Glock 17

Glock 17

Semi-automatic pistol

At the time of its introduction the Glock 17 was referred as a revolutionary design

Caliber 9x19 mm Parabellum
Weight (unloaded) 710 g
Weight (loaded) 910 g
Length 204 mm
Barrel length 114 mm
Muzzle velocity 360 m/s
Muzzle energy 490 Joules
Magazine capacity 17 rounds
Sighting range 50 m
Range of effective fire ~ 50 m


In 1980 the Austrian army issued a requirement for a new pistol, that would replace the old Walther P-38. Various companies took part in this competition with their designs. These were Steyr GB, Heckler & Koch P7M13, SIG-Sauer P220 and P225, Beretta 92S, and the previously unknown Glock 17. Eventually the Glock 17 was selected as a winner and was adopted by the Austrian Army in 1982. It was also adopted by Austrian Police. Full-scale production commenced in 1986. In the following years this new and unusual pistol became one of the most popular handguns due to its advantages and aggressive marketing. It was adopted by numerous military and law enforcement forces from all around the world. Currently this pistol is in service with more than 50 countries. Some copies and clones of this pistol appeared. One of them is a Smith & Wesson Sigma.

The Glock 17 was a clean sheet design. It is not a variation of any previous design. This pistol was developed by a Glock company, headed by Gaston Glock. The Glock 17 proved to be highly successful. At the time of its introduction this pistol was referred as a revolutionary design. Even though it incorporated previously known solutions. This pistol is simple, reliable, lightweight and inexpensive.

This pistol has a simple design with a minimum of parts. There are only 33 parts, including the magazine. This pistol can be disassembled within a minute using just a pin, or nail. Many of the parts are interchangeable between various Glock models. Failures are rear. The Glock 17 is also simple in operation.

Low weight was achieved by making most of the parts, including the frame out of polymer. The only metal parts are barrel, slide and trigger mechanism. Even though this pistol is made of polymer, it operates well within a temperature range from -40°C to +200°C. Also this rugged pistol do not rusts. All metal parts are covered with rustproof coating. The Glock 17 literally revolutionized the firearms market. Today virtually all major handgun manufacturers offer polymer-framed pistols.

The Glock 17 has high muzzle energy and provides good penetration, even with 9x19 mm ammunition.

It is claimed that the barrel of the Glock pistols serves approximately 360 000 shots. It is a really impressive figure, as barrels of other modern and quality pistols last about 40 000 shots.

This semi-automatic pistol is fed from a 17-round double-stack magazine. The magazine is also made of polymer. Extended capacity magazines that hold 19 or 33 rounds are also available. Compact and sub-compact models come with smaller magazines. In some cases magazines are interchangeable between various models.

This pistol has no manual safeties. Instead it uses a patented "safe action" trigger system. An automatic safety is built into the trigger. It blocks the trigger if it is not pulled properly. It eliminates self-action or accidental shots. After each shot the safety lock is reset and turned "on", until the trigger is pushed once more. Another automatic safety does nor permit fire if the barrel is not fully locked.

Most of the Glock family pistols have fixed sights. Only special target models, intended for competitions, have adjustable sights.

Since its introductions the Glock 17 undergone a number of revisions. The first generation pistols were produced between 1986 and 1990 and were chambered for 9x19 mm ammunition. The second generation pistols were produced between 1990 and 1998. These had slightly different frames with textured grips. The second generation introduced new calibers, including 9x22 mm (.375 SIG), 10x22 mm (.40S&W), 10x25 mm (10 mm Auto) and 11.43x23 mm (.45 ACP). The third generation pistols were produced between 1998 and 2010. These pistols were fitted with accessory rail below the barrel, and had some other improvements. Production of the forth generation pistols started in 2010. These have a larger magazine release button, replaceable back straps for better ergonomics, and some minor internal improvements.

After initial success the basic Glock 17, the Glock company developed a large number of models, based on the same basic design. These are chambered in all major pistol calibers. Various models also have different dimensions, barrel length, and magazine capacity. Pistols are available in standard, compact, subcompact, target and other models.



Variants


Glock 17, a baseline model, chambered for 9x19 mm rounds. Magazine holds 17 rounds;

Glock 17L is a target model, intended for competitions. It is chambered for 9x19 mm ammunition. It has a longer barrel and adjustable sight;

Glock 18, a fully-automatic pistol, chambered for 9x19 mm round. It is one of a few automatic pistols, that are currently produced. It fires in full-auto and semi-auto modes. A fire mode selector is mounted on the left side. It can be fitted with a 33-round magazine and a folding stock;

Glock 19, is a more compact version of the baseline Glock 17. It was introduced in 1988. This pistol is chambered for 9x19 mm ammunition. Magazine holds 15 rounds;

Glock 20, chambered for 10x25 mm (10 mm Auto) ammunition. Magazine holds 15 rounds;

Glock 21, chambered for 11.43x23 mm (.45 ACP) ammunition. Magazine holds 13 rounds;

Glock 22, chambered for 10x22 mm (.40 S&W) ammunition. Magazine holds 15 rounds;

Glock 23, chambered for 10x22 mm (.40 S&W) ammunition. Magazine holds 13 rounds;

Glock 24 is a target model with a longer barrel, chambered for 10x22 mm (.40 S&W) ammunition. This pistol has adjustable sigh. Magazine holds 15 rounds;

Glock 25, chambered for 9x17 mm (.380 ACP) ammunition. Magazine holds 15 rounds;

Glock 26, chambered for 9x19 mm ammunition. Magazine holds 10 rounds. This pistol has a sighting range of 25 meters;

Glock 27, chambered for 10x22 mm (.40 S&W) ammunition. Magazine holds 9 rounds;

Glock 28, chambered for 9x17 mm (.380 ACP) ammunition. Magazine holds 10 rounds;

Glock 29, chambered for 10x25 mm (10 mm Auto) ammunition. Magazine holds 10 rounds;

Glock 30, chambered for 11.43x23 mm (.45 ACP) ammunition. Magazine holds 10 rounds;

Glock 31, chambered for 9x22 mm (.357 SIG) ammunition. Magazine holds 15 rounds;

Glock 32, chambered for 9x22 mm (.357 SIG) ammunition. Magazine holds 13 rounds;

Glock 33, chambered for 9x22 mm (.357 SIG) ammunition. Magazine holds 9 rounds;

Glock 34, chambered for 9x19 mm ammunition. Magazine holds 17 rounds;

Glock 35, chambered for 10x22 mm (.40 S&W) ammunition. Magazine holds 15 rounds;

Glock 36, chambered for 11.43x23 mm (.45 ACP) ammunition. A single-stack magazine holds 6 rounds;

Glock 37, chambered for 11.43x19 mm (.45 GAP) ammunition. Magazine holds 10 rounds;

Glock 38, chambered for 11.43x19 mm (.45 GAP) ammunition. Magazine holds 8 rounds;

Glock 39, chambered for 11.43x19 mm (.45 GAP) ammunition. Magazine holds 6 rounds;

Glock 41, chambered for 11.43x23 mm (.45 ACP) ammunition. Magazine holds 13 rounds;

Glock 42, chambered for 9x17 mm (.380 ACP) ammunition. A single-stack magazine holds 6 rounds.