Glocks have simple, practical designs that make them easy to disassemble and clean. This design also makes them very easy to use accessories for. Upgraded sights allow for quicker target acquisition in high-adrenaline scenarios or low-light conditions. They are a reliable and durable pistol that’s used by military and law enforcement agencies. Despite efforts to restrict the gun, Glocks remain popular around the world.

The History

Glock’s meteoric rise from a small parts production company with a few military contracts to a gun maker synonymous with durability was far faster than anyone imagined. It happened over a few key moments in Glock’s history.

In 1982, Gaston Glock realized that his company needed to focus on weapons. That same year he assembled the best handgun experts from Europe and tasked them to design a pistol that would be lightweight, easy to operate, and affordable. They produced the Glock 17 which had a 17-round capacity and was simple with few moving parts. It was also durable with the ability to withstand submersion and extreme temperatures.

In 1985, Glock established a US subsidiary in Smyrna, GA and began aggressively marketing to police departments state-side. That move paid off as Glock gained a lot of public attention when cops in Law and Order and other TV shows started using them and Bruce Willis’ John McClane used one in Die Hard 2. They even appeared in rap music.

The Design

Glock pistols are built with an emphasis on simplicity. They have fewer moving parts than other handguns, making them more reliable and less expensive to repair. The polymer frame also helps them be lighter and more comfortable to carry for long periods of time, an important consideration for law enforcement officers who may need to hold their firearm for extended shifts.

Many shooters choose to upgrade their Glocks with aftermarket features that improve their performance, appearance or capability. These modifications often include upgrades to the sights (e.g., fiber optic or tritium) for better illumination in low-light situations. They can also include enhanced triggers to reduce the perceived recoil and provide faster, more precise shooting.

Another popular modification is the extended slide. This allows the use of a longer barrel without changing the overall length. Glock developed this to address a common law enforcement request for a midsize pistol that could be carried and operated with the same comfort as a smaller pistol.

The Capacity

As the first of its kind, Glock created the market for polymer striker-fired pistols and inspired a fanatical following before competitors could catch up. Its lightweight body and large capacity made it ideal for police departments that were outnumbered by gang members on the street.

It’s easy to customize your Glock to suit your needs and improve performance. Options include adding an accessory rail to the frame for mounting tactical lights and laser sights, or adding a custom trigger. Other upgrades include enhanced sighting, ambidextrous thumb rests and maritime spring cups.

You can also buy magazines with higher capacities than the factory ones that come with your gun. Companies such as Magpul offer 50-round drum magazines for double-stack 9mm Glocks. You can also find polymer holsters and magazine pouches, as well as replaceable recoil springs, slide stops, and magazine release levers. You can even add maritime spring cups, which feature additional openings that allow water to flow and escape around the locking block, reducing corrosion in harsh environments.

The Comfort

Glock pistols are very comfortable to hold and shoot. They are extremely durable and can withstand harsh use. Their ergonomics and reliability are what have made them a very popular weapon to carry.

The trigger feels smooth and has a short pre-travel, which makes the gun easy to aim. The Glock Safe Action system is a series of three independent mechanical safeties that are passively disengaged only when the trigger is pulled. It protects against drops and even changes in temperature, ensuring that the gun only fires when it is intended to.

Conclusion

Founded in Deutsch-Wagram, Austria by Gaston Glock, the company produces a variety of light weapons including the famous polymer framed striker-fired pistols. Glock pistols are manufactured in five form factors, ranging from full-sized duty firearms to subcompact carry guns. The Glock Model 26, for example, is a compact double-stack (9mm +P) that was one of the original darlings of the concealed carry market.