About the Glock 17 phenomena....
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The Lone Haranguer
Member
If low price were the only criteria, why not take it to its logical conclusion and buy a Hi-Point? 
Glock makes a good gun, period. It is reliable (by far the most important), durable, reasonably accurate and easy to learn to shoot.
Glock makes a good gun, period. It is reliable (by far the most important), durable, reasonably accurate and easy to learn to shoot.GTSteve03
Member
When I finally sat down and completely detail-stripped my Glock 17, I couldn't believe how simple it was. It was exactly like my AK in that it only consisted of a few parts and it has been utterly reliable.
I believe that this simplicity combined with reliability is what makes it so popular. To continue the AK analogy, the AK is neither the most accurate nor comfortable rifle, but due to its simplicity, reliability and relative inexpense, it remains globally popular.
I believe that this simplicity combined with reliability is what makes it so popular. To continue the AK analogy, the AK is neither the most accurate nor comfortable rifle, but due to its simplicity, reliability and relative inexpense, it remains globally popular.
CountGlockula
Member
Hello and welcome aboard!
I'd say both. As for a quality and reliable pistol, the price is very reasonable that it enables me to purchase multiple Glocks. I honestly can't believe that such a great gun can go as low as $450 brand new here in the US. As for reliability with the other brands...it's a toss up between personal experience. As for myself, my Glocks haven't had any issues.
Thanks for the pics!
I'd say both. As for a quality and reliable pistol, the price is very reasonable that it enables me to purchase multiple Glocks. I honestly can't believe that such a great gun can go as low as $450 brand new here in the US. As for reliability with the other brands...it's a toss up between personal experience. As for myself, my Glocks haven't had any issues.
Thanks for the pics!
earlthegoat2
Member
They are accurate enough, they shoot always, they dont feel good but good enough, they are fugly, they are inexpensive.
Cost benefit analysis of most people puts Glocks high.
Cost benefit analysis of most people puts Glocks high.
michiganfan
Member
I love em because they are pull fom holster point and shoot.
I got the glock because it was the cheapest option of all of the ultra-reliable pistols. I had been to numerous gun shops in different parts of the state on my quest for my first pistol and everywhere I went and everybody I spoke to said good things, so I didn't feel like I was missing out on quality getting the cheaper gun. I also noticed that more guys that work in gun shops carry a glock than anything else. That may not be true everywhere, but that's what I saw.
I'm a best-bang-for-the-buck kind of shopper. That's why I have a Glock, Stag AR, Stevens 200, and Savage Mark II. I consider each of them the best dollar for dollar weapon in their respective category.
I'm a best-bang-for-the-buck kind of shopper. That's why I have a Glock, Stag AR, Stevens 200, and Savage Mark II. I consider each of them the best dollar for dollar weapon in their respective category.
mljdeckard
Member
I consider them to be idiot and abuse proof. I'm not saying it's impossible to ruin one, but it's harder to destroy one than just about any other pistol.
Other pistols, if I were to buy them used, I would want a smith to look them over first. With a Glock, I do a function check, and call it good. If I HAD to get a gun RIGHT NOW, without time to test it and decide if it's ok, it would be a Glock, every time.
Having said that, I do not currently own one.
Other pistols, if I were to buy them used, I would want a smith to look them over first. With a Glock, I do a function check, and call it good. If I HAD to get a gun RIGHT NOW, without time to test it and decide if it's ok, it would be a Glock, every time.
Having said that, I do not currently own one.
RogersPrecision
Member
Light,
accurate,
reliable,
durable,
high capacity.
inexpensive.
accurate,
reliable,
durable,
high capacity.
inexpensive.
Guess it’s time for me to crap in the sandbox, eh?
This ‘Merican has no love for ‘em-‘course, I don’t dislike ‘em either (I’m a pragmatist, which puts me at odds with the majority of the population). They’re fine weapons, but not the end-all as some make ‘em out to be. They have warts/advantages/disadvantages like ‘bout all makes/models, but I’m sure you already know that.
Grip angle never worked for me, so I’ve never really considered ‘em, although it looks like by process of elimination, I may possibly end up with a G20 since it looks like we’ll soon be able to CC in National Parks, and the G20 sounds like the best available choice of a semi-auto for use against large 4-legged critters.
To answer your original question, from what I’ve followed over the years, Glock offered excellent deals to law enforcement agencies (low bidder, dochaknow), thus getting a BIG foot in the door. Once a large number of agencies had ‘em, lots of folks had to have ‘em ‘cause that’s what the (insert favorite law enforcement agency here) carries! 'Course, the saturation of the LE market spilled over into the movies/TV/pop-thug culture, and there ya go!
Now before ya go flaming, I know that doesn't apply to a lot of Glock owners, but for a lot of 'em, it appears it did.
Personally, I prefer the XD line (as well as HK USPC and a couple of SIG's).
Absolutely reliable, rock solid construction, doesn't rust, consistent trigger pull, easy to maintain, lots of customization options, high capacity, accurate.
Apart from that they stink.
Without wanting to start the usual flame war, I read an article recently that was written by one of the Thunder Ranch instructors, and his comment was that the only gun able to keep up with the Glocks in their training classes were well tuned 1911s.
Apart from that they stink.
Without wanting to start the usual flame war, I read an article recently that was written by one of the Thunder Ranch instructors, and his comment was that the only gun able to keep up with the Glocks in their training classes were well tuned 1911s.
ReadyontheRight
Member
I think it's that the trigger is a great compromise. It's not a long, clunky DAO and it's not a hair-trigger single-action.
It's a semi-auto many people can shoot safely and accurately without having to remember anything other than the trigger. (AND watching out the recoil doesn't bite the hand of first-time shooters!).
Lightweight, reliable, holds a lot of rounds, consistent trigger. I don't think the price has very much to do with the popularity of the Glock in the USA.
It's a semi-auto many people can shoot safely and accurately without having to remember anything other than the trigger. (AND watching out the recoil doesn't bite the hand of first-time shooters!
).Lightweight, reliable, holds a lot of rounds, consistent trigger. I don't think the price has very much to do with the popularity of the Glock in the USA.
tnieto2004
Member
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2007
- Messages
- 1,389
They are solid and go BANG. They are easy to take apart. That is why I love them.
Snarlingiron
Member
Dead nuts reliable.
Dead nuts reliable when full of mud.
Dead nuts reliable when wet.
Dead nuts simple.
No de-cocker.
No external safety lever.
No grip safety.
1 trigger pull.
requires little maintenance.
When required, maintenance is easy and cheap.
Parts are readily available, cheap and seldom needed.
Highly accurate. If you aren't shooting them as accurately, that's more than likely the operator, not the weapon.
I like 'em, can you tell?
Dead nuts reliable when full of mud.
Dead nuts reliable when wet.
Dead nuts simple.
No de-cocker.
No external safety lever.
No grip safety.
1 trigger pull.
requires little maintenance.
When required, maintenance is easy and cheap.
Parts are readily available, cheap and seldom needed.
Highly accurate. If you aren't shooting them as accurately, that's more than likely the operator, not the weapon.
I like 'em, can you tell?
Riss
Member
Shot many Glocks for the past 16 years. Still have my issues with them BUT, if you want to know what my favorite go to gun is. A Glock 35 IPSC L-10 gun with a really big magwell. Can shoot the thing for 1000 rounds or more before it needs a cleaning. And rarely ever jams up, no FTE's and no FTF's. Try that with a $3000 custom 1911.
1. Inexpensive and affordable to the masses.
2. Reliable.
3. Low maintenance and rugged design.
4. High capacity magazines.
5. Easy to operate, just load, point, shoot.
6. Accurate enough.
I got rid of my glock a long, long, time ago as the fit and trigger were not for me. I'm a 1911 devotee, but do respect a good firearm, and glock IS a good firearm.
2. Reliable.
3. Low maintenance and rugged design.
4. High capacity magazines.
5. Easy to operate, just load, point, shoot.
6. Accurate enough.
I got rid of my glock a long, long, time ago as the fit and trigger were not for me. I'm a 1911 devotee, but do respect a good firearm, and glock IS a good firearm.
The Glock is a phenomena, no doubt.
The Glock handgun revolutionized modern handgun design proving that simple designs using modern materials could successfully replace the iconic and brilliant handgun designs of the second world war.
While the CZ75, the Smith and Wesson Model 59, and the Beretta 92 preceded the Glock, all were basic copies of exsisting designs with the most important offering being a larger capacity magazine and even that was old school copying and revamping of the FN P35 magazine.
The Glock was completely new and showed the way towards modern handgun and even rifle designs.
It is just as important a design as the Browning/Colt 1911.
The Glock handgun revolutionized modern handgun design proving that simple designs using modern materials could successfully replace the iconic and brilliant handgun designs of the second world war.
While the CZ75, the Smith and Wesson Model 59, and the Beretta 92 preceded the Glock, all were basic copies of exsisting designs with the most important offering being a larger capacity magazine and even that was old school copying and revamping of the FN P35 magazine.
The Glock was completely new and showed the way towards modern handgun and even rifle designs.
It is just as important a design as the Browning/Colt 1911.
kmrcstintn
Member
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2006
- Messages
- 1,236
hard to say if there is just one reason; I like them and dislike them at the same time; I like the ease of use, reliability, accuracy, and plethora of accessories available; I dislike the grip angle & no restrike capability on nonignited primers
Here we go again, my gun is better than yours and no decent elite superman would ever use a gun that the common peasant would. Why would I carry a Glock that same weapon your typical flat foot beat cop would carry when I am Navy Seal, Delta, or some other fantasy Hollywood superhero. Well to answer that question heres what Glock can do.
Mass issue - I can take twenty Glocks, break them down to the smallest piece, through all the parts in a plastic bag, shake it up, put all the guns together with mismatched parts and they will all work. And on top of this I can do all this in under 20 minutes. That means simple fix.
Reliability - I have carried Glocks through rivers, lakes, and in the Ocean (ocean has to do with sea kaiak adventure, just learning) . A moment of stupidity (no sleep for several days) caused me to leave one on a tire and get it ran over by a Suburban, other than a few scuffs still works perfect. I pull the trigger and it goes bang, EVERY time.
Super magazines - Yes at $15 a pop, now $19 for LE, you can bounce them off cement, through them, kick them, and just plain don't take care of them, and they work and work and work. And when just as all mags fail, you toss them and get another for only $19.
Super tough finish - I have a Glock, not as beautiful as some of the closet queens we see, it has been used, and carried, dropped (yes it happens), and as said before ran over, and just plain neglected at times, and not one ounce of rust to be found anywhere. Sure the parkerizing that makes it look all black and new is wearing off over the tenifer finish yet it is still protected by that super hard finish.
Really good customer service - lose a little part, need some new spring cups, striker spring etc., call factory rep on cell phone, parts dropped shipped, in gun next day. Without argument there customer service to law enforcement is better than any other company I have worked with.
Cost - no, just cause it is the least expensive, does not always make things crap. If you believe this you are a car salesman's dream. Why do so many law enforcement agencies cary them, well when working with tax dollars, why not buy something that works for less, so you don't look like an idiot having to replace everything a year down the road. Cause you know someone is going to say, Why didn't we just get Glocks? You can also get officers armorer certified in one day.
Simplicity - key to survival, pull gun from holster, aim, pull trigger. Yes I know this does not include, clear front sight picture, proper sight alignment and smooth trigger press, although that applies to every handgun.
Great trigger - yes it acts like a 2 stage with take up, although it is no double to single like you get in a lot of other combat handguns. The first trigger pull is the same as the last. And one thing I can say, if you think the trigger sucks on a Glock, then learn trigger reset so you are using it proper, before you past judgement.
I know some self made fantasy football elitist always steer clear of the common mans gun, in fear they may be mistaken for common. Although I can say without a doubt, I own Sig, HK, Colt, Smith, CZ, Beretta, and I carry a Glock by choice. Need we say more.
Mass issue - I can take twenty Glocks, break them down to the smallest piece, through all the parts in a plastic bag, shake it up, put all the guns together with mismatched parts and they will all work. And on top of this I can do all this in under 20 minutes. That means simple fix.
Reliability - I have carried Glocks through rivers, lakes, and in the Ocean (ocean has to do with sea kaiak adventure, just learning) . A moment of stupidity (no sleep for several days) caused me to leave one on a tire and get it ran over by a Suburban, other than a few scuffs still works perfect. I pull the trigger and it goes bang, EVERY time.
Super magazines - Yes at $15 a pop, now $19 for LE, you can bounce them off cement, through them, kick them, and just plain don't take care of them, and they work and work and work. And when just as all mags fail, you toss them and get another for only $19.
Super tough finish - I have a Glock, not as beautiful as some of the closet queens we see, it has been used, and carried, dropped (yes it happens), and as said before ran over, and just plain neglected at times, and not one ounce of rust to be found anywhere. Sure the parkerizing that makes it look all black and new is wearing off over the tenifer finish yet it is still protected by that super hard finish.
Really good customer service - lose a little part, need some new spring cups, striker spring etc., call factory rep on cell phone, parts dropped shipped, in gun next day. Without argument there customer service to law enforcement is better than any other company I have worked with.
Cost - no, just cause it is the least expensive, does not always make things crap. If you believe this you are a car salesman's dream. Why do so many law enforcement agencies cary them, well when working with tax dollars, why not buy something that works for less, so you don't look like an idiot having to replace everything a year down the road. Cause you know someone is going to say, Why didn't we just get Glocks? You can also get officers armorer certified in one day.
Simplicity - key to survival, pull gun from holster, aim, pull trigger. Yes I know this does not include, clear front sight picture, proper sight alignment and smooth trigger press, although that applies to every handgun.
Great trigger - yes it acts like a 2 stage with take up, although it is no double to single like you get in a lot of other combat handguns. The first trigger pull is the same as the last. And one thing I can say, if you think the trigger sucks on a Glock, then learn trigger reset so you are using it proper, before you past judgement.
I know some self made fantasy football elitist always steer clear of the common mans gun, in fear they may be mistaken for common. Although I can say without a doubt, I own Sig, HK, Colt, Smith, CZ, Beretta, and I carry a Glock by choice. Need we say more.
westpoint64
Member
- Joined
- May 29, 2008
- Messages
- 5
The G17 was the "foot in the door".
But, really, the G22 .40 caliber was the door, the gun that "made" Glock with US law enforcement. Coming out as it did at the time when American law enforcement was still transitioning from revolvers, it offered many agencies a compromise pistol they could live with- a gun that had the same round capacity as 9mm pistols but was a larger caliber pistol with better perceived stopping power. (And after the FBI shootout, there was a good bit of concern about 9mm stopping power here).
The .40 Smith and Wesson cartridge simply took American law enforcement by storm in the 1990s. Probably no other handgun cartridge in the 20th century was ever as quickly wanted and accepted. The FBI wanted it and many agencies wanted it. Glock was the very first manufacturer to offer American law enforcement a .40, and they offered them a gun that could continually hold up under the high pressures and stout pounding of the .40 cartridge.
This, as much as anything, explains why Glock got such a huge market share of the lawman market and why the rest of the public followed.
But, really, the G22 .40 caliber was the door, the gun that "made" Glock with US law enforcement. Coming out as it did at the time when American law enforcement was still transitioning from revolvers, it offered many agencies a compromise pistol they could live with- a gun that had the same round capacity as 9mm pistols but was a larger caliber pistol with better perceived stopping power. (And after the FBI shootout, there was a good bit of concern about 9mm stopping power here).
The .40 Smith and Wesson cartridge simply took American law enforcement by storm in the 1990s. Probably no other handgun cartridge in the 20th century was ever as quickly wanted and accepted. The FBI wanted it and many agencies wanted it. Glock was the very first manufacturer to offer American law enforcement a .40, and they offered them a gun that could continually hold up under the high pressures and stout pounding of the .40 cartridge.
This, as much as anything, explains why Glock got such a huge market share of the lawman market and why the rest of the public followed.
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