In August 2016, the Indianapolis Metro Police Department (IMPD) began training with a batch of Glock 17M pistols. The most obvious difference with the third- and fourth-generation Glock models in the published images is the omission of finger grooves on the handle. [46] In October of that year, the EMR issued a voluntary recall of 17 million people after errors occurred when drying guns during training. According to Major Riddle of IMPD: “Glock is working to solve the problem, and we hope to start issuing the new [17Ms] as early as December.” [47] [48] The first two .380 ACP models are primarily intended for markets that prohibit civilian possession of military-calibre firearms such as the 9×19mm Parabellum. [122] Nevertheless, it is prohibited by law to sell them to civilians in the United States because they are manufactured in Austria and do not comply with import restrictions because of their caliber. [123] They are also not prohibited in Canada because they do not meet the minimum barrel length requirements for handguns. Glock pistols are made in five form factors, all inspired by the original full-size Glock 17. The “standard” models are designed as full-size firearms with a large magazine capacity. “Compact” models are slightly smaller with reduced magazine capacity and lower weight combined with usable handle length. The “subcompact” models are designed for easy carrying, are lighter and shorter, are intended to be used with two fingers on the handle under the trigger and do not have an accessory rail like the largest, after the second generation, the Glock models. The .45 ACP and 10mm Auto models have larger and wider slides and are slightly larger than the smaller chamber guns and are available in the Glock 29 (10mm Auto) and Glock 30 (.45 ACP) small car models.

Glock produces five models of small single-stacked “Slimline” pistols, the Glock 36 in .45 ACP, the Glock 42 in .380 ACP and the Glock 43, 43x and 48 in 9×19mm. The 43x and 48 have longer handles that allow for a full three-finger grip and a 10-turn capacity. The “competition” versions have longer barrels and slides, adjustable visors, an extended slider and a magazine trigger. www.quora.com/Why-are-Glock-Gens-4-and-5-illegal-in-California At the 2010 SHOT Show, Glock introduced the “fourth generation”, now called “Gen4” by Glock himself. Updates have focused on ergonomics and reversing spring layout. The first two fourth-generation models announced were the full-size Glock 17 and Glock 22, designed for 9×19mm Parabellum and 40 S&W cartridges respectively. The guns were displayed with a modified and roughly textured frame, grip control and interchangeable rear straps of different sizes. “Gen4” is rolled on the slide next to the model number to identify fourth-generation pistols. [ref. needed] The best part is that they are not really “illegal”, you can buy them used through private transfers. Most of the time, it is the police who sell them at a profit, because it is legal for them to buy list weapons.

The introduction of fourth-generation Glock pistols continued in July 2010, when the Glock 19 and Glock 23, the reduced “compact” versions of the Glock 17 and Glock 22, became commercially available. [42] In late 2010, Glock continued the introduction of the fourth generation of models with the Glock 26 and Glock 27 “small car” variants. In August 2017, Glock introduced the “fifth generation” or “Gen 5”. The revision focused on ergonomics and improved reliability. Many parts of the fifth-generation Glock pistols cannot be replaced by those of previous generations. The two fifth-generation models announced were the Glock 17 and Glock 19, designed for the 9×19mm Parabellum. Notable changes to fifth-generation models include ambidextrous slide stop levers, DLC surface finish for barrel and sled, barrel with a revised polygonal rifle style (called “Glock Marksman Barrel” by Glock), a deeper recessed barrel crown, omission of finger grooves on the handle, a flared store shaft and a reintroduction of a crescent-shaped cutout at the bottom of the handle. The locking pin above the release pin, introduced in the third generation, is no longer required. Many interior parts have been reworked in a less visible way.

[49] [50] [51] [52] [53] “Gen 5” rolled on the slide next to the model number to identify the fifth-generation pistols. The “Gen 5” trolley has front gears (FS) to provide an additional tactile traction surface. The stores were also redesigned for fifth-generation models: the redesigned store base plates feature a lip projected forward to support manually assisted suction, and the charger tracker[54] was dyed orange for easy visual identification. Mechanically, fourth-generation Glock guns are equipped with a double recoil spring to reduce perceived recoil and increase service life.