Glock
Glock pistol | |
---|---|
![]() The Glock 17 (early third generation model) | |
Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
Place of origin | ![]() |
Service history | |
In service | 1982–present |
Used by | See Users |
Production history | |
Designer | Gaston Glock |
Designed | 1982 |
Manufacturer | Glock GmbH |
Produced | 1982–present |
No. built | 2,500,000+[1] |
Variants | See Variants |
Specifications | |
Cartridge | |
Action | Short recoil, locked breech, tilting barrel (straight blowback for .380 ACP variants) |
Feed system | Box magazine, see Variants for capacities |
Sights | Fixed, adjustable, and self-luminous night sights |
The Glock is a series of semi-automatic pistols designed and produced by Glock GmbH, located in Deutsch-Wagram, Austria. The company's founder, engineer Gaston Glock, had no experience with firearms design or manufacture at the time their first pistol, the Glock 17, was being prototyped. Glock did however have extensive experience in advanced synthetic polymers, knowledge which was instrumental in the company's design of the first successful line of pistols with a polymer frame.
Despite initial resistance from the market to accept a 'plastic gun' due to concerns about their durability and reliability, Glock pistols have become the company's most profitable line of products, commanding 65% of the market share of handguns for United States law enforcement agencies[2] as well as supplying numerous national armed forces and security agencies worldwide.
History
Development
In 1980, the Austrian military announced that it would seek tenders for a new, modern duty pistol to replace their World War II-era Walther P38 handguns.[3] The Austrian Ministry of Defence formulated a list of 17 criteria for the new generation service pistol:[4]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4e/Glock_17_9mmPara_002.jpg/220px-Glock_17_9mmPara_002.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/95/Glock_17_2nd_Gen.jpg/220px-Glock_17_2nd_Gen.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bf/Criminologygunglock.jpg/220px-Criminologygunglock.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cd/Glock_17C_cropped.jpg/220px-Glock_17C_cropped.jpg)
- The design has to be self-loading.
- The pistol must fire the NATO-standard 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge.
- The magazines would not require any means of assistance for loading.
- The magazines must have a minimum capacity of 8 rounds.
- All actions necessary to prepare the pistol for firing and any actions required after firing must be done single-handed, either right- or left-handed.
- The pistol must be absolutely secure against accidental discharge from shock, stroke and drops from a height of 2 m onto a steel plate.
- Disassembly of the main parts for maintenance and reassembling must be possible without the use of any tools.
- Maintenance and cleaning of the pistol must be accomplished without the use of tools.
- The pistol's construction may not exceed 58 individual parts (equivalent of a P38).
- Gauges, measuring and precise testing devices must not be necessary for the long-term maintenance of the pistol.
- The manufacturer is required to provide the Ministry of Defence with a complete set of engineering drawings and exploded views. These must be supplied with all the relevant details for the production of the pistol.
- All components must be fully interchangeable between pistols.
- No more than 20 malfunctions are permitted during the first 10,000 rounds fired, not even minor jams that can be cleared without the use of any tools.
- After firing 15,000 rounds of standard ammunition, the pistol will be inspected for wear. The pistol will then be used to fire an overpressure test cartridge generating 5,000 bar (72,518 psi) (the normal maximum operating pressure Pmax for the 9 mm NATO is rated at 2,520 bar (36,550 psi)).[5] The critical components must continue to function properly and be up to specifications, otherwise the pistol will be disqualified.
- When handled properly, under no circumstances may the user be endangered by case ejection.
- The muzzle energy must be at least 441.5 J when firing a 9mm S-round/P-08 Hirtenberger AG.
- Pistols scoring less than 70% of the total available points will not be considered for military use.
Glock became aware of the Army's planned procurement and in 1982 assembled a team of Europe's leading handgun experts from military, police and civilian sport shooting circles to define the most desirable characteristics in a combat pistol.[4] Within just three months, Glock developed a working prototype.[6] The new weapon made extensive use of synthetic materials and modern manufacturing technologies in its design, making it a very cost-effective candidate. Several samples of the 9x19mm Glock 17 (so named because it was the 17th patent of the company) were submitted for assessment trials in early 1982, and after passing all of the exhaustive endurance and abuse tests, Glock emerged as the winner with the Model 17.[7][8][9]
The handgun was adopted into service with the Austrian military and police forces in 1982 as the P80 (Pistole 80),[10] with an initial order for 25,000 guns.[6] The Glock 17 outperformed 8 different pistols from five other established manufacturers (Heckler & Koch offered their P7M8, P7M13 and P9S, SIG-Sauer of Switzerland bid with their P220 and P226 models, Beretta of Italy submitted their model 92SB-F, FN Herstal proposed an updated variant of the Browning Hi-Power and the home-grown Steyr entered the competition with the GB).[11]
The results of the Austrian trials sparked a wave of interest in Western Europe and overseas, particularly in the United States, where a similar effort to select a service-wide replacement for the M1911 had been ongoing since the late 1970s (known as the Joint Service Small Arms Program). In late 1983, the United States Department of Defense inquired about the Glock pistol and received four samples of the Glock 17 for unofficial evaluation.[12] Glock was then invited to participate in the XM9 Personal Defence Pistol Trials, but declined because the DOD specifications would require extensive retooling of production equipment and providing 35 test samples in an unrealistic time frame.[12]
Shortly thereafter, the Glock 17 was accepted into service with the Norwegian, and Swedish Armed Forces, surpassing all prior NATO durability standards.[12] As a result, the Glock 17 became a standard NATO-classified sidearm and was granted a NATO Stock Number (1005/25/133/6775).[12]
By 1992, some 350,000 pistols had been sold in more than 45 countries, including 250,000 in the United States alone.[10]
Product evolution
The Glock was modified several times throughout its production history. In 1991, an integrated recoil spring assembly replaced the original two-piece recoil spring and tube design. The magazine was also slightly modified, changing the floorplate and fitting the follower spring with a resistance insert at its base.
Second generation models
A mid-life upgrade to the Glock pistols involved the addition of checkering on the front strap and serrations to the back strap. These versions are informally referred to as "second generation" models. To meet American ATF regulations, a steel plate with a stamped serial number was embedded into the dust cover in front of the trigger guard.
Third generation models
In the late 1990s, the frame was further modified with an accessory rail (called the "Universal Glock rail") to allow the mounting of laser sights, tactical lights, and other accessories. Thumb rests on both sides of the frame and finger grooves on the front strap were also added. Glock pistols with these upgrades are informally referred to as "third generation" models.
The design of the extractor has also been changed twice, and the locking block was enlarged, along with the addition of an extra cross pin to aid the distribution of forces exerted by the locking lock. This cross pin is known as the locking block pin and located above the trigger pin.[13]
The polymer frames of third generation models can be black or olive drab. Besides that, non-firing dummy pistols ("R" models) have a bright red frame and Simunition-adapted practice pistols ("T" models)—a bright blue frame for easy identification.[14]
In 2009 the Glock 22 RTF2 (Rough Texture Frame 2) (chambered in .40 S&W) was introduced. This pistol featured a new checkering texture around the grip and new scalloped (fish gill shaped) serrations at the rear of the sides of the slide.[15][16]
Fourth generation models
At the 2010 SHOT Show trade show Glock presented the "fourth generation" model. The changes appear mainly centered around ergonomics. Glock Gen4 17 (9x19mm Parabellum) and Gen4 22 (.40 S&W) full-size pistols were displayed with a modified rough texture frame, checkering around the grip and interchangeable backstraps of different sizes. The basic grip size of the generation 4 pistols is smaller compared to the previous Glock models. For mounting an "M" (medium) or "L" (large) backstrap, a punch is provided to remove the basic trigger housing pin and replace it for a longer cross pin needed to attach the "M" or "L" straps. The "M" backstrap yields a grip of similar size compared to the previous generation pistols. The magazine release catches are also significantly enlarged and reversible for left-handed use. To utilize the swappable magazine release feature, generation 4 magazines have two notches on both sides of the magazine. Mechanically, the Glock Gen4 pistols are fitted with a dual recoil spring assembly to reduce perceived recoil and increase service life expectancy. The front portion of the polymer frame just under the slide is wider compared to the previous generation guns and internally enlarged to accommodate the dual recoil spring assembly.[17][18][19][20]
Design details
Operating mechanism
The Glock 17 is a 9mm short recoil-operated locked breech semi-automatic pistol that uses a modified Browning cam-lock system adapted from the Hi-Power pistol.[21] The firearm's locking mechanism utilizes a linkless, vertically tilting barrel with a rectangular breech that locks into the ejection port cut-out in the slide. During the recoil stroke, the barrel moves rearward initially locked together with the slide approximately 3 mm (0.12 in) until the bullet leaves the barrel and chamber pressure drops to a safe level. A ramped lug extension at the base of the barrel then interacts with a tapered locking block integrated into the frame, forcing the barrel down and unlocking it from the slide. This camming action terminates the barrel's movement while the slide continues back under recoil, extracting and ejecting the spent cartridge casing. The slide's uninterrupted rearward movement and counter-recoil cycle are characteristic of the Browning system.[22]
Features
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c0/Glock_30-JH02.jpg/220px-Glock_30-JH02.jpg)
The slide features a spring-loaded claw extractor and the stamped sheet metal ejector is pinned to the subframe.[10] Post 2002 pistols have a reshaped extractor that also serves as a loaded chamber indicator. When a cartridge is present in the chamber, a tactile metal edge protrudes slightly out immediately behind the ejection port on the right side of the slide.[23]
The striker firing mechanism has a spring-loaded firing pin that is cocked in two stages, powered by the firing pin spring. When the pistol is charged, the firing pin is in the half-cock position. As the trigger is pulled, the striker is then fully cocked. At the end of its travel, the trigger bar is tilted downward by the disconnector, releasing the striker to fire the cartridge. The disconnector also resets the trigger bar so that the striker will be captured in half-cock at the end of the firing cycle. This is known as a pre-set trigger mechanism, referred to as the "Safe Action" trigger by the manufacturer. The disconnector also ensures the pistol can only fire semi-automatically.
The factory standard trigger has a trigger travel of 12.5 mm (0.5 in) and is rated at 25 N (5.6 lbf), but by using a modified connector it can be increased to 35 N (7.9 lbf) or lowered to 20 N (4.5 lbf). In response to a request made by American law enforcement agencies for a two-stage trigger, Glock introduced the NY1 (New York) trigger module, which features a flat spring in a plastic housing that replaces the trigger bar's standard coil spring. This trigger upgrade is available in two versions: NY1 and NY2 that are rated at 25 N (5.6 lbf) to 40 N (9.0 lbf) and 32 N (7.2 lbf) to 50 N (11.2 lbf) respectively, which require approximately 20 N (4.5 lbf) to 30 N (6.7 lbf) of force to disengage the safeties and another 10 N (2.2 lbf) to 20 N (4.5 lbf) in the second stage to fire a shot.
The Glock's frame, magazine body and several other components are made from a high-strength nylon-based polymer invented by Gaston Glock and called Polymer 2.[24] This plastic was specially formulated to provide increased durability and is more resilient than carbon steel and most steel alloys. Polymer 2 is resistant to shock, caustic liquids and temperature extremes where traditional steel/alloy frames would warp and become brittle.[24] The injection molded frame contains 4 hardened steel guide rails for the slide: two at the rear of the frame, and the remaining pair above and in front of the trigger guard. The trigger guard itself is squared off at the front and checkered. The grip has a non-slip, stippled surface on the sides and both the front and rear straps. The frame houses the locking block, which is an investment casting that engages a 45° camming surface on the barrel's lower camming lug. It is retained in the frame by a steel axis pin that also holds the trigger and slide catch. The trigger housing is held to the frame by means of a plastic pin. A spring-loaded sheet metal pressing serves as the slide catch, which is secured from unintentional manipulation by a raised guard molded into the frame.
The Glock pistol has a relatively low slide profile which holds the barrel axis close to the shooter's hand and makes the pistol more comfortable to shoot by reducing muzzle rise and allowing for faster aim recovery in rapid shooting sequence. The rectangular slide is milled from a single block of ordnance-grade steel using CNC machinery.[25] The barrel and slide are finished with a proprietary nitriding process called Tenifer. The slide and barrel undergo three hardening processes prior to the final coating, applied in a 500°C nitrate bath.[24] The Tenifer finish is between 0.4 mm (0.016 in) and 0.5 mm (0.020 in) in thickness is characterized by extreme wear and corrosion resistance; it penetrates the metal and coated parts have similar properties even below the surface to a certain depth.[26] The Tenifer process produces a matte, non-glare surface with a 64 Rockwell C hardness rating (by comparison, an industrial diamond has a rating of 70 HRC) and a 99% resistance to salt water corrosion (which meets or exceeds stainless steel specifications),[25] making the Glock particularly suitable for individuals carrying the pistol concealed as the highly salt-resistant finish allows the pistol to better endure the effects of perspiration.[26] Glock pistols with their Tenifer finish are also more corrosion-resistant than analogous guns on the market with any other type of finish, including Teflon, bluing, hard chrome plating, phosphates and other alloys.[26]
A current production Glock 17 consists of 34 parts. For maintenance, the pistol disassembles into five main groups: the barrel, slide, frame, magazine and recoil spring assembly.
The firearm is designed for the NATO-standard 9x19mm Parabellum pistol cartridge, but can also use high-power (increased pressure) +P and +P+ ammunition with either full metal jacket or jacketed hollow point projectiles.
Barrel
The hammer-forged barrel has a female type polygonal rifling with a right-hand twist. The stabilization of the round is not by conventional rifling, utilizing lands and grooves, but rather through a polygonal profile consisting of a series of six interconnected non-circular segments. Each depressed segment within the interior of the barrel is the equivalent of a groove in a conventional barrel. Thus the interior of the barrel consists of six smooth arcs of steel rather than six sharply defined slots. The method by which Glock barrels are rifled is somewhat unusual; instead of using a traditional broaching machine to cut the rifling into the bore, the Glock process involves beating a slowly rotating mandrel through the bore to obtain the hexagonal shape.[27] As a result, the barrel's thickness in the area of each groove is not compromised as with conventional square-cut barrels. This also has the advantage of providing a better gas seal around the projectile as the bore has a slightly smaller diameter, which translates into more efficient use of the combustion gases trapped behind the bullet,[27] slightly greater (consistency in) muzzle velocities, increased accuracy and ease of maintenance.[28]
Safety
The Glock features a triple safety system that secures the firearm against accidental discharge and consists of three independent safety mechanisms: an external trigger safety[29] and two automatic internal safeties—a firing pin safety[30] and a drop safety.[31] The external safety is a small inner lever contained in the trigger. Pressing the lever activates the trigger bar and sheet metal connector. One of the internal safeties is a solid hardened steel pin that, in the secured state, blocks the firing pin channel (disabling the firing pin in its longitudinal axis). The firing pin safety is pushed upward to release the firing pin for firing only when the trigger is actuated and the safety is pushed up through the backward movement of the trigger bar; the second, drop safety guides the trigger bar in a precision safety ramp that is released only when a shot is triggered by pulling the trigger right back. The safeties are systematically disengaged one after the other when the trigger is squeezed and then automatically re-activated when the trigger is released. Passive safeties allow the pistol to be carried with a cartridge in the chamber thus reducing the time required to deploy the pistol. This allows the user to concentrate on tactical considerations, rather than manipulation of levers, hammers or external safeties as found in other conventional handguns.[10]
In 2003, Glock announced the Internal Locking System (ILS) safety feature. The ILS is a manually activated lock that is located in the back of the pistol's grip. It is cylindrical in design and, according to Glock, each key is unique. When activated, the lock causes a tab to protrude from the rear of the grip giving both a visual and tactile indication as to whether the lock is engaged or not. When activated, the ILS renders the Glock unfireable as well as making it impossible to disassemble. When disengaged, the ILS adds no further safety mechanisms to the Glock pistol. The ILS is available as an option on most Glock pistols. Glock pistols cannot be retrofitted to accommodate the ILS. The lock must be factory built in Austria and shipped as a special order.
Feeding
The Glock 17 feeds from a double stack box magazine with a 17-round capacity, an extended 19-round magazine, or a 33-round magazine. A 10-round single stack magazine is also available for jurisdictions which require a maximum magazine capacity of 10 rounds. The magazines are comprised of a steel body overmolded with plastic. A steel spring drives a plastic follower. After the last cartridge has been fired, the slide remains open on the slide stop. The slide stop release lever is located on the left side of the frame directly beneath the slide and can be manipulated by the thumb of the shooting hand.
An interesting feature is that, within the same caliber, Glock magazines are "one-way" interchangeable between models, meaning that a compact or subcompact pistol will accept magazines designed for the larger pistols. Magazines designed for compact and subcompact models will not function in larger pistols, because they are not tall enough to reach the slide and magazine release. For example, the subcompact Glock 26 will accept magazines for the full-size Glock 17 and the compact Glock 19, but the Glock 17 will not accept magazines for the Glock 19 or the Glock 26.
Sights
The Glock 17 has a fixed polymer combat-type sighting arrangement that consists of a ramped front sight and a notched rear sight with white contrast elements painted on for increased acquisition speed—a white dot on the front post and a rectangular border on the rear notch. The rear sight can be adjusted for windage as it has a degree of lateral movement in the dovetail it is mounted in. Three other factory rear sight configurations are available in addition to the standard 6.5 mm (0.26 in) height sight: a lower impact 6.1 mm (0.24 in) sight and two higher impact versions—6.9 mm (0.27 in) and 7.3 mm (0.29 in).[32]
Accessories
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/42/Glock34_with_gtl22.jpg/220px-Glock34_with_gtl22.jpg)
The Glock pistol accessories available from the factory include several devices for tactical illumination, such as a series of front rail mounted "Glock tactical lights" featuring a white tactical light and an optional visible laser sight. An alternate version of the tactical light utilizing an invisible infrared light and laser sight is also available, designed to be used with an infrared night vision device. Another lighting accessory is an adapter to mount a flashlight onto the bottom of a magazine.
Polymer holsters in various configurations and matching magazine pouches are also available. In addition, Glock produces optional triggers, recoil springs, slide stops, magazine release levers, and underwater spring cups.
Magazine floor plates (or "+2 baseplates"), which expand the capacity of the standard magazines by 2 rounds, are available for pistols chambered for 9x19mm Parabellum, .380 ACP, .40 S&W and .357 SIG cartridges.
As alternatives to the standard non-adjustable polymer sight line three alternative sight lines are offered by Glock. These consist of steel, adjustable and self-illuminating tritium night rear sights and factory steel and self-illuminating tritium contrast pointer steel front sights.
Variants
Following the introduction of the Glock 17, numerous variants and versions have been offered. Variants that differ in caliber, frame, and slide length are identified by different model numbers with the exception of the discontinued Glock 17L. Other changes not dealing with frame and slide length are identified with suffixes, such as "C", which denotes compensated models. Minor options such as frame color, sights, and included accessories are identified by a separate model code on the box and do not appear anywhere on the firearm.
Glock pistols come in five form factors, all modeled after the original full-size Glock 17. "Standard" models are designed as full-size duty firearm with a large magazine capacity. "Compact" models are slightly smaller with reduced magazine capacity and lighter weight while maintaining a usable grip length. "Subcompact" models are designed for easier carry being lighter and shorter, and are intended to be used with two fingers on the grip below the trigger guard. .45 ACP and 10mm models are slightly larger than smaller cartridge pistols and are available in the sub-compact models Glock 29 (10mm) and Glock 30 (.45ACP). Glock produces a single-stack "Slimline" .45 ACP pistol, the Glock 36. "Competition" versions have longer barrels and slides, adjustable sights, an extended slide and magazine release.
Beginning in 2007, Glock introduced several "Short Frame" models designated by the suffix "SF". The short frame was originally designed to compete in the now cancelled U.S. military Joint Combat Pistol trials for a new .45 ACP pistol to replace the M9 pistol. Glock's entry featured an optional ambidextrous magazine release and MIL-STD-1913 rail along with a reduction in the size of the backstrap. The Glock 21SF is currently available in three versions: one with a Picatinny rail and ambidextrous magazine release and two with a Universal Glock rail available with or without the ambidextrous magazine release. Current 10mm and .45 ACP Glock magazines are manufactured with ambidextrous magazine release cutouts. As of January 2009, the Glock 20, 21, 29, and 30 were offered in short-framed variations. These models incorporate a 2.5 mm (.10 inch) reduction in trigger reach, and full-sized models also feature a 4 mm (.16 inch) reduction in heel depth. This reduction in heel depth also corresponds to an overall reduction in length for those models.[33][34][35]
Some Glock pistols are available as "C" models (for "compensated"), which have slots cut into the top of the barrel and top of the slide to reduce muzzle climb and perceived recoil.[36][37]
9x19mm Parabellum
- The Glock 17 is the original 9x19mm Parabellum model, with a standard magazine capacity of 17 rounds. Several modified versions of the Glock 17 have also been introduced.
- The Glock 17C was introduced in 1996 and incorporated slots cut in the barrel and slide to compensate for muzzle rise and recoil. Many other Glock pistols now come with this option, all with a "C" suffix on the slide.
- The Glock 17L was introduced in 1988 and incorporates a longer slide and extended barrel. Initially, the Glock 17L had three holes in the top of the barrel and a corresponding slot in the slide; however, later production pistols lack the holes in the barrel. The Glock 17L is effectively discontinued and replaced by the Glock 34.
- The Glock 17MB is a version with ambidextrous magazine catch. The Glock 19 and Glock 21SF are also available as MB-variants.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/42/MarineCorpsGlock18.jpg/220px-MarineCorpsGlock18.jpg)
- The Glock 18 is a selective fire variant of the Glock 17, developed at the request of the Austrian counter-terrorist unit EKO Cobra. This machine pistol-class firearm has a lever-type fire-control selector switch, installed on the left side of the slide, in the rear, serrated portion (selector lever in the bottom position—continuous fire, top setting—single fire). The firearm is typically used with an extended 33-round capacity magazine, although other magazines from the Glock 17 will also function, with available capacities of 10, 17, or 19 rounds. Early Glock 18 models were ported to reduce muzzle rise during automatic fire. Another compensated variant was also produced, known as the Glock 18C. It has a keyhole opening cut into the forward portion of the slide, not unlike the opening on the Glock long-slide models, although the Glock 18 has a standard-length slide. The keyhole opening provides an area to allow the four, progressively-larger (from back to front) compensator cuts machined into the barrel to vent the propellant gases upwards, affording more control over the rapid-firing machine pistol. The compensator cuts start about halfway back on the top of the barrel. The two rear cuts are narrower than the two front cuts. The slide is also hollowed, or dished-out, in a rectangular pattern between the rear of the ejection port and the rear sight. The rate of fire in fully automatic mode is approximately 1,100–1,200 rounds per minute. Most of the other characteristics are equivalent to the Glock 17, although the slide, frame, and certain fire-control parts of the Glock 18 are not interchangeable with other Glock models.[38][39]
- The Glock 19 is effectively a reduced-size Glock 17, called the "Compact" by the manufacturer. It was first produced in 1988, primarily for military and law enforcement. The Glock 19 has a barrel and pistol grip that are shorter by approximately 12 mm (0.5 in) compared to the Glock 17 and uses a magazine with a standard capacity of 15 rounds. The pistol is also compatible with factory magazines from the Glock 17 and Glock 18, with available capacities of 10, 17, 19, and 33 rounds. To preserve the operational reliability of the short recoil system, the mass of the slide remains the same as in the Glock 17 from which it is derived. With the exception of the slide, frame, barrel, locking block, recoil spring, guide rod, and slide lock spring, all of the other components are interchangeable between the models 17 and 19.
- The Glock 26 is a 9x19mm "subcompact" variant designed for concealed carry and was introduced in 1995, mainly for the civilian market. It features a smaller frame compared to the Glock 19, with a pistol grip that supports only two fingers, a shorter barrel and slide, and a double-stack magazine with a standard capacity of 10 rounds. A factory magazine with a +2 baseplate gives a capacity of 12 rounds. In addition, factory magazines from the Glock 17, Glock 18, and Glock 19, with capacities of 15, 17, 19, and 33 rounds, will also function in the Glock 26. More than simply a "shortened" Glock 19, design of the subcompact Glock 26 required extensive rework of the frame, locking block, and spring assembly that features a dual recoil spring.
- The Glock 34 is a competition version of the Glock 17. It is similar to its predecessor, the now-discontinued Glock 17L, but with a slightly shorter slide and barrel. It was developed and produced in 1998, and compared to the Glock 17, features a 21 mm (0.8 in) longer barrel and slide. It also has an extended magazine release, extended slide stop lever, 20 N (4.5 lbf) trigger pull, and an adjustable rear sight. The top of the slide is milled out, creating a hole designed to reduce front-end muzzle weight to better balance the pistol.[40]
10mm Auto
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/76/GLOCK_29_10mm.jpg/220px-GLOCK_29_10mm.jpg)
- The Glock 20 was developed for the then-growing law enforcement and security forces market for the 10mm Auto, introduced in 1991. The pistol will handle both full-power as well as reduced "FBI" loads that have reduced muzzle velocity. Due to the longer cartridge and higher pressures, the pistol is slightly larger than the Glock 17, having an approximately 2.5 mm (0.1 in) greater width and 7 mm (0.3 in) greater length. Though many small parts interchange with the Glock 17, with a close to 50% parts commonality, the major assemblies are scaled-up and do not interchange. The standard magazine capacity of the Glock 20 is 15 rounds. In 2009, Glock announced they would offer a 152 mm (6 inch) barrel as a drop-in option.[41]
- The Glock 29 is a 10mm Auto equivalent of the subcompact Glock 26 introduced in 1997 along with the Glock 30. The pistol features a 96 mm (3.8 in) barrel and a standard magazine capacity of 10 rounds. Like other subcompact Glock pistols, the Glock 29 will also function with the factory magazines from its related full-size model, giving an optional capacity of 15 rounds.
.45 ACP
The barrel of all .45 ACP Glock pistols feature octagonal polygonal rifling rather than the hexagonal shaped bores for models in different chamberings.[42] Octagonal rifling provides a better gas seal in relatively large diameter rifled bores, since an octagon resembles a circle closer than a hexagon.[43]
- The Glock 21 is a .45 ACP version of the Glock 20 designed primarily for the American market.[44] Compared to the Glock 20 chambered in 10mm Auto, the slide of the Glock 21 is lighter to compensate for the lower-energy .45 ACP cartridge. The standard Glock 21 magazine is of the single-position-feed, staggered-column type with a capacity of 13 rounds.
- The Glock 30 is a .45 ACP version of the subcompact Glock 29 with a standard magazine capacity of 10 rounds. The factory magazine from the Glock 21, with a capacity of 13 rounds, will also function in the Glock 30.
- The Glock 36 is a "slimline" version of the subcompact Glock 30 that features an ultra-compact frame and is chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge. The barrel, slide, and magazine are unique to the model. The Glock 36 is the first Glock pistol to be manufactured with a single-stack magazine,[45] and has a standard capacity of 6 rounds. Unlike other subcompact Glock pistols, the Glock 36 cannot use factory magazines from its larger relatives due to its single-stack magazine design.
.40 S&W
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/Glock22inOliveDrab.jpg/220px-Glock22inOliveDrab.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/32/Glock35Right.jpg/220px-Glock35Right.jpg)
- The Glock 22 is a .40 S&W version of the full-size Glock 17 introduced in 1990. The pistol uses a modified slide, frame, and barrel to account for the differences in size and power of the .40 S&W cartridge. The standard magazine capacity is 15 rounds.
- The Glock 23 is a .40 S&W version of the compact Glock 19. It is dimensionally identical to the Glock 19 but is slightly heavier and uses a modified slide, frame, .40 S&W barrel and a standard magazine capacity of 13 rounds. The factory 15-round magazine from the larger Glock 22 will also function in the Glock 23.
- The Glock 24 is a .40 S&W competition variant of the full-size Glock 22 similar in concept to the target Glock 17L model. The Glock 24 was officially discontinued upon the release of the Glock 34 and 35.[46]
- The Glock 27 is a .40 S&W version of the subcompact Glock 26, with a standard magazine capacity of 9 rounds. The factory magazines from the larger Glock 22 and 23 will also function in the Glock 27, increasing capacity to 13 or 15 rounds.
- The Glock 35 is a .40 S&W version of the competition Glock 34.
.380 ACP
- The Glock 25 is a derivative of the Glock 19, adapted to use the .380 ACP (9x17mm Short) cartridge. The .380 models are primarily intended for markets which prohibit civilian ownership of firearms chambered in military calibers. They are not offered in the United States, due to the characteristics of the gun making it unable to pass import restrictions.[47] Due to the relatively low bolt thrust of the .380 ACP cartridge, the pistol features an unlocked breech and operates via straight blowback of the slide. This method of operation required modification of the locking surfaces on the barrel as well as a redesign of the former locking block. The standard magazine capacity of the Glock 25 is 15 rounds.
- The Glock 28 is a .380 ACP subcompact version of the blowback-operated Glock 25. The standard magazine capacity of the Glock 28 is 10 rounds.
.357 SIG
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/53/Glock33_big.jpg/220px-Glock33_big.jpg)
- The Glock 31 is a .357 SIG variant of the full-sized Glock 22. The standard magazine capacity of the Glock 31 is 15 rounds.
- The Glock 32 is a .357 SIG variant of the compact Glock 23. The standard magazine capacity of the Glock 32 is 13 rounds.
- The Glock 33 is a .357 SIG variant of the subcompact Glock 26. The standard magazine capacity of the Glock 33 is 9 rounds.
.45 GAP
- The Glock 37 is a .45 GAP version of the Glock 17. It uses a wider, beveled slide, larger barrel, and different magazine, but is otherwise similar to the Glock 17. The Glock 37 first appeared in 2003. It was designed to offer ballistic performance comparable with the the .45 ACP in the frame size of the Glock 17. The concern with the size of the Glock 20/21 has also been addressed by the Glock 36, 21SF, and 30SF all of which featured reduced-size frames. The standard magazine capacity of the Glock 37 is 10 rounds.
- The Glock 38 is a .45 GAP version of the compact Glock 19.[48] The standard magazine capacity of the Glock 38 is 8 rounds.
- The Glock 39 is a .45 GAP version of the subcompact Glock 26. The standard magazine capacity of the Glock 39 is 6 rounds.
Regional variants
- The Glock Mariner and Glock Tactical are versions of various Glock pistols sold in the Philippines with an adjustable rear sight, extended slide stop, maritime spring cups and an engraved slide with the words MARINER or TACTICAL.[49]
- The Glock 17A is a variant produced with a 120 mm (4.7 in) extended barrel that protrudes from the slide visibly. It is intended for the Australian market to conform to local laws regarding barrel length created after the Monash University shooting and are supplied with 10-round magazines.[50][51]
- The Glock 17S is a variant with an external, frame-mounted, manual safety. Small numbers of this variant were made for the Tasmanian, Israeli, Pakistani and perhaps several South American security forces.[52] They are stamped "17", not "17S". They resemble, but are distinguishable from, standard Glock 17 pistols that have been fitted with the after-market Cominolli safety.[53]
- The Glock 17Pro is a version produced exclusively for the Finnish market.[49] It has the following alterations from the standard Glock 17: factory tritium night sights, an extended, threaded barrel, marine spring cups, modified magazine release, extended slide release (factory standard in newer models), extended +2 magazine baseplates, 3.5 lb connector, and factory Glock pouch.[49]
- The Glock 17DK is a version for Denmark, where handguns must, by law, be at least 210 mm (8.3 in) long. The Glock 17DK has a 122.5 mm (4.8 in) barrel, making the pistol 210 mm (8.3 in) long overall.
- The Glock 25 SDN (SDN—Secretaria de la Defensa Nacional or "Secretary of National Defense") is a version of the Glock 25 used by Mexican law enforcement with S. D. N. MEXICO DF engraved on the slide.[49]
Training variants
- The Glock 17T is a training pistol that fires paint or rubber bullets. There are two versions and they are both easily recognizable from their bright blue frames: the Glock 17T 9 mm FX, which fires Simunition FX cartridges and the Glock 17T 7.8x21 AC, which fires cartridges with paint and rubber bullets powered by replaceable pressurized air cartridges.
- The Glock 17P is a training dummy for practicing hand-to-hand combat, loading and unloading of the pistol. The Glock 17P is identical to a standard Glock 17 except for its red frame, an inert barrel (without a chamber, thus preventing the accidental chambering of a live cartridge) and no firing pin hole in the breech face (preventing someone from using a live barrel with the training slide).
Users
References
- ^ Glock GmbH Company Description
- ^ Sweeney, Patrick (2008). The Gun Digest Book of the Glock, 2nd Edition. Iola, WI: Krause Publications. ISBN 0896896420.
- ^ Kasler, Peter Alan: Glock: The New Wave in Combat Handguns, page 2. Paladin Press, 1992.
- ^ a b Kasler, 2–4
- ^ Proof of Ordnance, Munitions, Armour and Explosives, Ministry of Defence Defence Standard 05–101 Part 1
- ^ a b Kasler, 4
- ^ Sweeney, Patrick (2003). The Gun Digest Book of the Glock. Iola, WI: Krause Publications. ISBN 0873495586.
- ^ "Soldier of Fortune article on Glock 17". Remtek.com. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ Kinard, Jeff (2003). Pistol. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO. ISBN 185109475X.
- ^ a b c d Woźniak, Ryszard: Encyklopedia najnowszej broni palnej—tom 2 G-Ł, page 45. Bellona, 2001.
- ^ Kasler, 6
- ^ a b c d Kasler, 7
- ^ Woźniak, Ryszard. Encyklopedia najnowszej broni palnej — tom 2 G-Ł. Bellona. 2001. pp45-50.
- ^ Ken Lunde's Pistol Wallpaper Pages — Assorted Glocks
- ^ Ken Lunde's 2009 SHOT Show Photos & Report
- ^ Glock G22 RTF2 Duty Pistol
- ^ Ken Lunde's 2010 SHOT Show Photos & Report
- ^ More Gen 4 Glock Photos
- ^ SHOT Show 2010: GLOCK brings pistols into the next generation
- ^ Gen 4 Glock Review: Evolution, not Revolution
- ^ "Glock 17 technical data on Glock.com". Retrieved 2008-02-03.
- ^ Kokalis, Peter: Weapons Tests And Evaluations: The Best Of Soldier Of Fortune, page 320. Paladin Press, 2001.
- ^ Glock loaded chamber indicator
- ^ a b c Kasler, 136
- ^ a b Kokalis, 321
- ^ a b c Kasler, 137
- ^ a b Kasler, 138
- ^ Barrel History
- ^ "Trigger Safety information on Glock.com". Retrieved 2008-02-03.
- ^ "Firing Pin Safety information on Glock.com". Retrieved 2008-02-03.
- ^ "Drop Safety information on Glock.com". Retrieved 2008-02-03.
- ^ Kokalis, 322
- ^ "Reuters announcement for Glock models 20SF and 29SF". Reuters.com. 2009-01-15. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ "Glock, Inc. Introduces New Glock 30 SF .45 Auto Short Frame Pistol at SHOT Show in Las Vegas", International Business Times, February 2, 2008
- ^ "Glock 21SF Press Release" (PDF). Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ ""C" Models on Glock.com". Retrieved 2008-02-03.
- ^ "MagNaPort description of reduction of perceived recoil". Magnaport.com. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ [1][dead link]
- ^ "Glock 18 interchangeability with Glock 17". Cybershooters.org. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ "Ayoob, Massad. "The Glock 34", Guns magazine, September 1999". Findarticles.com. 2009-06-02. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ "Glock announces 6 inch barrel option for G20". Reuters. 2009-01-15. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ [2][dead link]
- ^ Barrel History
- ^ Dougherty, Martin J. Small Arms From the Civil War to the Present Day, Amber Books Ltd. (2005), ISBN 13: 9780760763292.
- ^ "Ayoob, Massad. "Glock 36 And Kahr P9: Slim, Light And Powerful", ''Shooting Industry'', August 2000". Findarticles.com. 2009-06-02. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ Glock Model Info: "Have any models been discontinued?" on GlockFAQ.com[dead link]
- ^ http://www.recguns.com/Sources/IIG6.html - ATF Form 4590
- ^ James, Frank W. "James, Frank W. "The Glock Model 38", ''Handguns'' magazine". Handgunsmag.com. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ a b c d "Non-US Glocks". Retrieved 2009-04-19.
- ^ "Non-US Glocks: "Glock 17A" on". Glockfaq.com. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ "Glock 17A photo on RPGFirearms.com.au". Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ Glock with factory safety, www.glockfaq.com[dead link]
- ^ "Cominolli Safety" (PDF). Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ Rare & Collectible Glocks: "G17 with factory external safety (G17S?)" on GlockFAQ.com[dead link]
- ^ BMLV — Presseabteilung — Referat Internet. "Österreichs Bundesheer — Waffen und Gerät — Pistole P 80". Bmlv.gv.at. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Kasler, 79
- ^ http://www.army.cz/assets/files/9334/zbrane_definit.pdf
- ^ Fiji police buy pistols for Tactical Response Unit. Retrieved on September 19, 2008.
- ^ HS.fi: Poliisi hankkii uusia virka-aseita published on 12-04-2007, retrived on 16-08-2009. Language: Finnish.
- ^ Ruotuväki: Puolustusvoimille uusia pistooleja Ruotuväki 03/09. Retrived on 16-08-2009. Language: Finnish.
- ^ Ruotuväki: Puolustusvoimille uusia pistooleja Ruotuväki 03/09. Retrived on 16-08-2009. Language: Finnish.
- ^ Ruotuväki: Puolustusvoimille uusia pistooleja Ruotuväki 03/09. Retrived on 16-08-2009. Language: Finnish.
- ^ "Terre — GLOCK 17" (in Template:Fr icon). Defense.gouv.fr. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link) - ^ "Greece Ministry of Public Order Press Office: Special Anti-Terrorist Unit" (PDF). Official Website of the Hellenic Police. July 2004. Retrieved 2009-10-13.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: year (link) - ^ [http://www.flv.dk/cms-galleri.asp?mode=vis&kat=Udstyr_og_v%E5ben&page=2&orderby=
- ^ "Tengslanet lögreglukvenna: Lögreglukonur í skotfimi". Logreglukonur.is. 2007-03-29. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ "RÍKISLÖGREGLUSTJÓRINN: Rekstur embættis ríkislögreglustjórans árið 1999" (PDF). Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ "Íslenskur her". Mbl.is. 2005-01-29. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ "Tengslanet lögreglukvenna: Lögreglukonur í skotfimi". Logreglukonur.is. 2007-03-29. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ "RÍKISLÖGREGLUSTJÓRINN: Rekstur embættis ríkislögreglustjórans árið 1999" (PDF). Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ "Íslenskur her". Mbl.is. 2005-01-29. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ "Tengslanet lögreglukvenna: Lögreglukonur í skotfimi". Logreglukonur.is. 2007-03-29. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ "RÍKISLÖGREGLUSTJÓRINN: Rekstur embættis ríkislögreglustjórans árið 1999" (PDF). Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ "Íslenskur her". Mbl.is. 2005-01-29. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ http://www.truthnews.us/?p=160
- ^ Jones, Richard (2009). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009-2010. Jane's Information Group. p. 897. ISBN 0710628692.
- ^ "SALW survey of Kosovo" (PDF). www.smallarmssurvey.org. Retrieved 11 February 2010.
- ^ http://www.gazetaexpress.com/web/index.php/artikujt/lexo/24626/C4/C16
- ^ "SALW survey of Kosovo" (PDF). www.smallarmssurvey.org. Retrieved 11 February 2010.
- ^ http://www.gazetaexpress.com/web/index.php/artikujt/lexo/24626/C4/C16
- ^ http://www.mod.gov.lv/upload/nbsfakti.anglu.gala.pdf
- ^ Dainius Pilypas. "Lietuvos kariuomenė. Specialiųjų Operacijų Junginys (SOJ) "Aitvaras"". SOJ.lt. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ "Unofficial Pistols Page, Equipment". http://USP.lu - Unofficial Website of Unité Spéciale, Officially Endorsed. Retrieved 2009-10-06.
{{cite web}}
: External link in
(help)|publisher=
- ^ "L'Unite d'Intervention de la Police Luxembourgeoise" (PDF) (in French). RAIDS Magazine. March 2006. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: year (link) - ^ Thompson, Leroy (December 2008). "Malaysian Special Forces". Special Weapons. Retrieved 2009-11-29.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: year (link) - ^ Thompson, Leroy (December 2008). "Malaysian Special Forces". Special Weapons. Retrieved 2009-11-29.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: year (link) - ^ http://www.gov.me/files/1256832119.pdf Page 15
- ^ http://www.defensie.nl/landmacht/materieel/bewapening_en_geleide_wapens/(hand-)vuurwapens/glock_17
- ^ Arrestatieteams nemen Glock 17 in gebruik, De Blauwe Baret
- ^ Het nieuwe politie pistool deel 1, SAM Wapenmagazine 156
- ^ Het nieuwe politie pistool deel 2, SAM Wapenmagazine 158
- ^ "presents the Interactive Glock Flash". Topglock.com. 1985-01-13. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ "Komenda Główna Policji". Policja.pl. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ http://diario.iol.pt/sociedade/armas-glock-rui-pereira-psp-gnr/988074-4071.html
- ^ http://diario.iol.pt/sociedade/armas-glock-rui-pereira-psp-gnr/988074-4071.html
- ^ http://diario.iol.pt/sociedade/armas-glock-rui-pereira-psp-gnr/988074-4071.html
- ^ http://www.mvd.ru/news/35604/
- ^ http://lenta.ru/news/2009/12/11/glock/
- ^ "Unidad Especial de Intervención". Veteranos Boinas Verdes. Retrieved 2008-12-26.
- ^ "Försvarsmakten". Mil.se. Retrieved 2008-09-08.
- ^ Henrik Svensk (2007-01-05). "Pistol 88 on SoldF.com (Unofficial Swedish Army Homepage)". Soldf.com. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ "Gendarmerie : Groupe de Policiers Rollers Inline". Retrieved 2009-10-29.
- ^ "Metropolitan Police Service — Central Operations, Specialist Firearms unit (CO19)". Met.police.uk. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ [3][dead link]
- ^ "Ayoob, Massad. "Small Handgun Attitude", ''Guns'' magazine, May 2003". Findarticles.com. 2009-06-02. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ "Ayoob, Massad. "9mm Dead?", ''American Handgunner'', November — December 2004". Findarticles.com. 2009-06-02. Retrieved 2009-07-24.
- ^ Sweeney, Patrick (2008). The Gun Digest Book of the Glock, 2nd Edition. Iola, WI: Krause Publications. ISBN 0896896420.
Bibliography
- Boatman, Robert H. (2002), Living With Glocks: The Complete Guide to the New Standard in Combat Handguns, Boulder: Paladin Press, ISBN 1581603401
- Kasler, Peter Alan (1992), Glock: The New Wave In Combat Handguns, Boulder: Paladin Press, ISBN 0873646495
- Kokalis, Peter (2001). Weapons Tests And Evaluations: The Best Of Soldier Of Fortune. Boulder, Colorado, USA: Paladin Press. ISBN 9781581601220.
{{cite book}}
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(help) - Sweeney, Patrick (2003), The Gun Digest Book of the Glock: A Comprehensive Review: Design, History, Use, Iola: kp books, ISBN 0873495586
- Taylor, Robin (2005), The Glock In Competition: A Shooter's "How To" Guide, Bellingham: Taylor Press, ISBN 0966251741
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ignored (help) - Template:Pl icon Woźniak, Ryszard (2001). Encyklopedia najnowszej broni palnej—tom 2 G-Ł. Warsaw, Poland: Bellona. ISBN 83-11-09310-5.
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(help)
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Glock's official website
- Ken Lunde pictures of various Glock models
- Patent information on Google Patents
- Glock Armorer's Manual
- Interactive Glock pistol animation
- Glock 18 Fully Automatic Pistol at Internet Archive
- Video of operation on YouTube Template:Ja icon
- Video of operation (Glock 18) on YouTube Template:Ja icon
- Video showing how to disassemble a Glock pistol on YouTube