April 02, 2014
By Dusty Gibson
carry guns since their introduction in 1994 — but this particular Stork delivery has more diaper-dandy swagger than the legendary Gerber Baby.
A Flat Dark Earth (FDE) frame makes this G26 Gen 3 the cutest baby on the Glock block, considering it resides among millions of traditional black-on-black clones.
2014 marks the third consecutive year Glock and Lispey's  teamed up to manufacture factory FDE frames for select models. Initial commercial manufacturing runs included only a small batch of FDE frames per year, but booming demand for the two-tone look is driving more consistent availability through Lipsey's dealers. Annual and semi-annual batches of FDE Glocks are evolving into consistent runs every 60 to 90 days. Even though production is increasing, factory FDE pistols remain a rare breed in the Glock world, with fewer than 100,000 estimated in circulation today.
While FDE Glocks are relatively new on the commercial market, this particular FDE color tone was created years ago for Delta Force operatives in a G22 Gen 3 variation. When the two-tone design concept was commercialized, Glock already had Dark Earth standing by.
Contrary to common inquiry, FDE Glock frames are not the result of any kind of painting or coatings. Glock saved the spray paint for rusty patio furniture and mixed their Austrian polymer with FDE dyes before molding the frames.
This particular Glock 26 FDE is a Gen 3 variation, which we expect to become more collectible as the future of FDE Glocks are trending down the Gen 4 path. Opinions surrounding Glock generations vary widely, and of course it's always nice to have choices. Personally, I own Gen 2, 3 and 4 Glocks — I like them all but I would jump on any chance to pick up an FDE frame, regardless of generational preferences.
Lipseys is expecting availability of the following FDE models in 2014, with prices remaining the same as that of traditional black models:
Gen 3 - 17, 19, 22, 23, 26, 27
Gen 4 - 17, 19, 20, 21,22, 23, 26, 27, 34, 35
Check out the photos and specs for the Glock 26 Gen 3 FDE below.
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