1.An Austrian company that manufactures handguns and other combat equipment, and their products, especially the handguns. 2. Slang generic terms about guns: n. any handgun (usu. that looks 'gangsta'); v. to shoot someone (often with particular implications).
This excerpt is about the guns. Existing definitions on this site accurately portray the specifications of Glock pistols--what cases they shoot, available frame sizes, who uses and likes them. Some major points are missing from the existing definitions, though.
First, one advantage of
polymer frames is weight reduction, and weight is a major concern for
concealed carry weapons (
CCW). This is one reason why gangs (who know something) like them, why
gun nuts like them, and why certain LEO divisions like them (not always an issue for LEO, however).
One-shot ceramic guns do exist--these have nothing to do with
Glocks, and Glocks were never intended to bypass metal detectors. Just to shed unneeded weight. But there are qualms about Glocks as CCW choices. See below.
(But I MUST add that the preferred CCW pistol if size and weight are the main issues, but
stopping power (i.e., >.
380), is the
Kahr PM 9 / PM 40. The Kahr PMs are smaller and lighyer than anything, and very reliable.)
Second, there are two things about
the grip that people don't like. One is that the angle of the grip differs from
1911's, and people who are used to shooting these don't like the angle. Very understandable. Also, they are bulky and
boxy, and the feel is not very intuitive.
Third, part of the grip
gripe has to do with the fact that ammo is stacked diagonally, so that mags have higher capacity. This is an advantage if you plan to be in a TV shootout and need 15-17 rounds in one mag, or plan on missing the target and hitting civilians, houses, etc., but it's a disadvantage in that the added capacity is added weight (remember advantage #1?), and grip girth (#2).
In fairness, the capacity and reasonable size and weight make the
Glock 19 ideal for both carry and home protection ... assuming the owner is proficient.
Fourth, the newer (3rd generation) Glocks are equipped, like many newer guns,
SIG's included, with "rails" on the front. This is for accessories, such as tactical lights. If you don't know what this is, and you get into a
gunfight with someone who does, you're gonna lose. 3rd gen. Glocks also have finger grooves, which are controversial, as they don't fit everyone's fingers.
Fifth, the sights of Glocks (standard white) are
easy to see and use in high stress (combat) situations. This is a minor advantage.
When it comes down to
subjectivity, such as what feels best, what criteria are important for selecting
a carry gun, aesthetics, it's just that: subjectivity. The responsible things to do before making a gun purchase are to (a) get training, or you might shoot someone or yourself (I almost shot myself in the head a long time ago--seriously!), (b) rent and test some guns at a range to see what *you* shoot best, and (c) practice, practice, practice!!! This isn't preaching, it's protocol on how to shoot well and not fuck up.