Glock facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Glock
An early "third generation" Glock 17
Type	semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin	Austria
Service history
In service	1982–present
Production history
Designer	Gaston Glock
Designed	1979–82
Manufacturer	Glock Ges.m.b.H.
Produced	1982–present
No. built	5,000,000 as of 2007.

The Glock pistol is a type of semi-automatic pistol known for its special polymer (a type of plastic) frame. These pistols are designed and made by a company called Glock Ges.m.b.H. in Deutsch-Wagram, Austria. The first Glock pistols began service with the Austrian Armed Forces and police in 1982. Different models of Glock pistols use different types of ammunition.

When Glocks first came out, some people were unsure about a "plastic gun." However, the pistols quickly became very popular. Today, Glock pistols are the company's most successful products. They are used by many police forces in the United States, making up about 65% of the handguns used by law enforcement agencies there. Glocks are also used by many national armed forces and security groups around the world. In the U.S., Glocks are also popular with regular people for fun activities like target shooting, competitions, or for protecting their homes.

What is a Glock Pistol?

A Glock pistol is a handgun that fires one shot each time you pull the trigger. It then automatically gets ready for the next shot. This is why it's called a "semi-automatic" pistol. What makes Glocks special is their frame, which is mostly made from a strong, lightweight plastic called polymer. This was a new idea when they were first made.

How the Glock was Designed

The Glock pistol was designed by an engineer named Gaston Glock. He started working on the pistol in 1979. His goal was to create a reliable and easy-to-use handgun for the Austrian military. He used his knowledge of plastics to make a pistol that was lighter and simpler than many other guns at the time. The design was finished by 1982.

Why Glocks are Popular

Glock pistols are popular for several reasons. They are known for being very reliable, meaning they work well almost every time. They are also quite durable because of their strong polymer frame. This makes them resistant to rust and easier to carry. Their simple design also makes them easy to use and maintain.

Who Uses Glocks?

Many different groups use Glock pistols. Police officers and military personnel around the world rely on Glocks for their work. This is because Glocks are dependable and can handle tough conditions. Besides professional users, many civilians also own Glocks. They use them for things like target practice, joining shooting sports, or for personal safety.

Different Types of Glocks

Over the years, Glock has made many different models of pistols. These models are often called "generations" as the design has been updated. Each generation might have small changes, like different textures on the grip or new features. Glocks also come in various sizes, from full-size pistols to smaller, "subcompact" ones that are easier to hide. They can also be chambered for many different types of ammunition, or "calibers," like 9mm or .45 ACP.

Images for kids

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  A "first-generation" Glock 17 with the slide locked back displaying its vertical barrel tilt

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  A "second-generation" Glock 17, identified by the checkering on the front and rear straps of the pistol grip and trigger guard

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  A "third-generation" Glock 17C, identified by the addition of an extra cross pin above the trigger, finger grooves, a reshaped extractor that serves as a loaded chamber indicator, and an accessory rail

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  A "fifth generation" Glock 17 as adopted by the French Armed Forces in 2020, with standard version specifically made for the FAF: front serrations, coyote brown grip, and lanyard attachment.

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  A subcompact Glock 30 field stripped to its main groups with a .45 ACP round

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  Glock 9×19mm Parabellum 17-round magazine. The numbered witness holes at the back portion visually indicate how many cartridges are contained in the magazine.

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  Standard sighting arrangement of a "first-generation" Glock 17

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  The subcompact Glock 26 with tritium night sights in 9×19mm Parabellum

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  Rare within the United States, a Glock 17 chambered in 9×21mm

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  The subcompact third-generation Glock 29 in 10mm Auto

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  The slim-frame Glock 36 in .45 ACP

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  Glock 22 OD in .40 S&W with Coyote Brown frame

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  The competition-oriented Glock 35 in .40 S&W

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  The subcompact Glock 33 in .357 SIG

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  Iraqi police firing 9 mm Glock handguns at a firing range

See also

In Spanish: Glock para niños