Glock Gen 5 Explained: What Changed and Who Should Consider the Upgrade

*Originally published in Concealed Carry Magazine, February 2018

It doesn’t happen often that a firearms company makes a genuine change to a proven gun. New models may get new finishes, new sights or perhaps special grips, but the basic manual of arms stays the same. Glock’s long-awaited Generation 5 was much the same.

Glock pistols have earned a reputation for reliability and simplicity over decades of service with military, law enforcement and armed citizens. Glock pistols have never been about dramatic redesigns. Each new generation reflects lessons learned from duty use, training and time in the hands of shooters rather than marketing trends.

While Glock’s basic operating system has remained consistent since the company’s earliest designs, each new generation has introduced incremental improvements aimed at ergonomics, durability and shootability. For those familiar with earlier Glocks, the pistol will feel immediately recognizable.

Rather than reinventing the platform, Glock refined features that users had been asking for while preserving the reliability that made the brand successful in the first place. Glock’s Gen 5 represents an evolutionary step, not a radical redesign — and that is very much by intent.

What Is Glock Gen 5?

Glock Gen 5 pistols are the fifth generation of Glock handguns, currently offered primarily in 9mm models. They build on the changes introduced in Gen 4 while removing or revising features that did not work equally well for all shooters. Glock did not attempt to reinvent the platform.

Gen 5 offers genuine improvement without meaningful downside. Glock focused on polishing long-standing design elements based on real-world feedback from duty and civilian use. The changes aren’t revolutionary but produce a more refined handgun.

If I had a long-serving Glock that worked for me, I would not rush out to trade it in for the Gen 5. All of that said, the improvements are such that I would recommend a new buyer purchase the new Gen 5 over any other Glock.

Key External Changes in Gen 5 Glocks

One of the most immediately noticeable Gen 5 updates is the removal of finger grooves from the front strap. Earlier generations added finger grooves in response to shooter demand, but over time, it became clear the grooves fit some hands well and others poorly.

Gen 5 returns to a flatter front strap similar to early Glock iterations, allowing a wider range of shooters to achieve a comfortable grip. For those who prefer finger grooves, aftermarket grip sleeves remain an option.

Other external refinements include:

• Beveled slide nose for smooth holstering
• Slightly flared magazine well, subtle but helpful during reloads
• Ambidextrous slide stop, a meaningful improvement for left-handed shooters
• Updated sights, including a taller front sight and a wider rear notch

None of these changes dramatically alter how a Glock operates, but together they improve handling and accessibility without compromising familiarity.

The Glock Marksman Barrel

The Glock Marksman Barrel is one of the most discussed Gen 5 changes. Glock moved from polygonal rifling to conventional rifling, which allows greater flexibility in ammunition selection, including the use of lead bullets. The barrel also features a recessed crown and a modified lockup design.

In testing, accuracy was well within the requirements of a defensive handgun, with 25-yard groups ranging from approximately 2.5 to 4 inches depending on conditions. While the Marksman Barrel represents a technical improvement, most shooters are unlikely to notice dramatic accuracy differences in casual or defensive shooting. The benefit is real, but subtle — and best viewed as part of an overall refinement rather than a single defining feature.

Finish and Durability Improvements

One meaningful Gen 5 update that receives less attention is Glock’s nDLC finish. While Glock has long been known for durable surface treatments, the Gen 5 finish represents a deliberate improvement. Earlier finishes introduced after the original Tenifer process showed susceptibility to surface rust under hard use.

The nDLC coating addresses those concerns, offering improved corrosion resistance and durability. This change reflects Glock’s continued response to real-world feedback and long-term use rather than cosmetic preference.

Internal and Mechanical Refinements

Internally, Gen 5 pistols received several updates aimed at reliability and longevity:

• A thicker striker
• A redesigned safety plunger
• A teardrop-shaped firing pin channel, intended to enhance reliability in dirty conditions
• Replacement of a flat spring with a coil spring in the takedown lever
• Removal of the locking block pin, reflecting Glock’s decision not to chamber Gen 5 pistols in .40 S&W

These changes do not alter Glock’s manual of arms, but they reflect incremental engineering improvements intended to support long service life.

Trigger Feel and Shootability

The Gen 5 trigger remains consistent with Glock’s standard system, maintaining a nominal 5.5-pound break. Though there was no significant change in trigger pull weight compared to earlier generations, some shooters perceive a slightly crisper reset.

Shootability improvements come primarily from ergonomics. The removal of finger grooves and improved grip geometry allow Gen 5 pistols to accommodate a broader range of hand sizes more comfortably.

Reliability and Performance

Reliability remains Glock’s hallmark. In testing, nearly 1,100 rounds were fired through a Gen 5 pistol without malfunction, including lighter practice loads. This performance aligns with Glock’s long-standing reputation, shaped by rigorous testing standards that include drop testing, high round counts and adverse conditions.

How Gen 5 Fits Into Glock Generations

Glock pistols are commonly categorized into five generations:

• Gen 1: Pebble-grain grip and basic sights
• Gen 2: Checkered grip surfaces
• Gen 3: Finger grooves, accessory rail and added locking block pin
• Gen 4: Replaceable backstraps, reversible magazine release and dual recoil spring
• Gen 5: Removal of finger grooves, ambidextrous controls, refined barrel and internal updates

Glock currently manufactures Gen 3, Gen 4 and Gen 5 pistols. Gen 4 and Gen 5 models are also available in MOS (optic-ready) configurations.

Gen 5 and Concealed Carry Considerations

Frame size plays a greater role in concealment than barrel length, and Glock offers multiple frame sizes across generations. Compact models such as the Glock 19 continue to be popular for balancing shootability and concealability. Shooters specifically focused on a slimmer carry option may find our Glock 43X review worth a look before making a final decision.

Gen 5 pistols offer improved ergonomics for concealed carriers who struggled with finger grooves or who prefer ambidextrous controls. Combined with Glock’s long-standing magazine compatibility across same-caliber models, Gen 5 pistols maintain flexibility for defensive use.

Is Glock Gen 5 Worth It?

For shooters satisfied with an existing Gen 3 or Gen 4 Glock, Gen 5 does not demand immediate replacement. However, for new buyers or those who value ambidextrous controls, refined ergonomics and improved durability, Gen 5 represents Glock at its most refined.

Glock did not chase trends with Gen 5 but refined what already worked. The result is a pistol that may not feel dramatically different at first glance, but one that reflects decades of incremental improvement.

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Glock Generations Comparison

❓ Glock Gen 5 FAQ

What is Glock Gen 5?
Glock Gen 5 is the fifth generation of Glock pistols, representing an evolutionary refinement of earlier designs. It focuses on improved ergonomics, durability and user accessibility while maintaining Glock’s core reliability.

What changed from Gen 4 to Gen 5?
Key changes include the removal of finger grooves, the addition of an ambidextrous slide stop, a slightly flared magazine well, a revised barrel design and internal mechanical refinements.

Why did Glock remove the finger grooves on Gen 5?
Finger grooves were originally added to improve grip consistency, but not all shooters found them comfortable. Gen 5 returns to a flatter front strap to better accommodate a wider range of hand sizes.

What is the Glock Marksman Barrel?
The Glock Marksman Barrel uses conventional rifling instead of polygonal rifling and features a recessed crown and modified lockup. It allows greater ammunition flexibility and offers accuracy suitable for defensive use.

Are Gen 5 Glocks more accurate than earlier generations?
While the barrel represents an improvement, most shooters are unlikely to notice dramatic accuracy differences in everyday use.

Are Gen 5 Glocks better for left-handed shooters?
The ambidextrous slide stop, combined with the reversible magazine release introduced in Gen 4, makes Gen 5 pistols more accessible for left-handed users.

Is Glock Gen 5 more reliable?
Gen 5 pistols maintain Glock’s reputation for reliability. In testing, over 1,000 rounds were fired without malfunctions.

Should I upgrade to a Gen 5 Glock?
If you already own a Gen 3 or Gen 4 Glock and are satisfied with it, an upgrade may not be necessary. However, for new buyers or those who value improved ergonomics, ambidextrous controls and durability refinements, Gen 5 is a strong choice.