OFFICIAL: The New GLOCK Gen5 Has Arrived
Yes, it’s real. The hotly anticipated fifth generation of GLOCK pistols is set to become publicly available in a matter of days. For die hard fans like myself, most of the features of the new Gen5 G17 and G19 models will come as little surprise – they are all found on the heavily reported ‘M’ line of government contract pistols we have all seen ad naseum over the past year. So, if you are on the edge of your seat, waiting for a ultra-dramatic reveal of a carbine, single stack G19 or a G43-sized .40S&W, you are just going to have to simmer down and adjust your expectations.
However, the latest offering from the esteemed Austrian firearms manufacturer is already my new favorite GLOCK. A few weeks ago TFBTV’s James Reeves and myself were fortunate enough to be invited down to Smyrna, Georgia, along with a handful of other gun publications, to preview the Gen5 while taking the GLOCK Operator’s Course. Over the two day period, we were able to put about a thousand rounds through a combination of Gen5 G17 and G19 models. Trust me, these new guns are worthy of the Gen5 designation.
A superficial fly-by of the Gen 5 GLOCKs would lead most shooters to believe that these pistols are nothing more than reborn second generation guns with a rail. And even if that were actually the case, which it’s not, we are still referencing a pistol with widespread distribution and (arguably) unmatched performance and reliability. In actuality, the Gen5 guns mark an important stop on GLOCK’s evolutionary timeline. In my opinion, most important technological advancements start with revolutionary thought and mature with evolutionary advances.
The end result is a sometimes agonizing process of incremental changes that leave some users unsatisfied and feeling like the company isn’t listening to the consumer. In GLOCK’s case, a vocal minority will be underwhelmed with the new guns, citing trivial advancements and missing features.
However, let me attempt to be the voice of reason for a moment – at their core, GLOCK pistols are meant to be defensive pistols that are accurate, reliable and durable for shooters in every discipline. And from what I have seen and experienced so far, the latest generation improves upon the last in every category.
Enough talk, let’s take a look at the features and specifications for the two new GLOCK models.
Glock Gen5 G17 and g19 Specifications:
Glock Gen5 Features:
- nDLC finish for barrel and slide – GLOCK‘s nDLC provides tougher, more durable protection than previously used finish. The nDLC finish is exclusive to the GLOCK manufacturing process. The nDLC finish increases protection against corrosion and scratching and improves the ability of the pistol to function in degreased or adverse conditions. The nDLC finish will be exclusive to Gen5 pistols at this time.
- GLOCK Marksman Barrel -The GLOCK Marksman Barrel (GMB) features new barrel rifling which delivers improved accuracy.
- Removal of the finger grooves on the grip – Removing the finger grooves improves the ergonomics of the grip. The absence of finger grooves improves the ability of the pistol to deliver a consistently comfortable grip to a wider range of consumers, regardless of their finger size and whether or not gloves are worn.
- Ambidextrous Slide Stop Lever – The ambidextrous slide stop lever makes it easier for gun owners to quickly, safely and comfortably manipulate the slide whether they are left-handed or right-handed.
- Flared mag-well – The larger opening of the flared mag-well makes it easier to funnel the magazine into the mag-well, particularly in high-stress situations where fractions of seconds matter.
- GLOCK Gen5 Magazine – The new GLOCK Gen5 magazine comes with an orange follower and a floor plate which is extended at the front for faster magazine change.
Be sure to catch James’ full review on TFBTV:
With the launch now official, there is sure to be a slurry of reports on the new guns. Myself and James are among a select few with Gen 5 review guns made available prior to launch. So, if you have questions or requests, I’m listening. Stay tuned to both TFB and TFBTV for the lastest in GLOCK Gen 5 news and information.
Author’s Note: I await your fanboy, hammer, plastic, fanboy, no-trigger-upgrade, drop test, get a mans gun, fanboi, 9mm vs 45ACP and fanboy comments below.
In all seriousness, these are fantastic pistols and I will be available to answer any questions you may have. No, I will not be hitting either one with a hammer.
Silencers - Science Pete@thefirearmblog.com
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According to Anthony B. at Glock, they still use polygonal rifling in the G5 which would make us cast-bullet shooters buy another barrel...too much $$ by the time it's said and done.
I work at a gun shop, and just in the past two days I've seen four Glock Gen 5s with messed up rear sights. Also, The barrel has a tighter tolerance, with that being said it is picky about what brass it takes. My buddy shot 4 rounds of Armscorp and he experienced a malfunction on the 5th round. There is also been reports of individuals slide coming off after a round is cycled. Not sure if that is valid, but i've heard it a couple times. HOWEVER! there are many cosmetic features I enjoy. Especially the no finger grooves. The texture that replaced them is suburb. Ambi slide release (however they should have included the extended one). The slide has a nice new feel, and the rounding at the front makes for comfortable handing when racking from the front of the slide. However, front aggressive curations would have made it much better) OH, and the trigger has a nice consistent creep that has a clean crisp break.
Overall though I am extremely disappointed in the quality control done by Glock. It is unlike them and I am worried of what else may have been over looked. Also, A HUGE turn off about the Gen 5 is that it is picky on the brass it takes. One of the main reasons I love Glock is that you could abuse them and they will still shoot anything. Well now that the Gen 5 has none of that, Then in my opinion I think it would be best to wait until they can get their act together. But there is no doubt in my mind that Glock will come back strong.