The serial number on the Glock handgun is like our identification number, which helps manage information such as owner, type, model, and many essential details.
In addition, the serial also helps to identify the owner of the tool in the event of a theft or other significant legal problem. It is because of the above factors every Glock owner needs to know the serial number of the gun they own.
But where is the serial number on a Glock, and how can we understand this sequence? All will have the answer in my post today.
Where Is The Serial Number On A Glock?
On most models, the manufacturer will engrave the number in one of the most hidden places on the gun, the bottom of the grip.
There are many opinions about this layout, but the main reasons many manufacturers give to explain it lie in two issues: aesthetics and safety.
With the aesthetic factor, having too much information or numbers scattered on the gun body will be a disaster for those who focus on beauty.
Failure to separate an essential piece of information like a number can confuse users with other character parameters.
For safety reasons, the manufacturer does not want the serial to become a sequence of numbers and characters that everyone knows.
Keeping this information in hard-to-reach locations ensures that only the owner has a chance to see each character exactly.
Yet, the number is highly likely to fade over time because it is in this particular position, and the plastic engraving technology does not create durable traces.
At this point, you can contact the manufacturer to be able to process the character sequence again. Not only after a period of use and fixing the damage, but you should also consider re-engraving the number.
With the Glock 17 series, the number is on the right of the slide and the ejection port. This Glock serial number location is relatively easy to see and easily spotted by people around.
Some other Glock series have the number engraved right on the gun’s frame, mainly right in front of the trigger guard. Many unique products have the serial number in a highly discreet location on the magazine.
What Is The Number Meaning On Glocks?
As mentioned above, the number on a Glock is the unique number assigned to each gun after it comes out of the factory. Like a person’s identification number, a gun’s number tells us a lot about these products.
Each character sequence will have a basic structure consisting of the country code, the manufacturer’s code, and the count itself; the parts can be represented by numbers or uppercase letters depending on the settings.
You should also note that these three components are in the correct order.
The first part of the number is the country code, which indicates which country the Glock was in before it could reach you.
Of course, each product can only come from a single country, which is the country of assembly, even if the components are imported.
Often manufacturers will mark the country code with the initials of the country name, such as the United States will be the US or the UK will be the UK.
Here are some standard abbreviations you may come across
- DE: Germany
- AT: Austria
- US: United States of America
- CH: Switzerland
- UK: Great Britain
- SG: Singapore
- ES: Spain
- PL: Poland
The parameter following the country code will be the production time code of the gun based on the usual calendar that we often use in our daily lives.
These codes will not be the original date format but have a shortened parameter with only 4 digits. So if you feel confused, you can consider some of my examples below
- 12xx corresponds to the year of manufacture is 2012 (January to December)
- 13xx corresponds to the year of manufacture is 2013 (January to December)
- 14xx corresponds to the production year of 2014 (January to December)
And the last part is the serial number of the gun; this count will mostly be random and is an essential factor in making the difference in each weapon.
You may come across two guns with the same arbitrary code, but the other parameters will not be the same.
Glock gun manufacturers often use additional QR codes for packaging this serial count into a single QR symbol that you only need to scan to read and know.
Glock Date Codes By Serial Number Lookup
The first letter is for the month:
E…Jan
L…Feb
N…Mar
B…Apr
S…May
Z…Jun
G…Jul
P…Aug
I…Sep
C…Oct
V…Nov
A…Dec
The last two letters are for the year:
O…0
W…1
K…2
R…3
F…4
M…5
H…6
Y…7
T…8
D…9
Example: ETY = E(Jan)T(8)Y(7)
Serial/Date Code/Model (if known)/Misc Notes
The Ax-prefix runs from Oct 84 to Dec 87 (May 86 if the G19.1 is discounted)
- AA*** CTF G17 barrel only, , Gunbroker auction 2017
- AF*** GTF G17.1
- AH*** BTM G17.1
- AL*** LTH G17.1 as per GlockTalk serial research thread
- AL451 BTM G17.1
- AN517 ATY G19.1
- AP*** LTH G17.1
- AP768 LTH G17.1
- AT272 STH G17.1 Gunbroker auction 11/2017
The Bx-prefix runs from May 88 to Nov 88
- BL2** STT G17.1
- BP*** GTT G19
- BR745US PTT G19.2 (Gunbroker auction – frame damaged)
- BS*** ITT G17.1
- BT*** CTT G17.1
- BV*** VTT G19
- BY711 CTT G17.1 Gunbroker auction 11/2017
The Cx-prefix runs from Jan 87 to Apr 88
- CA*** ETY G17.1
- CB0** LTY G17.1
- CD*** LTY G17.1
- CE*** NTY G17.1
- CG*** BTY G17.1
- CL*** PTY G17.1
- CM*** ITY G17.1
- CP7** ATY G17.1
- CS*** ETT G17.1
- CT*** ETT G17.1
- CV509 LTT G17.1
- CX533 NTT G17.1
- CX534 NTT G17.1
- CX535 NTT G17.1
- CY*** BTT G17.1
The Dx-prefix runs from Apr 88 to Jan 89
- DA*** BTT G17L.1
- DB452 ITT G17L.1 factory ported
- DF*** PTT G17.1
- DH*** ITT G17.1
- DP*** STT G19.2
- DR*** ZTT G19.2
- DS*** ZTT G19
- DV458 VTT G19.2
- DY*** ETD G19.2 MPDC pistol
The Ex-prefix runs from Dec 88 to Apr 89
- EB*** ATT G17.1
- ED*** ATT G17L.1
- ED*** STD G17L.2
- EE*** ETD G17.1
- ET128 LTD G17.1 GB 2/2018 MPDC marked
- ET490 ETD G17.1 Gunbroker 12/2017
- EX311 BTD G19.2
The Fx-prefix runs from Mar 89 to Jun 89
- FD*** NTD G17.1
- FM*** ZTD G19.2
- FR*** BTD G17.2
The Gx-prefix runs from May 89 to Sep 89
- GA606 STD G17.2
- GF113 ZTD G17.2 Gunbroker auction 11/2017
- GL*** ZTD G17s.1 reported Pakistani police safety model
- GM*** GTD G19.2
- GN*** GTD G19.2
- GZ*** ITD G19.2
- GZ808US ITD G19.2 Gunbroker auction
The Hx-prefix runs from Sep 89 to Nov 89
- HA191 ITD G19.2
- HE*** ITD G17.2
- HS*** VTD G19.2
- HR*** VTD G19.2
- HU*** CTD G19.2
- HV482 VTD G17.2 Gunbroker auction 11/2017
- HX*** VTD G17.2
The Kx-prefix runs from Nov 89 to Nov 89
- KC*** VTD G17.2
- KH*** VTD G19.2
- KK*** VTD G19.2
Somewhere during the Kx range the import of proofed pistols from Austria to the USA is stopped. Aside from the 2009 Obama Surge imports, there are no other proofed pistols imported by Glock Smyrna.
- BCS*** VDM G17
- BLC*** SDM G19.2
- BZG*** CDH G17L.2 Brigada Antiterorista
- CBK*** CDH G17.3
- CDD*** EDY G17L.2 Brigada Antiterorista
- CPH*** EDT G19.3
- CRA027 IDT G19.3 Gunbroker auction, Arms Int’l Import, no US suffix as is proper
- CVZ*** IDT G23.3
- CXL*** EDD G17L.3
- CYF*** VDT G34.3
- ELP*** GOR G22.3
- FRF*** ZOR G19.3 Mariner
- HXP*** EOH G17.3 Finland
- HXS759 EOH G17.3 no import marks Gubroker auction 11/2017
- KUN*** VOH G19.3 2009 Surge Glock
- KUV*** AOH G19.3 2009 Surge Glock
- KUX*** AOH G19.3 2009 Surge Glock
- KVD*** AOH G19.3 2009 Surge Glock
- KVE*** AOH G19.3 2009 Surge Glock
- KVF*** AOH G19.3 2009 Surge Glock
- KVG*** AOH G19.3 2009 Surge Glock
- LBC***NOY G19.3
- LBD*** NOY G19.3
- LDM*** SOY G20.3
- LMC*** POY G19.3 Israel
- LTC*** VOY G21SF 2009 Surge Glock
- LVT053 AOY G23.3 2009 Surge Glock
- LYV*** LOT G19.3 2009 Surge Glock
- LYW316 LOT G19.3 2009 Surge Glock
- LYX*** LOT G19.3
- MAU*** LOT G21SF 2009 Surge Glock – Blue Label
- MLL*** IOT G22.3 Germany
- RAL167 IWO G25.3 Mexican Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional
You can lookup at: https://stakhaus.com/
Do Glock Barrels Have Serial Numbers?
Modern models will also actually have serial numbers on the barrels and serial numbers on various parts, such as the magazine or the gun frame.
Fixed or removable parts contain a serial count so that managers or supervisors can detect abnormalities such as intentionally removing or changing a part.
What Does OEM Mean For Glock?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) is a phrase that appears very commonly in the field of tool manufacturing as well as products from mechanical to electronic equipment.
You can understand that OEM is a word used to describe a product assembled, processed, or manufactured by a specific manufacturer for a reputable company.
Most large corporations will choose OEM as the primary production method to balance factors such as cost and labor. And, of course, it is no exception.
However, you do not need to worry too much because Original Equipment Manufacturers must also follow the regulations on inspection, testing, and the quality and standards for each product after leaving the production line. In other words, Glock is indirectly produced through an intermediary manufacturer.
Where Are Glocks Made?
Austria is the world’s largest Glock manufacturer today, and most of the Glock products come from factories located in this country.
Of course, some models are still from factories in the United States, but this number is insignificant and will not be equal to factories in Austria.
Several other countries, such as the UK or Spain, are Glock manufacturers that you should know next to the two biggest names, Austria and the United States.
Do Gun Silencers Have Serial Numbers?
The gun silencers themselves also have a serial count to control this type of product because this part is also a part of the gun and can also create problems without proper management rules. However, the serial of the silencer has a different structure from the gun’s serial to avoid unfortunate confusion.
How Can You Tell The Difference Between A Gen 3 And Gen 4 Glock?
There are quite a few changes between Gen 3 and Gen 4 of the Glock 17 to make this product much more robust and maneuverable.
We can mention some of the characteristic changes below:
- Upgraded to a more oversized magazine release button, making it easier to operate
- The handle pattern changes to a new mesh design that enhances the grip
- Introducing a modular rear strap system to help accommodate different sized hands
- Reduced recoil caused by switching from the old system to the new double recoil spring system
FAQs
1. How do I find my Glock’s serial number?
Answer: The serial number of your Glock can be found engraved on the slide, just above the trigger guard on the left side. It will also be stamped onto the frame near the magazine release button with other identifying information.
2. Does a Glock Serial Number tell you when and where it was made?
Answer: Yes, the first three characters of a Glock’s serial number can give clues as to when and where it was made. The first letter indicates the year of manufacture; A for 1980, B for 1981, C for 1982, and so on in alphabetical order.
The second letter indicates the month of manufacture; A for January, B for February, and so on in alphabetical order. The final number indicates the location code where it was made; 1 for Austria, 2 for Smyrna (Georgia), and 3 for Japan.
3. Does a Glock Serial Number tell you the model or caliber?
Answer: Unfortunately, no. Glock serial numbers are unique to each firearm, but they do not indicate its model or caliber. To determine this information, you must look at the markings on your pistol and any provided paperwork or documentation that came with it when purchased new from a retailer or dealer.
4. Can I use an online database to look up my Glock Serial Number?
Answer: Yes, there is an online database maintained by the NRA that you can use to look up your Glock serial number. To perform a search, you must provide additional information, including the original model name and purchase date.
Some manufacturers also have databases where you can input your firearm’s serial number for more detailed information. However, remember that these records are not always accurate or up-to-date, so it is best to double-check with the manufacturer directly for any inquiries regarding your particular firearm.
5. How do I know if my Glock is registered?
Answer: Typically, firearms purchased through a licensed dealer or retailer are automatically registered with the manufacturer. However, suppose you purchased your firearm from a private party or individual. In that case, you may need to register it yourself in order to ensure that the weapon is legally owned and documented. The best thing to do is contact the manufacturer of your Glock directly for more information on how to proceed.
6. What should I do if my Glock Serial Number has been defaced or removed?
Answer: If your Glock serial number has been tampered with, defaced, or removed altogether, then the firearm is considered illegal and should not be used until proper registration has been completed with the appropriate authorities.
Contact a qualified gunsmith for assistance in restoring the original serial number or replacing it with a new one so the firearm can be legally owned and used. You should also immediately contact your local law enforcement authorities to report any suspicious activity related to this issue.
7. Are Glock serial numbers traceable?
Answer: Glock serial numbers are traceable and can be used by law enforcement personnel to track a particular firearm or its owner back to its original purchaser. If you purchase or sell a Glock handgun, you must keep accurate records of all related transactions so that it remains properly documented with the appropriate agencies.
Additionally, all firearms sold through licensed dealers must undergo a background check before being released, which further helps trace them back to their owners. This is why keeping your Glock serial number in a secure location is important, as it helps law enforcement identify and trace the firearm in the event of theft or other criminal activities.
8. Can I buy replacement parts for my Glock using its serial number?
Answer: You can generally purchase genuine Glock repair parts using your pistol’s serial number. You must provide additional information, such as model and caliber, to ensure you receive the correct part for your specific firearm.
Additionally, many online retailers offer the option of providing a photo of your gun to double-check that you are receiving the right part before ordering it. This can be especially helpful if you still need to determine what specific part you need for your gun. Many Glock dealers and retailers also offer repair services, so consider that option if you are uncomfortable attempting repairs independently.
9. How can I look up the serial number of my Glock?
Answer: To look up the serial number of your Glock, you will need to contact the manufacturer or a licensed firearms dealer and provide them with additional information such as the model name, caliber, and purchase date.
Some manufacturers also have online databases where you can input your pistol’s serial number for more detailed information. However, it is best to double-check with the manufacturer directly to ensure accuracy.
If available, you can also find your gun’s serial number on its original invoice or paperwork. Additionally, many law enforcement agencies now use specialized databases to quickly trace firearms back to their owners based on their serial numbers, so they should be contacted if necessary.
10. Can the gun’s model be identified based on its serial number?
Answer: Yes, it is generally possible to identify the model of a Glock handgun using its serial number. You will need to contact the manufacturer or a licensed firearms dealer and provide them with additional information, such as the caliber and purchase date, to receive more detailed information about your gun.
Additionally, some manufacturers have online databases where you can input the pistol’s serial number for more specific details. However, it is always best to double-check with the manufacturer directly to ensure accuracy. Additionally, many law enforcement agencies now use specialized databases to quickly trace firearms back to their owners based on their serial numbers, so they should be contacted if necessary.
11. Are there different types of serial numbers for Glocks?
Answer: There are different serial numbers for Glock handguns, depending on the year and model. Newer Glocks manufactured after 2002 have a two-letter prefix at the beginning of the serial number followed by several digits.
Older models may only have a single letter or no letters before the serial number. Additionally, many limited edition models will contain special characters such as stars or dollar signs in their serial numbers which can help to identify them more easily.
It is always best to contact the manufacturer directly if you are still determining what type of serial number your gun has so they can provide more detailed information about it. Additionally, many law enforcement agencies now use specialized databases to quickly trace firearms back to their owners based on their serial numbers, so they should be contacted if necessary.
12. Does the year of manufacture affect the serial number on my Glock?
Answer: Yes, the year of manufacture can affect the serial number of your Glock handgun. Newer Glocks manufactured after 2002 have a two-letter prefix at the beginning of their serial numbers followed by several digits.
Older models are likely to have only a single letter or no letters before the actual serial number. Additionally, many limited edition models will contain special characters such as stars or dollar signs in their serial numbers, which can help to identify them more easily.
It is always best to contact the manufacturer directly if you are still determining what type of serial number your gun has so they can provide more detailed information about it. Additionally, many law enforcement agencies now use specialized databases to quickly trace firearms back to their owners based on their serial numbers, so they should be contacted if necessary.
Conclusion
Through today’s article, we have together found the answer to the question: Where is the serial number on a Glock? Also, gain more knowledge about Glock guns to make the best use of these products.
If you have any experience you want to share around this area, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below for feedback and debate.
Don’t forget to share this article with your friends or family if you find it useful.
Thank you for reading!
Last Updated on October 28, 2023 by
