Glocks In Austria: Superior Quality Or Standard Production?

There is a lot of debate surrounding the differences between Austrian-made Glocks and those made in the USA. Some people believe that Austrian-made Glocks are of higher quality due to the country's expertise in manufacturing the product. However, others argue that there is no difference in quality between the two, as the same standards, machines, and materials are used in both countries. While there may be slight variations in the serial numbers, stamps, and metal treatment processes, the performance, reliability, and overall functionality of Glocks remain consistent regardless of their place of manufacture. Ultimately, the choice between an Austrian or American Glock comes down to personal preference, with some users preferring to own firearms manufactured in their country of origin.

Serial number format

Glock serial numbers are typically three letters followed by three numbers (e.g. ABC123), although some users have reported four-letter serial numbers. Austrian-made Glocks have serial numbers in the ABC123 format, while US-made Glocks follow the ABCD123 format.

The serial number is not the only way to identify the origin of a Glock. Austrian-made Glocks are stamped with "Made in Austria", while US-made Glocks are stamped with "Made in USA, GLOCK INC SMYRNA GA". The latter also feature the Georgia proof mark—the shape of the state of Georgia with a "P" in the centre—on both the frame and the slide.

Metal treatment process

The metal treatment process for Glocks manufactured in Austria and the US differs slightly. Austrian Glocks were treated with Tenifer, a metal treatment process that is now banned in the US due to the cyanide salts produced as a byproduct. US-made Glocks are treated with Melonite, a similar process that results in harder metal surfaces.

Both Tenifer and Melonite are metal treatments and not finishes. The finish is applied after the metal treatment and can be scratched without exposing the underlying metal to corrosion.

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Finish/coating

The finish on the guns is one of the few differences between Austrian-made and US-made Glocks. Austrian Glocks were traditionally treated with Tenifer, a finish that is not allowed in the US. US Glocks are treated with Melonite, though on almost all newer Glocks, Glock has moved to a new "nDLC" coating, which can presumably be applied in both Austria and the US.

The finish on the US-made Glocks is described as having a "bluish hue" or a "brown hue", while the Austrian Glocks have a "blacker" finish.

One source notes that the Austrian Glocks were subject to a different finish due to EPA regulations in the US.

Another source states that the US Glocks are "rougher" and not as much quality as the Austrian Glocks, and that the finish on the US Glocks has more "small marks, dings and imperfections".

However, one source claims that there is "absolutely no difference" between the finishes of the two, and that the only difference is the stamping.

Markings

The markings on a Glock pistol can indicate whether it is made in Austria or the USA. On the frame of an American-made pistol, the right side will be marked "MADE IN USA, GLOCK INC SMYRNA GA". In front of the slide lock, you will see the Georgia proof mark, which is the shape of the state of Georgia with a "P" in the centre.

On the slide of an American-made pistol, the right side, behind the extractor, will feature the Georgia proof mark. On the left side, it will be marked "US" instead of "AUSTRIA".

The barrel of an American-made Glock will also be marked differently. It will not have the Austrian 5-sided proof mark but will instead feature a football-shaped proof mark with "3D" in the centre. On top of the barrel hood, you will find the Georgia proof mark and the word "US".

The serial number format also differs between Austrian and American-made Glocks. Austrian Glocks feature a 6-digit serial number in the format "ABC123", while American Glocks have a 7-digit serial number in the format "ABCD123".

Country of origin

The country of origin of a Glock is important to many buyers. Some people prefer Glocks made in Austria, the country where Glocks originated, while others opt for American-made Glocks to support local manufacturing.

Austrian-made Glocks are often considered more desirable due to their country of origin and are more popular in the US. Glock's Austrian factory has a strong reputation for its quality control, manufacturing every component of the pistol in-house, and using the same machines and materials as the US facility. Austrian Glocks are also said to have a more durable finish due to regulations in the US.

On the other hand, Glock's US facility in Smyrna, Georgia, uses identical manufacturing processes and machines imported from Austria. Glock USA even uses the same concrete for its floors as the Austrian plant. The US facility produces models in the most common calibres for the domestic market, while the Austrian plant focuses on rarer calibres and exports to countries outside the US. Glock USA also assembles and test-fires Austrian-made Glocks, so they are nearly US-made.

In terms of performance, some users claim that Austrian Glocks have a smoother action, while others find no noticeable difference between the two. Ultimately, the choice between an Austrian or American-made Glock comes down to personal preference, as both options offer the same build quality and reliability that the Glock brand is known for.

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