Why should I buy a Glock instead of a HK/Sig/1911/Beretta?
This is a question We get asked a lot. The truth is, We can't tell you what gun you should buy because we don't know what your requirements are. Glocks are not the best gun for every purpose. We can, however, tell you why we chose a Glock: reliability, durability, simplicity, trigger action, no manual safety, availability of parts & accessories and the GSSF.

Reliability - A well cared-for Glock is absolutely 100% reliable and I am comfortable trusting my life to one.

Durability - Glocks will go on and on and on and on. There's no way I could wear one out in my lifetime.

Simplicity - It's the only semi-automatic handgun that is simple enough for me to work on. I have no gunsmithing training but I can completely take apart my Glock and replace any part in it. Try that with a HK or 1911.

Trigger action - Glock has the same trigger pull every time, all the time. No switching from double action to single action, no de-cocking.

No manual safety - This means less complication when drawing and firing and no question about whether the gun is on safe or off safe.

Availability of parts and accessories - There are at least 5 web sites where I can order every single replacement part for any Glock, and literally hundreds of sites to shop for holsters, barrels, magazines and
competition accessories. Try that with a Sig or Beretta.

GSSF - The Glock Sport Shooting Foundation is a simple, fun sport that provides a level playing field for all competitors and awards great prizes to all classes of shooters. As if that's not enough, there are factory
armorers at every match who will fix any problem with your Glock and replace any parts for free.

Those are the reasons we chose to go with Glock and we're 100% certain that we made the right choice. There are some additional benefits to the Glock that are important to others and may be a factor in your decision:

Safety (3 separate safeties)

Reputation (used by police and military around the world)

Light weight (frame and other parts made of polymer)

High capacity (10 .45 rounds in a subcompact, 17 9mm rounds in a full-size)

Price (significantly less than a 1911, HK or Sig)

How do I contact Glock?
See the offical Glock site for contact info.
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Can I dry fire my Glock?
Yes, dry firing a Glock pistol will not harm or damage it in any way.
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Can I fire my Glock underwater?

Just about any handgun will fire underwater -- at least once. :-) However, firing underwater is NOT recommended because it can have devastating effects on the pistol and the shooter -- a potentially dangerous activity that should only be utilized by trained personnel wearing proper equipment for protection against potential pressure wave effects of underwater detonation. The shock/pressure waves in water can really damage internal organs (ever heard of lithotripsy?). Shooting a pistol underwater can lead to property damage, serious bodily injury or even death.

NOTE: Glock, Inc., & TGSCOM, Inc specifically disclaims any and all liability from anyone performing or attempting to perform underwater firing with a Glock pistol -- you do so at your own risk.

The Glock 17 may be equipped with an optional set of maritime spring cups for use in water environments. Maritime spring cups are not intended for submerged firing, but for surface use by special ops teams who operate in and around water. The maritime spring cups are two small parts within the firing pin assembly and are not included on any Model 17 sold by Glock (civilians can only get them through 3rd parties). They insure that water can pass by the firing pin within the firing pin channel, thus preventing the creation of hydraulic force within the firing pin channel -- which would slow the firing pin down, causing light primer strikes. With the special cups, the action will cycle reliably while submersed, if a little bit slower. NATO specification ammunition (such as Winchester's Ranger RA9124N) with waterproof sealed primers and case mouths is recommended.

Although you may install the maritime spring cups on any Glock model, *only* the Glock 17 was designed and intended to use the modified spring cups for aquatic firing -- and only then using 9mm ball ammunition to remain within acceptable pressure limits. The foolhardy who insist on living dangerously must keep several things in mind: The Glock 17 must be fully submersed underwater. There must not be any air left within the pistol as the muzzle is pointed towards the surface of the water after submersion to allow the air in the barrel to escape. Use only full metal jacket, ball-type ammunition because the water within the barrel can spread a hollow point out within the barrel upon firing. This increases the bearing surface of the bullet to the barrel and could catastrophically increase pressures. Even if the barrel doesn't burst, the expanded bullet would get even bigger upon exiting into the water and would slow down very quickly while tumbling. Accuracy would be terrible.

The marinized Glock 17 is primarily for use by various Special Warfare units operating in aquatic environments. At least one specialized Scuba diving group regularly uses G17's to dispatch sharks where they dive. The Glock 17 using NATO specification ball ammunition will completely penetrate a minimum of one 1/2" pine board at a distance of ten feet from the muzzle when fired underwater.

Trained personnel who use Glocks underwater know they must obey several rules:
   1) use only a Glock Model 17 with amphibious spring cups (reliability issue);
   2) use only 9mm FMJ subsonic, sealed primer ammo;
   3) completely immerse the pistol and get *all* the air out of the barrel;
   4) wear protective ear plugs, gloves, wet suit, face mask, etc.;
   5) do not fire near solid objects or in enclosed spaces to prevent return
     concussion.

However, any Glock -- even those not equipped with maritime spring cups -- will normally fire while submersed underwater. But doing so may generate excessive internal pressure and may cause the pistol to literally blow up. This is especially true with the use of high-pressure rounds (such as the .40 S&W/357 SIG) or hollow-point bullets.

I recall a reported incident where a Glockster on a boating holiday decided to show some friends how his Glock would fire underwater (because Tommy Lee Jones said so in the movies). He stuck his hand overboard, pulled the trigger and came back with a bunch of shredded plastic and a badly injured hand.

Another reported case was the Glockster who decided to try out his Glock 23 .40 S&W in the swimming pool after seeing pictures of Glocks being fired underwater on the web. He was totally submerged, with the gun, as he fired at a piece of wood on the bottom of his pool. The Glock did fire, the .40 S&W FMJ round left the barrel and went into the wood. The chamber also exploded and implanted shrapnel into his leg. Thinking that the water would muffle the blast, he did not wear hearing protection (the blast is actually about 4 times louder underwater). He is now mostly deaf in one ear and hears high-pitched tones most of his waking life.

As you can see, firing a pistol underwater is a *very* dangerous endeavor.
Several things could happen:
   1) the firing pin may be slowed enough to not detonate the primer
     (without the maritime spring cups)
   2) the pistol could blow up in your hand;
   3) the concussion could damage ears, eyes or internal organs;
   4) the bullet may not go where you intend it to.

Even if you have the right equipment, know what you're doing and follow the rules -- the risks for underwater firing are minimized -- but not eliminated. Your pistol's barrel could be affected by water obstruction and your body by damaging concussion. By using hollow point bullets (water may cause the bullet to expand in the barrel), high pressure ammo, etc. -- you're asking for an underwater kaBoom! It you fire near solid or hard objects, the bouncing concussion can cause extensive, perhaps even fatal external/internal tissue injury. Why risk it? [JT]

Here are some pics from [G29 Man] shooting his G26 underwater.

What is the 'Glock Annual' magazine?
See next answer below:
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What is the 'Glock Autopistols' magazine?
Glock Autopistols and the Glock Annual are one and the same magazine, published by Harris Publications. The Glock Annual is published for and distributed by Glock. They mail it out to GSSF members and anyone who calls Glock and asks for a copy. "Glock Autopistols" is the same magazine (with a different cover), published, distributed and sold through standard magazine outlets. The articles and ads are all related to Glocks, and some have characterized these as a magazine version of a Glock infomercial; however, real Glock afficionados still find much interesting information in them.

Harris Publications: http://www.harrisoutdoorgroup.com/glock_autopistols.htm
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When was the Glock company started and when was each model introduced?

1963 - Glock GesmbH established in Deutsch-Wagram
1963 - Glock's first product: plastic curtain rods
1970s - Plastic kitchen boxes, machine gun ammo belts, shovels, and utility knives are offered.
1980 - Company founder Gaston Glock starts developing a gun
1982 - The Austrian army decides on the Glock 17
1984 - With service in the Norwegian army, the Glock leaves Austria
1985 - Glock Inc. in Smyrna, GA, established
1986 - G18 introduced
1988 - G17L and G19 introduced
1988 - All Glocks get serrated frontstraps and backstraps
1990 - G22 and G23 introduced: the first ever .40 S&W guns
1990 - G20 and G21 introduced
1994 - G24 introduced
1995 - G25 introduced
1996 - G26 and G27 introduced
1997 - G28, G29 and G30 introduced
1998 - G31, G32, G33, G34, G35 introduced
1999 - G36 introduced
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Are there any books about Glocks?
There are 3 books that were written specifically about Glock pistols.

1) The biggest and best is "Glock: The New Wave in Combat Handguns" by Peter Alan Kasler. It covers the history of Glocks, details on functioning and operation as well as a model guide. The only downside is that the book is a little outdated (1992) and only covers models up through the G23. Mr. Kasler was working on a sequel tentatively titled "Glock: The Legend Continues" but sadly Mr. Kasler passed away on April 16th, 2001. The book can be ordered through Amazon.com or Paladin Press.

"Glock: The New Wave in Combat Handguns" - Peter Alan Kasler
Hardcover, 296 pgs, Copyright 1992
Paladin Press - Boulder, CO
ISBN 0-87364-649-5, List Price: $27.00
This book debunks the myths, lays to rest the rumors and, through photos of a special cutaway Glock that clearly display its unique inner mechanisms, demystifies the design and operations of what is surely the most innovative handgun introduced in some time - and possibly in the history of handguns.

2) The next Glock book that became available was "Glock's Handguns" by Duncan Long. This book is sort of a smaller, less complete, less interesting version of Peter Kasler's book. Published in 1996, it covers models up through the G27. It is currently out of print but you can still find it at online bookstores and gun shows. You can find out more about the author and his other books at his website.

"Glock's Handguns" - Duncan Long
Softcover, 180 pgs, Copyright 1996
Desert Publications/Delta Press - El Dorado, AR
ISBN 0-87947-152-2, List Price: $17.95
Currently out of print
Duncan Long, noted firearms expert and renowned author, presents an outstanding volume on one of the world's newest and most successful firearms of the century. The Glock, brainchild of Gaston Glock, is covered extensively in this book beginning with the history of the man and the gun and concluding with detailed care and maintenance procedures. You will find a plethora of information about sighting devices and firearms accessories to enhance the performance and appearance of the various models of Glock.

3) The third and final Glock book is dedicated only to the competition aspects of Glocks. "The Glock In Competition" was written by Robin Taylor and published in 1998. The book is out of print while Mr. Taylor is working on an updated version; however, you can still order it through his website: Taylor Freelance.

"The Glock In Competition" - Robin Taylor
Softcover, 179 pgs, Copyright 1998
Taylor Freelance - Bellingham, WA
ISBN 0-9662517-0-9, List Price: $19.95
Soon to be replaced by an updated version
Learn from champion shooters like GSSF National Champion Dale Rhea, top female shooter Carina Burns, bad-boy Glock Jockey Taron Butler, and the incomparable Armando Valdes. Compiled by our own Robin Taylor, The Glock in Competition "cherry-picks" the experiences of America's finest shooters to create a soup-to-nuts how-to book for the new competitor and anyone else who's serious about Glocks. Law enforcement, defensive, and casual users will all find invaluable pieces of information on curing jams, tuning the gun, and fixing the Achilles' heels of the Glock before they bite. Action photography shows examples of how you can accidentally shear off your front sight, why you should never sacrifice reliability for "performance," and other real-world issues. Thinking about shooting IPSC? USPSA's executive manager Dave Thomas says our: "'primer' for new USPSA/IPSC shooters is one of the best written introductions to the sport available." Covered topics include reloading for the Glock, trigger configurations, recalls and refits, magazine problems, modifying the Glock, choosing factory ammo, and a host of others.

Are there any Glock videos?
Note: The descriptions below were not written by me, they are copied from the advertising materials for the tape.

"Complete Glock Disassembly/Reassembly" - Lenny Magill (40 mins)

This series of programs show you, in detail, easy-to-follow instructions for complete disassembly and then reassembly of the specific handgun featured. Strict attention is given to proper nomenclature of parts and how they function in the assembled handgun. This has been an extremely successful series that will be a great addition to your video library. If you own one of these handguns you need these videos!

"Mastering The Mini Glock" - Lenny Magill (110 mins)

The Glock model 27 is the .40 caliber version of Glock's mini-frame handguns. Because of the small size, the Mini-Glocks do require practice and more attention to the fundamentals. This program is a complete guide to the operation, shooting, cleaning, disassembly and reassembly of the Mini-Glock handguns. You'll learn shooting tips and techniques, self-defense shooting, cleaning and maintenance...everything you need to own a Mini-Glock.

"Customizing Your Glock" - Lenny Magill (45 mins)

The Glock has quickly become one of the most popular handguns in America... this video shows you the latest aftermarket accessories for customizing the appearance and performance of all Glock firearms. Features dramatic slow motion footage of compensators, laser sights, titanium guide tubes and Wolff spring kits, extended magazine releases, titanium strikers, slide lock levers plus lots more. Complete installation for most parts, comparison to factory performance and live fire footage of all.

"Glock Armorer's Course Video" - American Gunsmithing Institute (76 mins)

Created by professional gunsmith instructors, these videos by American gunsmithing institute offer a wealth of gunsmithing knowledge to any shooter, novice or professional. Each armorer course offers history and design of your gun and how it functions, step-by-step with cut-away views of the intricate internal workings ant normally visible. These videos also show customizing, cleaning and the most common problems and solutions. The hands-on approach helps you retain knowledge from the lesson or even work along with the tape!

"How to Shoot, Clean and Maintain Your Glock" - Bill Wilson (86 mins)

Lenny Magill Productions in association with master competition shooter and world renowned pistolsmith Bill Wilson, presents a series of programs designed to help all gun owners shoot better, understand how semi-automatic pistols operate, fieldstrip, clean, lubricate and then reassemble seven of the most popular semi-automatic pistols in the world. Fieldstripping is the process of breaking the gun down to its major components to enable the operator to clean and lubricate the firearm.
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What comes with a new Glock?
A new Glock comes in a black plastic box along with a manual, 2 magazines, magazine loader, plastic cleaning rod, nylon bore brush, GSSF application and a cable lock with 2 keys. In most states you will also get a small envelope with two fired casings in it.
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My Glock didn't come with a manual. How can I get one?
If you give Glock a call (770-432-1202 in the US) they will be happy to send you one. You may need to leave a message instead of talking to a live person. Just leave your name and address and tell them what you want and you'll get it eventually. For Glock contact information outside the US check here.
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Are there other Glock FAQ's?
The Original Glock FAQ was written around 1995 by Steve Tretakis who was, at the time, the Northeast Regional Sales Manager for Glock. It was circulated through UseNet and still lives attached to some peoples' Glock web pages. Although it is now terribly out of date, it is still a good read.
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What is the Glock frame made of?
The Glock frame is made out of a high-tech plastic polymer called nylon 6. Exactly what that means, I don't know. But our resident engineer [MarkCO] was kind enough to provide some explanation:

Commerical price for hi-grade Nylon 6 is about $3.50/lb. Commerical price for hi-carbon steel is about $1.50/lb. Sounds to me like the Glock is actually a better buy. Anyway, I did a little research and got a smattering of information on the Glock plastic "formula". One source says "more highly guarded than the Coke formula". From 3 human and 5 technical sources, Glock uses an out-sourced proprietary hybrid polymer mix with a base of Nylon 6. The frames are cast and offer high strength, wear resistance, abrasion resistance, and good resiliency, good ductility and toughness. Fracture mechanics are excellent with defect ratios below 1. Do not compare to extruded Nylons because it is different. Casting prices range from $3-$50/pound depending on process and intricacy. The Glock is considered highly-intricate due to imbedded metallic components. Offers long term performance at elevated and depressed temperatures. Chemically stable in a majority of environments, attacked directly by strong acids and bases (better than steel actually). UV exposure results in degradation over an extended period of time. 2-3% carbon black virtually eliminates UV degradation and Carbon-Black does not become readily absorbed in Nylons offering higly increased useful life spans. Loss of mechanical properties with 2% Carbon-Black is less than 0.05% on an elevated UV exposure test equivalent to approximately 100 years. Hyrdolytically attacked by water in excess of 120 degrees. Basically, no hot-tubbing with your Glock and you will be fine. Tupperware is not made from Nylon BTW. Hope this answered some questions.
Good Shooting, MarkCO

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How can I get a tour of the Glock factory in Smyrna, Georgia?
First, it's not a factory. The factory is in Austria and all guns are made there. The only thing they do in Smyrna is assemble and test fire them.

Second, they don't generally give tours. They do occasionally give tours to special groups but never to the general public.
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Why did I get two fired brass casings with my Glock?
Some states now require that firearms manufacturers provide fired casings with every new handgun. The brass will be collected by the dealer and given to the state to be entered into an information database. If you are not in one of these states the dealer usually gives just gives them to the customer.
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