The Glock Gen 6 series of handguns is coming soon…or so errrrbody seems to think. Because of that, because of several patents available online, and of course, because of all the online discussion, conjecture is rampant.
What changes will it incorporate?
What models and calibers will they be releasing?
When do we think they’ll be released?
I’m curious about all that, too, so I’m here to set the record straight with a (prob’l) 100% accurate, (dubiously) authoritative look at all things Glock Gen 6.
⚠️The image above is obviously not a Gen 6 Glock. It is reportedly a picture of a handmade Glock from a gunsmith/craftsman in the Khyber Pass region with a bit of (bad) Photoshopping on it. I believe the original image came from the Silah Report.
Ready? Here we go.
- There will be a Glock Gen 6. Duh. They’re a business like any other. Handgun, everlasting gobstopper, or the 1950s-era refrigerator I bought when I first moved into my own place (it’s still running), no long-lived or eternal product is good for a company’s bottom line.
- It’s not the “Series V” stuff we’ve been seeing. That’s its own Thing. “Gen V” (the latest Glock iterations, not the Godolkin superheroes) is either a stopgap measure or a hint of things to come, but it’s not a “Glock Generation” the way people typically think of it.
- Any day now. It’ll be out within the next 12 months, likely much, much sooner. I’ll explain why below.
So…yeah, that’s it. That’s what we know. I know. Anticlimactic, right?
Happily, I have some additional thoughts on the matter, and since I firmly believe everyone deserves to know what I think, I’m going to share all those thoughts. You didn’t even have to ask.
You’re welcome!
If my aunt had balls, she’d be my uncle. But I think this is a pretty good bet.
Let’s start with the obvious question.
Glock Gen 6 Release Date
When is Glock Gen 6 coming out?
The Gen 6 Glock is going to be out very early in 2026, if not before. SHOT Show 2026 is seemingly the most obvious time to debut, but…There’s actually a pretty good chance we’ll see an announcement before the end of 2025.
How do I know it’ll be late 2025 or early 2026? I don’t. I’m like Brian Fantana’s cologne. However. It doesn’t take a genius to look at a few things (like past generations of Glock, industry chatter, etc.) to come up with a pretty solid answer.
Sure, it’s an answer predicated on a lot of ifs, but that’s the nature of supposition.
- If they follow previous developmental cycles, and
- If the political climate and current economic woes don’t prohibit, and
- If various patent filings and foreign market leaks are accurate, and
- If they aren’t concerned with Gen 6 models cannibalizing from Series V, then…
…we should see the first models of the Glock Gen 6 by January 26, 2026 (that’s the date of “Media Day on the Range.”
Should see, mind you. I could be way off. Anyone who currently says they know with complete certainty is either full of shit, trolling, or violating an NDA.
That’s a lot of ifs, I know, and you know what they say. If my aunt had balls, she’d be my uncle. But I think it’s a pretty good bet.
Here’s why.
Previous Glock generations were spaced 8 to 10 years apart. And while that timeframe varies slightly depending on the specific Generation and whether you’re referring to a public reveal or the product’s actual availability date for purchase, it makes a pretty good predictor for what’s to come.
All that said…We must at least consider the possibility of a teaser before the end of this year, and here’s why:
1) Many companies have taken to teasing new products ahead of the show to build up hype and interest. This is just good PR, and it also makes it possible to get the public’s attention (and create conversation) before every media platform in the industry starts inundating readers and watchers with a deluge of information. Why not make a splash before everyone starts drinking from the firehose?
2) While the NSSF SHOT Show is vital to the industry (imho anyway), there are more than a few manufacturers who question the ROI they get from attending. That’s almost certainly an economy-driven consideration, but it’s definitely a necessary and astute one. What better way to ensure the press all talk with you than giving them something tantalizing to slobber about a few weeks prior?
It’s a circular argument, I know. You can chase ourselves round and round with point/counterpoint, so ultimately, I reckon the safest assumption is that we’ll know when we know, and that’ll be when Glock tells us. Unless there’s a leak, of course, but that’s a wild card I’m not factoring in.
The next question is, what models will be released in the Gen 6 configuration? That’s a tougher question to cipher, and one we’ll discuss further below.
Glock Generations: the Cadence
If we’re going to continue our prognosticatory indulgence, we need to look back at previous models and production timelines.
This is a general look at the Generation (not model) release cadence since the time of the venerable P80.
- 1982 Gen1! Glock introduced the P80 (later known as the Glock 17) initially to the Austrian military.
- 1988 (6 years) Gen 2 is introduced.
- 1998 (10 years) Gen 3 arrives.
- 2009 (11 years) Gen 4 makes its debut.
- 2017 (8 years) Gen 5 shows up.
As you can see, the average time between Generational evolution is 9 years, which means we should be due for Gen 6 next year. Unless, of course, we aren’t.
But we are.
There are a few more reasons I think it’ll be here sooner (e.g., the next 90 days) than later (6 months, at NRAAM, or closer to a year, at NASGW). Scan through these and see if you agree with any of these points. Maybe you’ll have considered something I haven’t.
- Lots of people, more informed than me, think so (looking at you, LAV)
- The timeline is right (as explained above)
- The Bureau of Industry and Security’s 2024 interim rule on firearm export controls expired in September of this year. That doesn’t apply directly to the handguns (which are imported), but it might apply to some of the parts sourced from the U.S. (like tritium sights). It’s also a signal that regulatory interference is easing, which would likely make any company less hesitant to launch a product. I can’t find specific numbers, but the U.S. is responsible for a massive portion of Glock sales—huge LE contracts and large numbers of purchases by the gun-owning public drive this.
- The significance of the point above is increased when you consider that certain models of Glock’s largest competitors in both those spaces have taken a public PR beating over the last year, resulting in agencies and individuals alike looking for a replacement. There is an ever-increasing demand. Best to strike while the
ironpolymer is hot. - Modular handguns with FCUs and FCU-alikes definitely look to be the future of handguns. Glock will need to compete in that space to remain relevant. That’s common sense.
- Following up on that modularity point, let’s face it – we have documentation. It’s really, really hard to argue with official patents and blueprints.
Note: If you’re confused by Glock generations (Gen 3, 4, 5, etc.) vs. Models (17, 19, 26) vs. variants (MOS, Crossovers), you can learn more here.
What will the Glock Gen 6 Look Like?
First and foremost, the Gen 6 pistol is going to look…
…just like a Glock!
From a cursory outside look, anyway. Beyond that, it’s all extrapolation and conjecture based on what they’ll have to compete with on the market and how you interpret those patents (which you can look at in more detail here).
I have some ideas, of course, and perhaps not surprisingly, those are pretty consistent with what is being bandied about on forums, social media, Reddit, and elsewhere. Here’s what I’m thinking, in no particular order.
- It will have, I believe, a serialized trigger module (sear, connector, trigger). One version of this might drop into the lower receiver/trigger housing, making the frame(s) a swappable, non-serialized accessory of sorts. A drop-in trigger assembly of this kind should sound familiar to most of you reading this, and appears to be pretty clear on the patent applications.
- Another option, but again hinged on a trigger module, is that of a divided grip assembly (which you can see in the 2023 patent). If I’m interpreting that correctly (another really big if), then the upper grip section, with the trigger assembly and slide guide rails, would be the serialized portion. I don’t know enough even to hazard a guess about which of these routes they’ll take.
- It looks to have an integrated battery holder (or maybe integrated power supply?) in the grip frame. This is the possible feature I’m most uncertain about, and honestly, I wouldn’t even have clocked that possibility if a couple of other folks hadn’t speculated about it. Assuming that’s a thing, the next question would be, is it a provision to power WMLs and lasers, or is it a step towards powering some sort of data-collection, “smart gun” future version that acts like a LEO’s bodycam or something. I don’t know. This interpretation might be where I really start to earn the mockery of people reading this, but you have to admit that would be cool.
- It’ll probably have an updated/upgraded recoil spring of some kind. If a Gen 6 Glock frame is even lighter than its predecessors (which is likely), it’ll have to have some sort of mechanism in place to ensure it cycles reliably.
- It will have an accessory rail. That’s a given, I’m certain. Now, what I don’t know is if it’ll be proprietary. I doubt it, but we have to allow for the possibility.
- It will be optics-ready or will at least have optics-ready variants. That’s also a given. The question here is whether all of ’em will be optic-ready or just some of them, and whether the ones that are intended for red dots will use the MOS system we’re already familiar with, or if we’ll be seeing something new. If it is new, hopefully it’ll be so well-designed that there’s no advantage to direct milling (though I doubt it). I don’t personally have any issues with MOS, so I’m kinda thinking if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, but I may be in the minority on that.
- I think we’re going to have to see a new takedown system. Not as much because the push-pull system has lent itself to NDs in the past (though that’s a consideration), but because the new…layout? architecture? design? will require it. Probably. I’m no engineer, and by and large, my understanding of firearms operating systems is that they run on PFM, so I may be way off on this one.
- It can’t imagine it will backwards compatible. Probably. At least not in totality. That’s not to say it couldn’t be, but I sure don’t know how they’d make that work. Then again, I can screw up a Lego kit, so take my opinion for what it’s worth.
The last obvious question is, well, obvious.
What Gen 6 Glock Models Will There Be?
The immediate answer to this is easy. There’ll be a Gen 6 Glock 17 and a Glock 19 Gen 6. Without a doubt. Those are their two most popular guns, after all (though the G45 seems to be rapidly gaining ground). After that, the speculation gets a little trickier.
We know they typically roll out a new generation in a series for various reasons. There’s no reason to believe they won’t do the same thing here, and it makes sense (to me, at least) that they focus on 9mm models.
I do wonder about the Slimlines, especially the 43X. The G43X is an extremely popular CCW pistol, both in the Glock crowd and in the gun-buying populace writ large. They’ll want to keep the Glockophiles happy, and definitely need something to compete with all the micro-compacts (the skillion different P365 versions, Hellcat, Shield Plus, MC9, etc.) on the market.
However, that single-stack Slimline design is significantly different from its larger, staggered-magazine cousins, which means a considerable amount of additional design work, machining, and a substantial investment of time and money would be required for its production. It’s for that reason I reckon we’ll see a G43X (and a G48), but not until a ways down the road.
My guess, when it comes to models other than the G17 and G19, is either Gen 6 G45 or a Gen 6 G47. Maybe both? I base that on the popularity of those two platforms in LE circles.
My nephew’s agency switched from their previous duty handgun to a Glock 45 at nearly the exact same time my son-in-law’s agency switched from their duty handgun to the Glock 47. Additionally, the geometry of those would seem to make it at least somewhat simpler to put them into production compared to the Slimlines or the subcompacts like the G26.
I imagine a “crossover” design, like either of those, would make more sense in the initial tranche of offerings than a slimline. And I don’t see them doing anything in .45 ACP or 10mm initially, either, so that narrows things down some. Personally, I doubt they do anything in .40 at all, as in ever, but stranger things have happened.
There won’t be a Gen 6 Glock 18 for a long time, if ever. Cuz, you know. Glock 18, National Firearms Act, all that.
Oh! And long those lines, let’s talk compliance! There might not be “restrictive state” models available initially, but it defies credulity to think there won’t be. California is a huge gun market, even if you only count the law enforcement buyers. And if (when) they do something for that state, they’ll also do it for Illinois, Massachusetts, etc.
I don’t think the “compliant models” will be part of the initial launch, but unless I’m waaaaay off and Glock decides it doesn’t want to make as much money, they’ll be offered eventually.
Some other places to read/research/discuss:
I’m obviously not the first person to be wondering about all this, and probably won’t be the best to have done so. We won’t now until Glock tells us. A good place to continue your reading would be this article at Low Ready Magazine.
If you’re looking to discuss or indulge your conjecture, you might check out this thread on Glock Talk or a recent post from Larry Vickers on Facebook. There are a couple of different Gen 6 related threads on Reddit, too, including this one in particular.
Some other places include:
https://patents.justia.com/assignee/glock-technology-gmbh
www.reddit.com/r/Glocks/comments/1jwhc7s/upcoming_glock_gen_6
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202505.1764/v1
blog.primaryarms.com/guide/recoil-springs-guide-rods-glock-handguns-explained
https://vpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Glock-Gen4-Recoil-Spring-Recall.pdf
https://us.glock.com/-/media/global/us/old/us-site/83-downloadable-materials/glock_annual_2020.pdf?la=en
https://www.wiley.law/alert-ATF-Allows-Importation-of-Dual-Use-Firearm-Barrels-Irrespective-of-Previous-Status-or-Configuration
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/09/30/2025-18992/revision-of-firearms-license-requirements
https://us.glock.com/en/about/history
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxhVov6JMQk&t
https://www.cyasupply.com/blogs/articles/difference-between-glock-generations-understanding-the-evolution
www.glockhistory.com/gen-1-variations
www.americanwarriorsociety.com/book-review-glock-the-rise-of-americas-gun
www.thereload.com/analysis-glock-risks-backlash-with-redesign-under-duress-member-exclusive
www..euro-sd.com/2023/03/articles/29991/european-military-pistol-programmes-navigating-the-choices
Although I doubt I’ll run out and get a new pistol (my ol’ reliable Gen 3 is still truckin’ right along!) but I’m definitely interested to see how this plays out. I’m equally interested in what those of you reading this might think. Hell, I could be way off. If so, I’m happy to be educated!
But that’s all (and more than enough) for now.
Appendix: GLOCK NOMENCLATURE
Before we continue, let’s clarify something that continues to confuse people to this day. Me included: Glock nomenclature. A chart of Glock generations and Glock models (with respective calibers) reads a lot like an Escher Print. In braille.
Three Pillars of Glock Nomenclature
There are Glock Generations (Gen), Glock Models (the specific iteration and its caliber), and then variants or series. There may be a formal name for the latter two, but if so, I don’t know ’em.
- Generations (Gen). These the developmental stages. They appear roughly every eight to ten years and represent an evolutionary change in platform design (like the introduction of an accessory rail or new recoil spring design. Feature evolutions that arguably improve the weapon will continue with each succeesing generation and are usually (though not always) the best way to quickly tell them apart.
- Models (G17, G19, etc.). These are the core products. They remain fundamentally the same from Gen to Gen (e.g. a compact pistol model chambered in 9mm will still be a 9mm compact from Gen to Gen), While features evolve with each Generation (a Gen 3 G19 is different than a Gen 5 G19 in several ways), the fundamental form factor and role remain constant.
- Variants and Series. These include Crossovers, Slimlines, MOS models, etc. They are usually a new model or “alternate” form created during a specific Generation era (like Gen 4 or Gen 5) but often defy or bely the generational label because they incorporate elements from multiple periods, are the first of their kind, or just may be, as the name says, a variant of a specific model within the same generation, e.g. a Gen 5 Glock 19 and a Gen 5 Glock 19 MOS. If people weren’t confused before, this is where they’ll get that way.
Models appear within Gens, not the other way around. But not all models are labeled with a generation at all (like the G42 and the Slimlines).
The Slimline and Crossover Paradox
When it comes to the official Glock naming convention, Slimlines and Crossovers are neither Gen nor Model. They’re variant classifications or categories in which certain Model numbers fall.
- Crossovers possess features of more than one model. Crossovers include the 18X, 43X, G45, and G47.
- Slimlines are the relatively recent single-stack magazine models like the Glock 43X, Glock 48 and probably the original G43. From what I can tell, the term first came into use with the release of the G43X and G48, even though later the 43 was looped into that. Slimline wasn’t used when the G43 came out. Must’ve been like a retcon maybe.
- There is even on Model that is both a Crossover and a Slimline: the Glock 43X.
- All of the current Slimlines and Crossovers were the first of their kind, but that does not make them Gen 1.
So what Generation are they, then?
They aren’t. Not officially.
The Slimline models, for instance, are generally considered to be Gen 5, but they aren’t labeled or categorized that way. Althoughy they were released during the so-called “Gen 5 era” but non one refers to them that way. They’re just the G48 and G43X.
“With the success of the Slimline series in the marketplace and over one million GLOCK 43 pistols sold in just three years, the Slimline series pistols have been tested, trusted and proven. We listened to the consumers request for a GLOCK Slimline model with increased round capacity and both of these pistols deliver that flawlessly. GLOCK’s continued pursuit of perfection drives innovation while not straying from our promise of reliability and durability and that is demonstrated in the G43X and G48.” Glock Inc. VP Josh Dorsey, January 2018
If you’re not confused yet, stand by. Things are about to get worse.
When the Numbers Lie: Caliber Confusion
One of the most frequent misnomers and misidentification of Glock models comes from caliber-based colloquialisms. You may hear someone say, “I own a Glock 9,” or “I carry a Glock 45,” but if they’re using slang (which most are), then they haven’t told you much of anything. The disconnect comes from a difference in the caliber number (9=9mm) and model number.
The terms are not (or shouldn’t be) properly interchangeable, but in practice they very much are. And therein lies the confusion.
- There is no Glock 9 model, e.g. no G9. There are several models chambered in 9mm, though: the Glock 17, Glock 19, and Glock 26 are just some of those. The person saying they carry a “Glock 9” could be referring to a half dozen or more different models (none of which are actually labeled a Model 9 by Glock).
- The Glock 45 colloquialism would seem to indicate it’s a pistol chambered in .45 ACP. But it’s not. There are several Glocks that shoot the .45 ACP cartridge (such as the Glock 21), but none of them are the Glock Model 45…which, unlike the Glock Model 9 does exist, but it’s chambered in 9mm.
- If you’re using slang terms based on caliber, then a “Glock 45” colloquially is (or should be) also a slang “Glock 9” because both shoot the 9mm cartridge.
- Adding insult to injury: There’s also the Glock Model 40, which is chambered in the 10mm cartridge (not .40 S&W) as the name might suggest. This is opposed to the G22, G23, and G27 models, all of which are chambered in .40 Caliber.
- Speaking of the G22, that’s not a .22 pistol. If you want a .22 caliber Glock, you need the Glock Model 44. It is chambered in .22lr, not .44 magnum, .44 AMP, .44 Colt, or any of the other “44s.” It’s not a Slimline or a Crossover, and I have no idea what Gen anyone thinks it might be.
We could extrapolate this out, and for that matter get into some of the other terms they use.
- I’ve never heard anyone say “Glock 10” in movies or other pop culture, but if they did, that would actually refer to the Glock 20 or Glock 29 models.
- The Glock 42 is sometimes referred to as a Slimline, but not by Glock itself. So it may be it’s own sorta stepchild like the Glock 44.
- SF (Short Frame), Longslide, MOS (Modular Optic System), etc. are all terms we haven’t addressed yet, but..
But I think that’s enough head-scratching Glock nomenclature for now. I hope that clears it up for you, at least more so than it did for me. Now that I’ve written it all out I’m actually more bewildered than when I started. And I’m not even day-drinking.
Hit me with your opinion in the comments if you have other ideas or a different line of reasoning. I’d be interested to see what other folks think. Unless what they think is that I’m a dumbass, of course, but even then, we might all learn something if they explain why they think I’m a dumbass.
I hope you’ll discuss the Glock Gen 6 or at least comment on the article in the comments below.
Please and thank ya in advance!
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