Glock Gen6 Pistols Announced: Ergonomics Redefined

Glock Unveils 6th Generation Pistols: Ergonomics Take Center Stage

Release Date: January 20, 2026
Models: Gen6 – Glock 17, Glock 19, Glock 45
MSRP: $745

Glock has officially announced its long-anticipated sixth generation of pistols, marking the first significant redesign since the Gen5 lineup launched in 2017. The new series introduces several changes aimed at improving ergonomics, handling, and optics integration — without altering the core mechanical reliability that has defined the brand for over four decades. Recently, there was a media event that we were not invited to, and so we're now getting a lot of reports from friends in the industry that were in attendance. Feedback has been favorable and positive to these improvements to the long-running pistol design that has made Glock famous.

A Focus on Ergonomics

The Gen6 lineup reflects Glock’s most user-driven design effort to date. Engineers reportedly studied a wide range of hand shapes and sizes to develop a frame contour that better aligns with the natural curvature of the hand. The result is a palm swell built directly into the frame and a newly enlarged beavertail, allowing shooters to establish a higher and more stable grip without slide bite.

A new RTF6 dual-texture pattern wraps more extensively around the frame, offering improved purchase while remaining comfortable for extended shooting or daily carry. The front of the frame now features actual thumb “rests” which are textured on both sides, providing additional reference points for recoil control. Combined with an undercut trigger guard, these enhancements represent the most substantial ergonomic refinements since the original Glock 17 debuted in 1982.

Trigger and Control Updates

Each Gen6 pistol is equipped with a flat-faced trigger, standard across all models. The geometry brings the trigger shoe slightly rearward compared to earlier generations, shortening the reach and promoting a more consistent trigger press. The slide stop lever is now surrounded by an enlarged raised border to prevent accidental engagement during recoil or manipulations.

While the familiar Safe Action® System remains unchanged, Glock emphasizes that the new trigger maintains the same internal safety mechanisms. The trigger guard undercut and reduced frame-to-trigger distance also aid shooters with smaller hands, improving reach and comfort.

Revised Optics Mounting System

Glock’s new Gen6 Optic Ready System replaces the previous MOS configuration. All Gen6 models ship with three optic plates that allow direct mounting of popular red-dot footprints, including RMR and DPP patterns. The system uses polymer interface plates designed to absorb recoil impulse while keeping the optic closer to the slide. This new approach eliminates the need for an adapter plate stacked together with the optic, simplifying installation and reducing height over bore. The optics will be screwed directly to the slide with this new setup. This new approach seems promising but only so far as the polymer plates hold up under repeated recoil.

Additional Refinements

Deeper slide serrations front and rear improve grip during press checks and manipulations, while the flared magazine well streamlines reloads. The frame’s integrated backstrap system continues, with included 2 mm and 4 mm options for fine-tuning grip size. Internally, Glock retains its striker-fired architecture but introduces a revised recoil spring assembly and re-profiled barrel geometry. As with prior releases, Gen6 pistols remain compatible with existing Glock magazines.

Model Specifications

Model	Barrel Length	Overall Length	Capacity	Weight (loaded)
G17 Gen6	4.49 in	7.95 in	17 rounds	23.99 oz
G19 Gen6	4.02 in	7.28 in	15 rounds	22.58 oz
G45 Gen6	4.02 in	7.44 in	17 rounds	23.10 oz

Each pistol ships with three magazines, a cleaning kit, speed loader, backstrap set, three optic plates, and a hard storage case.

Our Initial Take

The Gen6 generation underscores Glock’s strategy of gradual refinement over reinvention. By focusing on ergonomics, texture, and optics compatibility, the company addresses long-standing user feedback without compromising its hallmark simplicity. The decision to standardize optics-ready slides and introduce the flat-faced trigger across the lineup reflects the shifting expectations of modern shooters, where modularity and precision are increasingly standard.

Whether these ergonomic enhancements translate to measurable performance improvements will depend on extended range use and field experience. Still, the intent is clear: Glock listened to its user base and engineered the Gen6 platform around real-world handling rather than mere cosmetic upgrades.

Looking Ahead

Glock’s Gen6 series will undoubtedly draw attention at SHOT Show 2026, where early production models are expected to be on display. Our team will be on-site in Las Vegas covering the new lineup firsthand, along with other notable firearm and gear releases from across the industry. Expect in-depth impressions and performance testing to follow once the pistols reach the commercial market later in January. We have also submitted a request for a demo unit to complete a full test and review. More to follow.

Sound off in the comments below to let us know what you think about these new enhancements that make up the Glock Gen6 pistols line!