First, we want to simply look at the side of the handgun, and look at the markings on the left side of the slide. See if your Glock has the generation stamped in the side. Only gen 4 and gen 5 have these markings. If there is no generation marking on the side of your Glock, it is gen 3 or below. To confirm your Glock’s generation, reference the depictions below. Glock generations 3 through 5 are supported in our APEX Glock bullpup conversion kit.
We will use the Glock 17 model to show the differences between the different Glock generations in the depictions here.
Gen 2 Glock
- The main difference between the Gen 1 and Gen 2 is the pattern of the texture on the front strap and backstrap
This is a gen2 Glock 17. Gen 2 Glocks are not very common and are not supported in our APEX series Glock bullpup carbine conversion kit. As you can see, there are no markings on the side of the gun. Another main notable difference is the lack of accessory rails or thumb groove on the grip. Finally, there are no finger grooves on gen 2 Glocks. The finger grooves were also removed on gen 5 Glocks, so be sure to double check whether or not you have an accessory rail if you are unsure whether you have a gen 2 or gen 5 Glock.
gen 3 glock
This is a gen 3 Glock 17. Note the lack of a generational stamp and small mag release button. The gen 3 9mm Glock 17 (as well as all gen 3 Glock models) is supported in our APEX series Glock bullpup carbine conversion kit!
GEN4 GLOCK
This is a gen 4 Glock 17. Note the addition of the generation marking on the left side of the slide, as well as the larger mag release button. The texturing is a bit different on gen 4 Glocks as well. The gen 4 Glock 17 (as well as all gen 4 Glock models) is supported in our APEX series Glock conversion kit!
Gen 5 glock
Finally, we have the gen 5 Glock 17 pictured below. Gen 5 is Glock’s newest generation. Once again note the generation stamp on the left side of the slide, however also see the removal of the finger grooves on the grip. Glock also added some front serrations towards the front of the slide, as well as a beveled muzzle end. Gen 5 Glocks feature a nDLC coating as opposed to the nitride coating found on all previous generations. The gen 5 Glock 17 (as well as all gen 5 Glock models) is supported in our APEX series bullpup conversion kit!
Notes on specific Glock models
10mm Glocks:
The 10mm Glock 20 and 10mm Glock 29 models are only available in gen 4 and “SF” which is “Slimline Frame”. Our APEX Series Glock conversion kit does not support the 10mm Glock 29 as of yet. For the 10mm Glock 20, there is no need to worry about which generation when purchasing our APEX Series bullpup Glock.
.45 ACP Glocks:
The .45 Auto Glock 21 and .45 Auto Glock 30 models are only available in gen 4 and “SF” which is “Slimline Frame”. Our APEX Series Glock conversion kit supports both of these models, no need to worry about which generation. The .45 ACP Glock 30 models, .45ACP Glock 36 models and the .45 ACP Glock 41 models are not supported in our APEX Series Glock bullpup conversion kit as of yet.
.357 SIG Glocks:
The .357 SIG Glock 31, .357 SIG Glock 32, and .357 SIG Glock 33 are only available in gen 3 and gen 4. Our APEX Series Glock bullpup does not support these models as of yet.
9mm Glock 19x:
The 9mm Glock 19x is a bit different for identification. It lacks any generation markings on the side of the slide, however it is only available in gen 5. Although the 9mm Glock 19x is a gen 5, it does not have the serrations on the front end of the slide. Our APEX Series bullpup Glock conversion kit supports the Glock 19x, simply order a Glock 19 gen 5 APEX bullpup Glock kit!
9mm single stack Glocks:
The 9mm single stack Glocks are a little different for generation identification, as they do not feature the generation markings on the left side of the slide. Here are some things to keep in mind about these 9mm single stack Glock models:
The 9mm Glock 43 is only available as a gen 4, however, it does not have any markings on the side of the slide to indicate this. The 9mm Glock 43 is not currently supported by our APEX Series bullpup Glock micro conversion kit.
The 9mm Glock 43x is only available as a gen 5, however, it does not have any markings on the side of the slide to indicate this. The 9mm Glock 43x is not currently supported by our APEX Series bullpup Glock conversion kit.
The 9mm Glock 48 is only available as a gen 5, however, it does not have any markings on the side of the slide to indicate this. The 9mm Glock 48 is not currently supported by our APEX Series bullpup Glock conversion kit.
.380 ACP Glocks:
The .380 Glock 42 is only available as a gen 4, however it does not have any markings on the slide to indicate this. The .380 glock 42 is not supported by our APEX Series bullpup Glock conversion kit as of yet.
.45 GAP Glocks:
The .45 GAP Glock models are only available as a gen 3.
The .45 GAP Glock 37, .45 GAP Glock 38, and .45 GAP Glock 39 are not currently supported by our APEX Series bullpup Glock conversion kit.
.22 LR Glocks:
The .22LR Glock 44 is only available as a gen 5, however it does not have any markings on the slide to indicate this. The Glock 44 slide is also primarily made of polymer, unlike every other Glock model. The .22LR Glock 44 is not currently supported by our APEX Series bullpup Glock conversion kit.
.40 S&W Glocks:
The .40 S&W Glock 24 is only available as a gen 3. It is not currently supported by our APEX Series bullpup Glock conversion kit.
The .40 S&W Glock 35 is only available in gen 3 or gen 4. It is not currently supported by our APEX Series bullpup Glock conversion kit.
Before you order our APEX series Glock bullpup carbine conversion kit, you need to answer the question, how do i know what generation glock i have. Please refer to this guide to assist you with ordering the correct generation Glock model. While many generations of Glock may be supported in our Glock bullpup chassis, there are some differences in the barrels between models, so you need to ensure you order the correct generation for our Glock bullpup conversion kit to function.
META Tactical’s APEX series Glock carbine conversion kit supports most Glock models which are generation 3, 4, or 5 only. Our Glock bullpup chassis does not support gen 1 or gen 2 Glocks.
