Glock 42 Serial Number Lookup - A very common question for new Glock buyers is, "What generation is my Glock?" Before the release of the 4th generation, Glock was not officially known only by the model number, it promoted the idea that "a Glock is a Glock is a Glock - they are all the same". But early collectors noticed the differences and informally settled on three main iterations, or "generations," to sort through. The nomenclature is so widespread that Glock coincided with the release of the 4th Gen in 2008, and their promotional literature now emphasizes the previous Gens in some places.

The images below will help you identify which generation the Glock is a part of, but note that there is a lot of overlap as the models are slowly changed. Also, because of California gun restrictions, 3rd generation guns are still being manufactured, so you may have a 5th gun that is older than the 3rd generation! The inscriptions on the figures identify the main features that are consistent throughout the generations, but minor changes in features and internals can be found at different intervals, and sometimes back and forth, within the same general circle. major structural adjustments in which many parts are replaced by two or more parts, but some changes are short-lived within a generation.

Glock 42 Serial Number Lookup

Glock 42 Serial Number Lookup

The first generation was constantly changing. While the initial design was solid, it was still a work in progress. The only consistent feature is the grip structure, which wraps around the entire handle (no front or rear hook). It has a softer feel compared to later generations and is considered a "rock stone" by collectors. Early cannons had thin, stainless steel barrels, which were introduced early (no later than the AD prefix) and increased barrel wall thickness no later than the AN prefix. There are also several variations on the magazine, case and small internals. All rifles will have Austrian proof marks but no consistent placement or number of marks. Very early (for US) and European market guns do not have a serial number on the frame. Most early cannons were equipped with sights known as "Weak Spots" because of their delicacy. The standard (fixed) angles are also period correct, but the target version will cost more. All but a few of the 19's made have a crescent shaped twist at the bottom of the front bars.

Glock Date Codes By Serial Number

Gen 2 is referred to as "Gen 1" by many novice collectors or even uninformed dealers. The confusion is due to two factors: 1. Generation 1 is extremely rare and may not have been seen before by many casual observers. 2. Many models were introduced in the 2nd generation line and are considered by some to be "1st generation" because this is the first version of the actual model. To be clear, if you have a model 20 or later, you have a Gen 2 Glock, even if you have the first version of this gun. For the 17-19 models, the obvious difference between the 1 and 2 is the addition of a section to the front and rear straps, as well as a change in the structure of the side panels (deeper than in the 1st generation). The 2nd generation also saw the introduction of 5 additional calibers and all non-380/9mm guns were fitted with a different locking block to prevent frame cracking due to heavy recoil. It is important to note that the number of pins does not represent a generation, as many people think. 9mm frames have only 2 pins from 1st generation to 3rd generation, all other calibers have 3 pins. All full size frames are carried over the belly at the bottom of the front waistband.

By the late 1990s, Glock had become a dominant force in the American handgun market, and other manufacturers tried to copy the design. This led to some pressure to "innovate" the Glock design, to stay ahead of the pack. The changes to the 3rd generation really began in 1995 with the release of the limited edition models. Considered too small for most people to hold, finger grooves were added to the front strap to increase purchase and prevent twisting. kick back. All of these changes started a 3-year transition period until they reached all models in '98. Some larger frame transitional models are very rare (especially in transit) - see https:///transitional/ for details. The Gen 3 has a thumb rest on the front, a thumb rest on the top of the handle, and a spare strip molded into the dust cover. As mentioned above, ONLY for the 9mm caliber, you will still find the 2-pin design in the first Gen 3 operation. Frames are tuned to all 3 pins in the early 2000s.

By the time the 4th generation came out, Glock was all over the place for the "gun" but once again faced opponents with innovative designs. One trend that attracted consumers was the availability of interchangeable back straps to better fit the grip to different hand sizes. Glock first experimented with a narrow grip on the Gen 3 SF models (they were only available in .45 and 10mm calibers). A modular beam system brought SF proportions to all frames with two zoom options and even a beavertail adapter. The internals were redesigned from the ground up and were actually designed with the recoil profile of the .40S&W in mind, then scaled down to 9mm (since Gen 1-3 were designed the other way around). This should prove to make the .40 models more durable while continuing the legendary reliability of the 9s. Also the grip finish on the side plates has been changed to an aggressive pattern - this was again practiced on the short run of late 3rd guns called "RTF2". RTF2 devices are technically Gen 3, possibly Gen 3.5, and were only produced from 2009 to 2011 (except for a special period) - see image at the bottom of this page.

The first generation 5 models actually preceded the release of the new 42 and 43 slim models. These models began as major redesigns with all-new internals to fit the smaller dimensions, and these changes were facilitated by the FBI in entering the corridor. He went big guns with his request for a Model M. Models 19X, 42, 43, 43X, 44, 45, and 48 do not display Gen 5 markings on the slide, but still fit other Gen 5 revolvers. The 17 and 19 were officially released as Gen 5s in 2017 and have been followed by other 9mm and .40 S&W offerings, but no .357 Sig, 10mm, or .45 ACP offerings have yet been released. Major changes include a "shooter" barrel, fully ambidextrous controls, extended magwell, and removal of front finger jacks.

The 1 Problem Glock Guns Can't Seem To Shake

There are (at least) two other designs that may actually cross the generation gap or differ enough to be difficult to distinguish from the above discussion: 1. The third generation RTF2 and 2. The FBI M series.

RTF2 stands for Rough Texture Framework, Second Edition. The first version was only built as a prototype and never produced, but at least one is on display at the Cody Firearms Museum. Designers settled on the second version, and new molds were made to incorporate this grip structure into the standard 3rd generation design. All internal parts are the same, so the only difference will be the grip structure. As you can see in the exploded view, the entire artifact is covered in little pyramids - let me tell you, they are sharp! This gun sticks to your hand even when wet. Glock sold these primarily to law enforcement between 2009 and 2011, but the design is a clear step between the third and fourth generation revolvers. The pyramid concept progressed, but with the larger pyramids, the RTF2s were prone to wear and tear. See https:///rtf2g/ for more images.

Finally, we should also talk about the FBI's M-series pistol. The 17M and 19M actually predate and may have inspired the 5th generation guns. Built to specifications requested by the FBI as a new service weapon, they incorporated some design changes from the small 42/43 models as well as some new ideas. These were the first Glocks to feature ambidextrous controls and rifle modifications to improve accuracy. On the outside, the M Cannon looks and feels like a Gen 5 - the main difference is on the inside, which is why many collectors consider them part of the Gen 5 family. However, for the right person, the "M" added to the model designation makes a huge difference in the price they are willing to pay.

Glock 42 Serial Number Lookup

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