# Glock generation compatibility chart

Match a slide to both the model and the frame generation. Our Glock 17, 19 and 26 slides are made for Gen 1–3 frames and the Glock 43 slides fit the factory Glock 43. Gen 5 changed the slide's internal parts, so Gen 3 slides and Gen 5 frames aren't made to work together.

By The Button Land Customs shop, Machinists and gunsmiths · Button Land Customs, Sedalia, NC · Last updated 2026-11-02
Source: https://buttonlandcustoms.com/guides/glock-generation-compatibility

## Which generation is your Glock?

| Generation | How to tell |
|---|---|
| Gen 3 | Finger grooves on the front of the grip, an accessory rail, and no generation marking on the slide |
| Gen 4 | Interchangeable backstraps, a rougher grip texture and "Gen4" marked on the slide |
| Gen 5 | No finger grooves, a flared magwell, an ambidextrous slide stop lever and "Gen5" marked on the slide |

## Which frames do our slides fit?

| Our slides | Made for | Gen 4 frame | Gen 5 frame |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Glock 17 slides](https://buttonlandcustoms.com/shop/slides/glock-17) | Gen 1–3 frames | Not listed: ask us | Not listed |
| [Glock 19 slides](https://buttonlandcustoms.com/shop/slides/glock-19) | Gen 1–3 frames | Not listed: ask us | Not listed |
| [Glock 26 slides](https://buttonlandcustoms.com/shop/slides/glock-26) | Gen 1–3 frames | Not listed: ask us | Not listed |
| [Glock 43 slides](https://buttonlandcustoms.com/shop/slides/glock-43) | Factory Glock 43 | n/a | n/a |

Our slides also fit aftermarket frames built to the same pattern as the Gen 1–3 frames they're made for.

## What about the Glock 45 and other Gen 5 models?

The Glock 45 is a Gen 5 pistol that pairs a Glock 19-length slide with a Glock 17-length frame. A Gen 5 Glock 19 slide is the match. Our Glock 19 slides are made for Gen 1–3 frames, so they aren't made for the Glock 45.

## What changes between generations?

Glock has changed internal parts between generations, so parts and slides aren't always interchangeable even when the outside looks the same. Use the recoil spring assembly, barrel and slide parts made for your slide's model and generation, and check every listing's fitment before you order.

## Not sure?

Tell us your model and generation (or send a photo of the slide markings) and we'll tell you what fits: call (720) 549-3265 or email sales@buttonlandcustoms.com. For work on a Gen 5 slide you already own, such as the [Avenger slide cut for the Glock 19 Gen 5](https://buttonlandcustoms.com/custom-work/slide-milling), see [slide milling](https://buttonlandcustoms.com/custom-work/slide-milling).

## Questions

### Will a Glock 19 slide fit a Glock 45 frame?

Only a Gen 5 Glock 19 slide. The Glock 45 is a Gen 5 pistol: a Glock 19-length slide on a Glock 17-length frame. Our Glock 19 slides are made for Gen 1–3 frames, so they aren't made to fit a Glock 45. Gen 3 and Gen 5 slides use different internal parts.

### Which Glock generations do your slides fit?

Our Glock 17, 19 and 26 slides are made for Gen 1–3 frames, and they also fit aftermarket frames built to the same pattern. Our Glock 43 slides fit the factory Glock 43. We don't list them for Gen 4 or Gen 5 frames. If you're unsure which generation you have, ask us before you order.

### Will a Gen 3 slide fit a Gen 5 frame?

Not as a drop-in. Glock changed the slide's internal parts with Gen 5, so Gen 3 slides and Gen 5 frames aren't made to work together. Match the slide to your frame's generation. The generation is marked on the slide of Gen 4 and Gen 5 pistols; Gen 3 pistols have no marking and finger grooves on the grip.

### How do I tell a Gen 3 Glock from a Gen 4?

Look at the slide and the grip. A Gen 4 has "Gen4" marked on the slide, interchangeable backstraps and a rougher grip texture. A Gen 3 has no generation marking, finger grooves on the front of the grip and a single fixed backstrap. Still unsure? Send a photo of the markings to sales@buttonlandcustoms.com.

## About the author

Written by the team that designs, CNC machines and Cerakotes our slides and does gunsmithing work in our Sedalia, NC shop, formerly GunCuts.com. Facts like prices, lead times and fitment come from our own catalog.