Glock's Austrian Roots: Why The Country Of Origin Matters

Glock handguns are manufactured in both the United States and Austria. The only difference between the two is the format of the serial numbers and the stamp of where it is made. Glock has a pretty good quality control, and there is no difference in quality between the two. The rest of the components come from Austria, and Glock Austria keeps 100% quality control of every aspect of production.

Differences in serial numbers and stamps

Glock serial numbers are located at the bottom of the frame toward the front, on the barrel at the ejection port, and on the slide under the ejection port. The only serial number that matters to the ATF is the one on the frame.

The differences in serial numbers and stamps between Glocks made in Austria and those made in the USA are primarily in the format of the serial numbers and the stamp of the country of manufacture. Austrian-made Glocks have a 6-digit serial number in the format ABC123, while USA-made Glocks have a 7-digit serial number in the format ABCD123. Additionally, the country of manufacture is stamped on the slide, with "Austria" or "USA" indicating the respective country of origin.

Some users have also noted that the type of steel used may be different between Austrian and USA-made Glocks due to the Pentagon stamp, but this has not been confirmed.

It is worth noting that the quality and performance of Glocks are generally considered to be the same regardless of whether they are made in Austria or the USA. The machines, parts, and manufacturing processes are consistent between the two locations, ensuring that the Glocks produced are identical in terms of specifications and performance.

Austrian Glocks are more expensive

Another factor to consider is consumer preference. Some buyers may have a stronger preference for Austrian-made Glocks, believing them to be of higher quality or wanting the country of origin to be Austria, which leads to higher demand and prices for these models. This perception of higher quality may be influenced by the fact that Glock originated in Austria and has a longer history of manufacturing firearms in the country.

Additionally, there are slight differences in the manufacturing process between Austrian and American Glocks. Austrian Glocks have a different finish on some metal parts due to EPA regulations in the United States. The traditional "Tenefer" coating used by Glock cannot be applied to American-made Glocks, but newer Glocks, regardless of their country of origin, now use a new "nDLC" coating.

It's important to note that Glock asserts that there is no difference in quality between the firearms made in Austria and those made in the United States. The machines and manufacturing processes are identical, and the parts are interchangeable. However, some consumers still perceive Austrian Glocks to be superior, which contributes to their higher price.

US Glocks are banned in California

Glock pistols are popular among gun enthusiasts and are known for their build quality and reliability. However, in the United States, the company's products have faced legal issues in certain states, particularly California, due to strict gun control laws. California has gained a reputation for its complex and restrictive firearm regulations, making it challenging for gun owners to navigate the legal landscape.

US-made Glocks, also known as "USA Glocks", have indeed been banned in California. This ban specifically targets US-made Glocks and not those manufactured in Austria. The reason for this discrepancy lies in the serial number format and the place of manufacture stamp. California's gun laws require certain firearms to be listed on the state's "Roster of Certified Handguns." This roster includes specific models of Glocks, such as the Glock 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, and 29. However, the presence of a gun on this roster does not guarantee its legality, as different generations of the same model may have varying legal statuses. For example, the Glock 17 Gen 3 is legal, while the Glock 17 Gen 4 is not.

The legal intricacies surrounding gun ownership in California extend beyond the make and model of the firearm. The state has strict regulations regarding magazine capacity, with a limit of ten rounds, and any modifications made to a firearm must also comply with the state's definitions of "assault weapons" and "unsafe handguns." California's gun laws are notoriously complex, and even minor alterations to a firearm can inadvertently result in legal consequences.

The consequences of possessing a banned firearm in California can be severe, and it is essential for gun owners to be diligent in ensuring their compliance with the state's ever-evolving gun control regulations. While US-made Glocks are banned, Austrian-made Glocks are not inherently illegal in California. However, specific models and generations of Austrian Glocks may still be prohibited under the state's complex gun control laws.

Austrian Glocks are treated with Tenifer, US Glocks with Melonite

Austrian-made Glocks and US-made Glocks are treated with different processes, despite being manufactured with the same machinery and meeting the same standards. Austrian Glocks are treated with Tenifer, while US Glocks are treated with Melonite.

Tenifer is a metal treatment process that was used by Glock until 2010 when they stopped due to EPA concerns around the cyanide salts that are a byproduct of the Tenifer process. Melonite, also called nitrite, has been used for all guns made since then and results in harder metal surfaces than Tenifer. Both Tenifer and Melonite are similar nitriding processes and metal treatments—they are not the finish. The finish is applied after the metal is treated.

The only differences between Austrian-made and US-made Glocks are the format of the serial numbers and the stamp of where the gun is made. Austrian Glocks have serial numbers in the format of ABC123, while US Glocks use ABCD123. Additionally, Austrian Glocks will have a "Made in Austria" marking, while US Glocks will have a "Made in USA" marking.

Despite the different treatments and markings, there is no difference in quality between Austrian-made and US-made Glocks. Glock is an ISO 9001 certified company, which means that their processes are consistent across all manufacturing locations. Both types of Glocks use the same raw materials, machinery, and processes, and meet the same standards.

US Glocks are assembled in Georgia

Glock pistols are manufactured in both the United States and Austria. The US-made Glocks have an American-made frame, slide, and barrel, while the remaining components are sourced from Austria. All materials for manufacturing the frame, slide, and barrels are shipped from Austria to the US facility, where the guns are assembled and test-fired. The US facility is located in Smyrna, Georgia, and employs over 400 people.

The US-made Glocks are marked with "MADE IN USA, GLOCK INC SMYRNA GA" on the right side of the frame. They also feature the Georgia proof mark—the shape of the state of Georgia with a "P" in the center—on the front of the slide lock and on the barrel hood. The left side of the slide is marked with "US" instead of "AUSTRIA".

There is no difference in quality between the US-made and Austrian-made Glocks. Glock Austria maintains 100% quality control over every aspect of production, and the manufacturing process in the US is identical to that in Austria. The machines, tooling, molds, and concrete floors in the US facility are the same as those in the Austrian plant. Glock manufactures every single component of the pistol in-house, allowing for strict quality standards and consistency across production facilities.

While some people may have a preference for Austrian-made Glocks due to the company's origins or the idea of "authenticity," others may choose to support American-made products and provide jobs for their fellow Americans. Ultimately, the decision to purchase a Glock made in the US or Austria is a matter of personal preference, as both options offer the same build quality and performance.

Frequently asked questions