The Glock Gen 6 Pistols: How Glock fooled the internet - and us.

GLOCK GEN 6: THE Handgun. 

The rumors were wrong. So were the leaks. But the wait is finally over—and the community seems satisfied, even though there has been no major innovation breakthrough once again. The Austrians have much more confidence in their platform in its sixth iteration than many users outside of Reddit believed they would. The Glock Gen 6 is not a revolution, but rather what we are all already shooting anyway. Only this time, finally, it comes straight from the factory. Glock presents the next stage in the development of its pistol platform, typical for the brand at intervals of around 8 to 9 years. Following the introduction of Generation 5 in 2017, Glock Generation 6 now follows as a logical and consistent further development.

THE ERGONOMICS of the GLOCK GEN 6: “ENGINEERED FOR YOU”

Glock's marketing slogan for the Gen 6 is “Engineered for You,” and for the first time, it feels like they mean it. The frame has been completely redesigned to eliminate the most common user complaints - without the need for a Dremel or a $300 stippling job. So, what distinguishes the Glock Gen 6 from the Gen 5?

The new Glock 45 Gen 6 in all its glory. Source: www.eu.glock.com

“Palmswell” and the RTF6 texture:

The new texture is a hybrid pattern that offers more aggressive grip than Gen 5, wraps 360° around the grip, and extends much higher up the backstrap. No more slippery polymer in the worst place. Many voices on the internet quickly revel in memories of bloody hands when they think of the aggressive RTF-2 textures – but it shouldn't be that bad. And yet, almost every Glock owner has thought about having their grip professionally stippled at some point. In our opinion, this results in a fictitious saving of at least €150 on a Gen 6 Glock compared to custom stippling. Furthermore, the ergonomics of the grip itself have been changed: the grip is rounder and wider in the middle. The Gen 6 models now fit really comfortably in the hand. 

The new Gen 6 Flat Faced Trigger:

This is the first time Glock has broken new ground. While all previous Glock generations were equipped with a rounded trigger, the new Glock Gen 6 models all come with a straight trigger blade. This allows the trigger finger to grasp the pressure point much more tactilely and securely, making it easier to pull the trigger correctly. Of course, many users have previously retrofitted custom triggers such as Timney or Larry Vickers. This is no longer necessary. Savings compared to a retrofit solution from the accessories market: at least another €150.

Thumb rest and Undercut.

The so-called “undercuts” and “gas pedal” cuts are very popular. But what exactly are “undercuts” on Glocks? Material is deliberately milled away under the trigger guard to allow the support hand to grip the handgun much higher. The result is a more stable and controlled grip when shooting. At the same time, this modification aids recoil control, as the hand can better absorb the impulse and compensate for the recoil more effectively.

No less popular are the milled areas on the grip where the thumb rests. With the new Gen 6, Glock now offers an ergonomically shaped thumb rest for the first time – right out of the box. This surface also features the new RTF6 texture for maximum grip. Glock has taken customer feedback on board and implemented it consistently: optimizations that were previously only achievable through costly retrofitting are now integrated ex works.

New Gen 6 front serrations

Another new feature of the Gen 6 models is the significantly deeper front serrations. All models in the new generation—currently the Glock 17 Gen 6, Glock 19 Gen 6, Glock 45 Gen 6, and Glock 49 Gen 6—come with optimized, angled front serrations.

“Angled” means that the milling grooves are significantly deeper at the top. This design modification gives the shooter a better and more secure grip when manipulating the bolt, for example when troubleshooting. This makes handling noticeably easier under demanding conditions. Savings compared to retrofit solutions: a total of at least €170.

Further Glock Gen 6 innovations: dust cover and optic-ready system.

One of the most exciting innovations in Generation 6 is the Optic Ready system, i.e., the mount for red dot sights. Instead of distinguishing between Optic Ready and “non-optic-ready” variants, all Glock Gen 6 models are now consistently prepared for the mounting of red dot sights as standard. Glock is thus responding to the rapidly increasing popularity of red dot sights in shooting sports and professional use.

The system itself is also new: Gen 6 models use an innovative adapter system that allows red dot sights to be screwed directly onto the slide – and no longer, as before, via a separate adapter plate. This design enhancement ensures a more stable, lower, and more direct mounting of the sight, thereby improving the overall performance of the system. The Generation 6 Glocks are therefore not compatible with MOS adapters. The adapter plates supplied with the Gen 6 Glock are compatible with the RMR, Shield/Delta Point/Holosun K, and C-More footprint.

Image above: The new Optic Ready system on Gen 6 Glocks. Red dot sights can now be screwed directly onto the slide. Source: eu.glock.com

One of the latest exciting innovations concerns the so-called dust cover – and indirectly also the role of the Glock 17 Gen. 6 itself. First, let's clarify the term: what is the dust cover? It refers to the front end of the frame, i.e., the area below the slide or barrel that encloses the guide rail. While the Glock 17 Gen 5, like all previous generations, traditionally featured a long dust cover that extended all the way to the front end of the slide and barrel, this area has now been significantly shortened on the Glock 17 Gen 6 models. The design is thus based on that of the Glock 47 crossover platform.

Image above: Dust cover comparison between Glock 17 Gen 6 and Glock 47. Sources: austriaarms.com / armurerie-lavaux.com

For comparison: The Glock 45 is a Glock with a short frame and long barrel, while the Glock 47 was designed as a platform with a long frame and long barrel – but already with a short dust cover. The particular advantage of the Glock 47 lay in its modularity: by replacing the slide, it could be functionally configured as a Glock 45. This level of flexibility was not previously available with the Glock 17.

Apparently, the Glock 17 Gen 6 models have now been given this short dust cover – an adjustment that makes the original system role of the Glock 47 seem largely superfluous. Furthermore, no Glock 47 Gen 6 has been announced to date. This is a remarkable development that combines ergonomic advantages and extended platform modularity, but has so far received little media attention.

Which Glock Gen 6 models are available?

At market launch, the Glock 17 Gen 6, Glock 19 Gen 6, Glock 45 Gen 6, and Glock 49 Gen 6 will initially be available from retailers. All Generation 6 models will be available from all GLOCK partners from the end of January 2026. With the Glock 17 Gen 6, the classic “full-size” Glock in 9mm caliber with a 17-round magazine capacity remains in the portfolio and continues to form the basis for shooters who rely on a full-sized service pistol format.

The Glock 19 Gen. 6 and Glock 49 Gen. 6 models expand the range with two familiar compact platforms: the Glock 19 in its familiar configuration with a short frame and barrel, and the Glock 49 as a variant with a short frame and long barrel – for users who prefer a concealed carry weapon, for example. The Glock 19 and Glock 49 each come with a 15-round magazine capacity. The Glock 45 Gen 6 is also available, the popular crossover Glock that combines a long frame with a short barrel, offering ideal ergonomics and truly perfect handling.

The new Generation 6 Glocks come with two magazines, cleaning tools, loading aids, a carrying case, two backstraps, adapter plates, and mounting tools. As with the classic MOS models, the standard sights are not adjustable and correspond to the standard that has been in use for decades. This means that all previously compatible sights can also be used here. Likewise, the magazines from previous generations will be backward compatible. 

Our conclusion: Who is the Glock Gen 6 the perfect choice for?

Contrary to some criticism, we believe Glock has taken a convincing step forward with its new generation. Glock has taken its customers' feedback seriously and consistently optimized all practical aspects without changing the design features that make the brand so unique.

Taking into account the tuning measures that are already integrated as standard in the Gen 6 models, this results in a calculated saving of around €500. Modifications that were previously only possible through costly and time-consuming retrofitting are now supplied by Glock directly from the factory. These include flat-faced triggers, custom stippling, undercuts, gas pedals, red dot mounts, and slide serrations. Glock thus remains true to its line while comprehensively exploiting what is technically and ergonomically feasible.

The Gen 6 platform forms a strong basis for ambitious sport shooters and at the same time meets the requirements of a fully-fledged, robust service pistol. Glock does not drift into the realm of highly specialized sport pistols or purely functional, ergonomically compromised service weapons, but offers a successful balance of control, everyday usability, and performance.

There is always room for improvement – and Glock has demonstrated on multiple occasions in the past that it responds quickly and decisively to market developments. A recent example is the introduction of the so-called V-Glocks in the US, with which Glock responded to the sharp increase in illegal Glock conversions. This development had reached such proportions that several states were considering legal action and, in some cases, openly threatening lawsuits if Glock did not take countermeasures. With its new product line, Glock is specifically addressing a regulatory issue and once again responding to trends and security-related requirements.

In our opinion, the recommended retail price of approximately €890 is reasonable and competitive, considering the factory-integrated features, the practical added value of the platform, and its clear positioning in the market. Hats off to Glock – good job!

So, what did we think the Glock Gen 6 would look like? Read for yourself in our article from April 2025:

Reddit user discovers exciting Glock patent application - extended grip could be a hint for upcoming Fire Control Unit (FCU).

Two days ago, a post on the popular subreddit r/Glocks caused quite a stir. A user stumbled upon a previously unnoticed Glock patent application that describes an expandable or modular frame. In the otherwise innovation-shy world of Glock, this is an exciting find - especially with regard to a feature that many fans have been asking for for a long time: a Fire Control Unit (FCU) modeled on the competition. And thus a Generation 6?

Fire Control Units: The future of modern handguns

Fire Control Units (FCUs) are becoming increasingly important in the world of modern service and sports pistols. This is a central trigger group - the actual “heart” of the weapon - which functions as a separate unit independent of the frame. The big advantage: this FCU can be inserted into frames of different sizes, which means that the size, ergonomics and intended use can be flexibly adapted.

The best-known representative of this concept is undoubtedly Sig Sauer with the P320 series. Here, the registered FCU can be combined with compact, carry or full-size frames as required. A real modular system for enthusiasts, authorities, hunters - and anyone else who is enthusiastic about it. But other manufacturers also followed suit: Beretta APX, Heckler & Koch SFP9 CC, Springfield Echelon - they all use a similar system.

And Glock? The Austrian brand has so far remained true to its traditional design - and has been regularly criticized for it.

Reddit and its role in leaks

Picture above: New products have often been leaked on Reddit long before release. Be it video games, cars - maybe now the Glock Generation 6? Source: Reddit/Glocks

This is not the first time that Reddit has become a kind of “unofficial early warning system” for new products. In the thread „Upcoming Glock Gen 6?“ on r/Glocks, the patent application was hotly debated. And not for the first time. Even with previous leaks or product unveilings, Reddit users were often quicker than the specialist media or manufacturers themselves. For example, HERE with the Aimpoint COA. The fastest information today come from the "digital underground".

The patent: a game changer for Glock?

The Glock patent application that has now been discovered describes an extendable grip that is constructed in several sections. Although it does not explicitly mention an FCU, many experts and Reddit users are speculating: Is this the first step towards a modular Glock platform? The first step towards Generation 6?

Picture above: On the patent platform “Espacenet.com” you can find the mentioned patent of Glock. Source: ESPACENET

The 2023 published patent describes a modular handle assembly in which the handle is divided into an upper and a lower part. The focus is on a locking mechanism that can be released without tools, which connects the two parts together stably, but can still be easily separated - for example for transportation purposes or to adapt to different users.

Key points of the invention:

• Upper grip section: Contains the slide guide and the magazine receiver. It serves as a supporting unit for the slide.
• Lower grip section: Includes the majority of the grip and gripping surface and is interchangeable - allowing adaptation to different hand sizes and preferences.
• Locking mechanism: Consists of an independent locking element that ensures a firm connection via pre-tensioning (e.g. leaf spring). It can only be removed when no magazine is inserted.
• Optional power connection: An integrated battery holder allows a battery for accessories (light, shot counter, etc.) to be accommodated in the grip frame - an indication of future smart gun features?
• Ergonomics & modularity: The lower part of the grip can be completely replaced, allowing the size, shape and possibly even functionality of the weapon to be adapted.

Conclusion: Is Glock facing the biggest upheaval in its history?

The Reddit community is speculating wildly - and for good reason. If Glock does indeed move towards a modular platform with an FCU, it would be a real milestone. It is still unclear whether the patent will ever result in a real product. Because one thing is also a fact: Glock applied for the patent back in 2021 and the patent was published in 2023. The current cycle between generations is around 8-9 years. Generation 5 was presented in 2017 - 9 years would have passed by 2026. Maybe we'll get generation 6 in 2026 - or never. Who knows for sure.

But one thing is certain either way: the market demands flexibility, adaptability and innovation - and Glock will not be able to escape this development forever.

If you want to find out more about the patent: This way, please.

Well, that's how wrong you can be.