Test: GLOCK Hunter Edition – 10mm G20 Gen5 MOS and 9mm G45 Hunter Edition A-CUT COA models

Until now, GLOCK has exercised a certain restraint in the choice of colors for its pistols. Apparently, they shared the minimalist corporate philosophy of Henry Ford, who is said to have once said: "You can have a Ford in any color – as long as it's black." But in the case of GLOCK, this is only half the truth, as seven years ago the "Crossover" pistol model G19X in 9x19 with G17 frame and G19 slide was made available in "Coyote" color. The Hunter Edition is available in five model variants: GLOCK G45 Gen5 in 9mm in three versions with classic MOS optics interface, the A-CUT COA model with the new Aimpoint "Closed Emitter" red dot sight and the A-CUT COA with the additional new GLOCK GTL II LED gun light. Also available is the GLOCK G20 Gen5 MOS in 10mm Auto in two versions, with and  without the GTL II.

GLOCK G20 Gen5 MOS Hunter Edition

When the GLOCK G20 in 10mm Auto was presented together with the G21 in .45 ACP at the 1991 SHOT Show, it was the first polymer pistol chambered for the cartridge favored by combat guru Jeff Cooper. Once hailed as a miracle cartidge and briefly adopted by the FBI, it was too powerful for most guns and shooters in its original loading. Even though the cartridge has passed its peak, there has been a small renaissance in the last few years and more gun and ammunition suppliers have started supplying it again. In the USA, where hunting with handguns is permitted, the 10mm Auto is a cartridge that offers up to 800 joules of energy and bullet weights of 180 grains.

The green exterior of the slide is achieved with a Cerakote coating applied on top of the  scratch -resistant nDLC coating. The technical basis for both Hunter Edition pistols is the fifth generation, which is considered by experts to be the best GLOCK.

Its features include:

• GLOCK Marksman Barrel for improved accuracy
• Slide stop can be operated from both sides
• Scratch-resistant nDLC coating
• Reduced trigger pull weight
• Front slide serrations
• Flared magwell for easier magazine change.

The G20 Gen5 Hunter Edition comes with the MOS slide cut for red dot sight mounting. In our opinion, hunters should also opt for a red dot sight. Mechanical sights are not always easy to see on a low-contrast animal body, especially at dusk. In addition, the focus of the eye can always remain on the game and does not have to move to the mechanical sights for the shot. With the G20 Gen5 MOS, GLOCK includes the 06 adapter plate suitable for Trijicon or some Holosun models. Other red dot sight plates must be ordered separately. It goes without saying that you should only use high-quality red dots with the high-recoil 10mm Auto if you want to enjoy the device for a long time. The full-size grip holds 15 rounds and is correspondingly voluminous. With an overall length of around 200 mm and a barrel length of 117 mm, the G20 models are already quite large tools and are therefore not so easy to carry concealed. Anyone looking for something smaller chambered for the cartridge developed by Norma in 1983 can opt for the sub-compact 10mm Auto GLOCK G29. The scope of delivery includes three magazines with a green magazine base.

GLOCK G45 Hunter A-CUT COA Hunter Edition

Like the G19X, the GLOCK G45 A-Cut COA Hunter Edition belongs to the "crossover" models. It combines a full-size grip for 17 rounds with the shorter slide of the G19. It also has the 5th generation features described above. The 117-mm barrel protruding from the slide has a 13.5x1 muzzle thread with a protector. If you are looking for a suitable holster, you should therefore take a look at carrying accessories for the G17. The "Racking Cover Plate" at the rear of the slide provides better grip for racking the slide thanks to its side-protruding "wings". The black polymer part is also available for retrofitting to models such as the G17/19/26/34 and others with the same slide width. Oversized slide stops on both sides and an oversized magazine release button, which can also be positioned on the other side of the frame, are standard factory features. Both our test guns were also equipped with a lanyard hole, which was already found on the G19X. This plastic part is also available as an accessory for many GLOCK models. In addition to the A-CUT COA version that we tested, the G45 Hunter Edition is also available with the more flexible MOS interface, which gives you more options when choosing the red dot sight. The scope of delivery includes three magazines with extended base plate and a capacity of 19 rounds.

With the GLOCK 45 and the GLOCK 20 Hunter Edition on the shooting range

Although both representatives are intended for use at quite short ranges, we opted for the sporty 25-m distance for the supported accuracy test. We started with the GLOCK 45 A-Cut COA Hunter Edition, which we fired with five loads from 115 to 147 grains. The best accuracy result was a 51-mm group with the 147-grain Speer Gold Dot. The more powerful 10mm Auto was then placed on the shooting rest. We mounted a Holosun 407K for the accuracy test. Five loads from 175 to 180 grains were also used here. With the G20 Gen5 MOS, we achieved quite interesting groups despite the sometimes crisper recoil. With the Hornady 175-grain Critical Defence, we even achieved 37 mm from two averaged 5-shot groups. Not every load in 10mm auto promises high performance. For example, the heavy Hornady Custom 180-grain XTP achieved just under 800 joules, while the 180-grain PPU cartridge, with around 470 joules, is more like a mild .40 S&W. However, we still found shooting the Hornady 180-grain XTP more pleasant than firing a revolver in .357 Magnum with a short 3" or 4" barrel, which has less to offer in terms of performance. The accuracy results for all loads and the intended use are more than sufficient, but the desired load should be checked for safe gun cycling and corresponding effect in the game body. Our green duo did not allow itself any weaknesses in terms of functional safety.

GLOCK G20 Gen5 MOS and G45 A-Cut COA Hunter Edition technical specifications

Text: Tino Schmidt and Stefan Perey

Further information on the two test guns and other models from the manufacturer can be found on the GLOCK website.