So, What's Going On?
Of course, there’s plenty of speculation as to the drivers behind this move, much of it based around current events including recent legislation banning Glocks in California, for example (that law is currently being challenged in court). The new V model is specifically designed to make it more difficult to add the infamous, illegal “Glock Switch,” which allows for full-auto fire.
The Glock design has been on the American market since the mid-1980s, with little change to the original design. The “Glock Switch” is a more recent introduction and is an illegal modification that carries a hefty penalty. For some reason, legislators seem more interested in using it as an excuse to punish a successful firearm company than going after criminals. So, although Glock is not responsible for or complicit in the use of illegal conversion switches on its firearms, the company is the target of legislation and lawsuits.
The Glock V
In addition to ‘V’ markings on the slide and frame, upon closer inspection of the Glock V, you’ll notice the slide cover plate is shaped differently than on Gen 5 Glocks. There’s an added notch in the post on the frame that interlocks with the slide cover plate, so Gen 5 and V model slides are not interchangeable. In fact, the retail description includes a disclaimer that “V-series parts are not cross-compatible with older Glock models.”
This modification does put a squeeze on Glock aftermarket parts companies, as many people who make their living on accessories like custom backplates will have to overturn their stock.
Trigger pull on the V model is roughly the same as on the Gen 5s – about 4.5 pounds. The real difference appears when you look under the hood. Takedown is the same as on previous Glocks, but the firing pin lug on the V model is noticeably smaller and thinner, with a narrower channel for its movement. The V model also adds ramps on either side of the firing pin lug that are not found on Gen 5s.
The Models
For those looking for larger calibers, the V series includes the 10mm G20 V MOS and the .45 ACP G21 V MOS. These are some of the only models that kept Glock’s MOS optic mounting system. Glock is one of the few companies that is keeping a .40 S&W handgun in production, as the new series includes both a G23 V and a G23 V MOS. For those who enjoy training on the inexpensive, soft-recoiling .22 LR platform, there's a G44 V.
Glock is also reintroducing the C models with the V series. Glock was one of the first companies to introduce a factory-cut compensated model of its popular handguns; however, the C models have not been in production for many years. With every major handgun company releasing a compensated handgun, it makes sense for Glock to revive this line as distributor exclusives.
The C line will only include 9mm models. The compact Glock 19 is one of the most popular concealed carry handguns in the country, and the G19C V will continue that popularity. For those who like the hybrid compact slide and full-sized grip, the G45C V can fill both the duty and compact role. The G17C will scratch the itch for those looking for a compensated duty-sized firearm.
Another distributor exclusive, the G19X V MOS TB will be the only optic-cut 9mm in the new lineup.
You can find these V series guns and deals on many more Glocks at Guns.com, and be sure to stay tuned for more on the V models once we get them to the range.
