In 1982, an obscure Austrian curtain-rod manufacturer named Gaston Glock invented a new firearm. The Glock pistol featured a lightweight plastic frame and large-capacity spring-action magazine. The new pistol was adopted by the Austrian army. Timing, as they say, is everything. American law enforcement was looking for a new weapon to replace their old-fashioned Smith & Wessons. The Glock is built with only 36 parts. You could drop it in the water and it would still fire. It was reliable, accurate, lightweight, and cheaper to produce than Smith and Wesson’s revolvers. The standard semi-automatic Glock can fire as many as 17 bullets from its magazine without reloading. A Glock equipped with an extended thirty-three cartridge magazine was used to shoot Gabrielle Giffords and 19 others last year.
You’ve seen this weapon on TV, in the movies, and read about them in books. You might even own one. Paul Barrett tells a compelling story of how Glock became the most popular gun in America. If you’re interested in gun violence and gun control, Glock has to be part of the conversation. GRADE: A
I hadn’t realized the Glock only dates from 1982.
I was surprised at Glock’s recency, too, Jeff. Their marketing operation is impressive.
Me either. It seems like I’ve been hearing about glocks forever but I guess thirty years is forever now.
Glock’s innovative design and slick marketing won over the American gun market, Patti. Glock caught the traditional firearms manufacturers like Smith & Wesson flat-footed.
1. Most cops I see carry the Glock. Very distinctive look to it, which may be part of the appeal.
2. This is kind of an interesting business story that illustrates the usefulness of looking at an industry with a fresh perspective. Glock had no previous gun making experience at all.
3. Gabrielle Giffords is a Glock owner herself. Oh irony…
4. I think the latest issue of Business Week has a story about Gaston Glock and the problems he’s having with his kids and ex-wife. He and his new spouse cut them out of the business, and they’re now fighting back. Who knew there could be so much strife and conflict at an armaments manufacturer…
Gaston Glock was also the target of an assassination attempt, Drongo. Barrett’s impressive amount of research makes for a fascinating tale.
If I had my way, there would be NO handguns of any type, anywhere. Glock just helped to make a bad problem worse.
Weapons will disappear when humans disappear, Rick. I fear that it’s part of our DNA.
Pfui, Rick. A gun is just a tool. People are the problem.
Glock might be big in law enforcement, but when it came time for the military to replace the .45 automatic they went with Baretta 9mm’s.
I like the feel of a Baretta over a Glock, too, Bob.
A Beretta model 92 was the worse gun I ever owned. It would not shoot on the target at 25 feet. Worst sights I have ever seen.
These days though, with my arthritis, all I can handle is a .22 anyway.
The Baretta model I fired was the Beretta Px4 Storm, Stan.
I didn’t realize you were a gunslinger, George. Do we have to call you Machine Gun Kelley now?
I’ve always had a fondness for automatic weapons, Bob.
I had a glock for years. Got rid of it & replaced it with a .22 revolver with a 7″ barrel. Never regretted it.
Friends of mine who owned Glocks didn’t like the trigger action, Dan. Very sensitive.