Glock Perfection or Glock Protection?

Alright, let’s talk about Glock’s big shake-up. They just dropped a bombshell: by November 30, 2025, they’re pulling the plug on most of their pistol lineup. We’re talking about everything except the slimline G43, G43X, and G48; poof —gone! And in their place? A shiny new “V Series” rolling out in December.

Now, I’ve been around guns long enough to know this isn’t just a casual refresh. It’s a massive shift, and it’s got everyone from “gun nuts”, to collectors and even your average range-goer buzzing about what’s really going on. To me, it seems like Glock’s dodging some serious legal heat while trying to keep their edge in a crazy market.

Let’s back up a bit. Glock changed the game in the ‘80s with that chunky, polymer-framed G17. It was a beast—simple, tough, and it just worked. From there, they kept tweaking things through five generations, making each one a little slicker with better grips, safer triggers, and more ways to customize. Models like the G19, that compact 9mm everyone loves, or the beefy G21 in .45 ACP became coveted by cops, regular folks like us, and yeah, even action movie stars. But Glock’s no stranger to trimming the fat. Back in April 2025, they quietly axed a bunch of Gen3 and Gen4 models in calibers like .357 SIG and .40 S&W. These moves made sense as nobody’s really chasing .40 S&W anymore when 9mm’s king for its low recoil and cheap ammo. But this current move? This is next level as they’re ditching over 30 models, including heavy hitters like the Gen5 G17 and G19.

So, what’s the deal? Glock’s saying it’s all about “future innovation and growth.” They’re hyping up the V Series, giving the impression of carrying their legacy forward with some fancy upgrades. But let’s be real-there’s a bigger story here, and it’s called the “Glock switch;” those illegal little “giggle switches,” as they are often called, that turn a semi-auto handgun into a full auto. Their increase in availability and social media popularity has drawn a lot of negative attention for their use in gang-related shootings; especially in places like Chicago, Memphis, Baltimore and Philadelphia. Because of this, cities and states are hitting Glock with lawsuits, claiming their designs make it too easy to slap on a switch. While Glock has not made formal statement about these switches being the primary reason for the manufacturing overhaul, the V Series internal makeover would make those switches useless. Is Glock possibly making this move to keep the lawyers at bay? It goes without saying that Glock is playing defense, and this move may be part of that strategy.

Will this updated manufacturing strategy pay off in the long run with the V-Series taking over? Only time will tell; however, Glock has a knack for bringing stuff back when the mood strikes. Remember the Gen1 G17? Phased out in the ‘80s, then brought back in 2017 as a collector’s edition to celebrate their roots. Or the Gen2 G17 and G19? They popped up again in 2019 as “Classics” because folks begged for those old-school, no-finger-groove frames. Sometimes it’s about testing the waters, meeting export rules, or just cashing in on scarcity, but the timing certainly raises eyebrows. Even in 2020, when everyone was pandemic panic buying, Glock cranked out Gen3 models for police contracts after they’d been “discontinued.” Point is, they’re flexible. They’ll innovate, sure, but they’re not above dusting off old favorites when demand spikes or rules change.

So why now? Those switches are the big, ugly elephants in the room. If you hop on YouTube, Reddit or X, people are talking about this decision, calling this a sellout to anti-gun folks. They’re worried it screws over law-abiding gun owners, making it harder to grab proven models and jacking up prices as collectors snatch what’s left. Gun shops are already seeing an increase in demand for Gen4 and Gen5 Glocks. Secondhand retailers like Gun Broker are going to be insane. 

Advocates of this move think it’s a solid move. By fixing the switch problem, Glock’s protecting itself from both legal and legislative assaults on the company, which means they can keep making guns for the long run.  This was a tough call on the Glock’s leadership team, but in this environment, with cities and states not only suing Glock but legislatures trying to ban their sale outright, staying alive beats clinging to nostalgia…or does it? 

Could this calculated move also be intended to poise themselves in a positive and proactive light for those inside the current Administration as helping to “reduce crime” in major cities? This certainly would not hurt them in the event that based on well-documented problems with Sig’s P320 being suspended or banned by DoD units and law enforcement agencies. After all, you never know if another Modular Handgun System competition will be announced by the new SecWar. 

So what’s next? The V Series could potentially be the proverbial “game changer”. Rumors are flying about better rails, smoother triggers, maybe even modular optics to keep up with Sig Sauer and Smith & Wesson. But will it piss off the diehards who live by the “Glock Perfection” motto? Will they end up bringing back some legacy models later, like they’ve done before? Don’t be surprised if they do. Glock’s never been one to burn bridges. If .40 S&W makes a comeback or the V Series stumbles, don’t be shocked if a few classics sneak back.

This whole situation shows how tricky it is to balance tradition with survival in the gun world. For Glock lovers, it’s a race to the gun store to grab what they love while they are still available. For Glock, it’s a gamble that new ideas will keep them on top. We’ll see if the V Series delivers, but one thing’s for sure: in this game, nothing stays the same.