Glock Will Bring Next-Gen Pistols to 2010 SHOT Show

So far, most of the online chatter about Glock's introduction of a "next-gen" line of pistols at the SHOT Show has been about ergonomics.

Paul Clinton Web Headshot

So far, most of the online chatter about Glock's introduction of a "next-gen" line of pistols at the SHOT Show has been about ergonomics.

A few details about the new pistols have leaked out to firearms bloggers, law enforcement trainers and dealers. And the company has released three black-and-white promotional ads with the taglines, "Change Your Grip, Not Your Gun," "Next Generation of Perfection," and "Are You Ready?"

We'll relay some of the more credible details (reported by multiple sources) with the caveat that it's still rumor-mill material. We'll get the full story about the "Gen4" pistols at the Glock booth at SHOT Show starting Jan. 19.

Let's start with what the company has announced publicly, which isn't much. Glock spokeswoman Randi Rogers tells us the company will have all the details at the show.

On the Glock Facebook page, the company confirmed the release of the new pistols at SHOT, saying customer feedback has been incorporated into the changes.

"Glock knows it must continue to evolve in order to remain relevant in future markets," according to Josh Dorsey, Glock's vice president. "Additionally, Glock will introduce the 'next generation' of Glock pistols incorporating our customers' demands at the upcoming SHOT Show."

Which models will we see from Glock? Perhaps a G17, G19 and G22.

Features may include a redesigned frame, ambidextrous slide catch lever, interchangeable back straps, beveled magazine well, reversable magazine release, new sighting options, rough texture grip and dissassembly without a trigger pull, according to the Guns, Holsters & Gear blog.

The rough-textured grip offered with the Glock G22 RTF22 duty pistol appears to be a transitional feature that will be offered in a slightly different format on the Gen 4 pistols, according to Guns, Holsters & Gear.

The Gen4 Glock pistols will have a textured finish that "is not nearly as aggressive as the RTF2 introduced at the 2009 SHOT Show," according to the blog. "The new finish is said to be rougher than the prior generations, but easier on the hands and clothes than the RTF2. The RTF2 was found by some people to wear through uniform shirts and other clothing too quickly."

Perhaps motived by the success of Smith & Wesson in securing law enforcement contracts for its S&W M&P pistols with adjustable grips, the new Glock pistols will feature an interchangeable backstrap, or adjustable grip, to accommodate a wide range of hand sizes, as reported by Guns, Holsters & Gear (quoting police supplier GT Distributors).

Glock has stubbornly refused to update its pistol ergonomics to accomodate shooters with smaller hands, notes AccurateShooter.com. Other pistol manufacturers use "swappable" back straps to accommodate a variety of hand sizes.

That's what we've learned so far. We'll be sure to bring you another update with what Glock announces at SHOT.

About the Author
Paul Clinton Web Headshot
Web Editor
View Bio