Glock is a well-known brand of polymer-framed, short recoil-operated, locked-breech semi-automatic pistols. The company was founded by Austrian engineer Gaston Glock in 1963 and has since become one of the most recognizable names in the firearms industry.
Over the years, Glock has developed a reputation for producing reliable and safe firearms that are popular with military and law enforcement agencies around the world.
The history of Glock is a fascinating story that spans more than 50 years. From its humble beginnings as a small manufacturer of consumer goods, the company has grown into a global powerhouse that dominates the firearms market.
Glock has faced numerous challenges along the way, including allegations of embezzlement and controversy over its involvement in the gun industry.
Despite these challenges, the company has remained committed to producing high-quality firearms that meet the needs of its customers. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of Glock and explore how the company has become one of the most successful firearms manufacturers in the world.
Founding of Glock
Gaston Glock
In 1963, Gaston Glock founded Glock Ges.m.b.H in Austria. Initially, the company focused on producing smart parts with polymer materials, such as curtain fixtures. However, nearly twenty years later, Glock had his sights set on firearm development.
Patent
In the early 1980s, the Austrian Ministry of Defense sought to modernize the Austrian Armed Forces by issuing an invitation to tender for a new service pistol, which it designated as “Pistole 80” or “P80”. Glock, who had no prior experience in firearms, submitted his design for the P80 and won the contract.
Glock’s design was unique in that it featured a polymer frame, which made it lighter and more durable than traditional metal-framed pistols. This design also allowed for a larger magazine capacity, a major advantage for law enforcement and military personnel.
Production
After winning the contract for the P80, Glock began production of the pistol in 1982. It quickly became the top performer in reliability and safety tests, and entered Austrian military and police service that same year.
Since then, Glock pistols have become the company’s most profitable line of products and have gained a reputation for their durability, reliability, and ease of use. Glock has since expanded its product line to include other firearms, such as rifles and submachine guns.
In 2013, Glock began full production operations in the United States, with all pistols manufactured in the US stamped with “U.S.A.” and a small outline of the state of Georgia on the slide. The company also produces six colors in addition to black, including Olive Drab and Flat Dark Earth.
Evolution of Glock
Generations
Glock pistols have undergone several generations of improvements since their inception in the early 1980s. The first generation of Glock pistols included the Glock 17, Glock 19, Glock 20, and Glock 21. These pistols were designed for military and law enforcement use, and featured a high-impact plastic frame and steel slide. The first-generation Glock pistols were known for their reliability and durability.
The second generation of Glock pistols was introduced in the early 1990s and included improvements such as a modified grip texture and an accessory rail for attaching lights and lasers. The third generation of Glock pistols was introduced in the late 1990s and included improvements such as finger grooves on the grip and an enlarged magazine release button.
The fourth generation of Glock pistols was introduced in 2010 and included improvements such as a dual recoil spring assembly and a reversible magazine catch. The fifth generation of Glock pistols was introduced in 2017 and included improvements such as an improved trigger and a flared magazine well.
Models
Glock pistols are available in a variety of models, each with its own unique features and specifications. The Glock 17 is one of the most popular models, chambered in 9mm. It has a standard magazine capacity of 17 rounds and features a 4.49-inch barrel. The Glock 19 is a compact version of the Glock 17 and is also chambered in 9mm. It has a standard magazine capacity of 15 rounds and features a 4.02-inch barrel.
Other popular Glock models include the Glock 22, which is chambered in .40 S&W, and the Glock 21, which is chambered in .45 ACP. The Glock 43 is a popular concealed carry model chambered in 9mm. It has a standard magazine capacity of 6 rounds and features a 3.39-inch barrel.
Glock pistols are also available in various sizes, including full-size, compact, and subcompact. The Glock 26 is a popular subcompact model that is chambered in 9mm. It has a standard magazine capacity of 10 rounds and features a 3.43-inch barrel.
Glock Features
Safe Action ® System
Glock pistols are known for their Safe Action ® System, a unique trigger mechanism that ensures that the gun will not fire unless pulled. This system consists of three internal safeties that work together to prevent accidental discharges. The trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety all work in conjunction to ensure that the gun will not fire unless the shooter intends for it to.
Internal Safeties
In addition to the Safe Action ® System, Glock pistols also feature internal safeties that provide additional protection against accidental discharges. These safeties include a firing pin safety, which prevents the firing pin from moving unless the trigger is pulled, and a drop safety, which prevents the gun from firing if it is dropped.
Magazines
Glock pistols use magazines that are designed to be durable and reliable. The magazines are made from high-quality materials designed to feed ammunition smoothly into the gun. Most Glock pistols come with magazines with a standard capacity of 15 rounds, although models are available with larger or smaller capacities.
Safeties
Glock pistols have several safety features that help prevent accidental discharges. These include a trigger safety, which prevents the gun from firing unless the trigger is pulled, and a firing pin safety, which prevents the firing pin from moving unless the trigger is pulled. Additionally, Glock pistols have a drop safety, which prevents the gun from firing if it is dropped.
Accessory Rail
Many Glock pistols come with an accessory rail that allows the shooter to attach accessories such as lights and lasers to the gun. This rail is located on the underside of the gun’s frame and is designed to be compatible with a wide range of accessories.
Polymer Frame
Glock pistols are known for their polymer frames, which are lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion. The polymer frame is designed to be comfortable to hold and provides a secure grip, even in wet or slippery conditions. Additionally, the polymer frame helps reduce the gun’s weight, making it easier to carry and handle.
Glock pistols are known for their reliability, durability, and safety features. The Safe Action ® System, internal safeties, magazines, safeties, accessory rail, and polymer frame all work together to make Glock pistols some of the most popular and trusted firearms on the market today.
Glock’s Popularity
Glock pistols have become incredibly popular in the United States, and for good reason. Here are some of the reasons why Glock has become so popular in the US market.
Law Enforcement
Glock pistols have become the gun of choice for many law enforcement agencies in the United States. The Glock is a reliable and easy-to-use weapon that is perfect for law enforcement officers who need to carry a handgun on a daily basis. The Glock’s lightweight design and simple operation make it easy to carry and use for extended periods of time.
Capacity
One of the key advantages of Glock pistols is their high-capacity magazines. Glock pistols are available in a range of calibers, but all models have a high-capacity magazine that allows for more rounds to be fired before reloading. This makes the Glock a popular choice for self-defense and target shooting.
U.S. Market
Glock pistols were first introduced to the US market in the mid-1980s. Since then, they have become incredibly popular with gun enthusiasts and law enforcement agencies alike. Glock’s success in the US market can be attributed to a number of factors, including their high-quality construction, reliability, and ease of use.
Recent Developments
Generation 5
In 2017, Glock introduced its Gen 5 series, which included several improvements to the design. The Gen 5 models feature a recessed cutout on the bottom front of the grip, the removal of finger grooves, ambidextrous slide stop levers, a flared magwell, and new polygonal rifling in the barrel. Additionally, the Gen 5 models have a new diamond-like carbon finish on the barrel and slide, which makes them more durable and resistant to wear.
G45
The Glock G45 is a crossover pistol that combines the features of the Gen 5 models with the G19X. The G45 has a compact slide and a full-size frame, which makes it easier to handle and more comfortable to shoot. The G45 also features a flared magwell and an improved trigger system, which makes it easier to reload and shoot accurately.
MOS Configuration
The Modular Optic System (MOS) Configuration is a new feature that allows shooters to mount a variety of optics on their Glock pistols. The MOS Configuration includes a milled slide and a set of adapter plates that allow shooters to mount popular optics like the Trijicon RMR, the Leupold DeltaPoint, and the Vortex Venom.
Crossover Pistol
The Crossover Pistol is a new series of pistols that combines the features of the Gen 5 models with the G19X and the G45. The Crossover Pistol has a compact slide and a full-size frame, which makes it easier to handle and more comfortable to shoot. The Crossover Pistol also features a flared magwell and an improved trigger system, which makes it easier to reload and shoot accurately.
Slimline Collection
The Slimline Collection is a series of pistols that are designed for concealed carry and personal defense. The Slimline models feature a compact design and a slim frame, which makes them easier to carry and conceal. The Slimline Collection includes the G43, G43X, and G48 models, which are chambered in 9mm and feature a single-stack magazine.
Caliber 22 L.R.
The Caliber 22 L.R. is a new addition to the Glock lineup, which is designed for training and plinking. The Caliber 22 L.R. models feature a compact design and are chambered in .22 Long Rifle, which makes them more affordable and easier to shoot than other Glock models. The Caliber 22 L.R. models also feature a reduced recoil, which makes them more comfortable to shoot.
Optic Ready Slimline Pistol
The Optic Ready Slimline Pistol is a new series of pistols that are designed for concealed carry and personal defense. The Optic Ready models feature a compact design and a slim frame, which makes them easier to carry and conceal. The Optic Ready models also feature a milled slide, which allows shooters to mount a variety of optics on their pistol.
Notable Glock Variants
The name Glock is synonymous with reliability and innovation in the firearms industry. This reputation is built on a diverse portfolio of pistols that cater to different needs and preferences. Among these numerous models, let’s spotlight three distinct Glock variants that have made waves: The Glock 42, the Glock 17, and the Glock 19.
Glock 42
Introduced in 2014, the Glock 42 is a .380 ACP pistol. As one of Glock’s smallest offerings, it shines in the concealed carry category. It boasts a 6+1 capacity and weighs a featherlight 13.76 ounces.
Its standout feature? Its size. This mini pistol is highly concealable and portable. However, this compactness comes with trade-offs. Its short barrel can affect range and accuracy, and the small size may prove a bit challenging for those with larger hands to grip and control comfortably.
But, small doesn’t mean compromise. The Glock 42 remains an accurate, reliable firearm. It retains Glock’s patented Safe Action System, ensuring a steady trigger pull and preventing accidental discharges. The Glock 42 also has a robust polymer frame and a corrosion-resistant barrel, promising longevity.
Glock 17
Let’s turn the spotlight onto the Glock 17, a 9mm pistol and the one that started it all for Glock. Known for its incredible reliability and capacity to hold 17 rounds, the Glock 17 set the benchmark for modern combat pistols. It’s been a favorite among law enforcement and military personnel worldwide.
Glock 19
Finally, the Glock 19 is a compact 9mm variant of the Glock 17. It delivers the same reliability and high performance in a slightly smaller package, making it another great option for concealed carry. The Glock 19 balances size, capacity, and ease of use beautifully, making it one of Glock’s best-selling models.
These variants showcase Glock’s commitment to catering to a wide array of shooter needs and preferences, proving there’s a Glock for everyone!
The Evolution of Glock Customizations
Glock pistols have proven to be some of the most reliable and versatile firearms. Their robust nature and simple operation have attracted countless firearm enthusiasts and professional users worldwide. This popularity spurred a plethora of customization options, allowing individuals to personalize their Glock pistols to match their unique preferences and requirements.
Glock Build Kits
Diving deep into customizations, Glock Build Kits stand out. They offer a fantastic way for firearms enthusiasts to assemble a Glock that perfectly fits their needs and style. Whether you aim to enhance performance or merely wish for a unique aesthetic, these kits can provide a path to your ideal Glock.
For those eager to experiment with various configurations, consider the custom build a glock upgrades. These kits offer a multitude of enhancements, from improved grips to superior sights, promoting improved usability and accuracy.
Looking for frame modifications? You might be interested in the upgraded glock 26 frames you’ll love. Upgrading your frame can lead to better grip, control, and overall shooting comfort.
For the dedicated hobbyist or the novice looking to dive right in, the best glock build kit you can buy may be your ideal starting point. These kits include a complete set of parts needed to construct a custom Glock, allowing you to experience every facet of assembly and customization.
For a premium experience, look no further than the better-machined kits for your Glock 19. These high-quality kits feature precision-machined parts, ensuring smooth operation and excellent fit and finish.
The world of Glock customization is broad, exciting, and continues to evolve. Whatever your preferences or shooting requirements, there is likely a customization option or build kit designed to make your Glock pistol a perfect fit for you.
Fun Facts About Glock
Rare Glocks
Glock is known for producing high-quality, reliable, and easy-to-use firearms. However, some rare Glocks are highly sought after by firearm collectors. One of the rarest Glocks is the Glock 18, a fully automatic pistol only available to law enforcement and military personnel. Another rare Glock is the Glock 24, which is a long-slide competition pistol that was only produced for a short time.
Glock Grenade Casings
Glock also produces grenade casings that the military and law enforcement agencies use. These casings are designed to be used with a special type of grenade that is designed to be launched from a pistol. The Glock grenade casings are made from high-quality materials and are designed to be durable and long-lasting.
Strip Club
In 2017, it was reported that a strip club in Las Vegas was offering a “Ladies Night” promotion that included shooting a Glock. The promotion allowed women to shoot a Glock for free if they purchased a drink. The promotion was met with controversy, and the strip club eventually ended the promotion.
