Glock 17 Serial Number Location - A common question for new Glock buyers is "What is my Glock?" Prior to the release of the fourth generation, Glocks were not officially recognized by more than the model number, which contributed to the idea that "a Glock is a Glock - a Glock - they're all the same." But early collectors noticed the difference and informally settled on three major iterations, or "generations," by which to classify. The designation became so popular that Glock followed suit with the release of the Gen 4 in 2008, and their promotional literature now highlights the previous generation in places.
The images below will help you clearly identify which generation Glock is a part of, but note that there is quite a bit of overlap as the models are ported slowly. Also, the Gen 3 pistol is still in production due to California's handgun ban, so you could have a Gen 5 pistol that is actually older than the Gen 3! Observations on images identify key characteristics that are constant between generations, but small changes in markings and internal parts can be found at different intervals within the same generation – sometimes back and forth. Thus, hard breaks between generations only mark major modifications in the framework, where many parts can be replaced in two or more parts, but some changes last only for a short time in one generation.
Glock 17 Serial Number Location
The first generation was a constant change The initial design, while reliable, was in development The only consistent feature is the grip texture that wraps around the entire handle (without front or rear bar checks). It has a smoother feel than the later groups and is considered by collectors to have a "limestone texture". Early rifles featured a slim stainless steel barrel with a recessed finish introduced earlier (not later than the AD indentation) and barrel Wall thickness increased later than AD indentation. There are also many differences in magazines, cases and small internal parts. All rifles will have Austrian proof marks, but no fixed location or number of marks. Very early (pre-US) and on frames for European markets. There is no serial number plate. Most early rifles were also equipped with target sights that were called "weekend sights" because of their fragility. Standard (fixed) sights are also period correct, although target versions will run a premium. All but a few dozen made. The frames had a nice half-moon pattern at the bottom of the front straps
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The second generation is what many new collectors or uninformed dealers refer to as the "first generation". The confusion comes from two reasons: 1. The first generation is very rare and many casual observers may never have seen it. 2. Several models were introduced in the second line and some consider them "first generation" because they are the first version of that particular model. To clarify, if you have a model 20 or older, you have a Gen 2 Glock even if it is the first version of this gun. The obvious difference between the 1 and 2 for the 17-19 models is the addition of a checker on the front and rear bars as well as the structure of the side panels (deeper than the first generation). The second generation also saw the introduction of 5 additional calibers and other rifles. It is important to note that pin numbers do not indicate generation as many people think Only the Gen 3 production 9mm frame has a Gen 1 pin, while all other calibers have 3 pins. All full-size frames are mounted on the relief of the mag wells below the front bar
By the late 1990s, Glock had become a dominant force in the American gun market, and other manufacturers were trying to copy the design. This led to some pressure to try to take its lead and "innovate" the Glock design. Gen changes really began in 1995 with the release of compact sub-models. It was thought that the grip would be too small for many, so finger grooves were machined into the frontstrap to try to increase purchase and avoid rotation. It began a 3-year transition period until it was completely changed again in '98 Some large frame transitional models are quite rare (especially in portable variations) - see https:///transitional/ for more information. The third generation will have front strap finger grooves, finger rest indentations at the top of the grip, and an accessory bar made of dust cover. As mentioned above, for only 9mm, you still get the two pin design when you run the third generation. In the early 2000s the frames were simplified to all 3 pins
By the start of the fourth generation, Glock had become ubiquitous for "pistols" but again found itself pitted against competitors with more innovative designs. One fad that was popular with customers was the interchangeable back straps for a better fit with different hand sizes. Glock first experimented with narrower grips on the Gen 3 SF models (these were only available in .45 and 10mm calibers). The modular backstrap system brings SF proportions to all frames with two size options and beavertail adapter inserts. The internals were redesigned from the ground up and actually built with the .40S&W recoil profile and then downsized to 9mm (as Gen 1-3 are designed the opposite way). This should prove to make the .40 model more durable while continuing the legendary reliability of the 9. The grip texture on the side panels was also changed to a more aggressive pattern – again experienced with the so-called “RTF2” texture on a short run of third-generation pistols. RTF2s are technically Gen 3, possibly Gen 3.5 and were only produced (except for the 2009-2011 Special Edition - see image at the bottom of this page).
The first 5 generation models were preceded by the release of new slimline models in the 42 and 43 sizes. It began as a redesign with all new interior components to fit the smaller size, and the FBI played a role in these changes. Take out the larger guns with a series of M models 17 and 19 officially released as Gen 5s in 2017 and 9mm and .40 S&W offerings followed but no 357 Sig, 10mm or .45 ACP has yet been produced. The major changes of note are the "shooter" barrel, completely new controls, flared magwell, and removal of the front pressure finger hole.
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There are (at least) two other designs that may come across that actually fall outside the generation gap or are different enough that it's hard to tell from the above statement: 1. RTF2 3rd gen and 2. FBI M-series.
RTF2 is short for Rough Texture Framework, Second Edition The first version was only made as a prototype and was never released although at least one version is on display at the Cody Fireworks Museum. Designers landed on the second version and built new ones to incorporate this grip texture into a standard third-generation design. All the internals are the same so the only difference is the structure of the grip As you can see from the exploded image, the entire fist is covered in little pyramids - and let me tell you, they're sharp! This rifle will stay true to your hand, even when wet Glock marketed it to police from 2009 to 2011, but the design is a clear stepping stone between their third and fourth generation pistols. The pyramid concept was carried forward but even the RTF2 with the large pyramid was subject to wear and tear. See https:///rtf2g/ for more images
Finally, we'll also discuss the FBI's M Series pistol The 17M & 19M actually preceded it and may have inspired the Gen 5 rifle. It was built to specifications requested by the FBI as the department's new service weapon and featured some design changes and some new ideas from the Mini 42/43 models. These are the first Glocks designed to improve rifling control and accuracy On the outside, though, the M Pistol will look and feel like a Gen 5 – the main difference is internal so most collectors consider it part of the Gen 5 family. However, for the right person, adding an "M". The model will tag A big difference in the price he wanted
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