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#1 - HOW MANY DIFFERENT BASIC GLOCK MODELS ARE THERE?
To date, Glock has created a total of 21 different models of Glock handguns, including Models 17, 17L, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 and 37.
Glock has also created many of the above models with compensators. The letter "C" has been add to the basic model number, i.e., G17C, G18C, etc.
#2 - WHAT ARE SOME MAJOR MOVIES WHERE GLOCKS WERE USED?
Star-studded movies such as "True Lies," "Clear and Present Danger," "Blown Away," Rising Sun," "Fugitive," "On Deadly Ground," "Diehard III," "The Fugitive," and "U.S. Marshalls" used Glock and have enhanced Glock's image and prestige throughout the U.S. and the rest of the world.
#3 - WHO COINED THE TERM "GLOCKSTER?"
It is our belief that the term "Glockster" was first coined in 1990 by Susan Lewis, Managing Editor of GlockWorld Magazine, formerly Glockster Pistol Magazine.
#4 - WHAT IS A kB! ?
"kB!" is short for kaBOOM!, a destructive explosion inside a firearm due to metal fatigue and excessive barrel pressure, usually caused by high or over pressure loads. A "kB" is the written representation of what happens when one has a catastrophic explosive event in one's firearm, or, for the purposes of this FAQ, one's Glock. Here is the whole kB! FAQ.
#5 - CAN I USE LEAD BULLETS IN MY GLOCK?
The use of lead bullets in Glock pistols is the major contributing factor to Glock kB. Firing lead bullets in Glock pistols can cause excessive leading in the barrels, and, in many cases, result in extreme barrel pressures accompanied by barrel fatigue.
Glock specifically advises the use of "only high quality commercially manufactured ammunition, in excellent condition and in the caliber of your Glock pistol." Glock further states that, "The use of reloaded ammunition will void the warranty, due to the fact that there is no way to verify the standards (SAAMI/NATO) adhered to because reloads or poor quality ammunition sometimes do not need specification (SAAMI/NATO), exceed limits and could be unsafe."
#6 - WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO LUBRICATION MY GLOCK?
Your Glock requires only three drops of oil. With your index finger, take one drop of oil and rub the slide rails back and forth. Take another drop of oil and lubricate where the trigger bar and the connector join. The last drop goes on the barrel where it rubs against the slide.
#7 - WHAT IS THE GLOCK MODEL 18 AND WHERE CAN I GET ONE?
The G18 is a fully automatic, medium frame 9X19 standard G17 with a selector switch. The G18 is only available to certain military units and law enforcement agencies, usually outside of the U.S.
#8 - WHAT OTHER GLOCK-RELATED ACCESSORIES DOES GLOCK MANUFACTURE?
- Combat Field & Survival Knives,
- Pistol Holsters,
- Standard Austrian Web Belts,
- Entrenching Tools (military shovel),
- Flashlight Adapters,
- Glock Sight Adjustment Tools,
- Training Pistols,
- Training Magazines, and
- Magazine Loaders, .
#9 - WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF AMMO FOR THE GLOCK?
The best type of ammunition for your Glock is very subjective and personal. However, depending on the type of use you have in mind, i.e., target, defense or police, Glock recommends using "only high quality commercially manufactured ammunition, in excellent condition and in the caliber of your Glock pistol" and that usually means ammunition manufactured to SAAMI/NATO specs.
#10 - WHAT IS TENIFER?
Tenifer is a metal treatment given to the exterior of all Glock pistols. The tenifer treatment is rated with a hardness of 69 as compared to a diamond whose hardness is rated at 70. Note: Tenifer is not a coating! Glock pistols are coated with a nitrate solution.
#11 - WHAT IS THE GLOCK MODEL 25 & 28 AND WHY CAN'T I FIND THEM?
Both the G25 and G28 are chambered for .380 ammunition. They G25 is a compact model on the order of the G19/23. They G28 is a subcompact model on the order of the G26/27. They are not available in the U.S.A. - only in countries where the civilian population is restricted from owning the same caliber weapon as their military and law enforcement.
#12 - IS IT OKAY TO DRY-FIRE MY GLOCK?
When fully assembled, the Glock is one of the few pistols on the market specifically designed to be dry-fired. How else would you be able to field-strip your Glock? Remember, your Glock and magazine must first be unloaded before releasing the trigger to the rear.
#13 - HOW MANY DIFFERENT GLOCK TRIGGER PULLS ARE THERE?
Glock produces four different trigger pulls: the 3.5 lb., usually for competition shooting, the 5 lb., which is considered the normal trigger, the 8 lb., and the 10 lb. trigger, usually referred to as the "New York Trigger."
#14 - WHAT IS GSSF?
GSSF stands for Glock Sports Shooting Foundation. The overall intent is to promote the use of Glock pistols in commpetition and to encourage the sport of safe shooting.
#15 - HOW MANY DIFFERENT CALIBERS OF HANDGUNS DOES GLOCK MAKE?
Glock makes seven (7) different caliber of handguns: 9mm, 10mm, .40 S&W, .380 ACP, .357SIG, .45 ACP and 45 Glock. The .380 (G25/28) is not available in the U.S, accept to law enforcement and maybe collectors.
#16 - HOW MANY DIFFERENT SIZE GLOCK HANDGUN FRAMES ARE THERE?
Presently, there are eight (8) different size handgun frames:
- Competition Frame (G17L/24 - 9mm/.40 S&W. The 17L is no longer manufactured).
- Large Frame (G20/21 & 36 - 10mm/.45 ACP).
- Medium Frame (G17/18/22/31/37 - 9mm/9mm/.40 S&W/.357SIG/45Glock).
- Compact Frame(G19/23/25/29/30/32 - 9mm/.40 S&W/.380 ACP/10mm/.45 ACP/.357SIG, respectively).
- Subcompact Frame (G26/27/28/33 - 9mm/.40 S&W/.357Sig).
- The latest IDPA Competition-qualified Frame (G34/35 - 9mm/.40 S&W) long barrels.
- The Slim Line G36 modeled after the .45 ACP.
#17 - CAN GLOCK PISTOLS GO UNDETECTED BY AIRPORT X-RAY EQUIPMENT?
No! Even though Glock has a reputation as the "Plastic" gun, steel makes up about 80% of its bulk and, therefore, cannot escape airport x-ray equipment.
#18 - WHAT IS THE SMALL HOLE DIRECTLY OPPOSITE THE FRONT SIGHT ON THE BOTTOM FRONT OF THE SLIDE OF THE GLOCK MODEL 35?
That particular small hole allows a 3/16 nut driver to pass though the front of the slide to access the front sight, it is needed when replacing the front sight with pin or front sight screw on a night sight. It's on Glock Models 17L, 24, 34, and 35.
#19 - WHAT COMES WITH THE NEW GLOCK PISTOL IN THE BLACK TUPPERWARE BOX?
Currently, two 9 or 10 round Magazines, Loading Tool, Instruction Book, Cleaning Rod, Plastic Bore Brush, Warranty Card and GSSF Application Form.
#20 - HOW CAN I REACH THE GLOCK FACTORY IN THE U.S.A.?
Telephone: 1.770.432.1202. (The Glock Website: http://www. glock.com/ is now up and running at this time, however, there is still no email address).
#21 - WHAT DOES THE "SIG" ON THE GLOCK SIG357 STAND FOR?
SIG is a line of pistols and special type of ammo originally designed by the Swiss firm SIGARMS. The "SIG" is manufactured in Germany by SIG-Sauer.
#22 - HOW DO I CLEAN THE MATTE FINISH ON THE SLIDE?
Same as any other finish (no abrasives, please).
#23 - HOW CRUCIAL IS IT TO LEAVE THE COPPER FACTORY LUBRICATION IN PLACE?
Glock applies the copper lubricant known as "Fel-Pro", which is an automotive anti-seize compound, to the rear underside area of the slide of all new Glocks. Word is that new Glocks should be "broken in" (200-500 rds) with this copper lubricant.
Certified Glock Armorers are told that it is permissible to remove the copper lubricant on new Glocks. However, if you do decide to remove the copper lubricant, it is advisable to clean your handgun thoroughly then lubricate it before shooting it (3 drops where indicated) with a quality product intended for firearms.
#24 - WHY IS THERE A HOLE AT THE BASE OF THE BACKSTRAP / GRIP?
This is the hole through which a lanyard or rope is attached in order to secure the firearm to its owner? The lanyard hole in Glocks originated as part of a combat or military requirement. This requirement was dropped with the introduction of the subcompacts (Glock 26/27s have no lanyard hole).
Lanyards were originally used to prevent U.S. Cavalry officers from losing their sidearms (revolvers), while mounted on their chargers (horses). The lanyard would attach securely from the sidearm to the officer's epaulets or saddle.
Some SWAT team officers run a bungie cord though the lanyard hole in their autopistols and attach it to their tac vest. Until recently, the U.S. Army was requiring MPs to use lanyards on their M1911A1s.
Some shooters used a lanyard (a length of bootlace tied through the hole in the frame and around their belt, with the slack tucked into my waistband) while engaged in hunting or hiking and other strenuous movement or exercises.
#25 - I RECENTLY BOUGHT A USED GLOCK WHERE THE GRIP IS LACKING THE USUAL FRONT AND BACKSTRAP MOLDED CHECKERING WITH A TEXTURED LOOK AND FEEL. DID IT COME THIS WAY OR WAS IT MODIFIED BY A GUNSMITH? THERE ARE SOME OTHER MARKINGS NEXT TO THE SERIAL NUMBER.
It came that way. You have a "slick grip" G17. The lack of checkering indicates that you have one of the first Glocks imported into the U.S. - an original Glock Model 17 pistol. The markings near the serial number is a bird, an Austrian proof mark. Due to the age of the pistol, you should inspect to see if it has been upgraded by . First, make sure the Glock is unloaded. Field strip it and turn over the slide. Look at the little round button (the firing pin safety). Then look at the frame. Along the right side of the frame is the trigger bar. It is metal and goes from the rear of the frame to the trigger. Is it silver or black in color? Silver in both cases is the new/upgraded parts.
#26 -HOW CAN YOU TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PRE-BAN AND A POST-BAN HIGH CAPACITY GLOCK MAGAZINE?
According to the BATF Yellow Book, any magazine manufactured after 13 SEP 1994 must be marked with:
- 1- a serial number (the ruling states that it may be the same number for all mags), though I do not think that this is what is being enforced.
- 2- "RESTRICTED LAW ENFORCEMENT/GOVERNMENT USE ONLY."
- 3- if manufactured for export, "FOR EXPORT ONLY."
- 4- domestically made devices must be marked with name, city, and state of manufacture.
- 5- imported devices must be marked with name of manfacturer, country of origin, and name/city/state of importer.
#27 - WHAT IS A GLOCK SIG?
The Glock 357 SIG, which is a fairly new caliber, is, basically, a 9mm bullet in a necked-down 10mm case. The claim is that it is equal to .357 Mag performance. It's a handful -- very loud, sharp recoil and lots of muzzle flash -- more so than the .40 S&W.
The Glock Models 31, 32 and 33 are in 357 SIG.
FYI: The Texas Dept. of Public Safety adopted the .357 SIG for all 4,000 or so of its officers.
SIG is a line of pistols designed by the Swiss firm SIGARMS, but actually manufactured in Germany by SIG-Sauer.
#28 - Where are the major Glock distributors located around the world?
US/Canada: Glock, Inc. 6000 Highlands Parkway P.O. Box 369 Smyrna, GA 30082 (770) 432-1202 (770) 433-8719/fax
Europe/Africa/ Middle East: Glock Ges.m.b.H. P.O. Box 50 A-2232 Deutsch-Wagram Austria (43) 2247-2460 (43) 2247-2460/12/fax
Asia, Australia: Glock (H.K.) Ltd. No. 1, Ma Wor Road, Tai Po New Territories Hong Kong (852) 2657-2868 (852) 2654-7089/fax
Latin America/ Central America/ The Caribbean: Glock America N.V. International Trade Center P.O. Box 62.28 Curacao Netherlands Antilles (599-9) 636201 (599-9) 636526/fax
France/Africa: Glock France S.A. 50, Avenue Victor Hugo F-92500 Rueil Malmaison, France (33-1) 47 49 86 03 (33-1) 47 49 74 17/fax
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