The Big Announcement
GLOCK has officially listed an extensive range of commercial pistol models as discontinued, marking one of the largest portfolio shifts in the company’s history. The move affects models across Generations 3 & 4 (and some Gen 5 SKUs), including the G17, G19, G22, G30, and many more.
According to Glock’s statement:
“In order to focus on the products that will drive future innovation and growth, we are making a strategic decision to reduce our current commercial portfolio. This streamlined approach allows us to concentrate on continuing to deliver the highest-quality and most relevant solutions for the market.”
Notably:
- These discontinued models will still be supported (service parts and support will continue).
- Law enforcement channels remain largely unaffected, though some IOP (Industry/Owner/Police) programs may be adjusted.
Why Is Glock Doing This?
Several converging factors appear to be driving the decision:
1. Catalog Cleanup & Market Efficiency
Glock has long offered a very broad array of calibers, generations, and variants. At least one industry observer noted:
“It’s clear from offerings … that optics-ready models will likely be front and center moving forward.” – guns.com
Removing low-volume SKUs (especially niche calibers like .357 SIG, .45 GAP, and many Gen 3/4 models) allows Glock to focus on fewer, faster-moving models.
2. Shift to Optics-Ready / Modern Design Standards
The announcement dovetails with Glock’s push of optics-ready platforms (e.g., the Glock × Aimpoint COA models) and rumors of a forthcoming Gen 6.
That suggests older frames/slides not “MOS/COA” friendly may be deprecated in favor of more future-proof platforms.
3. External Pressure: “Glock Switch” Scandals & Regulatory Heat
One major sub-theme in commentary is the link between the company’s decision and the legislative & regulatory pressure surrounding the so-called “Glock switch” — a device that enables automatic fire with certain pistol models.
- In December 2024, the National Rifle Association and others flagged lawsuits by New Jersey & Minnesota alleging Glock knowingly sells pistols convertible via small switches.
- Media commentary suggests that Glock may be anticipating regulatory risk or reputational damage, and thus is cleaning its portfolio ahead of further scrutiny.
- Some forums explicitly link the discontinuation list with concerns about “models that are easily converted.”
While Glock’s official statement cited “innovation and future growth” rather than “switch risk,” many industry observers see a clear correlation.
What Models Are Affected?
Here’s a non-exhaustive list of models Glock has flagged as discontinued:
- G17 – Gen4
- G17 MOS – Gen4 / Gen5
- G17L – Classic / Gen3
- G19 – Gen4
- G19 MOS – Gen4
- G20 – Gen3 / Gen4
- G21 – Gen3 / Gen4
- G21SF
- G22 – Gen3 / Gen4 / Gen5
- G22 MOS – Gen5
- G23 – Gen4
- G24
- G26 – Gen4
- G27 – Gen3 / Gen4 / Gen5
- G29 – Gen3 / Gen4 / Gen5
- G30 – Gen3 / Gen4 / Gen5
- G31 – Gen3 / Gen4
- G32 – Gen3 / Gen4
- G33 – Gen3 / Gen4
- G34 – Gen3 / Gen4
- G34 MOS – Gen4 / Gen5
- G35 – Gen3 / Gen4
- G36 / G36 FGR
- G37 – Gen3 / Gen4
- G38 / G39
- G40 MOS – Gen4
- G41 – Gen4 / Gen4 MOS
- G49
Conclusion
Glock’s sweeping discontinuation of dozens of pistol models marks a pivotal moment for the brand and the firearms market.
Whether driven by business efficiency, evolving product strategy, or mounting regulatory pressure over “Glock switch” conversion concerns, the implications are clear: legacy SKUs may be on their way out, and optics-ready modular platforms are the future.
For consumers and dealers, the messaging is: act now if you want an “end of an era” model.
Guess I’m hanging onto my Gen 3 Glock 17 and Gen 3 Glock 26.
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