Top 5 Things We Know About the Glock V Series: Latest Updates and Features

Glock is making a major change to its pistol lineup. The company is discontinuing most of its Gen 3, Gen 4, and Gen 5 models and replacing them with a new V Series starting in December 2025.

The V Series keeps the same outside design as Gen 5 pistols but includes important internal changes focused on safety and preventing illegal modifications. These updates affect key parts like the trigger system and slide components. The new lineup includes popular models like the G17, G19, G19X, G26, and G45 in their V Series versions.

Understanding what changed and what stayed the same helps gun owners make informed decisions about their next purchase. The V Series represents Glock's response to both legal pressures and the need to modernize its most popular handguns.

1) Glock V Series replaces Gen 3, 4, and 5 models starting December 2025

Glock has discontinued most of its Gen 3, Gen 4, and some Gen 5 pistol models. The company is replacing them with a new V Series lineup that will be available starting December 2025.

The V Series pistols began shipping to dealers in December 2025. Glock published a discontinued list on its website showing which models are being phased out.

The V Series includes popular models like the G17 V, G19 V, G19X V, G26 V, and G45 V. Many of these guns will also come in MOS versions with optics-ready slides.

This change is about simplifying Glock's product lineup. The V Series creates a baseline of products that makes manufacturing easier. It is not a Gen 6 release or a major redesign of the pistol platform.

2) V Series retains Gen 5 external design ensuring holster compatibility

The V-Series pistols maintain the trusted Gen 5 external design, which means owners won't need to replace their current gear. The grip texture, controls, and overall handling remain unchanged from the Gen 5 models.

This design choice offers a major practical benefit. Existing holsters, lights, and lasers made for Gen 5 models should fit the V series without issue.

At first glance, the V model looks almost identical to the Gen 5. The slide features a "V" marking, but the external appearance stays the same. Gun owners can keep using their favorite accessories without worry.

The updates happen inside the pistol rather than on the outside. This approach lets Glock improve performance while keeping the proven external features that shooters already trust.

3) Key update includes an anti-conversion internal design for enhanced safety

The Glock V-Series features a major internal redesign aimed at preventing illegal modifications. This change addresses growing concerns about automatic conversion devices known as switches.

Glock developed the V-Series as a direct response to mounting legal pressure over these illegal switch conversions. The new internal components make it much harder to install devices that convert semi-automatic pistols to full-auto fire.

The anti-conversion design represents Glock's effort to meet regulatory compliance requirements. Law enforcement agencies have expressed concern about the proliferation of illegal conversion devices on existing Glock models.

The impending launch of the V Series marks a significant shift in how Glock approaches pistol manufacturing. The company prioritized safety and legal compliance while maintaining the reliability Glock owners expect.

These internal changes don't affect normal operation or functionality for lawful users. The modifications target specific conversion methods without compromising the pistol's core performance.

4) Trigger mechanism and slide back-plate assembly feature crucial redesigns

The Glock Gen 5 introduces important changes to the trigger housing. The Gen 5 trigger housing includes an elevated polymer rail that depresses the firing pin safety when the slide is locked back. This design element adds an extra layer of safety during maintenance and operation.

The Glock Safe Action System uses a partially pre-cocked striker with a trigger bar and firing pin safety. This setup provides a consistent trigger pull while maintaining safety standards.

Glock also developed a Performance Trigger with a flat-faced design as an aftermarket option. This trigger works with Gen 4 and Gen 5 models and offers an enhanced trigger pull experience.

The slide back-plate received updates too. The Gen 5 slide cover plate now ships with Performance Triggers to ensure proper compatibility. These plates help maintain the integrity of the slide assembly while allowing for customization options.

5) V Series models include G17 V, G19 V, G19X V, G26 V, and G45 V

Glock has confirmed several commercial models for the V Series launch. The lineup includes some of the company's most popular pistols with updated markings.

The core commercial models are the G17 V, G19 V, G19X V, G45 V, and G26 V. These represent the full-size, compact, and subcompact options that many shooters rely on.

Additional models in the V Series include the G20 V MOS, G23 V, G23 V MOS, G21 V MOS, and G44 V. The MOS variants feature the Modular Optic System for mounting red dot sights.

Glock also announced distributor-exclusive models. These include the G19C V, G45C V, G17C V, and G19X V MOS TB. The "C" designation refers to compensated models with ported slides.

V Series pistols are marked on both the slide and frame with a "V" to distinguish them from previous generations. The company plans to have these models available in December 2025.

Design Evolution of the Glock V Series

The V Series maintains Gen 5's external appearance while introducing internal modifications focused on preventing unauthorized conversions. The changes streamline Glock's product lineup rather than representing a complete redesign.

Key Innovations in the Glock V Series

The V Series features anti-conversion internal design changes that focus on the trigger mechanism and slide back-plate assembly. These modifications address legal concerns from multiple cities and states regarding conversion devices.

The redesigned trigger system includes new internal components that make it harder to install aftermarket auto sear devices. The slide back-plate assembly also received updates to prevent unauthorized modifications.

Despite internal changes, the V Series keeps the trusted Gen 5 external design. Existing holsters and most accessories remain compatible with the new models. This decision helps current Glock owners transition to V Series pistols without replacing their gear.

The V Series is not labeled as Gen 6 because it represents a baseline refresh rather than a generational upgrade. Glock positioned these pistols as a simplified platform for future development.

Material Upgrades and Durability Enhancements

The V Series maintains the same polymer frame and steel slide construction as Gen 5 models. No significant changes to material composition have been announced or documented in the new lineup.

The focus remains on internal component redesign rather than material improvements. The proven Gen 5 materials continue in the V Series without modifications to the frame polymer or slide finish options.

Glock prioritized compatibility and manufacturing simplification over material upgrades. The company streamlined its lineup by reducing the number of available models while maintaining existing quality standards.

Performance and Reliability Insights

The V Series maintains Glock's core strengths in durability and function while introducing internal modifications that don't compromise field performance. Early assessments show the platform delivers consistent results with familiar handling dynamics.

Accuracy and Handling Characteristics

The V Series keeps the same external dimensions and ergonomics as Gen 5 models. Shooters familiar with previous generations will notice no difference in grip angle, trigger reach, or sight radius.

The internal trigger mechanism redesign does not affect trigger pull weight or reset distance in measurable ways. The changes focus on preventing unauthorized modifications rather than altering shooting characteristics.

Key handling features include:

• Standard Glock trigger safety and blade design

• Identical slide serrations and texturing patterns

• Same magazine compatibility across calibers

• Unchanged recoil spring assembly configuration

The polymer frame construction and steel slide rails provide the same level of durability shooters expect. The pistols function reliably with standard factory ammunition and maintain accuracy standards comparable to Gen 5 models.

User Feedback and Field Testing

Limited field data exists since the V Series launched recently. The models maintain compatibility with existing holsters and accessories, which simplifies adoption for current Glock users.

Law enforcement agencies testing the platform report no operational differences from Gen 5 pistols. The anti-conversion internal design adds security features without affecting daily carry or qualification performance.

Shooters note the V Series feels identical to handle and shoot compared to previous generations. The changes remain largely invisible during normal use, which aligns with Glock's approach to the update as a baseline refresh rather than a complete redesign.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Glock V Series brings changes to internal components and manufacturing processes while keeping the familiar external design. These updates affect model availability, aftermarket compatibility, and purchasing decisions for shooters considering new Glock pistols.

What are the distinguishing features of the new Glock V series compared to previous models?

The V Series maintains the same external appearance as Gen 5 pistols. Shooters won't notice visible differences in the slide, frame, or grip texture.

The main changes happen inside the pistol. Anti-conversion technology represents the most significant design update in the V Series. This internal modification aims to prevent illegal automatic conversions.

The trigger mechanism received updates in the V Series. The slide back-plate assembly also features new design elements that separate it from earlier generations.

Will the Glock V series replace existing models, and if so, which ones?

Glock discontinued most Gen 3, 4, and 5 pistol models to make room for the V Series. The V Series replacement began in December 2025 with new models arriving at dealer shelves.

The initial V Series lineup includes the G17 V, G19 V, G19X V, G26 V, and G45 V. These models cover the most popular sizes in Glock's catalog.

This shift represents a complete baseline refresh rather than a new generation. Glock plans to simplify its product line with the V Series moving forward.

How does the Glock V series compare to the Gen 5 in terms of performance and design?

The V Series keeps the Gen 5 external design intact. This means holster compatibility remains unchanged between the two versions.

Performance characteristics stay similar between V Series and Gen 5 models. Shooters won't experience major differences in handling, accuracy, or reliability.

The distinction lies in internal components and manufacturing standards. Glock describes this as establishing a baseline rather than creating performance upgrades.

What improvements have been made to the internals of the Glock V series?

Internal modifications focus on preventing unauthorized modifications. The anti-conversion design changes how certain internal parts fit together.

The trigger mechanism underwent redesign in the V Series. These changes affect the internal trigger components rather than the external feel or pull weight.

The slide back-plate assembly features new internal architecture. This modification works with other internal changes to meet regulatory requirements and prevent conversions.

With the upcoming discontinuation of certain models, is it advisable to purchase a Glock now?

Buyers who prefer Gen 5 models should act before inventory runs out. Gen 3, 4, and 5 models will become harder to find as dealers sell through existing stock.

The V Series offers the same external dimensions and holster compatibility as Gen 5. Shooters who don't need specific Gen 5 features can wait for V Series availability.

Aftermarket parts compatibility remains uncertain for some V Series internal components. Buyers who plan extensive modifications might prefer Gen 5 models while they remain available.

What are the anticipated impacts on the market with the introduction of the Glock V series?

The V Series streamlines Glock's manufacturing and simplifies the product lineup. This consolidation affects distributors, dealers, and aftermarket manufacturers.

Gen 3, 4, and 5 parts may become less available over time. Shooters who own these models should consider stocking spare parts before they become scarce.

Aftermarket companies will need to develop new parts for V Series internal components. This transition period may create temporary gaps in upgrade options for V Series owners.