By The 9MM teamAbout 6 min readLast updated:
Introduction: Glock
Few names in the world of handguns are as widely recognised as Glock. In police stations, security units and shooting ranges around the world, the Austrian pistol with its black frame and simple lines has become almost synonymous with the word "pistol". Behind that modest appearance, however, lies a fascinating story of a company that made no firearms at all in its early years, and an engineering idea that changed an entire industry.
In this guide from 9MM Shooting Range in Kfar Saba, we explore Glock's history, the technology behind its popularity, its leading models and what to know before coming to shoot.
The History of Glock
Glock was founded in 1963 by Gaston Glock in the Austrian town of Deutsch-Wagram. Contrary to popular belief, the company did not begin as a firearms manufacturer. In its early years, it made everyday products such as curtain rods, later producing field knives and entrenching tools for the Austrian army. Its military connections and experience with modern materials laid the groundwork for its next step.
The turning point came when the Austrian army began looking for a new service pistol. Glock developed the Glock 17, which the Austrian army adopted in 1982. Success followed quickly: the new pistol attracted the attention of security and police forces in many countries and, within a relatively short time, became one of the world's most widely used pistols among law enforcement and security organisations.
Over the years, the company repeatedly refined the design through a series of generations, from Gen1 to Gen5. Each generation brought improvements to ergonomics, grip and small details affecting the shooting experience, while retaining the core principles that made Glock what it is.
At the end of 2025, Glock made a dramatic move: it discontinued production of most existing models and introduced the V series, including the G17 V, G19 V, G45 V and G26 V. Available from December 2025, the new models mark a new chapter in the company's history.
Technology and Innovation
Glock's success rests on two central ideas. The first is the polymer frame. At a time when pistols were made mainly from metal, using a strong, lightweight synthetic material was a bold step. The polymer frame reduced the pistol's weight, contributed to durability in field conditions and simplified manufacturing.
The second idea is the Safe Action trigger system. Rather than an external manual safety, safety features are built into the mechanism itself, making the trigger press part of a controlled process. The result is a pistol with a simple, consistent interface, something particularly valued by organisations that train large numbers of people.
Another defining Glock characteristic is mechanical simplicity: relatively few parts, straightforward disassembly for cleaning and maintenance, and extensive compatibility between different models in the family. That simplicity is one reason Glock is a common choice among beginners and professionals alike.
Remember: even with safety features built into the mechanism, the shooter's safety practices remain decisive. Keeping your finger outside the trigger guard, always pointing in a safe direction and treating every firearm as loaded are principles we teach on every visit. We also recommend reading our shooting safety rules.
Popular Glock Models
The Glock family is extensive, with each model serving a slightly different purpose, from a full-size service pistol to a compact carry handgun. These are the best-known models:
- Glock 17 (G17) — the model that started it all, adopted by the Austrian army in 1982. A full-size pistol more closely associated with the brand than any other model.
- Glock 19 (G19) — a more compact version, considered a good balance of size and comfort. One of the company's most widely used models.
- Glock 26 (G26) — a particularly small pistol intended primarily for concealed carry.
- Glock 43X (G43X) — a slim model designed for comfortable everyday carry, with a relatively long grip for its size.
- Glock 48 (G48) — a slim model with a longer barrel, for those seeking a narrow profile alongside stability when shooting.
With the introduction of the V series at the end of 2025, some familiar names received new versions, such as the G17 V and G19 V. You can ask the range staff which models are available to shoot.
Who Is It For? General Advantages and Drawbacks
Glock is considered a natural choice for anyone looking for a reliable, widely used pistol that is simple to operate. It suits licence holders seeking an everyday carry pistol, security professionals and beginners who want to learn a platform supported by extensive accumulated knowledge and experience.
- General advantages: a simple, consistent interface, relatively low weight thanks to the polymer frame, convenient maintenance and a range of sizes to suit different needs.
- Possible drawbacks: some shooters find the grip angle less natural, while others prefer the feel of a metal frame or a mechanism with an external safety. This is personal, so trying it is the best way to find out.
No pistol suits everyone. The choice depends on hand shape, intended use and personal preferences. This is precisely why professional training and hands-on experience before making a decision are so valuable.
Tips for Training with a Glock Pistol
When training with a Glock for the first time, you will quickly notice that it is relatively light and simple to operate. That simplicity makes it particularly worth focusing on the fundamentals: a high, stable grip, a smooth trigger press without pulling the pistol sideways, and methodical work on sight alignment.
Another recommendation is to practise at a pace that allows you to stay in control. A few accurate shots are better than many fast shots without assessing the results. A professional instructor can quickly identify habits that need correcting and save you considerable time spent on ineffective practice.
Shooting a Glock at the Range
At 9MM Shooting Range in Kfar Saba, licence holders are welcome to bring their own pistol and train at modern shooting stations under professional supervision. To improve accuracy, stability and safe drawing, consider personal coaching and accuracy training with an instructor.
New to shooting? Start with an introductory shooting experience with an instructor, including a safety briefing and a structured explanation of the firearm. Those beginning the licensing process can read about initial firearms licence training.
You can ask the range staff which models are available to shoot. Want to compare? Read about SIG Sauer and IWI, then book online.
FAQ about Glock
Come shoot at 9MM Kfar Saba
Want to experience shooting up close? At 9MM Shooting Range in Kfar Saba you'll find advanced lanes, certified instructors and uncompromising safety. Ask the range team which models are available to shoot.