Glock’s long-awaited V-Series has finally arrived, offering a refined evolution of the Gen 5 lineup. Early testers are calling it smoother, cleaner, and more balanced. But for Californians, the big question is whether this upgraded pistol will ever make it back onto the California handgun roster — or if it’s yet another firearm destined to remain off-limits.

Let’s break down the key differences, the legal roadblocks, and what AB1127 could mean for the future of Glock handguns in California.

At first glance, the V-Series doesn’t look dramatically different from the Gen 5. The real changes are in the details:

• Removable backstraps for better ergonomics
• No finger grooves for a cleaner grip profile
• Dual-capture recoil spring for smoother cycling
• Forward slide serrations for improved manipulation
• Ambidextrous mag release for left- or right-hand operation

These refinements make the V-Series a more versatile and modern firearm — but they also create problems under California’s strict roster laws.

Under AB1127, California allows manufacturers a narrow carveout to bring older models back onto the roster if they make only the changes necessary to meet state requirements.

However, Glock’s V-Series may have gone too far. The law specifies that only modifications addressing compliance — such as those preventing “convertibility” — can qualify for reapplication. Since the V-Series includes several design and feature upgrades, California could view it as an entirely new pistol, requiring full retesting and additional safety features like a Loaded Chamber Indicator (LCI) and Magazine Disconnect Mechanism (MDM).

That means Glock would likely have to start from scratch to requalify the V-Series — a process few manufacturers find worth the effort or cost.

In short:

• The V-Series is essentially a re-engineered Gen 5, not a lightly modified Gen 3.
• California’s DOJ treats even small aesthetic changes (like frame color) as new SKUs requiring separate approval.
• The added enhancements in the V-Series exceed what California allows under AB1127’s limited exception.

So, despite the quality improvements, Glock’s newest evolution may never be legally sold in California unless the state roster is overturned in court.

The Glock V-Series is an impressive advancement that delivers everything fans have wanted — except for one crucial thing: California compliance.

Unless Second Amendment lawsuits challenging the roster succeed, California gun owners may never see this model on store shelves. For now, it’s another example of how innovation and restrictive legislation continue to clash, leaving law-abiding citizens behind.