The frames were streamlined to all 3-pin in the early 2000s. For 9mm calibers ONLY, you will still find 2-pin designs during the early Gen 3 run. A Gen 3 will feature front strap finger grooves, thumb rest indents at the top of the grip and an accessory rail molded into the dust cover. Some of the larger frame transitional models are quite rare (especially in ported variations)–see for more info.
This started a 3 year period of transition until the full changes reached all models in ’98.
It was believed that the grip would be too small for many to hold on to so finger grooves were molded into the front strap to try to increase purchase and stave off rotation due to recoil. The Gen 3 changes actually started with the release of sub-compact models in 1995. This led to some pressure to “innovate” the Glock design to try to keep ahead of the pack. All frames had a half-moon mag well relief in the bottom of the front straps except the few 19s that were made.īy the late ’90s, Glock had become a dominant force in the American gun market and other manufactures were scrambling to copy the design. Standard (fixed) sights are also period correct, though the target version will fetch a premium. Most early guns were also fitted with target sights that have come to be called “Weakend Sights” because of their fragility. Very early (pre-US) guns and those designated for European markets do not have a serial number plate in the frame. All guns will have Austrian proof marks, but not consistent placement or number of marks. Several variations exist in magazine, case, and small internal parts as well. Early guns featured a slimmer, stainless steel barrel with parkerized finish being introduced early on (no later than AD prefix) and the barrel wall thickness being increased no later than AN prefix. It’s a smoother feel compared to later gens and has been deemed the “pebblestone texture” by collectors. The one consistent feature is the grip texture that wraps around the entire grip (no front or back strap checkering). The initial design, while reliable, was still under development. The 1st generation was one of constant change. Thus the hard breaks between generations only designate significant frame revisions, with many parts being interchangeable across two or more, but some changes only lasting through a short run within a generation. Also, 3rd gen guns are still in production due to California’s handgun restrictions so you could have a gen 5 gun that is actually older than your gen 3! The notes on the pics identify the major characteristics that are consistent throughout the generation, but small changes to markings and internal parts can be found at different intervals–and sometimes back and forth–within the same Gen. The pics below will help you clearly identify which generation your Glock is a part of, but note that there is a great deal of overlap as models were transitioned slowly. The nomenclature became so common that Glock followed suit with the release of Gen 4 in 2008 and their promotional literature now highlights earlier Gens in some places. A very common question for new Glock buyers is “What Gen is my Glock?” Prior to the release of the 4th generation, Glock did not officially recognize any more than model numbers, contributing to the notion that “A Glock is a Glock is a Glock–They’re all the same.” But early collectors noticed the differences and informally settled on three major iterations, or “generations,” by which to classify.