The Glock G45 Gen6 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.
New grip texture, a redesigned optics mounting system, and the best factory trigger the company has ever shipped add up to a pistol built for both duty use and concealed carry. After putting it through range testing, it earned a 31 out of 35 on the Hook & Barrel bottom line in this Glock G45 Gen6 review.
What's New in the Glock 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.
The key upgrades on the Gen6:
- 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.
Range Testing the G45 Gen6
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.
The New Optics Ready System
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.
Trigger 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.
Related: How The Glock 17's Radical Origins Changed Handguns Forever
Final Thoughts
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.
Specifications: GLOCK Gen6 G45
- Action: Striker-fired semi-auto
- Barrel Length: 4.02 inches
- Overall Length: 7.44 inches
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 17+1
- Finish: nDLC
- Weight: 23.1 ounces (with empty magazine)
- Sights: Polymer U-shaped rear and white dot front
- Optic Ready: Optics Ready System (ORS)
- Grips: Polymer with RTF6 texture
- MSRP: $745
- URL: us.glock.com
FAQs:
Can previous generation magazines be used?
Yes, previous generation magazines work in Gen6 guns but Gen 1,2 and 3 only work with the release on the left side of the pistol. Gen4 and up work ambidextrously.
Can the Gen6 slide work on earlier frames?
Yes, but it is a trick question. Previous generation slide will work with different frames and vice versa but only with modifications. It is not really worth the effort.
Is the new Optics Ready System better than the MOS?
Yes, the MOS system requires two sets of screws: one set attaching the optic to the plate and another attaching the plate to the gun. The ORS uses a plate that lets the optic attach directly to the pistol.
H&B Bottom Line
The Hook & Barrel Bottom Line is a rating system based on seven criteria. Each category is worth five points (or ampersands) for a total possible score of 35.
- Ergos & Handling – &&&&&
The Gen6 G45 frame is the most ergonomic pistol ever brought out by the company. The new palm swell, beavertail grip texture and undercut trigger guard provide a high hand grip for control. - Recoil – &&&&&
The RTF6 texturing offers a secure grip without being too aggressive, while the large frame on this crossover pistol helps tame the 9mm recoil, including +P loads. - Action & Reloading – &&&
The short slide glides across smoothly when shooting, while the large frame and flared well makes seating magazines a cinch. - Sight Mounting Base – &&&&
The new ORS (Optics Ready System) is easy to use and eliminates the possibility of an overtightened screw jamming the action. Sights, however, do not co-witness with the optic. - Intended Purpose – &&&&&
The Gen6 G45 works for exactly what it was intended to be; a duty pistol that easily rolls over to concealed carry. - Overall Versatility – &&&&&
It is versatile enough to work for multiple functions, including concealed carry, though it may print with some folks. - Value-Price Point – &&&
While the new features on the Gen6 G45 improve handling, control and shootability, they also come with a price increase. Shooters must decide if it is worth it. - Overall Score – 31 out of 35
Pairs Well with the Olight SE Optic
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 usaAlso Pairs Well With Federal Personal Defense Punch
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
