PMCI December 2015 | Page 30

pmcimagazine.com GLOCK – THE WORLD’S HANDGUN I will come straight out and say this; if you have ever been in any professional firearms setting then undoubtedly you will have used one of the many models of Glock handgun available today! The Glock series of handguns represents one of the greatest steps forward in pistol design since the introduction of the venerable Colt M1911. Inspired by the Austrian Army’s request for a new sidearm in 1980, the Glock company set to work designing and developing a revolutionary new weapon that combined reliability, firepower and the very latest in material technology. Within two years it had been adopted by the Austrian Army, but such were its qualities that within a decade the handgun was a dominant presence in global military, law enforcement and civilian markets. More than 2.5 million have been sold to date, and they are in use with more than 50 nations. In the USA alone, the Glock has taken 65% of the law enforcement market! This collectors guide follows the evolution of Glock from concept through to being a real market leader, and explains each of the many variants and calibres, starting with the original G17 and working through to the very latest Gen 4 models. Looking at the Glock’s practical use, the story is both dramatic and, at times, controversial. Glocks have been fired in earnest in the most varied of contexts; users include the British Army, The French Naval Commandos, Geramn GSG9, the FBI and dozens of State Police Forces in America. Add its pervasive appeal in civilian handgun markets, and the Glock currently stands as one of the most influential sidearms of the last 50 years. Illustrated with more than 200 colour and black and white artworks and photographs, “Glock” is an expertly written account of one of the most important handguns in the world today. The author, Chris McNab is an experienced specialist in outdoor survival techniques and military fitness training and has written over 50 books including titles in the popular “SAS and Elite Forces” series. Author: Chris McNab Publisher: ISBN: 978-1- Price: £19.99 Amber Books 78274-256-2 30 pmcimagazine.com