|
Glock
Glock pistols have dominated the law enforcement and civilian market for years. Polymer constructed frames have become the norm in the world of auto-pistols and Glock has been at the leading edge of their development since 1982 with the debut of the Glock 17 9mm. As the years have progressed, Glock has expanded their "small frame" series beyond the full size frame of the model 17 and now produces compact and subcompact models in calibers 9mm, 40 S&W, 357 SIG, and 45 GAP. "Large frame" series pistols are available in full size and compact models offered in 45 ACP and 10mm.
In addition to standard pistols, compensated models (known as "C" models) are also available. Compensated models have cuts in the barrel and slide called "ports" that expel propellant gases out the top of the pistol to reduce muzzle flip and felt recoil.
Reliability
First and foremost, Glocks have the reputation for being the most reliable pistol ever made. They cycle any quality, jacketed ammunition you put through them. Both in the law enforcement community and the civilian sector, Glock has amassed a following of users based on its exceptional durability and performance under the harshest conditions. Glock pistols have been tested by immersion in saltwater, sand, mud, and ice, as well as being exposed to extreme heat and cold for prolonged periods with no effect on performance. Every Glock pistol is laser-sighted at the factory before shipment so you can be confident that your pistol will hit point-of-aim/point-of-impact right out of the box.
Frame
All Glock pistols have a polymer frame with steel inserts for the frame rails. The polymer frame helps to reduce felt recoil by absorbing energy through the natural flexibility of the material. Polymer is extremely durable, resists heat well, and holds up to almost any standard cleaning solvent. A wide magazine well, coupled with the geometry and lubricity of Glock's polymer magazines, makes reloading under stress easier than most other designs. All current full- and compact-size pistols have an accessory rail incorporated into the dust cover to allow the attachment of tactical lights and lasers. Sub-compact models do not have an accessory rail and retain the smooth dust cover of previous generation pistols.
Slide
Glock slides are CNC-machined from solid steel then hardened and treated with a proprietary metal finish called Tenifer for corrosion resistance. All metal parts on Glock pistols are Tenifer-coated and thus hold up well to solvents, perspiration, and even salt-spray.
Barrels
Glock uses a hexagonal and octagonal rifling process for their barrels which decreases pressure with standard, jacketed ammunition. Polygonal rifling is also easier to clean since it lacks the deep lands and grooves of conventional rifling. Glock's cold-hammer forged barrels are also Tenifer treated for increased longevity.
Safety
Glock's Safe Action System utilizes a firing pin that is partially tensioned and only moves back to complete firing position when the trigger is pulled. There are three safety systems incorporated into the design. Two are passive: a drop safety and a firing pin safety. The active safety operates the trigger bar and is only deactivated when the safety lever in the trigger is pulled. The Safe Action System offers the safety of a typical double-action revolver in a high-capacity, automatic pistol merging the best of both worlds into one lightweight firearm.
Sights
Sights on the basic model consist of a white dot front post and a white outline box rear. This provides for extremely fast and easy sight alignment. Tritium night sights are also available from the factory on some models and can be added to any model after purchase.
Magazines
Magazine bodies are constructed using a steel liner for added rigidity and a polymer casing made from the same material as their frames. Magazines for some models are now notched for use in Gen 4 model Glocks; they have a reversible magazine catch for left-handed operation yet still work in previous generation Glocks. Glock's magazines are highly reliable and, depending on caliber, hold anywhere from 6 to 33 rounds.
Accessories
No pistol on the market today can boast the number of aftermarket accessories that the Glock series can. There are far too many options to name them all but sights, lasers, tactical lights, magazine extensions, slide releases, magazine releases, and barrels are just a few. Recoil-reducing guide rods and custom trigger modifications are both inexpensive and can be done by the user, avoiding costly gunsmithing fees.
Current Variations
Over the years, Glock has made changes to its pistols which have come to be known as Generations. Glock is currently making pistols in Gen 3 and Gen 4 configurations. Both 3rd Gen and 4th Gen Glocks incorporate a loaded chamber indicator into the extractor that protrudes slightly from the slide; it is noticeable both visibly and by feel when a round is in the chamber. Either one of the current generations still offer the same reliability and quality Glock has become known for.
Gen 3
Gen 3 pistols added finger groves to the front-strap and an accessory rail to the dust cover. Molded thumb-rests were also added to the frame for a more secure grip. The size of the locking block was increased and an additional cross pin known as the locking block pin was added for strength, thus creating the term "3 pin Glock".
Gen 4
Gen 4 Glock's contain a new dual recoil spring system similar to the one found in their sub-compact models which reduces wear on the pistol and decreases felt recoil. Interchangeable back-straps were added to adjust the pistol to better fit the user's hand. The magazine release on the Gen 4 Glocks can be reversed for left hand use while the slide release remains right hand only. The frame on Gen 4 Glocks also received a new texture pattern know as RTF (Rough Textured Frame), as opposed to the pebble finish traditionally found on their pistols.
Inevitable Conclusion
Glock handguns offer an exceptional balance between size/weight and firepower. Their low bore axis contributes to low felt-recoil and low muzzle-rise, which permits faster sight reacquisition, allowing the shooter to put rounds on target faster than other pistols. Simple construction makes Glock more reliable than their competition and, overall, Glock represents the finest option in a no-frills home defense, concealed carry, and combat pistol available today.
Articles: