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What Is a Glock Short Frame?

Glock short-frame pistols are designed with a backstrap (the rear of the gun's grip) that has about 3mm shaved off to reduce trigger reach. The Model 21SF also has an ambidextrous magazine catch.

History
- Glock's first short-frame, the .45 caliber Model 21SF, was introduced in January 2007. The Model 30SF (chambered in .45 ACP) was introduced in 2008. Glock's Gen4 (fourth-generation) models, released in 2010, include the 9mm G17 Gen4 and the .40-caliber G22 Gen4.
Significance
- Glock engineers found this small change in grip size on the "short frames" makes a big difference in the comfort and safety of the weapon in shooters with smaller hands. The ambidextrous magazine catch makes operation a bit easier for left-handed shooters.
Expert Insight
- The 2010 Gen4 models are built standard with the short-frame design, but can be fitted with either of two accessory backstraps to increase trigger reach as desired. The magazine release catches on these models are reversible, but not ambidextrous.

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