Just looks like they are resurrecting them for the Gen 4.

  • ProtoCulture April 11, 2017, 10:55 am

    Still an ugly slab… ZZZzzz…

    • Robert Mowery April 14, 2017, 7:02 pm

      A very dependable “Ugly Slab.” I have no doubts that it will perform should I have to ever use it for personal protection. I ‘d rather have an Ugly Slab that works, than a Hot Looking “Dud.”

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