Glock 20 Gen 5 Review – 10mm power!

The 10mm Auto cartridge has seen a bit of a resurgence lately with most of the main handgun manufacturers coming out with a new model in past couple of years:

• Glock’s G20 Gen 5 (the subject of this review),
• FN’s 510,
• Springfield Armory’s XD-M Elite,
• Sig’s P 320 X-TEN,
• Smith and Wesson’s M&P 2.0,
• and more smaller manufacturers.

I’ve seen these offerings coming out and have been waiting for Glock to release a Gen 5 version of their Glock 20.

Thankfully, they’ve delivered.

I purchased one for myself and took it out to the range to put it through its paces – here’s my experience with it….

Glock 20 Gen 5 Background

The Glock model numbering system is a bit odd and hard to keep track of for new gun-folks. However, it’s not that hard to follow once you spend some time around them.

Glock model numbers are assigned as a design is started – the first mainstream market offering from Glock is their G17 handgun, a full size 9mm. Then, they made it a full-auto (G18), then they made it smaller with the compact G19.

Next they started on the G20, a 10mm full size pistol followed by a full-size 45 (G21), and then a full-size and compact 40 S&W (G22 and 23, respectively). For gun nerds like me, it’s important to note that it’s no the order they are released as the G22 and the G23 came to market before the G20.

It is really interesting to me that Glock jumped to designing a 10mm after the full size and compact 9mm – that says a lot for the belief they had in the cartridge at the time.

As far as generations of Glocks go, the Gen 5 is my favorite. I liked the Gen 3 the most (previously) – I hated teh Gen 4 and the Gen 2 and First Gen lacked refinements of teh Gen 3. But when the Gen 5 came out for Glock it was such a big improvement for me, that I waited to buy a 10mm until the G 20 was improved to the 5th generation.

So, why all of the excitement for 10mm lately when it has been a fairly niche round even when it first came out in 1983?

First, it sometimes takes quite a while for a niche cartridge to catch-on as a mainstream offering. I think 10mm has always been popular for backcountry hunters as a bear and mountain lion defense round and also those of us that can never have enough power in a handgun (or are just big Gunsite, Jeff Cooper, Bren Ten, or Miami Vice fans).

Second, with the massive sales we’ve had over the past few years (largely due to anti-gun efforts and instability in the world), most of us already have all the standard firearms we need. But, since we’re gun-people, we like to buy new guns and we’ve finally made it down our list to 10mm Auto pistols.

Glock 20 Gen 5 Features

1 Flared Magwell

Makes reloads easier without adding too much bulk

2 Interchangeable Backstraps

Customize grip dimensions to your hand

3 Optics Ready

Glock MOS system plates included for most red dot optics

4 Front Slide Serrations

Thankful that these are now factory options from Glock

5 Glock Marksman Barrel

I personally think these are truly more accurate Glock barrels

6 Reversible Magazine Release

Easy to switch for Left-handed use

7 Undercut Trigger Guard

A popular customization on older Glocks – makes it easier to grip and shoot

Glock 20 Gen 5 Review –  Our opinion after using it

This was difficult for me to try and give an impartial review – after all, I fully admit that I’ve been asking for Glock to release this model for at least a year and was so excited when they did, I raced out and purchased one for myself.

So, although this isn’t a free sample from a manufacturer in exchange for a good review (the unfortunate “norm” for most gun review sites and channels), it is a review of a gun I purchased because I already knew I’d love it.

Let’s run through my first couple of trip to the range while putting some hands-on experience with this big boy.

Shootability

Honestly, the FN 510 was the most “shootable” 10mm that I’ve tested (and I’ve personally shot all of the main 10m contenders.

However, the Glock 20 Gen 5 is a close second place for me.

Gen 3 G20s seem a bit more difficult to hold (more like trying to hold onto a heavy recoiling bar of soap) and the Gen 5’s plastic seems a bit less “slick” and the squared off shape really helps me get a hold of the gun (more on this later under “ergonomics”).

Even if you hate Glocks, I’d encourage you to check this pistol out because they’ve really made a soft shooting and enjoyable to shoot 10mm.

As far as shoot ability goes, the Springfield XD was the worst. For this Glock, I may not want to run a full multi-day pistol course with it, but if I had to, I’d be just fine.

I shot a few boxes of ammo from the holster under time and at least half were controlled pairs (the slightly more professional way to say “double tap”). Although it surely recoils more than my 9mm pistols, I actually think that this was more shootable than something like an M&P in 40 S&W.

Reliability

If no other factor convinces you to get the Glock 20 Gen 5 as your choice for a 10mm pistol, this one should convince you to do it – in my opinion (and my experience with other Glocks and this one), there is no better product when it comes to reliability.

I have this 10mm as a backcountry pistol – this means it is going to be exposed to harsh weather (cold, hot, rainy, muddy, snowy, etc) and I need it to work for self defense.

Based on reliability alone, this is the backcountry 10mm for me and I’d really question the purchase of any other 10m for this purpose.

Glocks just work and in my experience with this pistol so far, this G20 is no exception.

Also, I feel a LOT safer with this Glock as it is not “pre-cocked” like most other offerings are. If I take a spill or tumble over a log in the woods, I don’t want to worry about blowing a 1cm hole through myself or my hunting buddy.

Ergonomics

For may hands, the Gen 5 Glocks offer superior ergonomics to previous generations.

I used to think that finger grooves from the Gen 3 models (my prior favorite) were great to have and helped me control the pistol.

However, now that I’ve fallen in love with the Gen 5 (BTW, the Gen 4 Glocks are trash IMHO), I now have a G17, G19, G45, and G20 in the Gen 5 family.

The polymer in the frame has a bit more grip to it (it is less slippery), the texturing is rough enough to work without being obnoxious, the under-cut trigger guard was a popular customization on prior Glocks for a good reason (it feels way better on your middle finger) and is a welcome factory addition.

Another upgrade for Glocks used to be front cocking serrations on the slide – having these as options from the factory is another bonus. Add all of these up along with a comfortable mag release, and you’ll understand why I give the Glock Gen 5 pistols an “A” for ergonomics.

Accuracy

If you’re still reading and not thinking I’m just a Glock shill, I might lose you on this point.

The Gen 5 Glocks are more accurate for me.

This might be because of the nicer trigger (it does feel nicer) or the “marksman” barrel. However, they just shoot better for me.

With this Glock 20, I was able to keep FMJ Sellier & Bellot inside 2 inches at 10 yards easily. At 25 yards, I expected 5 inches (2 inches times 2.5 is 5 inches), however, I couldn’t keep it tighter than 10 inches. This doesn’t make sense and I’m attributing it to me having poor trigger control and anticipating the recoil.

I have yet to use a red-dot on this pistol but I can’t wait to get one on to try.

Value

As far as value goes – I think that this Glock 20 is the best value in 10mm pistols IF you’re keeping track of accuracy and reliability.

Other 10mms like the P320 X-ten have a nicer trigger (nicer to shoot/easier to be accurate) but not a trigger I’d want in a backcountry pistol.

Final Thoughts

I think that the Glock Gen 5 20 is the best 10mm pistol on the market today.

If I were using a 10mm for target shooting only, I’d consider the Sig X-ten but since I want to be able to abuse this pistol and still have it be 100% reliable for me (is that possible?) in the field in a survival situation, it’s the Glock 20 Gen 5 for me. That’s why the Glock 20 is on our best CCW guns list for the best gun for rural carry.

I think you’d be happy with it too.

Glock 20 Gen 5 Pros and Cons 

Glock Twenty 10mm Starter Pack

These three items are must haves for all firearms owners.

• Eye Protection: Keep your eyes protected and check out or favorite shooting glasses!
• Hearing Protection: These are our suggestions for hearing protection.
• Gun Cleaning Kit: If you are going to carry the G20 in 10mm as your backcountry solution, you need to keep it well maintained. Check out our favorite gun cleaning kits.  

Here are some deals we found on the Glock 20 Gen 5 MOS.

Upgrades and Accessories for the Glock 20 MOS Gen 5

For handguns we always recommend a good holster a lot of spare magazines.

Upgrades and Accessories for the Glock 20

Holster Warne Chest Rig Holster		Excellent for Backcountry Carry Elastic and Nylon Straps Kydex Holster Fits G20 and G21	Check Price
Magazines Glock Factory 15 round 10mm magazines		Glock Factory magazine 15 round capacity	Check Price
Red Dot Sight Vortex Defender CCW		Motion activation with 14 hour auto-shutoff Shield RMS Footprint Fully Multi-Coated Lenses 8 Daylight Bright Brightness Settings	Check Amazon Price

Best Ammo for Your Glock 20 Gen 5

We suggest both range ammo for practice and some quality self defense ammo to use when carrying your G20.

Glock Pistol Models (by number)

How to Care for Your Glock 10mm Pistol

Check out this video from Sootch on how to maintain your Glock pistol.

Important Links and Manuals for Your Glock 20 Gen 5

Check out the links below for the manufacturer’s website and operator’s manual.

• Glock 20 Preventative Maintenance Instructions
• Glock 20 Owner’s Manual