Glock handguns are some of the most popular handguns on the market. There are multiple variations, styles, and models. Add in that Glock has been selling handguns since the 1980s in the US, and knowing how to identify a Glock model becomes an important skill, especially for new and second-hand buyers.
We will cover how to identify a Glock model, how many models are out there, and a few extras to help you know what you may be purchasing or upgrading.
Identifying Glock Models
When it comes to Glocks, there are two ways to identify their model: the simple way and the hard way.
The Simple Way
Suppose you are able to look at the left-hand side of the pistol's slide. This will be on the opposite side of the ejection port. It should have Glock's logo, a number representing the model number, the word Austria, and the caliber of the pistol.
The model number clearly represents which Glock model it is. This is how to identify a Glock model in the most consistent way.
The Hard Way
If you are unable to see the model number on the side of the pistol and have to do a lot of guesswork to identify the gun, the hard way will help you.
Slide Length
The length of the slide will help you narrow down which model the Glock is. Longer slides mean it is either a competition mode, a Long Slide variant, or a standard-sized pistol. Smaller slides indicate a compact or subcompact.
This only works well for things like Glock 17 vs 19 because of how granular the variations can be. Many Glock models have similar slide lengths and interchangeable slides, which adds to that guesswork.
Grip Length
Similarly, the grip length will also help identify the gun. If it is fully covered by the hand, this is more than likely a subcompact. Barely fills the hand? Compact. Fills the hand or is a little too big for the hand? Standard/Full-sized.
Accessory Rail
The accessory rail, or lack thereof, will also help you identify which Glock model and generation you are looking at. If there is an accessory rail, you are more than likely looking at a newer generation Glock. Some of the Glock's earlier designs are missing the rail, so this can be used to date the pistol as well.
Grip detail
The grip details of a Glock can help narrow down the Glock's generation. Relatively smooth grips are more than likely Gen 1 and Gen 2 Glocks. Grips with finger grooves are Gen 3 or 4 (unless the grip has been modified). Gen 5 Glocks feature an undercut trigger guard, square stippling, and no finger grooves.
How Many Glock Models Are There?
Some would say "Too damn many" when it comes to this question. But the real answer is that there are roughly thirty different models of Glock pistol, which include some specialty options and only increase with the available variants (Crossover, MOS, Slim, etc).
Glock Model Reference Table
For an easier time sorting through the various Glock models, here is a quick reference to break down each model by caliber while specifying the size of the handgun.
| Caliber | Glock Model and Size |
| 9x19mm | G26 (subcompact) G19 (compact) G46 (compact) G45 (standard) G19X (Crossover compact) G49 (standard, compact) G17 (standard) G18 (restricted, standard) G47 (standard) P80 (commemorative, standard) G34 (competition, standard) G43 (slim, subcompact) G48 (slim, compact) |
| 10mm Auto | G29 (subcompact) G20 (standard) G40 (long slide, standard) |
| 45 ACP | G30 (subcompact) G21 (standard) G41 (competition, standard) G36 (slim, subcompact) |
| 40 S&W | G27 (subcompact) G23 (compact) G22 (standard) |
| 380 Auto | G28 (subcompact) G25 (compact) G42 (slim compact) |
| 357 SIG | G33 (subcompact) G32 (compact) G31 (standard) |
| 45 GAP | G39 (subcompact) G32 (compact) G37 (standard) |
| 22 LR | G44 (compact) |
Glock Variants
The number of models increases once you get into the different variants of Glocks. There are roughly five major categories for Glock variants: Generations, MOS, Crossover, Slim, and Slide Length.
Generations
The largest set of variants are the ones connected to the Glock generations. There are five generations of Glocks, with the largest differences occurring between the 3rd and 4th generations. However, we'll cover the differences between the Glock Gen 3 vs Gen 4 models in another article.
MOS (Modular Optic System)
Glock models with the MOS variant come pre-milled to accept red dot or similar sighting systems. There are multiple mounting plates that match the most popular red dots available 'and are categorized by the optic's footprint.
Crossover
The Crossover models feature combinations of multiple Glock models on a specific model size. For example, the G19X features a frame with a G17 style full-size grip length and a G19 slide. This occurs for other models as well, making those variants semi-unique in their properties.
Slim
These Glock variants feature a narrower grip and require the use of a single-stack magazine. This limits the type of Glock magazines that can be used with the pistol, affecting both capacity and model compatibility.
Slide Length
Another differentiator for Glock models is the slide length. Some models have a Long Side variant or L variant. This is important since many of these variants need a longer barrel in order to work properly. Knowing the slide length helps you select the correct Glock barrel for your pistol.
Closing Thoughts and Discontinued Models
Glock is one of the most prolific striker-fired handgun brands on the market. The number of models and variants means that they have a large customer base, which is why we continue to provide Glock parts to keep those guns running and Glock triggers to improve the shooting experience.
However, in 2025, Glock decided to discontinue a large number of their pistol models, predominantly in 40 S&W, other non-popular calibers, multiple older generation variants, and several slide variants. The list is extensive and is best looked at on the manufacturer's site.
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