Transitioning to a new gun is not a simple thing for a police department. Single officer swaps are a far cry from switching maybe 1K plus guns. Along with fitting there are holsters, magazine pouches, PMO (Pistol Mounted Optics) and WML (Weapons Mounted Lights) to consider. Yearly inspections may require parts replacements, a serious consideration for large departments. Many agencies have just caught up on the Gen 5 making another move anything but simple. Still, the Glock Gen 6 has several serious enhancements, and it is something many are considering.
Glock Gen 6 — Is It Worth It?
I was there for the move from Gen 2 to Gen 3 and while holsters worked there were some parts differences. Gen 4 added the MOS and Gen 5 was even bigger. Glock Gen 6 is a whole other ball game. PMO mounting system has changed, you can even get them with an Aimpoint COA mounted. Trigger is flat, texturing is different, better magazine funnel, high cut on the grip and a few other things enhance the pistol. If there was a worthwhile change based on improvements the Gen 6 is the poster child. But what is that going to entail and will it be worth the cost.
Pistol Mounted Optics
Most agencies either provide or allow officers to install PMO. From an armorer’s or purchaser’s perspective the COA is the easiest but most costly. Agencies may already provide a different PMO and like them. Personal use makes the standard Gen 6 an option given its versatility and is the pistol used for testing.
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Mounting to the new system is more solid and easier. An insert provides “pins” mounting your PMO directly to the slide. Cross bolt designs like the ACRO, some Holosun, and the MPO-Pro-F require a plate. I mounted Trijicon’s RMR, RMR HD, SCR, and SRO without issue. Meprolight’s MPO-F and Pro worked fine. EOTech’s EFLX uses the Delta Point Pro pattern, and both mounted without issue. ACRO fit using an RMR plate. Most any existing full sized PMO will work, and the aftermarket is making plates in aluminum for most anything. Fixed sights are standard Glock, mine were Meprolight’s CRIS, all co-witnessing in the lower third.
Holsters & Pouches
Magazines are the same as most double stack 9mm’s. Holsters are a different story. My Safariland 6390RDS-6832 for the Gen 5 fit everything using the most common lights, the RMR HD and SRO were exceptions. You will need to alter the holster or buy one of their newer rigs. Not new with the HD and SRO you may have already done s but a consideration. Leather was no issue, tested several and they all worked, some of the Kydex would fit but not all, my holsters for the Staccato HD 4.5 seemed to work pretty well. That ledge on the side appears to be the issue on some Kydex holsters. In any case it is a serious consideration, especially for duty this is a big deal given duty holsters can run near $300 so keep that in mind.
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How does it fit?
We have been asking for a high cut from Glock for decades and it makes a difference, as does the extended beavertail. Same with grip textures, some want a rasp, others smooth. This seems to be in the middle, about perfect for gloves. Finger grooves were added then removed making the Gen 6 perfect for me. As an armorer I hated them since officers either loved them or wanted me to grind them off and they never worked for me.
Spending one solid 500 round morning my hands were neither torn up or beat up, never happened on any of the midframe Glocks without a grip alteration. Flared magwell offers not only a ledge for my hand but a large and smoother opening. For many the serrated “ledge” will be of value, me included, others will not notice.
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Flat Trigger
My only request on the Gen 5 was a flat trigger, and the Glock Gen 6 brings that. Flat triggers are just easier to control and feel better for most. Trigger weight seems about the same as my Gen 5, but the overall feel is better. This may be the only Glock owned where I felt no need to have the trigger replaced or worked on. Is it uber light and fast, nope, but for duty or defense work it is excellent.
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Small Parts
Parts are going to be a consideration for armorers, according to Glock many internal parts are different. From what I hear from actual armorers most of the trigger parts are not cross compatible with reliability. Late Gen 5 locking blocks and recoil springs are the same, but everything else is still up in the air. Truth is, the recoil springs were the biggest thing for us, changed them out once a year. Depending on your stock pile it may or may not be a deal breaker, but Glock tends to work with agencies and given all the improvements it may be worth it. Recalling the move to Gen 5 they worked with one of our larger agencies taking unused parts back, but it is something to look at.
Bottom Line
Every agency or personal user is going to differ on this. Putting on my small agency hat, they would be approved for personal use immediately. As guns are cycled out they would be replaced with the Glock Gen 6. We seldom had the money for a complete swap out, but if the money was there it would be a serious consideration, if you already supply an RDS then maybe the Gen 6 with the COA. Either way this generational change is significant and largely positive and is definitely worth the time and effort to see if you can swing it. Everything about the Gen 6 improves comfort, accuracy, and versatility making it a positive move for anyone or any agency.
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