SHOT Show 2010: Glock Introduces Gen4 Pistols

Glock Inc. introduced a pair of "next gen" pistols at SHOT Show 2010 in Las Vegas — the G17 (9mm) and G22 (.40 caliber) — that add grip options for smaller hands, a dual-action spring to smooth recoil and other features.

As previously reported by POLICE Magazine, the Gen4 Glock pistols also bring a rough-textured grip that's less aggressive than the Glock G22 RTF22 and a reversible magazine release. Glock shifted to more traditional vertical slide serrations from the previous crescent serrations.

Law enforcement officers who stopped by the booth to inquire about the pistols said they welcomed the updates.

"You have more flexibility in hand size," said Jason Jennings, a senior firearms instructor with the Las Vegas Metro Police Department. "And you also have a gun that is easier to control."

The multiple backstraps allow the user to change the circumference of the grip to fit his or her hand size. Three frame options (short, medium or large) can be changed and secured with a single pin.

Individual officers can acquire the pistols for the law enforcement price of $398.20, and earlier-generation Glock pistols are eligible for the company's upgrade credit toward a new pistol.