GLOCK history

Discover the milestones of the GLOCK success story!

How it all started

Gaston Glock, an Austrian engineer, successful businessman, and manufacturer of injection molding parts and components, founded GLOCK Ges.m.b.H in 1963.

In the 1970s, development and production start-up of the first military products began to take place with the development of a line of knives, grenade casings and machine gun belt links.

In the early 1980’s, the semi-automatic GLOCK service pistol was born in response to meet the needs of the Austrian military. It’s polymer frame and the developed SAFE ACTION® System revolutionized the pistol market

First of its kind

Mr. Glock was building the pistol for the Austrian military and law enforcement, which meant it had to be ready to fire at a moment’s notice in life-threatening situations. To address this critical need, Mr. Glock designed his pistol with three internal safeties – the trigger, firing pin and drop safeties – to ensure that the pistol would perform consistently while providing the best protection against accidental discharge.

Mr. Glock met additional requirements of the Austrian government by including a high-capacity magazine, lightweight materials, consistent trigger pull, and a hammer-forged barrel. Mr. Glock understood that reliability resides in simplicity, and therefore, he designed his pistol with as few parts as possible, minimizing its complexity. Today, the GLOCK pistol is made from an average of only 35 parts, which is significantly fewer than any other pistol on the market and makes it more durable, reliable, and easier to maintain.

Tested and trusted by the best

Mr. Glock’s innovative design successfully passed a series of stringent tests against domestic and international competitors. In 1983, the GLOCK pistol was accepted by the Austrian Army as their new service pistol.

Shortly after in 1984, the GLOCK 17 soundly passed the NATO durability test. As a result, the pistol was selected by the Norwegian Army as their standard sidearm, putting GLOCK on the road to becoming the preferred international law enforcement sidearm.

In November 1985, the company opened its U.S. headquarters, GLOCK, Inc., in Smyrna, Georgia.

The GLOCK pistol would soon be available in multiple sizes and accept different caliber ammunition. This combination, partnered with the simplicity and reliability of Mr. Glock’s design, revolutionized the pistol market.

Over 65% of federal, state and local agencies in the United States have been issued GLOCK pistols.

Proudly Celebrating 30 Years in the United States

30 years of Perfection, a simple evolution of time introduced to the U.S. market in the 1980s, GLOCK is proud to continue its journey and celebrate 30 years of quality, commitment, design and innovation in the U.S.
 

1963
PERFECTION STARTS

Foundation of GLOCK KG by Gaston Glock. The company’s history started in Deutsch Wagram, Austria. At the beginning consumer goods made out of wood, polymers and metal were produced by only 3 employees.

1970-1979
FIRST MILITARY PRODUCTS

Development and production start-up of first military products, such as field knives (FM 78), components for fragmentation and training grenades and machine gun belt links.

1980
FOUNDING OF GLOCK GmbH

In the early 1980s, the Austrian Ministry of Defense proceeded with the modernization of the Austrian Armed Forces through an invitation to tender for a new service pistol, which it designated as “Pistole 80” or “P80”. The required self-defense pistol had to have a reduced weight, the highest level of reliability, and safe and simple operation. Gaston Glock recognized his great opportunity and saw a clear target before him: to design an innovative pistol that could be efficiently manufactured, and simple and safe to handle. To this end, he founded GLOCK GmbH in 1980.

1980-1982  BIRTH OF THE GLOCK PISTOL

In the early 1980s the semi-automatic GLOCK service pistol was born. It’s polymer frame and the developed Safe Action® System revolutionized the pistol market.

 

1983
ENTRENCHING TOOL

Development of the innovative entrenching tool with a surface-treated blade that can be locked in three positions for multiple uses. The hardened saw located inside the handle can be quickly mounted if required.

 

1985  GLOCK GOES U.S.

In the mid 1980s GLOCK pistols were introduced to the U.S. market. Their innovation, durability and reliability immediately captured the attention of both the U.S. law enforcement and commercial markets.
 

1987
GLOCK IS GROWING

Inauguration of the second GLOCK plant in Ferlach – Austria. Specific production emphasis to serve best quality.
 

1988
A NEW GENERATION IS INTRODUCED

The 2nd generation (terminology used by the market) came with some design changes to the frame. In order to serve different customer requirements more calibers were added.

1996
GLOCK FOR TRAINING

The GLOCK 17T was designed by engineers to allow law enforcement the opportunity to train force-on-force without dangerous consequences. Over the years GLOCK expanded the product range for smart and safe training and instruction equipment.

1998
RAIL FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

The 3rd Gen pistols (terminology used by the market) got an accessory rail – called the “Universal Glock rail” – to allow the mounting of lasers, tactical lights, and other accessories. Fingergrooves and thumb rests were added to deliver better grip.

1999 BIRTH OF GLOCK 36

With the new slim design the G36 delivers grip ergonomics of the next dimension. A package with six rounds of 45 Auto that fits into the hands of any user. Since 2013 the G36 frame also features the GLOCK accessory rail.

2002 TACTICAL LIGHTS BY GLOCK

Production start of the new GLOCK Tactical Lights. This resulted in a whole series of red-dot-laser, IR-Laser-Solutions in addition to the standard flashlight.

2009
START OF GEN 4

The GLOCK Gen4 models deliver more individuality with multiple backstraps which can be mounted onto the frame and a reversible magazine catch. The Gen4 frame keeps the proven thumb rests, finger grooves and accessory rail of the previous generations but features a new frame texturing.

2014/15

GLOCK SLIMLINE PISTOLS

Production start of the GLOCK slimline pistols G42 in caliber 380 Auto and the G43 in caliber 9 mm Luger, the smallest GLOCK pistols so far.

2016
EASY MOUNTING OF OPTICS

Production start of the GLOCK Gen4 pistols in MOS Configuration. The developed MOS System simplifies the mounting of popular optical sights without costly custom machining of the pistol’s slide

2017
START OF THE NEXT GENERATION: GEN 5

The Generation 5 combines the technology of the future with improved precision, versatility, speed and the familiar reliability. Starting with the models G17 Gen5 and G19 Gen5.

2018
G19X JOINED FORCES

The first ever “Crossover” pistol was introduced. The GLOCK 19X combines the best features of two of its most popular and most trusted field-tested platforms.

2018
GEN5 FAMILY EXPANDS

With the G26 Gen5 the first concealed carry pistol joins the Gen5 family. The evolution of perfection continues for GLOCK’s trusted backup option.

2018
MOS – FIRST MODULAR OPTIC SYSTEM MODEL FOR GEN5

The G34 Gen5 MOS was released. Simple mounting of popular optical sights for Gen5 family-member number four.

2018
GLOCK FM78 ANNIVERSARY

GLOCK celebrates the 40th anniversary of the FM78 with a limited edition of 780 field knives. It comes in a silver polymer case with an engraved foam inside and a certificate which confirms the authenticity.

2018
G45 COMPACT CROSSOVER

The G45 is the latest outstanding addition to the family of GLOCK pistols in 9 mm Luger. Utilizing the design and engineering GLOCK developed for its military pistols (G19X), combined with Operator and worldwide Law Enforcement specifications.

2018
GEN5 MOS – FAMILY IS GROWING

With the G17 Gen5 MOS and the G19 Gen5 MOS the already perfect Gen5 models G17 and G19 additionally provide a mounting system for popular optical sights.

2019

SILVER SLIDE: SLIM IS BEAUTIFUL

With the new silver slide pistols G43X and G48 GLOCK expands its Slimline collection with two new products. Designed for concealed carry they fit every handsize.

2019
G45 GETS MOS SLIDE

The impressive G45 Crossover pistol is now available with Modular Optic System (MOS) and enriches the GLOCK MOS pistol spectrum. With the added mounting system for optical sights it becomes the ideal partner for all kinds of situations.

2019
ALL-BLACK G43X AND G48 WITH RAIL

Two new models join the GLOCK Slimline family. Chambered in 9 mm Luger, both pistols feature a compact Slimline frame with a slim mounting rail and a black slide with nDLC finish as well as a 10-round magazine capacity making them ideal for concealed carry.

2019
G44 IN CALIBER 22 l.r.

Introduction of the first caliber 22 l.r. GLOCK pistol. The G44 features a polymer and steel hybrid slide, typical Gen5 features and the proven Safe Action® System. The perfect pistol for beginners as well as experienced shooters.  

2020

OPTIC READY SLIMLINE

GLOCK introduces the first optic ready slimline pistol models. The G43X MOS and G48 MOS have slide cuts for specific micro optics and feature the slim design with rail and a built-in beavertail. Reliable GLOCK style for concealed carry.   

2020
THE GEN5 FAMILY GROWS

By applying the Gen5 technology to the caliber 40 S&W GLOCK expands its pistol range with five pistol models available in standard and MOS configuration.

2023
IN MEMORIAM
GASTON GLOCK

07/19/1929 – 12/27/2023

PERFECTION CONTINUES
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