Glock Generations?

[GregD]

I'm sure there has been a thread on this but I can't find it. How do you tell which generation of Glock you are looking at?

[lawrra]

And the RTF

[GregD]

Am I right, the way to tell the generations is by the front of the grip frame?

[infantrylife]

Originally Posted by GregD

Am I right, the way to tell the generations is by the front of the grip frame?

and the front rail

[lawrra]

Originally Posted by GregD

Am I right, the way to tell the generations is by the front of the grip frame?

Yes, basically. Gen 1 is textured all around, no rail. Gen 2 has defined separation of texturing, no rail. Gen 2.5 introduces finger grooves, no rail. Gen 3 introduces an accessory rail with finger grooves. The RTF (rough texture frame) has small pyramid-like extrusions on the frame that provide a more positive grip over previous generations, and crescent shaped slide serrations. A Gen 4 is set to arrive in 2010 from what I've read.

[shooter521]

Originally Posted by lawrra

Gen 2.5 introduces finger grooves, no rail.

There are supposedly Gen 2.5s with a rail but no grooves, though I've never seen pictures of one. Also, only certain models appeared in the grooves-but-no-rails configuration - most notable were the Glock 31 (which actually appeared on the cover of one of the Glock Annuals), and the Glock 20/21.

[GregD]

Thanks to all of you for the help. I have a model 26 with the grooves but no rail so a generation 2.5 I guess.

[crk74]

my glock 30sf subcompact has a rail

[shooter521]

Originally Posted by crk74

my glock 30sf subcompact has a rail

Yes, the 29/30 is the exception (and the rail was just added a couple years ago). The 26/27/33/36/39 are all without.

[jpo117]

Just curious, are there any other significant differences beside ergonomics?