View Full Version : USA Made Glocks??
At the range saw a Glock 17 Gen 3, started talking to the guy and he showed me that its made in the USA. Anyone seen one of these? Are they just as good quality as the Austria ones? Only reason I am asking is the guy has a few G17's and offered me one at a pretty fair price. Would look nice next to the G19. I am just worried that they made not be the same quality as the ones made in Austria? I checked through the search feature and did not find it.
Frames starting in 2004 and then slides and barrels in 2009.
There is a resource thread on GT that pretty much lists every variation, born on dates and such based on serial number. Good for sorting out "FrankenGlocks" if that matters to you: http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1287557
Frames starting in 2004 and then slides and barrels in 2009.
There is a resource thread on GT that pretty much lists every variation, born on dates and such based on serial number. Good for sorting out "FrankenGlocks" if that matters to you: http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1287557
Thanks man, just want to make sure its still a Glock lol
Frames starting in 2004 and then slides and barrels in 2009.
There is a resource thread on GT that pretty much lists every variation, born on dates and such based on serial number. Good for sorting out "FrankenGlocks" if that matters to you: http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1287557
I'm slightly confused. I have one made in 2012 and the frame is clearly marked "made in Austria". The slide has "Austria" stamped into the side as well. Is the whole thing made in Austria or are all of the parts made there and it is just assembled here or what?
My understanding is that Glock could not get EPA approval for the Tenifer finish on US made guns. I understand that all the guns that have been produced here had been shipped out of the country pending EPA finish approval for US distribution. Because the original Tenifer finish is produced with very toxic chemicals the finish on US guns was changed (EPA) and is not as good as the original Austrian guns. When Glock's blue label LE program starts using US guns then I will buy one, but not until then.
It is confusing...Glock has been considered by some to be a bit aggressive with the regulations and the use of the "Made in USA" moniker for financial reasons. There are groups of medium and large frames in each model that were made in the US, and in Austria, same with slides. When demand outstripped the Smyrna GA production, requisite parts came from Austria, some were even imported by way of another country. All the components, some or none could be Austrian on any one particular Glock. The frames however, have the "US" on the serial plate if they were US made. While I "heard" of a G23 that got sold in GA with mis-matched serial numbers from Glock, it has not been verified and I think it is probably untrue. Even if you have a "US" serial number, it is still possible (some say probable) that the barrel and slide are Austrian, shipped unmarked, and assembled in GA, then marked and coated. The 19/23/31 frames are the most common to be USA made.
I "heard" the whole thing about the EPA and tenifer finish thing. I asked on of attorneys that represents Glock about it when he was in my office and he said that was not true.
While I was looking at the G17 USA stamped, I instantly noticed the color is a lot darker than my G19. The feel on the surface of the slide felt different as well. The owner said that he has had no problems out of it at all, but was very disappointed on the finish. He stated that if he looks at it wrong it scratches.
My gen 2 Glocks always had a nice, black finish on the slide. Sort of rough, but not too rough. My newest one has more of a dark gray finish and is really rough. Both finishes seemed to be equally tough though.
I don't believe that a US in the serial number has anything to do with being made in the US. It appears that gen 2 Glocks coming to the US from Austria had the US at the end of the serial number. Of my Glocks the ones with US in the serial and stamped made in Austria are made Apr 95, Jul 95, Oct 96, Apr 99, Apr 01 and Nov 01. And mine without US in the serial and stamped made in Austria are made Mar 03, May 05, Nov 06, Jul 07, Mar 08, Apr 08, Apr 09, Jul 09, Jan 11, Jul 11, Sep 11, Apr 12, Oct 12 and Jun 13. It appears that some time between Nov 01 and Mar 03 they stopped putting US in the serial number of Austrian made guns. I do not have a Glock stamped made in USA. The only exception is the Jan 11 Glock has USA in the serial because it is a commemorative.
I don't know what year the gen 3 models came out, but they were import guns for sure when they first came out. That's why they have the "target grips" so they could meet the criteria for being a sporting arm.
I re-certified my Glock armorers course last week. The guns made in the US are the same quality as those made in Austria. He told us the Austrians actually oversee the line production here and can control/modify all aspects by computer from Austria. They changed to a nitride coating because of environmental concerns here in the US, although he never mentioned the EPA specifically.
One big reason they moved some of their manufacturing to the states was to avoid the ATF import point system, as US made guns don't have that issue. This lack of restrictions should open the market for different models.
Their .380 pistols aren't importable, because of the points required, but IF they were made here, the point system wouldn't apply, just sayin'. :)
I re-certified my Glock armorers course last week. The guns made in the US are the same quality as those made in Austria. He told us the Austrians actually oversee the line production here and can control/modify all aspects by computer from Austria. They changed to a nitride coating because of environmental concerns here in the US, although he never mentioned the EPA specifically.
One big reason they moved some of their manufacturing to the states was to avoid the ATF import point system, as US made guns don't have that issue. This lack of restrictions should open the market for different models.
Their .380 pistols aren't importable, because of the points required, but IF they were made here, the point system wouldn't apply, just sayin'. :)
Thanks. That post makes sense.
kidicarus13
12-12-2013, 20:22
Their .380 pistols aren't importable, because of the points required, but IF they were made here, the point system wouldn't apply, just sayin'. :)
Shot Show 2014
38049
I'm told that the one coming at the Shot Show is a new design in 380, smaller.
38049
I'm told that the one coming at the Shot Show is a new design in 380, smaller.
The Glock guy didn't come right out and say it, however he said "if I were a betting man" I wouldn't be surprised to see something in a .380 and possibly something smaller (.22) early next year. No promises, but if it is true I'll be in line to get some new guns.
Ironic ad, as I've never had a zippo work for more than 2 days before it dried out.
Ironic ad, as I've never had a zippo work for more than 2 days before it dried out.
Yeah. My Glock won't fire a shot after the magazine runs empty either.
Yeah. My Glock won't fire a shot after the magazine runs empty either.
[Ignore]
osok-308
12-13-2013, 17:02
I'm slightly confused. I have one made in 2012 and the frame is clearly marked "made in Austria". The slide has "Austria" stamped into the side as well. Is the whole thing made in Austria or are all of the parts made there and it is just assembled here or what?
The US plant might not be able to support all the demand yet. My gen 4 was made in Austria as well. But it would be great to have Glocks made in the US as well. Their plant (or at least customer service) is based in Smyrna, Georgia.
Hear they're going away from Tupperware...[Coffee]
Hear they're going away from Tupperware...[Coffee]
Oh, yeah? Well I heard they are going to make a 1911. [Coffee]
Oh, yeah? Well I heard they are going to make a 1911. [Coffee]
Saw the pics of the 1911 and the revolver. That's what my inside sources tell me. Also tell me a polymer derringer is coming out next summer......
Seriously, I already have my micro Sigs and XDs and do not want to be tempted by another micro.
NightCat
12-14-2013, 21:46
Saw a book at Specialty Sports all about Glocks and it has a section devoted to serial number markings and rare glock stuff and whatnot.
Quite a few Glock's have been made here.
Jeffrey Lebowski
12-16-2013, 18:46
The US plant might not be able to support all the demand yet. My gen 4 was made in Austria as well. But it would be great to have Glocks made in the US as well. Their plant (or at least customer service) is based in Smyrna, Georgia.
Both my Gen 4s are Austrian too. I've been wanting (looking for) a USA Gen 4, but haven't found yet. :(
Someday!
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