Glock: a buyer's guide

From curtain rods to service pistols

Gaston Glock founded the company in 1963 in Deutsch-Wagram, Austria, making curtain rods, knives and other military supplies. He had never designed a gun when the Austrian army went looking for a new pistol. His polymer-framed design won, and the army adopted the Glock 17 in 1982. Police departments across the U.S. followed through the late 1980s and 1990s.

Glock's U.S. company, Glock, Inc., is based in Smyrna, Georgia, and builds pistols there: ATF's manufacturing report counts 419,510 U.S.-made Glocks in 2024, seventh among all American makers (see the full list). Gaston Glock died in December 2023.

How a Glock works

Glocks are striker-fired and have no manual safety lever. Glock's "Safe Action" system uses three internal safeties (a trigger safety, a firing pin safety and a drop safety) that disengage in order as you pull the trigger and reset when you let go. The trigger is the only control you use to fire. That simplicity is why so many agencies issue them, and why holster choice and trigger discipline matter.

Reading Glock model numbers

Glock numbers models roughly in the order they were introduced, not by size, so it helps to know the common ones:

The G19 is the one most people start with: big enough to shoot well, small enough to carry. The G43X and G48 are slimmer 9mm carry guns, and the G45 pairs a full-size grip with the G19's slide.

Generations and the new "V" models

Glock has updated its pistols in generations, from Gen1 in the early 1980s to Gen5. Later generations brought changes like finger-groove-free grips, ambidextrous slide stops and the MOS optic cut on some models. In late 2025 Glock cut back its catalog, discontinuing many Gen4 and Gen5 variants and introducing redesigned "V" models with changes to internal parts. Glock has said it will keep supporting discontinued models with parts and service.

Buying a used Glock: what to check

• Generation and model. They affect which holsters, magazines and parts fit, so know which one you're looking at.
• Wear on the slide and barrel. Holster wear is cosmetic; look closer at the barrel hood and locking surfaces.
• Aftermarket parts. Many used Glocks have new triggers or sights. Make sure they're quality parts, installed right.
• Anything that converts it to full auto. "Switches" or auto sears are machine gun conversion devices, and they're illegal for civilians to own. Walk away from any gun that has one.

Glock at Trademark Guns

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Common questions

Where are Glocks made?

Glock is headquartered in Deutsch-Wagram, Austria. Glock, Inc. in Smyrna, Georgia also manufactures pistols in the U.S.

Which Glock is best for concealed carry?

The G19 is the classic do-everything choice. If you want something slimmer, look at the G43X or G48. The best way to decide is to hold them; come by and compare.

Do Glocks have a safety?

There is no manual safety lever. Glock's Safe Action system uses three internal safeties that disengage only as the trigger is pulled.

Sources

• Glock (Wikipedia)
• Glock USA
• Gun Tests: Glock discontinues most pistol lines, rolls out V series