Before You Buy - The New Glock Gen 6 Series

I don’t think it's a secret that I am a huge fan of Glock handguns. When it comes to handguns, the Glock brand has earned a reputation in my book for absolute reliability and performance that few can match for the price they come in at. The brand new Glock just announced here at the end of 2025, Gen 6 series, including the G17, G19, and G45 models, brings what I think is the biggest ergonomic and visual overhaul yet to these iconic duty-size 9mm pistols. It's clear to me that Glock listened to shooters complaining about grip feel, recoil control, and optics mounting for years and has finally decided to make some more thoughtful changes to the platform.

Thus far, the Gen 6 has proven exceptionally popular in the new firearms media, but like any new generation, it comes with features and new quirks that make it a must-buy for some gun Glock fans while potentially requiring costly holster updates and unnecessary features for others. Today, we’ll take a look at its specifications, features, and, of course, holster compatibility to see if the Gen 6 is the right fit for you.​​

Specifications + New Features

• Caliber: 9mm (currently only caliber offered)
• Capacity: 17+1 (G17/G45), 15+1 (G19)
• Optics Ready: New direct-mount system for lower-profile red dots without adapter plates​
• Front and Rear Slide Serrations: Enhanced for better manipulation under stress​
• Barrel: Proven Glock design with improved recoil management​
• Grip: Revised ergonomics with deeper palm swell, undercut trigger guard, and extended beavertail​​
• Trigger: New flat-face for a more popularized modern feel
• Accessory Rail: Full-length for lights and lasers
• Included Sights: Standard polymer, suppressor-height compatible​
  

A lot of people have waited years for Glock to actually refine the frame and controls without straying from the simple, bombproof design that agencies, militaries, and concealed carriers worldwide trust with near absolute certainty. Truth be told, the boring consistency that Glock…consistently puts out is what we’re after with new generations. 

The Gen 6 ergonomic updates, like the new grip texture, which combines the best grip texture ever - Glock’s RTF2 and RTF5 form the Gen 5 series- with much broader coverage and just a tad bit more grit and high beavertail, finally address common gripes about hand fit and slide bite, making it feel more locked-in during extended strings. However, the revised frame contours and optics cut mean older Gen 5 holsters would not seat properly, so specifying "Glock Gen 6 Holster" when ordering from Falco is key to avoiding draw issues.​​

There is also a new, slight palm swell, and a bigger undercut for better grip, which was actually designed by measuring the average hand size in several countries to determine how this new grip contour and slight swell should be shaped and angled. The new flat trigger is more or less just a geometric update because really it's just the shoe that has been changed - it's still just the same Glock trigger that you know and love, grit and all! There is also now less distance between the tang of the grip and the trigger face, meaning that shooters who like to have more of a finger on the trigger can do so more easily without compromising a solid master grip.

Finally, and probably the most popular change for me personally, is Glock’s abandonment of the absolutely atrocious MOS plate system. The new optics mounting system instead uses a system of polymer mounts that are more like washers or grommets that help the optic sit properly on the slide and line up with Glock's new multi-footprint system.

One disappointing thing is that Glock is now using an entirely new barrel, using a single captured recoil spring instead of the rather new dual captured recoil springs that were standard in previous generations. However, the Glock Gen 6 is using a completely new barrel, and therefore, it’s not compatible with any previous generation Glocks either. Even the extractor has been slightly changed for better reliability and ease of maintenance. In short, there are a ton of tiny little upgrades that are definite improvements from even the Gen 5 glocks, that I think really make this generation really special. 

Glock Gen 6 Range Performance Expectations

The Glock Gen 6 series shoots similarly to a Gen 5 but just better, according to James Reeves of TFBTV. “It’s a Glock” is the common sentiment, but that often comes with a “it's better but only slightly.” I think a lot of this has to do  with the new grip reducing giving you more positive control of the firearm, reducing the amount of felt recoil, and letting you stay on target through fast strings.  Imagine it’s reminiscent of how the G34 handles for competition, but now across the practical duty sizes, including the 17, 19, and my personal favorite of the Gen 5 series - the Glock 45. We did a “Before You Buy” on that gun a while back, if you’re interested in reading that one. Back to the Gen 6 series, if you pair one of these with a quality optic like RMR or SRO, and drills or USPSA stages should be effortless if you’re used to shooting any previous generation of Glock. The flatter trigger should improve your finger’s engagement over the still spongy stock Glock pull.

That said, even if this is just an improved Glock experience with new features, concealment will always remain a challenge, and a major concern for those who like to carry larger full-size specimens like the G17 and G45 or even the compact but still somewhat large G19. Even the stout G19 demands a quality IWB Glock 19 gen 6 holster to tuck away.

For home defense or range duty, the accessory rail and robust optics mount make it ideal, accepting lights and lasers without drama, just like previous generations did. Again, to reference my all-time favorite, just like the G45 MOS, the Gen 6 G45 is more for shootability over deep concealment, so plan your holster around OWB for open carry or competition.

Before You Buy - the Pros and Cons

Cons

• Glock Gen 6 holsters are unique and not compatible with previous generations
• Stock sights are still basic polymer
• Larger models are tough for everyday concealed carry​
• Trigger improved but not transformative

Pros

• Superior ergonomics for better control and less recoil​
• Simplified optics mounting, lower and less expensive system
• Familiar Glock reliability with modern updates
• Ambidextrous-friendly controls and high beavertail
  

Conclusion

To sum up my initial thoughts on the Glock Gen 6 series. I think its introduction is an exciting evolution that delivers exceptional shootability, user-focused ergonomics, and updates, in addition to the already established unmatched reliability that Glock pistols have offered shooters across the globe for decades. While the buzz on the range right now is that the new Glock Gen 6 pistols are to die for, more long-term testing and user feedback will ultimately tell us whether or not this new breed of Austrian wunder nines was worth all the trouble Glock went through to get there.

But if you’re already a fan of Glocks, what’s the harm in having another historical example of Glock’s ongoing history? Whether you're a competitive shooter, duty user, or just adding to the Glock collection, the Gen 6 (especially in G19 or G45) is probably worth considering for its new handling upgrades. Just make sure your Falco holster is molded for the new Gen 6 profile!