The GLOCK G45 Gen6 9mm is the company’s most refined crossover pistol to date, pairing a full-size frame with a compact slide and the biggest ergonomic overhaul GLOCK has made in years.
For this review, I tested the G45 Gen6 first with its factory polymer sights and then with an Osight SE mounted through the new Optics Ready System. Testing started at 10 yards and included 15-yard rested groups, low-ready and retention work with a Galco KingTuk holster, doubles and target transitions. Here’s how those changes added up on the range.
- You want full-size control with a compact-length slide
- You value proven reliability and easier optic mounting
- The factory polymer sights remain a likely upgrade
GLOCK G45 Gen6 Ergonomics and Frame Changes
The key upgrades on the Gen6:
For years, rumors have floated around the firearms industry about the GLOCK Gen6, intensifying before every major event. GLOCK finally put them to rest in October 2025, announcing the long-awaited sixth generation in three models—the G17, G19 and G45—and inviting firearms media to its headquarters for hands-on time with all three.
- Full-coverage RTF6 grip texture: extends to more of the grip than any previous generation, including a new finger pad above the trigger
- Redesigned palm swell: fills the hand without the brick-like feel of earlier GLOCKs
- More pronounced beavertail: better protects the hand and prevents slide bite
- Deeper undercut trigger guard: allows a noticeably higher grip on the frame
- Deeper slide serrations: improved purchase for racking and press checks
Together, the undercut, beavertail and texture produce the highest, most secure grip I've ever obtained on a GLOCK, reducing bore height over the hand. Of course, new features only matter if they result in a better shooting pistol — and that's only determined on the range.
GLOCK G45 Gen6 Range Test: Iron Sights, Holster Drills and 15-Yard Groups
Testing began at 10 yards with some slow controlled fire using the standard sights. From there, I ran a few basic drills from both low ready and retention from a Galco KingTuk holster.
The G45 handled and shot well, despite the limitations of the GLOCK sights. These polymer sights are fine. Shooters who line them up are going to hit the target. I averaged a little under 3 inches at 15 yards from a rest with a variety of ammunition, ranging from inexpensive up to Federal Personal Defense Punch.
Still, there is a reason why there are so many aftermarket sights for GLOCK pistols.
GLOCK G45 Gen6 ORS Test With the Osight SE
A better option is attaching a micro red-dot optic via the ORS (Optics Ready System) mounting system. This new system mounts most standard optics easily using one of three interchangeable plates. Considering this, I attached an Osight SE, using the 04 plate and sighted it before going back to the rest to check accuracy again. Groups tightened significantly, with Punch again beating out the competition, averaging just over 2 inches.
I then swapped the optic from a dot to a circle and ran some more drills, which is where the setup shined. The large grip paired with the shorter slide made getting the gun into action and controlling it during the action easy and enjoyable. Follow-up shots flowed smoothly during doubles and target transitions, especially with the red dot attached.
GLOCK G45 Gen6 Trigger, Recoil and Shootability
There is a lot to like about the GLOCK G45, from its new texture that covers much more of the grip to the extended beavertail that prevents bite, along with the palm swell and undercut trigger guard that provides a much better grip. Even the flat-faced trigger provides a better pull, and the new optic mounting system eliminates some of the issues of the MOS system.
The Gen6 G45 offers a good combination of control, capacity and speed into action. My only complaint would be the trigger. The Gen6 G45 trigger is the best I’ve ever felt on a GLOCK. It has no grit, very little play and a short reset. However, it still tips the scales at almost 6 pounds.
GLOCK G45 Gen6 FAQs:
Should You Buy the GLOCK G45 Gen6?
GLOCK fans are going to be quite happy with the new generation, as it is the most advanced and thought-out pistol to come from the company. Those with less feeling toward the Austrian company are going to claim that the Gen6 are just catching up to customization and clones. Still, no one can deny that GLOCK revolutionized the firearm industry back in the 80s. The Gen6 G45 is trying to do that again.
GLOCK G45 Gen6 Review: Final Verdict and Score
- Groups tightened to just over 2 inches with a dot
- Highest, most secure grip yet on a Glock
- ORS mounts optics without a second screw set
- Deeper serrations improve press checks
- Best factory trigger Glock has shipped
- 17+1 in a crossover duty and carry size
- Trigger still breaks at almost 6 pounds
- Irons do not co-witness with an optic
- Product Origin
- Personal Firearm
- Test Type
- Range — slow controlled fire at 10 yards on standard sights; drills from low ready and retention; groups from a rest at 15 yards, on irons then with an optic
- Ammunition Tested
- A variety of loads from inexpensive range ammunition up to Federal Personal Defense Punch (individual loads not itemised)
- Accessories
- Osight SE micro red dot fitted via the 04 ORS plate; Galco KingTuk holster
- Tested By
- Paul Rackley
- Note — Specifications
- The optic used is named as the Osight SE in the range section and the Olight SE in the pairing section. One is an error; the review does not resolve which.
- Action
- Striker-fired semi-automatic
- Caliber
- 9mm
- Barrel Length
- 4.02 inches
- Overall Length
- 7.44 inches
- Capacity
- 17+1
- Finish
- nDLC
- Weight
- 23.1 ounces with empty magazine
- Sights
- Polymer U-shaped rear, white dot front
- Optic Ready
- Optics Ready System (ORS), three interchangeable plates
- Grips
- Polymer with full-coverage RTF6 texture
- Trigger
- Flat-faced, approximately 6 pounds
- MSRP
- $745
MORE FROM GLOCK:
- GLOCK 43X 9mm Review: Two Pistols Tested Over 600 Rounds
- The GLOCK 21 Gen5 MOS: A .45 ACP Standard Bearer
- GLOCK 42 in .380 ACP: The GLOCK That Gets No Respect
Osight SE Red-Dot Setup for the GLOCK G45 Gen6
A red-dot optic, such as the Olight SE. The polymer sights are adequate. Replacing them with aftermarket sights or an optic makes sense. In fact, using metal sights that co-witness with an optic provides dual options for self-defense. MSRP: $219.99
Check price at midway usaGLOCK G45 Gen6 and Federal Punch 124-Grain 9mm
Federal Personal Defense Punch. These 9mm, 124-grain jacketed hollow point provide expansion and penetration, matching or exceeding FBI protocols, even against barriers. They are also extremely affordable compared to other self-defense loads. MSRP: $22.99/20-round box, $51.99/50-round box.
Check price at midway usa
