When looking for a Glock it might be tempting to grab a new one off the shelf; but you might be missing out on some great deals and great guns by not going used.
A used Glock, especially former LE models, bring great pricing to consumers shopping on a budget. If you need a reliable, sturdy gun but don’t want to break the bank, a used Glock is the way to go. In addition to being wallet friendly, a used Glock has the benefit of already coming to you broken in — meaning someone else has put in the time to work it through any kinks like stiff controls, parts or difficult slides.
Pricing on Glock’s vary widely depending on model, generation and accessories. Abundant models like the Glock 17, 19, 42 and 43 offer slightly lower pricing than the competition, optics-ready, MOS models.
Generation also plays a part in pricing. Third and Fourth generation Glocks tend to run lower than brand new Fifth Generation Glocks. Finally, used guns often come with spare mags, holsters or other perks and those can drive up the price.
In general, brand new, stock Gen. 5 Glocks start around $600, depending on model.
When buying a Glock it’s important to first settle on which iteration —or generation— you’re looking for.
First Gen Glocks were introduced in the mid-1980s. A basic, polymer pistol the first generation offered few features with a bare bones design.
In 1990, Second Generation Glocks made their way in the world and offered checkering on front and back straps while introducing a larger locking block.
Third Gen Glocks entered the picture in the late 1990s with a new look. This generation offered an accessory rail, thumb rests and finger grooves and a loaded chamber indicator. It’s worth noting that in 2009, Glock introduced the Model 22 RTF2 into the Third Generation. This model, lumped into the Third Gen, delivered a pyramid grip texture and scalloped slide serrations.
In 2010, the Fourth Generation arrived with more aesthetic changes to the pistol like backstops, truncated pyramid grip texture, reversible mag release and changes to the barrel, slide, trigger bar and trigger housing. Glock followed this up in 2017 with the newest generation, the Fifth Generation. This iteration saw the removal of the finger grooves, a more rounded slide, flared magwell, ambidextrous slide stop and upgrades to the trigger and barrel.
As with any used gun, we recommend ensuring that the gun looks well cared of — that means no rust or caked-on gunk. If you can check the internals, ensure they too are free from rust. Also, make sure to see about any upgrades or additional accessories. Often times, prior owners will tweak the gun adding aftermarket sights or triggers and it’s no uncommon for used Glocks to come with additional magazines and even holsters. All of this adds up as you’re essentially getting more bang for your buck.
Glock has earned a reputation among concealed carriers and law enforcement as a solid, reliable workhorse pistol. For this reason, it’s a popular choice for carry and duty. By far, the two most popular Glock models for carry are the Glock 19 and Glock 43.
Both chambered in 9mm, the G19 and G43 bring that familiar Glock design but marry into a smaller frame. The G19 offers a compact approach with 15+1 capacity while the G43 brings a single stack, sub-compact frame and 6+1 capacity.
When it comes to home defense or duty, where a larger gun is acceptable and encouraged, the Glock 17 is the best bet. Packing 17+1 rounds of 9mm, the Glock 17 delivers a bigger, full-size frame with all the Glock components.