GLOCK Gen6: The Latest Example of GLOCK Perfection 

Changes at GLOCK just keep coming, but folks are probably going to like the latest. The company has finally announced the GLOCK Gen6. Enthusiasts have been waiting for this pistol for a while, wondering if and when it was coming.

Lots of folks thought it was coming at NRA Annual Meetings; rumors were flying at the time. The GLOCK Gen 6 didn’t happen, but the company did discontinue some models. Then, rumors started back up a few months later. Those rumors were quashed with the leakage and introduction of the GLOCK GenV, but not for long. 

Shooters have been chomping the bit for the GLOCK Gen 6, and it is finally here, providing quite a few upgrades from Gen5 and even GenV, which will continue to be made. In fact, the GLOCK Gen6 is probably the biggest change the company has introduced into the market since the original pistol that revolutionized the firearms industry. It absolutely comes with features that shooters have been wanting for a while. These new features are, however, only coming out in three 9mm models — the G17, G19 and G45 — for now.

Is the GLOCK Gen6 the same as the GLOCKV?

The updates on the Gen6 are quite significant, with some adding a lot to the gun’s shootability. Probably the most significant is that the Gen6 comes with a flat-faced trigger. It still has the trigger dingle of the Safe Action system, but it breaks smoother and more naturally, right at 5.5 pounds. The next, in my opinion, is the undercut trigger guard. This allows shooters to obtain a higher grip for control. 

This undercut goes well with the extended beavertail that prevents GLOCK bite, as well as the RTF6 grip texture that covers a significantly more of the grip. This includes an extended thumb rest that is cut into the frame, allowing use of the many GLOCK holsters already on the market. The Gen6 will fit all Gen5 holsters. The RTF6 texture really provides an aggressive grip for control that doesn’t tear up the hands. This also means it shouldn’t tear up gloves, shirts or coats. 

Then comes a very natural palm swell that can be changed via interchangeable backstraps. The swell just the right size reach to the enlarged slide stop that is ambidextrous. The new slide stop even has larger border to help prevent unintentional activation. 

The last feature that will really get the attention of shooters is the new optics mounting system. It is no longer the MOS. The new system uses polymer plates for mounting a variety of pistol optics directly into the slide. It is a secure and easy to use system. The new pistol also comes with deeper serrations that are extra deep at the top of the slide, from and rear. Nice, but a lesser feature when placed against the others. 

The Gen6 is a major upgrade from both Gen5 and GenV. This is especially the case since GenV is a Gen5 with some changes in the slide cover plate, the firing pin and the firing pin channel. Most of these changes are to defeat the so-called “GLOCK switch.” It will be quite easy to tell the Gens5 andV from the Gen6.

First Shots with Gen6

Along with some others, I got an early opportunity to shoot the GLOCK Gen6. I can honestly say this is the most advanced GLOCK pistol I’ve seen. The new features work together to produce the pistol for which shooters have been waiting. 

The new grip texture on the palm swell and the thumb rest really allow a secure grip. You can even get a really high grip, via the undercut trigger guard, because the beavertail takes away all fear of slide bite. This is nice, providing much more control of recoil. Together, it just works. 

The trigger is the best standard GLOCK trigger I’ve ever felt. There is very little play, and the flat face helps provide a natural pull for accuracy. It even breaks much more cleanly than previous models. And the optics mounting system puts everything over the top. 

With the continuation of the ultra-reliable Safe Action System and the upgraded features, the GLOCK Gen6 is the best Austrian pistol yet. It still has a little bit of the “a GLOCK is a GLOCK” look to it, but it is way more than a brick that shoots. The pistols will start shipping in the new year.