Launch of GLOCK Gen 6 – a new era in the history of the Austrian pistol

The 6th generation of GLOCK pistols tells a story of ergonomics. This story was not written by us – it was written by you.

We analyzed and measured hands of all shapes and sizes. The goal? To build every detail of the Gen6 around your needs. The new generation of GLOCK pistols bring key ergonomic advancements, a flat faced trigger design, and a new Gen6 optic ready system into one platform. The specially developed RTF6 texture now provides even more coverage of the pistol, including new areas like the thumb rest, and delivers exceptional grip and confidence in any situation.

The Gen6 was engineered not only for precision, reliability and unmatched ergonomics – it was engineered for you.

GLOCK

Images: GLOCK

Slide assembly

New Optic Ready system

The end of MOS – the sixth generation introduces an entirely new optic mounting system. Transition plates are replaced with direct mounting to the slide, supported by polymer inserts with recoil lugs. These inserts are designed to ensure precise fit of the optic to the slide, provide support, and absorb shocks. The Gen6 interface is adapted to the Trijicon RMR and Leupold DeltaPoint Pro standards.

Even better slide serrations

The front slide serrations have been modified for even greater traction. The serrations deepen upward, forming gripping ridges.

Changes from Gen5 V included

Gen6 slides feature the same modifications as the Gen5 V models. The new striker is housed in a channel with raised edges, which prevent the installation of accessories that enable continuous fire (full auto switches).

New extractor

The extractor has been redesigned. From now on, it is removed as a single unit using the GLOCK tool. Its new design eliminates potential user errors during assembly and does not interfere with the optic mounting screws.

Frame assembly

New, grippy texture – RTF6

The Gen6 frames feature the new RTF6 grippy texture, characterized by numerous small protrusions. The texture covers the sides, back, and front of the grip. On the sides, it occupies significantly more area than in previous generations, extending higher toward the slide.

Ergonomically shaped frame

The frame geometry has been changed in key areas. Most importantly, a deep undercut of the trigger guard has been introduced, allowing the hand to sit higher on the grip. This undercut, which until now was one of the most common user-made modifications, finally becomes standard. Another change is the significantly extended beavertail, providing greater protection for the hand against the moving slide—something appreciated by shooters with larger hands as well as those shooting with gloves. Subtle palm swell contours have been added to the sides of the grip, making it feel more natural in the hand. In line with this approach, the front surface of the grip has also been more rounded. For shooters who prefer to rest their thumbs against the frame, textured RTF6 shelves (“gas pedals”) have been introduced just above the end of the trigger guard.

Despite these changes, the Gen6 is expected to remain compatible with holsters from the previous generation. This fact has already been confirmed by Safariland, present at the launch event in the USA.

Among the other modifications, the following stand out:

• Flat trigger shoe
• Frame-integrated protection for the slide stop lever
• An even wider magazine well opening

The GLOCK Gen6 is, to a large extent, a new pistol, with its key components not backward compatible with Gen5. Apart from the magazines, only certain internal components are interchangeable with pistols from previous generations.

For now, GLOCK announces a total of 4 models in Gen6:

• G17 Gen6 – successor to the concept of the Gen5 G47, combining a full-size slide with the compact G19 recoil assembly, and allowing interchangeability of slide and frame with compact versions.
• G19 Gen6 – the classic compact configuration.
• G45 Gen6 – a hybrid combining a compact slide with a full-size grip.
• G49 Gen6 – a hybrid combining a full-size slide with a compact grip.

The set is to include:

• Pistol
• Two magazines
• Speed loader
• Cleaning kit
• Manual
• Grip backstrap set (two additional included)
• Optic mounting plates/inserts

GLOCK Gen6 pistols are scheduled to enter distribution on January 20, 2025. According to various sources, their pricing is not expected to differ significantly from the Gen5 MOS.

More information can be found on the official GLOCK website.