The new GLOCK P80 recreates that original military firearm down to the original Tupperware-style storage box. It features many First Generation design characteristics like a Gen1 frame with a mild texture grip and sans accessory rail. I’ve always liked the look of the frame without the rail. The Tupperware box gave me flashbacks to the 1980s. In my opinion, the P80 is GLOCK in its purest form. Lipsey’s partnered with GLOCK in 2020 to recreate this iconic pistol and, to pay tribute to the P80.
Like many firearms manufacturers that reintroduce iconic firearms, there is some new engineering to the old design. To pull this off, GLOCK made a new mold that duplicates the original. The original Gen1 mold was repurposed in the early ’90s. The P80 has improvements over the original P80/G17 pistol. And that is a good thing because while the G17 Gen1 was a cutting-edge design when it was introduced, the pistol has evolved through five generations of design changes and tweaks. It makes perfect sense to incorporate those changes into the reintroduced P80. You need to understand the Walther P-38 and the birth of the Wonder Nines to understand why the GLOCK 17 was such a big deal.
Continue reading in the 2022 GCA Journal andgo to the Matrix in 2023 GCA Master Journal for serial number prefixes and ship date.
]]>We do not typically focus on GLOCKs for foreign markets, but from time to time some of these guns are imported into the U.S. and then we take interest. The P9M is one of those guns. Originally spec’d out for the German GSG 9 Anti-Terrorist Unit, a few P9M pistols have made its way to our shores. If you can’t stand the wait go right to “Rare German-Issued GLOCK P9M” and read what we have found out about this rare, unicorn of a pistol based on the G17 Gen2.
Tim Mullen (GCA Life Member #004) shares with us his philosophy on engraved guns like the Colt Government Model and Colt Single Action Army as well as a GLOCK G19M Gen5 deluxe engraved and exclusive with Davidson’s.
The Mariner was offered by Lipsey’s in 2021 and it received a lot of interest. This is another semi-rare GLOCK pistol based on the G19 Gen3 that also has ties to a foreign government on the Pacific Rim.
In the Member Submissions column, our members share images of rare GLOCK patches and detailed specs on aftermarket firing pins.
Finally in GLOCK Q&A we answer member and non-member questions about GLOCKs. Email us your questions and include your name and address. We will not publish your personal information. We appreciate the thought and effort you make when asking questions. It makes all of us more knowledgeable.
Get a copy of the 2022 GCA Journal.
]]>variant as is the .45 Auto G21 which is also now available as a Gen5 model. Lastly the GLOCK G28, the subcompact .380 Auto that was only available to law enforcement, is now available to civilians and the commercial market.
The history of the G20 and G21 pistols have also been updated in the Master Journal. The GLOCK Collectors Association Master Journal comes with any GLOCK Collectors Association membership package or can be purchased separately.
]]>I have heard back from those of you who have read the second edition and thanks for your comments. Mas Ayoob, who I've known forever and I interviewed for the second edition, posted a review of the Book Of Glock. Thanks Mas. It means a lot coming from you. It also means a lot that the Glock community took time to answer my questions and provide images from their Glock collections and background information about rare and unusual Glock pistols.
]]>The Comp-Tac eV2 holster is designed for conceal carry. This holster is designed for appendix carry inside the waistband. The eV2 holster comes with the Comp-Tac Kick, which creates less printing for a more concealable holster. The holster has a minimalist design and is manufactured with comfort.
The Comp-Tac eV2 holster is constructed of aircraft-grade Kydex and has a smooth finish allowing the user to easily draw and re-holster the weapon. The eV2 attaches to the user’s belt with a tuckable nylon clip, which is gentle on clothing while remaining strong and dependable.
Features of the eV2 Holster Appendix inside the waistband holster:
With the introduction of the the G21 Gen5 MOS chambered in .45 AUTO. the Gen5 lineup now offered a favorite, big bore American caliber. Finally a heavy hitting caliber is now part of the GLOCK Gen5 family of pistols.
The new G21 Gen5 delivers better accuracy and offers a softer recoil, plus you now have the option to install an optic. What more could you want in a 45 caliber Glock? All of the Gen5 design enhancements we have come to rely on are in this compact-size, big bore pistol.
The barrel length is 4.61 inches, magazine capacity is 13 rounds, and the new G21 Gen5 weighs 38.62 ounces with a loaded magazine. Over all length in 8.07 inches.
The new Glock 45 caliber also has the nDLC surface finish on the major metal components, which is unmatched in hardness and rust resistance. The high traction Gen5 frame texture gives the user a lot of real estate to hang onto when shooting fast. Other features include a quickly reversible magazine catch, ambidextrous slide stop lever, the GLOCK Modular Backstrap System (MBS), flared magazine well, and high visibility orange magazine followers.
GLOCK debuted the G21 in Second Generation models back in 1999. The 45 AUTO caliber is a favorite of many Law Enforcement agencies and conceal carry license holders.
]]>Back in 2019 GLOCK introduced the G47, an LE-only pistol. As the story goes the G47 was developed for the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and was and still is not available to the commercial market. That has all changed with the new GLOCK G47 MOS. The civilian-friendly G47 MOS offers all the adaptability as the LE version of the G47 plus it comes in an MOS variant. It is also available to the civilian market. The new G47 MOS offers all the same reliability and performance as the G17 Gen5 MOS, but with a shortened dust cover. The G47 MOS also maintains parts compatibility with the G17 Gen5 MOS, G19 Gen5 MOS, and G45 MOS. So this means you will be able to swap the G47 MOS slide assembly with the slide assembly from a G19 Gen5 to create your own compact pistol with a full size grip. Wait! Doesn't Glock already offer a pistol like that? Yes and it is called the G45.
Does this mean the G17 Gen5 and G19 Gen5 models will be discontinued? It makes sense the older Glock model 17 and Glock model 19 will be phased out and replaced with different combinations of the G47 and G45. The reason it makes sense is this: Parts compatibility. The G17 Gen5 and G19 Gen5 use a few different parts, specifically the locking block. All the parts for the G47 and G45 are the same. This cuts costs on manufacturing the pistols and makes it easier and simpler to maintain the pistols.
Just for the record, the G47 MOS is chambered in 9x19mm, has an overall length of 7.95 inches, a barrel length of 4.4 inches, weight with a loaded magazine is 34.29 ounces and the magazine capacity in 17 rounds. Other 19, 24, 31 and 33-round Gen5 magazines are compatible with the new G47 MOS.
GLOCK just announced at The 2023 SHOT Show in Las Vegas the introduction of three new GLOCK pistols: A G20 Gen5 MOS, a G21 Gen5 MOS and a G47 MOS. With these new Glock pistols, GLOCK has expanded the Gen5 family to include 10MM AUTO and .45 AUTO. Now the Gen5 series of GLOCK pistols is nearly complete with models chambered in 9x19, .40 S&W, 10MM AUTO, and .45 AUTO models.
The G47 Gen5 was a Law Enforcement only pistol developed for the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in 2019. The new G47 MOS is now available to the commercial market. The G47 is a unique GLOCK pistol that offers the same reliability and consistency as the G17 Gen5 MOS but with a shortened dust cover. The G47 MOS also maintains parts compatibility with the G17 Gen5 MOS, G19 Gen5 MOS, and G45 MOS.
As you know GLOCK Gen5 models have over 20 design modifications from the previous Gen4 models. Plus Gen5 GLOCK pistols have the GLOCK Marksman Barrel, ambidextrous slide stop lever, rugged nDLC finish, flat front grip strap, and a flared mag-well. These changes offers improved accuracy, performance, control, durability, and flexibility whether you are on the range or in a situation where fractions of a second matter.
The GCA recently received an email about a Glock 20 that was given as a gift. The new owner was looking to learn more about it as it seems to be a "rare" gun. According to the Book of Glock the G20 is a Gen 3 variation 3 and only 500 were made. The serial number falls in between CNS261US and CNS760US. In addition to the unique serial number, this Glock is equipped with the original Crimson Trace red dot that is built into the frame. According to the Book of Glock, the very last paragraph in chapter 26 (rare glock chapter). One of the owner's main questions was is the Crimson Trace red dot make the pistol more valuable? Or was the reason because there was only 500 made or was it due to the fact it was a Gen3 variation 3? When we replied to the owner we said the original Crimson Trace does add some value in addition to the rare serial number and variation 3. But wait, this is when the plot thickens as they say. We asked the owner to send a few images so we could judge the condition of the G20. The owner attached a few images and the G20 not only had the original Crimson Trace red laser installed, it also had an ACOG red dot sight attached. Now that is an old-school red dot!
According to the owner the gun belonged to someone that worked for the government. The original owner requested the 10mm and then had the Crimson Trace laser installed directly after purchasing it as well as a custom frame mounted for the Trijicon ACOG. Beyond that the new owner did not know much else about the G20. The new owner did mention that the frame digs into your hand when shooting the G20.
I remember the old Aimpoint red dot sight. I had one mounted to my S&W Model 41 and that sight was like a brick. The ACOG on this G20 must have been like a cement block. While this setup is impractical by today's standards, it does should the ingenuity of the original owner of the Glock 20. High-tech circa 1989!
]]>Order your signed copy of Gunmen.
]]>The holster fits a G48 and is right-hand draw. What?! You don't own a GLOCK G48? Now would be a good time to invest in a G48 and renew your membership or join the GCA. Just so we are clear, the sweepstakes is for a Comp-Tac eV2 holster, not a GLOCK 48. You are automatically entered for a chance to win this Comp-Tac eV2 holster, when you join or renew with GCA between November 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022. A $60.00 value!
Recently renewed? We'll extend your membership so you never miss out, and are still entered for a chance to win.
The eV2 holster is designed for appendix carry. The eV2 holster also comes with the Comp-Tac Kick, which creates less printing and a more concealable holster. It is a minimalist design that offers comfort in a IWB style holster.
The aircraft-grade Kydex provides a smooth finish allowing you to easily draw and re-holster the weapon. The eV2 attaches to your belt with a tuckable nylon clip, which is gentle on clothing while remaining strong and dependable.
eV2 Holster Features:
Hard to believe but these guns have been around for 25 years.
]]>In this 2022 edition of the GCA Journal, we look at the history of the Big Bore Baby GLOCKs, the G29 chambered in 10mm Auto, and its 45 Auto cousin, the G30. It is hard to believe but these guns have been around for 25 years and are still a benchmark for large caliber, subcompact pistols. We do not typically focus on GLOCKs for foreign markets, but from time to time some of these guns are imported into the U.S. and then we take interest. The P9M is one of those guns. Originally spec’d out for the German GSG 9 Anti-Terrorist Unit, a few P9M pistols have made its way to our shores. If you can’t stand the wait go right to “Rare German-Issued GLOCK P9M” and read what we have found out about this rare, unicorn of a pistol based on the G17 Gen2.
]]>I've been editing the Gun Trader's Guide (GTG) for years and it is a labor of love. From a collecting and value perspective, GTG is invaluable for understanding models and model variants as well as understanding the current value of popular firearms. I also like to take a look at what famous and infamous firearms sold at auction the previous year. Last year a slew of Old West six-shooters were sold that belonged to likes of Pat Garrett and John Wesley Hardin, to name a few. The Hollywood cowboy himself--John Wayne--also had his movie six-shooter sell at auction. Finally, I have always been a fan of Marlin rifles and when Marlin went belly up a few years back it was a sad day. The good news is Marlin is back under the leadership of Ruger. The 44th Edition of GTG is available on Amazon. If you have a question about a firearm's value, post a comment and I'll get back to you. And, in case you were wondering, GTG has current values for all Glock handguns.
]]>All you have to do is opt-in to GCA emails and you are automatically entered for a chance to win these must have gun books. Subscribe and good luck!
The 9MM - Guide to America's Most Popular Caliber will help you raise your 9mm IQ! It is an indispensable resource for the shooter or collector on the history of the 9mm cartridge and understanding 9mm performance for concealed carry, home defense or competition. Some of the most popular 9mm handguns and rifles are reviewed in the book.
Book Of Glock is the best selling guide to all things Glock. With in-depth information on all Glock models—history, serial numbers, rare Glock variants, comparative models, cutaway sales models, and more-it is a valuable resource for both Glock fans and Glock collectors.
You might not recognize the FAB Defense GLOCK magazine at the bottom of the list that’s because it is one of newest aftermarket magazines for GLOCKs. We were sent a pair of the new Glock 17 and Glock 19 Ultimags which feature added capacity, functional texture, and two styles of baseplates.
The F.A.B. Defense Glock Ultimag GLOCK 17 and Ultimag GLOCK 19 magazines offer an additional round of capacity with a total round count of 18 for the Glock 17 and 16 rounds for the Glock 19. Ultimags come with two baseplates; one is standard base option and the second is a tactical base. The tactical base features a lip at the front and course serrations to facilitates easier extraction from a mag pouch with or with out gloves plus is makes stripping the magazine easier in the event of a jam. The standard base has a lower profile and is well suited for conceal carry. These FAB Defense GLOCK magazines are compatible with Gen 1 thru Gen 5 GLOCK pistols.
The GLOCK Ultimag also features a blue follower. The blue magazine follower allows for fast empty status confirmation. What I like about the FAB Defense GLCOK magazines—other than the cost—is the rough texture in key areas to ensure a secure grip with wet and sweaty hands or when wearing a variety of gloves. The texture also makes the magazine easier to load. Witness holes on the right side of the magazine that indicate the number of rounds left in magazine.
I haven’t tested the new Ultimags but they seem to be constructed with heavy duty light weight polymer and steel spring that will stand up to long, hard duty use. They can also be disassemble by hand. No tools required. GLOCK 19 magazines and GLOCK 17 magazines come in four finishes: Block, FDE, OD Green, and Gray.
Did I mention the cost of these aftermarket GLOCK mags is only $19.99? That is an inexpensive GLOCK magazine for sure. Stand by for our test results.
Remember the rumors about FBI GLOCK pistols? The leaked photos and chatter in the online forums that a new generation of GLOCK pistols was on the way? Well, as we all know, those G17M and G19M the agency contracted for in 2016 turned out to be the next generation of GLOCK pistols. Like all LE-only pistols produced by GLOCK the availability of these pistols for the commercial market were slim to none. Except for now.
In October 2019, Lipsey's began offering G17M pistols; 19M pistols became available in December. The question you might want to ask yourself are the commercial M guns worth the extra $250 when you can get a stock Gen5 G17 or G19 for less? If you are a collector the answer is yes. Got to have one of eachStan and I were able to track down SN prefixes on the first run of M pistols. The first run of 17M guns have a SN...Read more in the 2020 GCA Journal.
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What's a Glock Binary Trigger?
The Franklin Armory binary Glock trigger works like other binary triggers. In binary mode, a pull on the trigger fires one round, and releasing the trigger fires a second round. You can get real close to shooting an AR with a rate of fire similar as a fully automatic weapon. But here the legal disclaimer, because the binary trigger requires separate actions to fire each round, the guns are still legally semi-automatic.
The Glock binary trigger ships with more than just a trigger. The kit includes a new slide for the pistol which has a selector switch on it. With the selector up, the gun fires normally. Flip it down however, and the Glock will fire a round on pull and a round on release.
The new binary trigger is currently only available for Gen 3 Glock 17s. The trigger is a fairly complicated mechanism to produce so the MSRP is about at $899. Franklin Armory said the kits will be ready to ship by Q2 of 2022.
We were all guessing what GLOCK's big reveal would be this past December. My money was on a model G44. Others thought maybe a full-size, single-stack .45 AUTO.
I've been fortunate to be invited to new firearm product launches and the invite I received from GLOCK gave me no clue what to expect. On the big day I was in the audience as GLOCK launched the G44 live in U.S., their first .22 LR rimfire. While the G44 is very unique from a GLOCK brand perspective, it is also very much the same. It’s the same size as G19 and with other features you'd expect in a GLOCK pistol: striker-fire trigger, polymer frame and magazine, and plastic sights. It is super lightweight weighing only 15.94 ounces unloaded. The G44 use a simple blow-back mechanism similar to the G25 and G28. I received a G44 sample prior to the January 2020 release and have started to run it. I like rimfire pistols and this new GLOCK is a fun plinker as well as a great training gun. Think of it as a G19 with training wheels. Read more in the 2020 GCA Journal.
A few SHOT Shows ago a pal of mine was telling me how he built a complete GLOCK .45 AUTO pistol without using any GLOCK parts. That's when I first learned about the Lone Wolf Distributors (lonewolfdist.com) Timberwolf frame for both .45 AUTO and 10mm calibers. I had known about LWD for years and, in fact, used an LWD connector in my competition GLOCK. LWD connectors can really make a GLOCK trigger crisper and lighter. As much as the connectors change the feel of the stock GLOCK trigger, the Timberwolf frame changes the girth and grip angle of a G20 and G21. Those of us with average size hands or smaller find the standard G20/G21 grip a bit fat making the pistol more difficult to shoot well. The Timberwolf reduces the grip circumference. The typical G20/G20 grip circumference is 6.4 inches, the SF model is 6.3 inches, but the Timberwolf measures 5.5 inches. It actually feels like you are shooting a 9mm size pistol. Plus the grip angle is similar to a 1911; more straight and less angle. The net-net is the Timberwolf has all the reliability of a GLOCK but with a smaller and more comfortable grip. The full size frame accepts Gen3 and Gen4 G17, G17L, G21, G24, G31, G34, G35, and G37 slides; the compact frame accepts Gen3 and Gen4 G19, G23, G32, and G38. You will need to take delivery of the frame via an FFL. Read more in the 2020 GCA Journal.
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Grade One engraving consisted of scroll work and gold inlays along the top, muzzle and slide cover ends of the slide. Grade Two engraving was similar but included about 25% gold inlay coverage. Grade Three engraving included about 50% coverage in gold. Engraving was done on G17, G17L, G19, G22, G23 and G26 models. In May of 2019 a set of engraved ELP G19s came up for auction through Rock Island Auction. The pistols were not auctioned as a set, but separately. Included in each auction was a letter of provenance stating that each pistol was one of three displayed at the 2002 SHOT Show by GLOCK. The letter confirms the serial number of three pistols and further states that only 10 sets of three factory engraved pistols were known to have been produced with these particular G19 pistols being the first set. This was signified with the gold inlaid "1" on the breech block of the barrel. Read more in the 2020 GCS Journal.
The first two .380 AUTO pistols designed by GLOCK were not intended for the US market but for markets in countries primarily in South America, that prohibit civilian ownership of firearms chambered in military calibers such as 9x19mm Parabellum.
In order to get the pistol to work with the .380 AUTO cartridge, the basic GLOCK locking block design had to be re-engineered as a blowback pistol system. This makes the G25 and G28 pistols unique to other GLOCK pistols. All GLOCKs except for the G25 and G28 use a short recoil, locked breech, tilting barrel. The typical action originally designed by John Browning. In most blowback actions, the breech is not locked at the time of firing. The inertia of the slide and recoil spring, relative to the weight of the bullet, delay opening of the breech until the bullet has left the barrel. A distinguishing feature of both pistols is the shape of the breech block. The front edge of the breech is beveled which allows the pistol to operate as blowback mechanism. The back of the magazine body is also unique allowing users to know visually and tactically it is a .380 AUTO magazine.
As an unlocked mechanism, The G25 and G28 fall below the importation points requirements for the United States. Even though the G25 is about the same size as the G19 and the G28 is comparable to the size of a G26, the G25 and G28 both lose points due to the...Read more in the 2020 GCA Journal.
We've tried the Apex trigger kits on early generation GLOCKs and found Apex triggers reduces pull weight by about 1 pound.
]]>Apex Trigger GLOCK Review
We've tried the Apex trigger kits on early generation GLOCKs and found the Apex kits does reduces trigger pull weight by about 1 pound. What we really like about the Apex GLOCK trigger is it reduces trigger pre-travel, overall travel and reset distance so your follow up shot is faster than with the OEM GLOCK trigger set up. In our opinion the the Apex trigger has a smooth uptake and reset with a crisp break.
The Apex kit is a direct drop-in replacement parts, with no fitting required.
]]>Since GLOCK has been producing pistols they have also been creating embroidered patches to commemorate the launch of their pistols. Patches are common marketing swag. Many other firearms manufacturers at one time or another have given away patches at industry events such as the SHOT Show and the NRA Show. When GLOCK attended their first SHOT Show the booth was, to
be kind, meager at best. It consisted of a table with a gray wool blanket with the GLOCK logo and one pistol, the G17 Gen1. If you have every attended
these shows or any industry trade show the booths are typically over the top with displays and exhibits designed to draw in foot traffic and engage
show attendees.
The original GLOCK patches were cloth with a gold background with black embroidery. These are ultra rare as many of these patches were given to
Chiefs of Police by GLOCK salesman. It is interesting to note that GLOCK started with the word "PERFECTION" on the patch. This may have confused customers since at that time GLOCK was an unknown brand. Read more in the 2020 GCA Journal.
A Regional Manager for GLOCK was instrumental in creating two of the most ultra rare G35 pistols. It all started in 1999. One of the founding GCA members, Ray Reynolds, worked as a Regional Manager for GLOCK and was instrumental in creating two of the most rare G35 pistols. It all started in 1999 when the Arkansas State Police and Kentucky State Police were them considering the purchase of GLOCK 35 pistols. Reynolds requested GLOCK’s Austrian factory to build two prototype compensated G35 pistols with porting similar to the system used on the G17L and G24C. These prototypes would be used for demonstration purposes with the two law enforcement agencies. The two G35C pistols have consecutive serial numbers: CYZ935US and CYZ936US.
Factory documentation states that the pistols were originally received from the Austrian factory on April 7, 1999. Interestingly, the label on one of the boxes reads: “loan pistol”. This labeling of “loan pistol” or “loan” label has been encountered on some very rare guns. The word “loan” also appears on the box of one of our GCA member’s unique G17C prototypes. So we can confirm this label has been used by GLOCK. Read the full story in the 2020 GCA Journal.
]]>Here's what else you can except in the 2021 GCA Journal:
Subcompact G26 and G27: Baby GLOCKs
The G26 and G27 were GLOCK’s first production micro-nine and micro-forty pistols, respectively. The Subcompact Model 26 chambered in 9mm was GLOCK’s answer to the ultimate back-up and conceal carry pistol.
For The Man In The Open: G20
Most of us who carry weapons on a daily basis do so in urban settings. As a consequence, even though we are preparing to confront the most dangerous animal in the world—the human being. The G20 chambered in 10mm Auto is security indeed.
.40 Caliber Comeback: G23 Gen5 Review
To say the G22 and G23 were popular in LE circles and civilian circles is an understatement. The G22 was most likely the best selling police handgun at the time thanks to the .40 S&W caliber.
GLOCK .40 Retrospect
A Look Back At GLOCK’s First .40 Caliber Pistols. Back in 1980s, 9mm GLOCK pistols completely changed the way Law Enforcement (LE) and militaries around the globe viewed a handgun. By the time the 1990s arrived there was a new caliber on the block.
GLOCK’s Edge
Identifying Gen1 and Gen2 Field and Survival Knives. Before the development of the pistols, GLOCK was producing small parts and products for the Austrian military in the 1970s. This equipment consisted of polymer belt buckles, components, and more.
The Book Of Glock is the best selling book on GLOCK history, models, serial numbers and prefixes, GLOCK pistol reviews, and a whole lot more. We're bundling Book Of Glock with 9mm: Guide To America's Most Popular Caliber. In 9mm you will find an indispensable resource on 9mm history, performance as well as options for concealed carry and home defense plus lots more. It's packed with reviews on new and iconic 9mm pistols and rifles.
]]>Crossbreed Holster donated this ultimate conceal carry rig consisting of The Reckoning Holster IWB holster constructed of Kydex and leather and Crossbreed's Classic Gun Belt.
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