Glock 22 Generation Differences

Magazine Release

• One of the most significant changes in fourth-generation Glock pistols is the introduction of a reversible magazine release. Previous generations were designed exclusively for right-handed shooters with the magazine release on the left side of the weapon. The latest generation has increased the size of the magazine release and gives you the option of setting it up on either side of the pistol.

Adjustable Backstraps

• The fourth generation Glock 22 comes equipped with three different sized back straps for the back of the grip. Until now, the grip on a Glock pistol has been a solid plastic piece; the new pistols have small, medium and large sized back straps that allow you to adjust the grip to the size of your hand. The medium size back strap is approximately the size of an earlier generation grip.

Surface Texture

• Glock has changed the texture of the plastic surfaces on the fourth-generation pistols. Previous generations have featured a smoother surface on the sides of the grip, which could potentially cause the weapon to slip. The new pistols feature a rough textured finish that is designed to give shooters a positive grip regardless of the circumstances. This rough texture is on the grip and on each adjustable back strap.

Recoil Spring Assembly

• The latest generation from Glock features dual recoil springs, as opposed to the single recoil springs of previous models. The new springs are designed to be stronger and last longer than the previous ones. The new dual recoil springs are not compatible with previous generations of Glock handguns.