Upper and Lower Interchangeability Breakdown

Glock pistols are well known for cross-generation familiarity, but Glock Gen 5 and the newer Glock “V” Series pistols should not be treated as the same platform when selecting parts. While these pistols may appear similar externally, internal design differences affect compatibility.

This guide clearly explains which Gen 5 parts are compatible with Glock “V” Series pistols and which are not, broken down into upper and lower components.

Platform Overview

Glock Gen 5 is a fully established generation with long-standing aftermarket support and well-defined compatibility.
Glock “V” Series pistols are sold as distinct models and incorporate internal design changes. Because of this, Glock “V” Series pistols should be treated as a separate platform, not simply another Gen 5 variation.

How to Read This Guide

• Compatible (YES) means the Gen 5 component can be used in Glock “V” Series pistols.

• Not Compatible (NO) means the component should not be installed or assumed compatible.

UPPER COMPONENTS

Slides, Barrels, and Slide Internals

Upper components include the slide, barrel, recoil system, and internal slide parts.

Compatible (YES)

• Barrel (model and caliber dependent)

• Recoil spring assembly

• Iron sights (front and rear)

• Striker assembly (complete)

• Striker spring and spring cups
  

Not Compatible (NO)

• Complete Gen 5 upper parts kits

• Complete slide assemblies

• Stripped slides

• Slide-to-frame swaps

• Slide backplate / rear cover plate

• Extractor

• Extractor depressor plunger and spring

• Channel liner

• Firing pin safety plunger
  

Upper Summary:

Barrels and recoil systems generally interchange, but slides and most slide internals do not. A complete Gen 5 upper parts kit should not be installed in a Glock “V” Series pistol.

LOWER COMPONENTS

Frame Internals and Trigger System

Lower components include the trigger system, trigger housing, connectors, pins, and frame controls.

Compatible (YES)

• Trigger bar

• Connector

• Magazine release

• Slide lock

• Slide lock spring

• Frame pins

• Locking block

• Magazines

• Backstraps

• Grip geometry

• Holsters
  

Not Compatible (NO)

• Complete Gen 5 lower parts kits

• Trigger assemblies

• Trigger housings

• Performance trigger systems

Lower Summary:

Complete Gen 5 lower parts kits and trigger systems should not be assumed compatible with Glock “V” Series pistols. However, several smaller frame components do interchange.

Key Takeaways

• Glock Gen 5 and Glock “V” Series are not fully interchangeable platforms

• Major assemblies (slides, upper kits, lower kits) do not interchange

• Barrels, magazines, sights, and select small components do interchange

• Trigger systems and slide internals are the primary incompatibility points
  
  

Practical Buying Guidance

If you own a Glock Gen 5:
Use Gen 5-specific internal components and avoid mixing major assemblies with Glock “V” Series parts.

If you own a Glock “V” Series:
Treat it as a separate platform and verify compatibility at the component level before purchasing parts.

Final Thoughts

Although Glock Gen 5 and Glock “V” Series pistols may appear similar externally, internal compatibility must be evaluated at the assembly level, not by appearance alone. Breaking compatibility into upper and lower components provides a clear and safe way to select parts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Glock “V” Series the same as Glock Gen 5?
No. Glock “V” Series pistols are sold as distinct models and should not be treated as identical to Glock Gen 5.

Can I use Glock Gen 5 parts in a Glock “V” Series pistol?
Some parts are compatible, but many are not. Small components such as barrels, magazines, sights, and select frame parts may interchange, while slides, upper kits, lower kits, and trigger systems should not be assumed compatible.

Are Glock Gen 5 slides interchangeable with Glock “V” Series frames?
No. Slides are not interchangeable between Glock Gen 5 and Glock “V” Series pistols.

Are Glock Gen 5 barrels compatible with Glock “V” Series pistols?
Yes. Barrels are generally compatible when the model, caliber, and length match.

Which Gen 5 parts are most commonly compatible with Glock “V” Series?
Barrels, recoil spring assemblies, magazines, iron sights, connectors, trigger bars, slide locks, frame pins, and locking blocks.