Glock Gen 6 Features and Specs: Everything You Need to Know

Glock has recently unveiled the sixth generation of its iconic pistol. At launch, the G17, G19, and G45 will be available domestically, while the G49 is slated for overseas markets. The Gen 6 lineup prioritizes quality-of-life upgrades designed to improve shootability, including the new RTF6 grip texture, flat-face trigger, enlarged beavertail, palm swell, and ambidextrous gas pedals. The most significant change comes in the form of a redesigned optic cut that replaces Glock’s MOS system. 

What’s new with Glock Gen 6

Visually and in design, the Gen 6 remains consistent with previous generations of the platform. Glock’s focus this time centers on ergonomic refinements and resolving the known shortcomings of the MOS system. Let’s examine the changes introduced with the new pistols.

Glock Gen 6 Ergonomic Changes and Enhancements

Glock’s sixth-generation pistols introduce a series of ergonomic updates designed to improve shootability and comfort. Below is a detailed look at the key changes included in the Gen 6 lineup.

Glock Gen 6 Ergonomic Updates:

• Deeper front and rear slide serrations, to improve grip when conducting slide manipulation in either wet or dry conditions.

• The new RTF 6 grip texture combines elements of Glock’s RTF 2 substrates with RTF4‑style polymer polymids  to provide a more secure, locked‑in grip. This updated texture also extends higher on the frame, improving grip contact and control during shooting.

• Ambidextrous gas pedals, featuring RTF6 texturing, are included from the factory to enhance grip and stability.

• Integrated palm swell designed to better match the natural curvature of shooters’ hands.

• Enlarged beavertail to improve grip consistency and control.

• Flat-face trigger, also standard from the factory with a 5.5 lb trigger pull. 

• Deeper trigger-guard undercut for improved hand placement.

• Redesigned flared magwell to aid in smoother reloads.

Collectively, these changes are intended to enhance overall performance and shootability across the Gen 6 lineup when compared to previous generations.

For images, see Chris Eger’s coverage at Guns.com

Glock Gen 6 Internal Changes & Mechanical Updates

While the Gen 6 places heavy emphasis on ergonomic upgrades, Glock’s internal approach remains more conservative. The company largely retains the Gen 5 operating foundation while introducing select internal and structural refinements to the slide and frame.

Glock Gen 6 Internal Updates:

• Slide redesign: Gen 6 slides now feature a sealed extractor, designed to prevent threadlocker from migrating into the extractor channel when mounting an optic.

• Recoil system: Glock has reverted to a single captive recoil spring system, similar in concept to earlier-generation designs, departing from the Gen 4–5 dual-spring configuration.

• Barrel geometry: The Gen 6 introduces a revised barrel geometry, making barrels from previous generations incompatible. Threaded barrel options will not be available at launch but are confirmed for later in the Gen 6 production cycle.

• New backplate: Gen 6 models feature a narrower slide backplate design and geometry.

• Frame geometry: The internal frame layout largely mirrors the Gen 5 foundation, with minor refinements—most notably changes to the ejector design.

Consumers will be able to use select legacy components, including the locking block, firing pin and spring, trigger bar, trigger pin, connector, and magazine spring. All remaining components will be proprietary to the Gen 6 lineup.

For images, see Chris Eger’s coverage at Guns.com

Glock Gen 6 Refined Optic Ready System (ORS)

The most significant design change—and primary point of innovation—in the Gen 6 lineup is the replacement of Glock’s legacy MOS system with the new Refined Optic Ready System (ORS). All Gen 6 models ship optics-ready from the factory using this redesigned mounting system.

ORS Design Features:

• Deeper optic seating: The ORS allows optics to sit deeper within the slide, reducing height over bore and minimizing mechanical offset during shooting.

• Optic plates: Gen 6 pistols include three optic plates compatible with RMR, DeltaPoint Pro, and Holosun K footprints. These polymer plates are designed to compress during installation, creating friction between the plate, optic, and slide. This friction-fit interface acts as a shock absorber, helping protect the optic from slide-cycling forces.

• Direct-mount capability: The ORS also allows optics to be mounted directly to the slide, reducing the number of failure points commonly associated with traditional plate-based mounting systems.

Glock’s new ORS system features a direct-mount optic plate, providing a robust and stable mounting solution that inspires greater confidence in optic retention compared to the legacy MOS system.

Conclusion

The Glock Gen 6 is an ergonomics-focused redesign of the iconic pistol, aimed at modernizing the platform while preserving Glock’s longstanding reputation for reliability. These updates introduce performance-driven features that blend reliability and enhanced shootability into a single package. Gen 6 models will begin shipping to dealers on January 20, with MSRP set at $745. For more information on the Glock Gen 6 lineup, visit Glock’s official website.