‘America’s Gun’: How Did Glock Pistols Become Such An Icon?
- Posted on January 24, 2012 at 1:42pm by
Buck Sexton
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You see them nearly everywhere guns are sold or used. But how did Glock pistols become such popular firearms? A new book is answering that, and laying out the compelling history of the Glock pistol and describing how it became an iconic symbol for American law enforcement and gun enthusiasts.
In his book “Glock: The Rise of America’s Gun,” author Paul Barrett describes how the sleek, high-capacity Austrian handgun became famous not just because of its innovative design, but because of a shrewd marketing campaign as well.
As a result, the Glock has found its way into Hollywood films, rap lyrics, and two-thirds of all U.S. police departments.
The Glock was created in 1982 by Gaston Glock, a curtain rod manufacturer and gun enthusiast from Austria. Glock disliked the handguns on the market at that time and decided to start from zero and manufacture a completely new weapon design.
As research, Glock asked gun experts what they would want in a redesigned handgun. The reply, according to an NPR interview with Barrett, was that the new weapon should have:
“Much larger ammunition capacity, a gun that is much more durable and reliable … [and] the gun should be easy to fire [and] easy to learn how to use. He integrated all of those elements into the Glock and that’s how he won his original contract with the Austrian army.”
With those goals in mind, Glock created the storied Glock 17, which the Austrian army soon adopted for its use. The Glock 17 contained only 36 parts and didn’t have an external safety like other semiautomatic handguns, but could still hold 17 bullets in its magazine. This allowed the Glock 17 to be a very light, “interchangeable model that could be dropped, submerged and subjected to temperature extremes – and still accurately fire.”
Glock pistols made their way to the United States in 1988, which was fortunate timing for the manufacturer. American crime rates were approaching an all time high, and law enforcement felt literally outgunned in a number of high-profile shooting incidents. The introduction of a lightweight, high-capacity handgun– that was cheap for law enforcement– was soon embraced by police departments across the country.
In an excerpt from Barrett’s book, he writes that:
“Police departments were amazed when they took their officers out to the range and found out not only could they learn to use the Glock pretty quickly, but the Glock also made them more accurate as marksmen,” he says. “And that’s in part because it has a very light, very steady trigger pull … Critics of the guns say the trigger pull is so light that it makes accidental discharges so likely. But the Glock always has that that dual nature to it – the advantages can be reframed as disadvantages.”
Glock’s sales teams also used some business savvy to get the gun out into the mainstream market and help it garner credibility. They sold the gun at a marked discount to law enforcement in a brand-building exercise, knowing that once the word had gotten out, they could charge full-freight for the Glocks on the much larger civilian firearms market.
In addition, some controversy surrounding the Glock in the early days helped boost its profile in the American media. There were rumors that the Glock was made out of plastic, and therefore it wouldn’t show up on airport x-ray scanners. This was false, but it got the media into a frenzy that raised the profile of the Glock weapons.
That media hype, plus actor Bruce Willis discussing the merits of the weapon in Die Hard II, and its inclusion in the lyrics of countless rap songs, made the new Austrian pistol famous quickly. Barrett described this non-traditional marketing in some detail to NPR, saying that:
“The Glock was adopted early on by some of the biggest names – Tupac, Dr. Dre – as soon as it appeared here, they began to embrace it for its dark, futuristic side. The fact that it looked tough, [had a] large magazine capacity, and not incidentally, the fact that it rhymed so well with words you might want to use in rap lyrics. Within the space of a few years, you not only had the Glock showing up in lyrics, you had song titles with the name in it and people changing their stage names to incorporate Glock into them.”
Today, the Glock remains one of the most popular pistols in the world, and the Austrian brand endures as a serious player in the global firearms industry.
(You can read more about Barrett’s new book by clicking here and reading the full NPR article.)






















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Comments (300)
BlackCrow
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:27pmCheck out an IPSC line or an NRA bullseye match and see how many Glocks show up. I have never seen one. 1911′s, Pardinni’s with an occasional S&W and Beretta. I want a pistol that will group inside a coffee cup at 50 yards and I have yet to see a Glock that would do that at 50 feet.
Now if you want something that absolutely positively will not go off without stroking the long, heavy trigger or is lighter than an all steel pistol for carry a Glock is a fine pistol. Personally I want to be sure that I will hit what I aim at and know the thing will go bang when I squeeze the trigger. P14 for me!
Report Post »Kneale
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:54pmIf I were to find myself in a situation with a bad guy that is 50 yards away I think I would depend on his lack of skill and poor choice of firearm and run-like-heck. Fifty feet is more iffie. But I have no problem with any small caliber Glock as far as being able to place the shot where needed for the most damage. That said my carry weapon is a Glock 30 in 45 caliber and my backup, when needed, is a SIG238.
Report Post »DLCraig
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:24pmGreat article and it’s nice to see the comments from all the 1911 lovers… I too love them, and own several. I take them to the range, clean them and keep them locked in a safe. However, the defense weapons within my home are all Glock; each room has at least one, fully loaded, cleverly concealed and ready to go… There is a Walther P99 in the bunch, my wife’s; she loves that weapon. It has a great ergonomic feel but I hate the trigger… Bottom line: When the smelly brown matter hits the air acceleration device, I’m Glockin…
Report Post »WeDontNeedNoSteenkinBadges07
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 3:16pmNothin’ beats cool like an U.N.C.L.E. field-convertible carbine:
Report Post »http://www.theunclegun.com/imgs/image007.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hka6wBgtsYg
TXPilot
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 3:40pmNo plastic, foreign pistol for me….Give me my nice, American made 1911/.45ACP….When you put them down, they stay down.
Report Post »Treaty
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 3:58pmI’ll stick with my S&W M&P thank you very much. But seriously, Glock is no doubt very good. It’s just that the M&P is better :)
Report Post »Joey8
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 5:03pmI love my glock 27, mostly because of the safety mechanism. You don’t have accidental discharges with glocks, only negligent.
Report Post »Southernguy
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 5:31pm@TXPILOT: I‘ve owned MANY Colt 1911’s in my life, and I can tell you this one thing for sure. The Glock 21 in .45 acp will put em’ down just as good as a 1911. As a matter of fact, you get twice the count in a double stacked mag ;)
Report Post »flyoverbob
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 6:38pmI love my TZ75 41 cal,I dont want to just stop them.With the hallow points it will knock them down
Report Post »dnnyshdy
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 9:54pmI carry a 26 and love it.I had a sig p238 and jammed about 3 times every 50 rounds.I couldn’t trust it for self defense.
Report Post »AbortObama
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 10:26pmCheck out the Haley Skimmer…best after-market Glock trigger on the market. Glocktriggers.com.
Report Post »TXPilot
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 8:01am@DOGWATER…..lol…..yes, we need to ban all semi-autos…..we also need lots more big government, because I will only feel safe when I have been disarmed and have the nanny state looking over my shoulder 24/7 and protecting me with thousands of laws…….and I’m sure a ban on semi-autos would make all those icky criminals immediately surrender their illegal firearms……its all so clear now……thank you.
Report Post »George Patton
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 9:14am@dogwater
Report Post »The founding fathers did not have fancy doubles in mind when they drafted the 2nd amendment.
Ruler4You
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 9:50amActually, I’m not a glock fan. I prefer my M1911A1′ by a far margin.
Report Post »Twinspeedr
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 9:51amGlock is the only manufacturer that still does not heat-treat their barrels. They use a chemical hardening process that only surface hardens the metal. This means that Glock barrels WILL fail sooner than any other reputable manufacturer on average, and do.
Ask Police, ATF, FBI and people who actually have to rely on their weapons every day; and you will find that Glocks get VERY mixed reviews. This is another case of America picking something perceived as “sexy” over something with real substance. Kinda’ like our current POTUS, eh?
Report Post »FRDM2012
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 11:14am@DOGWATER What made the glock in the VT killer’s hand so deadly was that it was the only one on campus. And a prius can mow down many more people than a semi-auto pistol, so I say we put a ban on those..
Report Post »CultureWarriors
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 11:59amVastly overrated, inaccurate, POS. American made Ruger – P95 is superior and much more cost effective. The trigger pull alone makes the P95 far more accurate.
Report Post »Huguenot Descendant
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 1:10pmOwner of:
Glock 27 – Gen 3
Glock 23 – Gen 4
Soon to be:
Glock 22 – Gen 4
I love Glock, it’s better than anything S&W and Springfield put out and it’s also made in Austria which is the home of the brilliant economist Friedrich August Hayek and the Austrian economic plan. So you can say all you want about Glock being foreign made, but I would take a gun that was made in Austria over guns that are made in Brazil or China any day.
Report Post »SgtB
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 1:30pm@ Dogwater, Listen here you little scared POS. When people are denied their RIGHT to self defense by ANY weapons laws, they are less safe. There is a reason why the worst crime EVER committed on a firing range is a murder suicide and not a killing “spree” where dozens wind up dead. Have you even stopped to read the news stories coming out of the largest non-gun owning nation (China)? Are you aware of the MULTIPLE mass murders that happen their? Men and women armed with nothing more than the equivalent of a chef’s knife have gone on killing sprees in their equivalent of elementary schools and I know of one case where the number murdered was 13. Knives are just as deadly as a gun in close quarters (or nearly EVERYWHERE in an urban environment) and when you get down to it, a well trained and large person is just as deadly as a knife, or more so. So where will it end for people like you? Will you outlaw martial arts training or gyms because fit people are more able to commit murder?
Seriously, people like you make me sick and your arrogance and disregard for basic human rights makes this Marine’s finger itchy.
Report Post »Clubber1
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 2:11pmI have had a Springfield 1911 for 25 years and it has never failed to perform, but right now there is a Glock 36 (also .45 ACP) on my hip. Lighter, simpler, smaller and easier to conceal.
Report Post »KevINtampa
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 3:03pmFabrique Nationale Five-Seven FTW
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FN_Five-seven
Love this gun. Unfortunately it costs $14 to fire a full magazine of rounds. But it’s ballistics and accuracy are perfect for self defense or any SHTF scenario.
All that said, while it’s good to keep a side arm handy, the Remington 870 is the best home security item money can buy, after a big pack defending dog of course.
Report Post »Don Ruane
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:06pmThey shoot every time I pull the trigger and the Safe Action is just what the doctor ordered in a shootout. Fumbling with a safety sucks in a shootout.
Report Post »Gryphon Moor
Posted on January 26, 2012 at 5:31pmOne in every room, huh? And where do you live? :-)
Report Post »Kiba
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:22pmI love my Glocks but I do wish they had a saftey, and please dont anyone bother to say anything about that ‘safe action trigger’. I just dont like to carry mine charged (cocked) unless its in one of my hard holsters, but man as far as reliability and flawless functioning they are a dream. I actually recently bought a small pocket type auto just to have and I had to send it back to the factory cause it just didnt work, wouldnt feed or eject or anything and I hate it that with semi-auto handguns you shouldnt trust your life with it unless you have run between 150 to 300 rds. thru one, but the Glocks is one of the very few I would feel safe trusting my life with it straight out of the box.
Report Post »@leftfighter
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:28pmMeh!
I’ve fired it among many other self loaders and my favorite is the old standby, the M-9 Baretta. I also like the MP-9.
Report Post »Kiba
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:45pmI just love the capacity with them, I can use my 10, 17 $ 32 rd. mags. in all my Glocks. Its not like I dont love many other handguns too considering I have 30+ of them. That little G-26 looks crazy with that 32 round mag. in it! Friggin Scar Face job! lol! But I pretty much love all guns, but for some reason I just feel naked without a Glock around. I just love the capacity and the interchangeable mags too. But if I was gonna be in a situation that was gonna be real wet and cold I would have to bring the Glock.
Report Post »SoupSandwich
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 3:01pmLook at the slide. See if it says Pietro Beretta or Jaun Baretta. You may have a throw away you paid too mucho para.
Report Post »Teufel Hunden
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 3:26pmThe Glock has 3 “internal” safeties. But the biggest safety of all is that with a live round in the chamber and the finger OFF the trigger, the firing pin is relaxed and essentially not in a “cocked” position. Not only is it not cocked, but it is resting against one of the 3 internal safeties which physically blocks any forward movement of the firing pin until such time as the trigger is pulled to the rear. As long as the trigger is not pulled, there is no way on God’s Earth that the Glock can fire. In fact, as long as the trigger is not touched, you can literally hammer nails with the Glock while it is pointing straight at your noggin, with a live round in the chamber, without any fear of an accidental discharge.
Only when you pull the trigger to the rear, you are cocking the weapon. And when the trigger has traveled a predetermined distance, then ALL 3 SAFETIES disengage, at the same time, and only then will the gun fire. That is why the Glock is referred to as a “Safe Action” pistol. Accidental discharges with the Glock can only occur with the accidental placement of a finger on the trigger Period! Those stories of Glocks accidentally firing while the owner was holstering the weapon is because the owner unconsciously had their finger or something else in the trigger guard while inserting the Glock into the holster. Again, that is the only way it will fire! Oooorah!
Report Post »jcldwl
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 3:36pmKiba, if you are carrying your glock for self defense, IE concealed, what is the point of not having it loaded and ready to go? Those of you who are still stuck on the idea it doesn’t have a safety therefore I want to pull it out and have to rack the slide before I can defend myself are simply misguided. The glock is extremely safe and you would actually have to have someting protuding such as a finger to get inside the trigger guard and depress the trigger in order for it to go off. People seem to forget that your finger is the ultimate safety. If anyone ever tells you, “My gun went off by itself while I was putting it in or pulling it from my holster,” they are lying. You have to have a finger on the trigger for a gun to go off. Just like guns don’t kill, they also don’t shoot by themselves, safety or no safety, Glocks Rock.
Report Post »matt1776
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 7:11pm@KIBA
Sorry KIBA, but you should educate yourself on how striker fired guns work. The gun is not carried “cocked”. When you pull the trigger it finishes cocking the striker, lowers a steal plate between the striker and the bullet and then finally fires. There is 100% zero way your gun will fire with a striker design unless you pull the trigger. A “safety” on the outside of the gun is utterly useless and serves no purpose other then to make people who don’t understand firearms feel better inside, instead of spending the time to educate themselves.
Report Post »ThurstonHowellIV
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 7:48pmI know what you mean. I installed a Siderlock http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/siderlock-glock-safety-trigger.aspx?a=388212. Works great and easy to install yourself, especially if you’re right handed. Left handed install was a bit trickier, but I’m a southpaw.
Report Post »1TrueOne55
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 7:50pm@leftfighter You forgot another Baretta clone the Taurus 92 series as a matter of fact they were actually older Baretta stampings that they sold to the Brazilian Arms maker, plus the cost 40% less than a Baretta.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 9:54amA safety isn’t to keep you from pulling the trigger. A safety is, and was only ever intended, on any firearm, to prevent the accidental discharge of the firearm from things *other* than pulling the trigger intentionally.
People for some reason think that a firearm safety device is meant to protect them from their own stupidity. I have no idea why they think this.
Report Post »Wolf
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 6:01pm“…Critics of the guns say the trigger pull is so light that it makes accidental discharges so likely…”
Report Post »@Kiba: maybe you should get your trigger finger educated. Or don’t buy a Glock- get some SOuth American made clunker with a manual safety.
tankyjo
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:19pmLove Glock, way simple, ultra reliable.
Report Post »Kiba
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:34pmI worry about getting into a good physical altercation and it being ready to go, thats why I carry it in a hard holster if at all. I have many other carry guns and know all about its safties. Firearms is my (and my sons too) entire life and dont really need an education respectfully. I like my Glocks b cause I keep it charged in a israli made hard holster beside my bed (w/32 rd. mag.) along w/the Judge so if I ever got to get up I will feel confident. Shoot my G34 w/the 17 or 32 rd. mag is like a small carbine to me. I usually carry my L.C.R. in .357 mag., but just have .38+P HP’s in it, that thing is a punisher w/the Mags. in it. But again I just must have a Glock I can put my hands on when I want to.
Report Post »Teufel Hunden
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 5:43pmKIBA “Firearms is my (and my sons too) entire life and dont really need an education respectfully.”
I make my particular living with firearms, which happens to require an above average knowledge of their design and function, so where this subject is concerned, I respectfully disagree with you. You are like the majority of gun owners. You know how to load them, point them and pull the trigger. You should really take a moment and get with someone who knows firearm design and have them explain the different designs to you. Have them actually tear the different weapons down in front of you and show you the ins and outs of each design. If you are willing to listen, you will come away a lot more informed.
Report Post »Kiba
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 11:14amTo tufel hunden (or whatever) I make my living w/firearms and always have to and dissemble every one of them after firing them and always have to. So because I feel unsafe packing a Glock charged Im just some moron that knows how to load them and pull the trigger? So who do you think you are? I was thinking the same thing about you? I have bought over 500 guns in the last 40 yrs. so sorry there tactical joe but you arent gonna tell me anything. I said I dont carry my Glocks much esp. charged, and you come off with the “oh well the Glocks have three internal safties” no derr Bart? Do you think you are the only person that knows that? Who are you anyway that Mike “expert” on that show that couldnt hit a target w/an 0-3 that we see dancing around with a handgun on T.V. all the time? Im not real impressed with those guys either. I dont need any instructions from you tactical Joe. lol.
Report Post »Alaskaguy11
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 3:05pmWow, KIBA. Sometimes it helps to open your ears and close your mouth. Teufel Hunden was spot on about the operation of a Glock. And he was just trying to impart some knowledge for your benefit. Knowledge IS power, you know. I work at a gun store/range in sales and as a certified firearms instructor. And I have been certified by Glock as an armorer for their pistols. I sigh when people like you come in with an abundance of arrogance and ignorance. I do my best to try and get them informed on different action types so they can make more informed choices, but they usually decide to stay uninformed. Oh well. At least I try. It is scary that you make your living with firearms…
Report Post »John 3:16
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:17pmStarted carrying Glock 23 as a lawenforcement officer. I now own a Glock 40 cal. model 27 with lazer max lazer sights. The only real weakness, that does not affect me, is the slide is a little stiff for people with altra weak hand grips. If you can pull the slide back you are good to go. Great gun but may not be able to buy one for the wife who cannot pull the slide back when chambering the first round.
Report Post »garyM
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:21pmMy Colt 45 slide is kind of hard to pull back, especially for a women, I think it has a double spring is the reason, the reasoning is to make quicker action to prevent jams!
Report Post »SoupSandwich
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 3:03pmGet her a revolver. Man. Get a porche for the 15 year old with a learner’s permit?
Report Post »NOKOOLAIDDRINKER
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 3:41pm@JOHN 3:16 I’m one of those females who has a hard time pulling the slides on an automatic. For my birthday last year, my husband gave me a Walther PPK (380) for a concealed carry gun. The gun had problems with jamming and the slide not fulling returning after firing. Wasn’t going to work for me. I didn’t feel confindent with it, so I just carry my S&W 38 airweight with a new wrap-around rubber grip. I know I only have 5 shots, but I’ll settle for be confidence in the gun over quantity of bullets. My husband worked on the Walther, smoothing down the slide by buffing the slide with a Dremel and shooting about 250 rounds through it.
Report Post »SDMF
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 7:23pmNearly any person, regardless of strength, should be able to rack the slide on most any gun if done properly. This means not pinching with the thumb and the side of your index finger, but taking your support side hand and grabbing with your palm on one side, and all of your fingertips on the other side of the slide. Your grip strength is far better and more secure. My wife can rack the slide on my Glock 32 and it has a stiff recoil spring in it. Granted she likes, and feels more comfortable carrying, her SIG .380.
Report Post »Concern4Constitution
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 11:09pmJust had the opportunity to fire my boyfriend’s Glock.40, Sig .45 & Kimber 10–I have to say I did the best with the Kimber but the Glock wasn’t too hard. At this point, I consider myself still somewhat of a novice, so I carry a Rossi .357–looks just like a S&W, but I get 6 shots instead of 5. I figure if I actually ever have to use it for self defense, the KISS (keep it simple stupid) principle would be my best bet & I have a little more confidence with a revolver.( I pity the fool that mistakes it for the S&W and stops counting at 5) I would like to carry something a tad lighter & the Glock is looking like a nice choice. But practice makes perfect & now every good birthday in 3 generations of my family has turned into an opportunity for family target practice at the farm. May sound silly, but its really comforting to see multiple generations, male & female enjoying time AND working on our self defense skills together as a family. I‘m thrilled to see when even the niece’s friends show up from time to time for a little instruction from grandpa–and us “skirts” are every bit as good of a shot as the guys!
Report Post »Kiba
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 11:26amThe only semi-autos I have had a time charging was a CZ RAMI in .40 and this piece of crap little .380 auto I just bought (and had to send back) wich was a Diamond Back. The DB and a Garand I bought yrs. ago that the reciever was supposed to be new and made out in calif. (should have known right there) are the only guns I have ever had to send back. The CZ RAMI was just plain tight and loostened-up after about 1,000 rds. or so.
Report Post »garyM
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:15pmI’ll stick with my Colt 45 Model 85 Gold Cup!
Report Post »J.Hawk
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 9:22pmYou mean Series 80 Gold Cup? I sold mine and got a Kimber. I am however carrying my Glock 32 at this very minute :-)
Report Post »Where I’ve been going lately I feel like I need more capacity than my 1911 affords. I carry Glock 31 mags in my pouch which gives me 15 rounds instead of the 32 mags which are 13.
RepubliCorp
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 7:07amI have two handguns S&W model 10-5 4″ & 2″ that I got in the 70′s. I have never seen a need to go to a case chucker and if you need 17 shots to kill me, you will be taking a dirt nap
Report Post »Kiba
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 3:55pmWho the hell said i had to be told about how glocks were made? Did some of you just take it upon yourself to assume that or what? Who do you guys think you are? I like external safties ok? And if in your eyes that means noone knows anything about firearms but you thats your beef not mine for christ sakes. Screw you. I like external safties, they have been working for many years experts, at least since 1908.Yea i said 1908 not 1911, gee go figure…Lets do this, why dont you like what you like and i will do the same ok? So am i supposed to give you a lecture on safties? And when you say “duuhh” im supposed to say ‘oh you are just some punk that knows how to pull a trigger, geesh friggin grow up will you?
Report Post »SoupSandwich
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:10pmA tool. It is what you get used to. A squirt gun with bleach would handle 99% of the 99%, and that was a quadruple entendre.
Report Post »ZeldaZick
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:10pm.40, .45, or 9mm? Remington 870 or Mossberg 590A1? .223 or .308? M1A or FN FAL?, Colt, Bushmaster, or Smith? AK or AR-15?…… ARE YOU READY TO RUMBLE???????????
Report Post »code green
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:37pmNever go into a gun fight with a caliber that doesn’t start with .4
Report Post »870. I have bet my life on it for 10 years on the street
308. It will do the job without deflection of the .223
Bushmaster is very accurate
The AK is fool proof.
My two bits.
afhveteran
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 3:31pmA whole lot of high-caliber testosterone flowing on this thread now…
Report Post »cemerius
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 9:16amPistol is only good when the rifle is jammed….of course carrying my AR-10 as a conceal is quite difficult lol
Report Post »Wolf
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 6:07pm@ Code Green… …Never go into a gun fight with a caliber that doesn’t start with .4
Report Post »870. I have bet my life on it for 10 years on the street
308. It will do the job without deflection of the .223
Bushmaster is very accurate
The AK is fool proof.
My two bits….”
Which of those calibers starts with a ‘4’?
randy
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:06pmI’ll stick with my Smith and Wesson at home and my KelTec PF9 for myCCW
Report Post »Kiba
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:24pmI dont think you can compare a Kel Tec to a Glock. Thats like putting a Yugo up against a Vette. lol.
ShyLow
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 3:02pmSmith & Wesson governor and Kel Tec PMR 30… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdx0Omd7p5Y&feature=related
Report Post »ThaBigPerm
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:39pmHave a PF-9, and I love* it.
*having break-in issues w/the extractor not “holding onto” the round in the chamber, resulting in the slide coming back but leaving the spent cartridge case in the chamber and jam-city. New extractor and a new break-in period before final judgement rendered. But reliability has to trump all else for a CC gun, so as much as I love the small size/light weight…
Ruger must have spoiled me. Mini-14 tac (the new one with the heavier barrel) and SR40 never fail to rock. Remington 597 (.22LR) spit the extractor, spring, and plunger at the firing range once. Brownels replacement (not factory) been rock-solid since. Pair of Mosin-Nagants that made it through WWII just fine, and work as well for me for plinking and hog hunting. Now I just need a Ruger Gunsight Scout Rifle…
Report Post »markdido
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 9:59pmATI FX45 for “heavy” carry and Kel-Tec PF-9 for “shorts and t-shirt” carry. Kel Tec P32 as a backup.
Report Post »The Scarecrow
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:05pmNever had a problem with any Glock.
Report Post »booger71
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:17pmI love my 17 and my groupings are much tighter.
Report Post »Sandy
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:03pmI have one and love it……..
Report Post »jacques.daspy
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:03pmBut you have to grip it and shoot it sideways according to TV?
Report Post »The Scarecrow
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:10pmLOL! Yeah it’s a special technique some people use to improve accuracy. LOL!
Report Post »PER100
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:37pmthats only idiots on TV and i love it. let them look cool all they want. just gives me more of an edge.
Glock is fine, love the rugers and colts personally
Report Post »Kiba
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:39pmYea thats called the ‘ Hip Hop G-Dog Style” and you are guaranteed to hit any 7 yr. old kid on the block riding her bike within 75 yds., while your target is safe and sound no matter where he may be.
Report Post »babylonvi
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 8:39pmThe need to make a LOT more of these movies and give free tickets to the homeys. Makes the streets a lot safer for the rest of us.
Report Post »fishlore
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 9:04amSWAT teaches you to hold it at a 45 degree angle when quick firing with one hand. While TV is laughable and not correct, there is some method to their madness.
Report Post »Wolf
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 6:13pmThe reason for a 45 degree cant when shooting one-handed is the shoulder muscles aren’t articulated or stressed, bt in a relaxed position and therefore lessen muscle tremble, giving more accurate aim. The ‘homie’ style of laying the weapon flat is just ‘cuz they think it’s cool. It sure is asking Mr Murphy to join the party, though: more opportunity for a spent case not being totally ejected or falling back into (not likely, but possibly) the slide port.
Report Post »So stick to the ‘half homie’ when shooting one-handed. Adjust sighting appropriately.
cloudsofwar
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:01pmglock america’s gun?? when did that happen?? america’s gun is the yankee fist the 45 auto, you know the 1911. if i can‘t have an 1911 i’ll take the colt saa the other american gun.
Report Post »rangerp
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:11pmI have nothing bad to say about the Glock. they are reliable, safe, accurate, easy to clean, and make a great carry gun, great police gun, and good for 3-gun, IDPA, IPSC… I just do not like them personally.
Even though I shoot one well, I do not care to own or carry one (I have owned three).
May sound odd, but there is just something about the combination of blued steel and wood that gives certain pistols a soul. pistols l like the 1911, Browning Highpower, CZ 75, Sig P210…. have a look and feel that you do not get with the tuperware guns. I hear good things about the springfield armory platic pistols, along with the new Smith M&P. They just do not speak to me.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:23pmActually, America’s true gun by identity in every cowboy movie since movies were made, is the Peacemaker in, I believe, .45 Colt (.45 Long Colt).
I do like me a Glock though, have a model 21 (.45 ACP). Still, I do enjoy a nice crisp triggered Ruger Blackhawk single action in hand loaded .45 Colt as well. For concealed carry I go with a Kahr CW 45. Depends on my mood, but you may note a similarity in round caliber if you’re astute at reading my words. :)
Report Post »eagle2715
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:27pmRANGERP
I Have been saying the same thing for a long time… People assume because I don’t prefer a glocks that I have something against them or feel they are inferior… Not the case, just not my type of weapon… Like you said, the best gun in my hands is a 1911… The weight, balance, feel, all of it are what make it my favorite gun…
Report Post »Ookspay
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:38pmGive me a Sig P229 any day, I have ‘em in .40 S&W and 9mm. Feels much more solid and less toy like, especially when racking. I prefer the DA SA of the Sig. Far less hand vibration than the Glock 17 when firing.
It comes down to personal feel, I guess… But confidence in your weapon is a must. I have fired many thousands of rounds through my Sigs, never a problem or FTE. Simple and easy to break down and clean.
But what do I know? If Hollywood and Rappers like the Glock…
Made in Exeter New Hampshire USA
Report Post »Ookspay
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 3:05pm@Ghost, I’m guessing you like the stopping power of those .45ACP’s, huh? I hear you, half of Ohio can probably hear you! LOL, I recently moved down to a 9mm Sig E2, what a sweet sweet weapon. I find that I can stay on target and recover quicker with a 9mm, than a big old Cannon! 124 grain Hydra Shok ammunition in a 15 round magazine seems plenty of power for me.
A little pricey and if you can find it, this is it…
Report Post »http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/p229-e2.aspx
Kiba
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:51pmAhh yea the CZ 75‘s are great Iv’e been a CZ fan since before most people knew anything about them. I used to collect their Mausers and even love the CZ 52 ‘s. I have a pair of 75 pre B’s. Its the perfected hi-power in double action. I have always loved CZ & BRNO.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 10:02am@Ookspay
Yes, the stopping power is my main concern, not my ability to squeeze off 800 rounds in 1 minute. Most firefights of a self defense nature consume less than three rounds and happen at less than 15 feet distance. For those purposes, I want the shot(s) I land to count and put the guy on the floor, even if I just graze him on the ear. :)
To be honest, I haven’t found a handgun yet, besides perhaps the .50 cal. stuff from S&W (that I haven’t tried yet), that I cannot reasonably control. I’m a big guy, and by big I don’t mean overweight/fat, and I’m well trained and versed in all types of personal firearms. I can hold steady 9-ring+ groups at 10-15 yards with a full cylinder in a Super Blackhawk .44 magnum, so a .45 ACP/LC doesn’t present neary any problem in that regard for me.
That said, I begrudge nobody their choice of personal defense firearms, a person has to go with what they’re comfortable with, and as long as they’re on my side, I endorse their choice 100%. :)
Report Post »MittensKittens
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 1:59pmI’m scared of guns, my gran gran has a shotgun in the house in case of home invasion, gran gran’s a good shot for a 92 year old….
Report Post »lel2007
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:33pmI’m scared of knives, swords, and chain-saws. If I’m ever to be slain by an enemy, let it be by gun fire.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 3:12pmTake some training and learn about them. Face your fears, nothing to be scared about guns, except if you are on the receiving end.
Report Post »MittensKittens
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:17pmWow, do you know gran gran?
Report Post »flyoverbob
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 7:22pmIf you would go to a range and tell them you have never fired a gun,before you leave you will be trying to decide what you want to buy.
Report Post »Someone said you will probably never need a gun,but when you need one you will really need one bad.
Concern4Constitution
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 11:53pmI was scared of them too–until I had a situation where I realized I needed a gun one very very long night. Got over my fear of guns right quick.
Report Post »subsailor
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 1:58pmRemember: If guns kill people, then Rosie O‘donnell’s spoon made her fat!
Report Post »The Scarecrow
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:07pmIf guns kill people then so do cars.
Report Post »SoupSandwich
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:07pmShe uses big industrial sporks to better eat everything.
Report Post »justangry
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 11:15amlol, I’m stealing it subsailor!
Report Post »Kiba
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 11:35amThats right, remember “Guns dont kill people, husbands that come home early do”. And like Jeff Cooper said “If you cant handle the problem with one magazine chances are you arent gonna handle it anyway” (or something like that, been a long time ya kno lol.)
Report Post »TH30PH1LUS
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 1:58pmMeh, I’m not a fan of Glock. That double trigger and the angled grip annoy me to no end.
Ed Brown & Les Baer: now those are gun manufacturers who know what they’re doing!
Report Post »gofigureinternational
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:57pmIndeed, you can add Wilson Combat as well.
Report Post »Popp40
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 1:55pmI had one but was not impressed with it…sold it for a Kimber Pro Carry which I am very happy with.
Report Post »Rational Man
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:12pmGood decision!
Report Post »Mine is a first model Kimber Classic Custom.
ZeldaZick
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 1:55pmA Smith “Airweight” for my purse and a Glock 19 for my glove box. Glock has 85%+ of the Police market in the US.
Report Post »Sniper342
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 1:54pmUndoubtedly the best COMBAT firearm in the world. Not necessarily designed for home protection, as it does not have an external safety, but in a combat mode there is nothing better. I love mine and I have several.
Report Post »rangerp
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:16pmsome will argue that the lack of a safety make it more safe. You learn up front not to put your finger on the trigger unless you are ready to fire it
In 25 years of military service, it amazes me how the average man in the Army really does not know the difference between a single and double action, and how many neglegent discharge i have seen. My last trip to Afghanistn i was working with some brits. They just switched over from the old Highpower to the Sig 226. I saw a Gurka NCO shoot a round inside my building because he did not know what he was doing with a double action.
The glock is just simple, there is no decocking lever, no safety, or anything to confuse folks. takes a little to get used to the long creepy double action trigger, but it works
Report Post »eagle2715
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:29pmThe only thing the surprised me more than the lack of weapons knowledge was how many go to USMC boot camp and don‘t’ know how to swim :)
Report Post »TSUNAMI-22
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:37pmI love my P226 Navy. Well worth the money in my opinion. &00+ rounds through it without any failures. Very accurate, too.
Report Post »FORLORNHOPE
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:07pm@TSUNAMI-22
I don’t know much about auto feed handguns, I shoot shotguns also I have a wheel gun I carry when out in the brush. I love reading the Blaze threads when guns are the topic, so many knowledgeable shooters.
I looked up the Navy P226, nice gun. Thanks for the post.
“The SIG SAUER P226 is the pistol that set the standard by which all other combat handguns are measured. Designed as SIG’s entrant in the military trials to replace the 1911, today the P226 is in use by the Federal agents, and numerous law enforcement agencies including the Texas Rangers, Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Michigan State Police to name a few. The exceptional ergonomics and balance make this full-size pistol easy to handle. Its longer barrel yields better ballistic performance and accuracy. The P226 Navy is identical to the pistol carried by the U.S. Navy SEALs-the fleet’s special warfare operators. The railed P226 chambered in 9mm and engraved with an anchor on the left side of the slide is the official sidearm of the SEALs. “
“Beware the man who owns one gun and puts 500,000 rounds through it.”
Report Post »Spyderco
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 1:53pmRuger is also very good.
Report Post »conservativeblackman
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:02pmIm a ruger man as will spyderco
Report Post »PROAMERICAN
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:17pmRuger, All American for the ProAmerican.
Report Post »PPMStudios
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:46pmYeah, I’ve got a few of those too. Love ‘em all.
Report Post »Concern4Constitution
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 11:14pmTook my CCW with the 1972 Ruger my uncle got as soon as he got back from Vietnam. Still the most accurate gun I’ve ever fired (but then again, maybe my uncle might be there in spirit, helping out)
Report Post »The_Almighty_Creestof
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 1:52pmI own 2…a Glock 26 & a Glock 27 (both baby Glocks) and love them. I also own a Kel-Tec Sub-2000 that takes Glock 9mm magazines…love it as well.
You can come close and maybe match them…but you’ll never beat them.
Report Post »Wyratt
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 1:51pmMeh,, I’ll stick with my Kimber TLE .45.
Report Post »Stevsea
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:01pmI like my Kimber M1911A1 .45ACP too but my brother in law’s brother, who is a police officer and former Secret Service man to GHWB, has nothing but praise for the Glock and it’s the one he uses everyday.
Report Post »My Two Cents
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:14pmI have a TLE II and love it but my new G 19 GEN 4 has become my favorite shooter. This coming from a person who swore they would never own a Glock.
Report Post »garyM
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:18pmLove the Colt 45 1911…..Police aren’t allowed to use the 45 for some reason, don’t know why!
Report Post »SFYMP
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:53pmThe police use the 9mm and the .40 s&w so they DON’T kill people. The .45 acp round can kill a person by shooting them in the leg. The speed and weight create a shock wave in the blood stream that pops the brain. They lost too much money in wrongful death suits, so they found non-lethal rounds to use. I’ll take out more with an 8 rd mag. in my colt govt model than most glock shooters with 15. I love all the wannabees with their high tech lasers and such.. When SHTF you wont be effective because you trust in that crappola. I can hit anything i aim my colt at because of the balance, nothing else has it like, a colt 45 auto.
Report Post »Sgt_Rock
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 7:48pm@GARYM – Perhaps the police in your neck of the woods don’t carry .45s, but the cartridge is carried by numerous agencies in various pistols. We have officers who prefer the .45 but not the 1911. Some carry Sig P220, or S&W M&P 45s or even S&W 4500 series. In the 1980s and 90 a lot of agencies did not care for the 1911 (political knee-jerk reaction) so several Manufacturers made a .45ACP pistol. Now, there is a resurgence of the 1911 (or clone) pistols across the board. Many agencies that did not allow it have them as issued pistols. So, if they are not popular where you are, it may be a regional preference or political football. If you live in a large urban area the .45 is often objected to by certain “social justice ” organizations because the leaders of those organization believe the round is evil and meant to kill minorities. Much like the arguments against hollow-point ammunition in the 80‘s and 90’s. Just smoke and mirrors. You ask most people whose life depends on a pistol as a tool, and they will tell you they want a .40 or a .45… occasionally someone will say .357 as well. Apparently where you are they are more interested in appearances than the safety of their officers…let me guess, big liberal urban crap hole…I bet they love the 9mm.
Report Post »Sgt_Rock
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 8:07pm@SFYMP – It’s called hydro-static shock. I have know clue what that other nonsense you mentioned is. The only thing that “pops” the brain is a well placed head shot. Any round can kill you if it hits you in the leg, if it hitsss the femoral artery, but simple impact of a .45 guarantees nothing. It all comes down to the attitude of the target (i.e. will to fight) and shot placement. A well placed round from a .32 cal saturday night special will drop a 400lb Sumo wrestler and a poorly placed .45 can just piss off a 140lb crack head. Caliber means nothing if you can’t hit your threat. Standing on a static range shooting at paper means just as little. 500 shooters aren’t always the winners in gunfights. The same goes for big caliber shooters. Folks should never get caught up in the caliber battle. I hate the 9mm. But I will carry it if it’s what happens to be available. I’m no fan of the .38, but carried one as a back up for ten years. It was the right tool for the job at the time. Undercover I carried a .380acp Walther, because I could conceal it in “surfer” type clothes. I didn’t plan on making 50 yard head shots with it, but if I got burned I could at least put up a fight until help arrived. Use whats available, know it’s limitations and plan around them. That is called tactical thinking, which will do more to save your a** than any weapon.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 10:10am@GaryM
There is no such thing as a Colt 45 1911.
The 1911A1 is chambered in .45ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol). The Colt 45 is a cowboy round that started out as black powder and evolved to smokeless powder, and is now used in both single/double action revolvers and a few lever action rifles. It is significantly longer in case than the .45ACP, and it’s rim is expanded as well. Properly loaded and in the proper *Ruger* Super Redhawk/Blackhawk firearms (the only ones normally safely rated for such loads), the Colt .45 can reach .44 magnum force levels, which the .45ACP can never hope to do.
Report Post »TSUNAMI-22
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 1:51pmIt’s not the gun, it’s the person behind the trigger that makes the difference.
Report Post »ModerationIsBest
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 1:49pmGlocks rule.
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 1:48pmGansta baby. Rap video, drive by’s, and all the action movies.
I still prefer the 1911, or colt .45
Report Post »markastings2
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 3:43pmI Love my Glock! It is perfection!
Report Post »Pontiac
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 11:13am[It is perfection!]
Report Post »Google Glock & Kaboom.
Probably one of the most explosion prone automatics on the market with its non-fully supported chamber because of the feed ramp. Also their use of the same 9mm barrels to chamber .40 cal rounds are weak.
The only thing protecting your fingers from a breach failure is plastic. The back plate in the slide does have the potential to blow out and into your face.
Glock is far from “perfect”…
Wolf
Posted on January 25, 2012 at 6:23pm@ Pontiac- stop spreading disinformation- there‘s no way you’re going to get a .40 round to chamber in a 9mm barrel.
Report Post »As for the barrels blowing up- keep dreaming. Not to mention, the slide isn’t plastic, either.
Maybe you should go to a gun store and actually handle a Glock, or other polymer pistol before you go shooting your mouth off about things you have no understanding.
Pontiac
Posted on January 26, 2012 at 12:08am[there‘s no way you’re going to get a .40 round to chamber in a 9mm barrel.]
Duhhhh. You don’t put a 40 cal bullet down a 9mm barrel, you use the same dimensionally machined blank used for the 9mm barrel and you machine it accept a 40 cal cartridge. What happens then? It becomes thinner. Hell, it was marginal thickness for the 9mm.
[slide isn’t plastic,]
Again, duh. The slide doesn’t shield your hand does it? Instead it forces most of the pressure down towards your hand. There is a metal lug in the front and in the back of the polymer frame meaning there is nothing but plastic between the breach and your hand.
[before you go shooting your mouth off]
Buddy, I’ve practically had guns in my hand since birth. I know damn well what I am talking about. If you took the time to do research on glocks as I suggested you wouldn’t be giving me lip. Glocks disproportionately blow up more often and cause more injury than other top brand automatics when something goes wrong.
Seeing as you’re inept at searching…simply click the below link and educate yourself
http://tinyurl.com/6wp66zn
Don‘t come at me again with your butthurt rage when you can’t even comprehend what I said.
Report Post »ZeldaZick
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:16pmA .357 wheelgun will “Git R done” everytime.
Report Post »Creeker
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 2:59pm…Unless you need a 7th round in a hurry…
Report Post »bombshelterbob
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 9:54pmFloridacracker:
OOOOH YEAH!!! Smith & Wesson M-28 Highway Patrolman, .357 Magnum. It’s big, heavy (you always know where it is and what it is), intimidating at the right end….and in 33 years, it’s never jammed, stovepiped, biten me, or failed to feed. Oh, by the way, it doesn‘t look like my grandson’s toy either.
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