[marktwain]

A reader at TTAG had this to say. I think he explained it well:

On the Glock pistol in the photograph:

That is a Gen3 pistol, indicated by both the fingergrooves in the frame (barely visible due to the angle) and the type of extractor (LCI). The LCI extractors were not used on this model/frame size until the E-series (E**###), so that means the serial number probably does not start with “B”.

My guess is the serial number is ECZ475, or perhaps FCZ475 or PCZ475; the “E”, “F”, or “P” are all similar in shape to a “B”, the “Z” is similar to the number “2”, and all those serial numbers fit the range for the LCI extractor use in that model (ECZ is a bit early, based on the list I have, but probably still close enough).

[Vermont Lt]

I have a mismatched gn 2 top and a gen 3 bottom.

Nothing odd about it.

[Paine in the Neck]

The frame is the firearm for ATF purposes so that’s the only serial no. that matters.

[The KG9 Kid]

I understand what I read, but the point of this article being what exactly?

[super7man]

Not sure what the point is. Does mis-matched serial numbers make a gun more likely to jump up off the table and just start killing people?

Nonetheless; interesting analysis.

[backwoods-engineer]

Correct. I have a Gen 3 G22 and the frame looks just like that.

[JoeFromSidney]

For collectors, matching serial numbers on all parts are important. A match implies that the gun is "as manufactured," not a "parts gun" assembled post-manufacture.

for anyone else, matching serial numbers are irrelevant.