The Glock 46 (The Glock You’ve Never Seen)

First look at the Glock 46

The video centers on the Glock 46, a model that is rarely seen and was unfamiliar to the presenter before Enforce Tac 2024 in Nuremberg, Germany. At first glance, it stands out from typical Glock pistols, which usually share similar lines from Gen 1 through Gen 5 with only minor differences. The Glock 46 immediately appears different enough to prompt a closer look. The host emphasizes that this is not a full-auto conversion or switch, but a distinct factory design that departs from the standard Glock formula in several visible ways.

Unusual external features

The Glock 46 shows several external details that differ from common Glock models. The barrel profile looks unusual, and the trigger appears different from the familiar Glock trigger setup. The rear plate area on the slide also has a distinctive look. A small knob on the side of the pistol draws attention; it is not a manual safety but part of the unique system that will be discussed later. Overall, the frame and slide geometry give the pistol a noticeably different appearance compared to standard Glock handguns, immediately signaling that this is not just another generational update.

Unique takedown and disassembly

Information from Glock representatives at the event indicates that the Glock 46 was designed so it cannot be disassembled with a magazine inserted and does not require pressing the trigger for takedown. Traditional Glock takedown notches and pins on the frame are absent, and the external controls look different. The disassembly process is more complex and unfamiliar to those used to standard Glock procedures, requiring precise alignment and manipulation of the small knob. Due to platform policies, the full step-by-step disassembly is not shown on YouTube, and viewers are directed to Rumble for a complete demonstration. Once properly aligned and rotated, the slide can be locked back, adjusted, and then sent forward to return the pistol to a ready state.

Rotating barrel operation

A key mechanical feature of the Glock 46 is its rotating barrel. After reassembling or cycling the slide, the barrel visibly rotates as the slide moves into battery. This rotation is highlighted as a notable departure from the tilting-barrel system commonly associated with many Glock pistols. The presenter points out how the barrel turns when the slide is pushed back into position, underscoring that the internal locking and operating system of the Glock 46 is different from the standard Glock design, even though the overall size and profile resemble a compact Glock format.

Long, heavy trigger for German police

The Glock 46 incorporates a very long and heavy trigger pull that the presenter finds unpleasant but explains as intentional. According to information from Glock, this trigger system was requested by German police forces as an additional safety measure. Beyond the familiar Glock trigger safety tab, the overall pull requires significant travel and pressure before the pistol fires. During demonstration, the trigger is pressed repeatedly without firing until it finally breaks near the end of its travel. The reset, however, is very short, bringing the trigger immediately back to the wall with no slack, creating a long initial pull followed by a minimal reset distance.

Safety rationale and handling

The long, heavy trigger is described as a way to reduce the likelihood of unintentional discharges, especially under stress or with less experienced users. The idea is that when a threat is presented and the shooter begins pressing the trigger, there is ample time to stop the press before the shot breaks if the situation changes. It also aims to mitigate risks from users who might draw the pistol with a finger already on the trigger, which violates basic firearm safety rules. While this behavior is discouraged, the Glock 46’s trigger system is intended to provide an extra margin of safety in such scenarios, reflecting the priorities of the German police agencies that requested it.

Overall impressions and comparison to Glock 19

Aside from the unusual takedown system, rotating barrel, and long trigger, the Glock 46 shares several familiar traits with other Glock pistols. The frame is described as similar to a Glock 19-type frame, and the sights appear to be typical Glock sights. The pistol is characterized as a bizarre but genuinely new design rather than a minor generational update with small changes. The presenter notes limited information from Glock staff, who declined to appear on camera, but emphasizes that this is the most different Glock encountered so far. Even though it is not a personal favorite, the Glock 46 stands out as a rare and distinct model that prompted this detailed look.