POTD: The Differences Between Optics Ready Glock 45 Gen 5 & Gen 6

by Eric B

Published: April 6th, 2026

potd the differences between optics ready glock 45 gen 5 gen 6

In my opinion, the Glock 45 is the best all-around Glock out there. For specific needs, there might be better solutions and models, but the G45 responds to a huge amount of requirements without compromise. The G45 offers a balance of size, capacity, reliability, and shootability that makes it equally suited for duty, training, and general use. In this Photo Of The Day, we’ll take a look at the differences between the Gen 5 and Gen 6, with images from Mr. Aspen.

The Glock 45 Gen 6 has the Aimpoint ACRO mounted. The Gen 5 runs an Aimpoint COA with the A-Cut mounting system. Take a look at the size of the red dots and how they’re mounted to the slide.

Some other updates include the textured areas. Take a look and compare.

If you’re new to the Aimpoint COA, check out my extensive review: TFB Review: Glock & Aimpoint COA – New Era for Concealed Carry Optics

Another opinion of mine, and it’s based on experience, not feelings, is that the Aimpoint COA is a tremendously better solution than the Aimpoint ACRO. That means that the perfect Glock doesn’t exist yet, as the COA option has not yet been released for the Gen 6.

My suggestion would be to wait until the Glock Gen 6 Aimpoint COA arrives. I want mine with the threaded barrel. If you think I’m wrong, please leave a comment below.

All images by Mr. Aspen, used with permission. Check out his channels here: https://www.instagram.com/mraspen/ and www.youtube.com/@mraspen

#Glock45Gen5 #Glock45Gen6 #PhotoOfTheDay

Eric B

Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.

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6 of 9 comments

MediumSizeTex on Apr 07, 2026

I remain baffled by the popularity of full size grips with short slides, it's pretty much the opposite of what actully conceals well in real world carry conditions.

Also the very idea of trying to conceal a tactical mailbox over a full grip under anything but a heavy winter coat.

Like Reply
- See 2 previous
- Night Vision Viking on Apr 07, 2026
  
  Not everyone conceals a Glock.
  Full sized grip and short slide is perfect for a lot of things, like competition in an optics division as the length of the slide doesn't really matter (no line of sight), apart from the small loss of weight.
  
  1
- XERXES036 on Apr 07, 2026
  
  They're good for duty carry as well for a duty belt rig since the slide is shorter it doesnt brace against the seat and thus keeps your hips in alignment.
  
  2
- Spa85089922 on Apr 07, 2026
  
  I carry a micro when I have to, and a larger more shootable pistol when I can.
  Shooting the micro never leaves me wishing for a longer barrel and 50 more fps, but often makes me miss a more hand-filling grip. Winter (big heavy cover garment) configuration being less concealable is an acceptable tradeoff for me.
  
  Like
Uniform223 on Apr 07, 2026

Glock, constantly trying to reinvent the brick and people falling for it.

2 Reply
- Heat is still overrated on Apr 08, 2026
  
  Still a better option than all of the other competitors these days. Just a bunch of losers desperately competing for a distant second place.
  
  1

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POTD: The Differences Between Optics Ready Glock 45 Gen 5 & Gen 6

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