While a strict serial number sequence is an inexact assumption, an accurate time line of importation for serialized firearms can be dated through records available from Glock. Using this assumption as a framework, this article will seek to identify changes in individual Glock cosmetic and design features and identify their sequence in the model history. The four distinct early versions were originally smooth and then sequentially incorporated a Glock logo, insert button hole, and finally a part number ‘455.’ Later FML floor plates began with a different number ‘3602’ that was eventually omitted.

Magazine floor plates are of two distinct types: early versions for the Non-Fully Metal Lined (NFML) magazines and later ones for the Fully Metal Lined (FML) magazines also known as ‘drop-free’ because their greater rigidity causes them to be less likely to stick in the magazine well than their predecessors.

Notable exceptions to the standard serial number structure are firearms ordered with specified serial number ranges and formats for law enforcement agencies and commemorative models. That is to say, a firearm bearing the serial number ABC001 may not have been completed prior to the same model numbered ABD001 but it’s a fair assumption that they were made around the same time and that EFG001 came later. Most firearm manufactures who employ sequential serial numbering systems would not guarantee the sequence of numbers exactly matches production order but on the longer time frame they generally follow that trend. As of this writing, current new production Glock pistols bear serial numbers with a four letter and three number combination, a testament to the brand’s success and longevity over the past quarter century. This means for every two letter combination, there were up to 1,000 pistols produced with numbers from 000 to 999. These guns had serial numbers beginning with a two letter alpha prefix of “AF” followed by a three digit number. According to company literature, the first Glock pistols imported into the U.S.

Glock generation identification