Gaston
Glock, an Austrian engineer and successful businessman and manufacturer of
injection molded parts and components, founded GLOCK in 1963.
In the
1970s, the development and production of the first military products began with
the development of a line of knives, grenade casings and machine gun belt
links.
In the
early 1980s, the GLOCK semi-automatic service pistol was born in response to
the needs of the Austrian Army. Its polymer frame and the SAFE ACTION® System
developed revolutionized the pistol market
Mr.
Glock's innovative design successfully passed a series of stringent tests
against national and international competitors. In 1983, the Austrian Army
accepted the GLOCK pistol as its new service pistol.
Shortly
after, in 1984, the GLOCK 17 passed the NATO durability test with flying
colors. As a result, the pistol was selected by the Norwegian Army as its
standard sidearm, putting GLOCK on the path to becoming the sidearm of choice
for international law enforcement.
In
November 1986, the company opened its US headquarters, GLOCK, Inc., in Smyrna,
Georgia.
The
GLOCK pistol would soon be available in various sizes and would accept
ammunition of different calibers. This combination, along with the simplicity
and reliability of Mr. Glock's design, revolutionized the pistol market.
Development
and start-up of first military products, such as field knives (FM 78),
components for fragmentation and training grenades and machine gun belt links.
Development
of the innovative excavation tool (Folding Shovel) with surface-treated blade
that can be locked in three positions for multiple uses. The hardened saw
located inside the handle can be quickly mounted if required.
