Glock Slide Stamp: Where Is It Really From?

Glock pistols are manufactured in both the United States and Austria. The majority of Glocks are still made in Austria, but some models are now being produced in the United States. The underlying quality remains the same, but there are some differences between Austrian and US-made Glocks. One of the most notable differences is in the serial number formatting, with Austrian Glocks featuring a 6-digit alphanumeric serial number and US-made Glocks having a 7-digit alphanumeric serial number. Additionally, the country of manufacture is stamped on the Glock, so you'll see Austria or USA on the slide. The metal treatment process and materials used might also differ slightly between the two. Austrian Glocks were initially treated with Tenifer, while US Glocks used Melonite due to EPA regulations. However, newer Glocks from both countries now use the nDLC coating. Another difference lies in the proof marks on the barrel. Austrian Glocks have a 5-sided proof mark with a dot in the centre, while US Glocks feature a football-shaped proof mark with 3D at the centre.

Differences between Austrian and US-made Glocks

There are several differences between Austrian-made and US-made Glocks, which can be seen in their serial numbers, stamps, and finishes.

Firstly, Austrian Glocks have a 6-digit serial number, whereas US Glocks have a 7-digit serial number. The Austrian serial number format is ABC123, while the US format is ABCD123.

Secondly, Austrian Glocks are typically stamped with "Austria" or "Made in Austria" on the slide and frame, while US Glocks are stamped with "USA" or "Made in USA, GLOCK INC SMYRNA GA" on the frame and US on the slide. Additionally, the Georgia proof mark, in the shape of the state of Georgia with a "P" in the centre, can be found on US-made Glocks in front of the slide lock and on the barrel hood.

Thirdly, Austrian Glocks were historically treated with Tenifer, while US Glocks are treated with Melonite, as the Tenifer process is not allowed in the US. The finish on Austrian Glocks is also reported to be blacker and of better quality.

In terms of manufacturing and parts, there is very little difference between Austrian and US Glocks. All tooling, moulds, fixtures, gauging, etc. are manufactured in-house in Austria, and the US facility uses identical machines and materials, with the same strict standards and quality control as the Austrian plant. Glock manufactures every single component of the pistol, including springs and pins, in-house, giving them greater control over production.

While some people claim that Austrian Glocks are of superior quality, others assert that there is no difference in performance between the two. Ultimately, the choice between an Austrian or US-made Glock comes down to personal preference, as both options offer the same reliable performance that the Glock brand is known for.

Serial number formats

Glock serial numbers can indicate the country of origin of the firearm. The format of the serial number, in addition to the stamp of where it was made, can be used to determine whether a Glock was made in Austria or the USA.

Austria-made Glocks have a 6-digit serial number in the format ABC123. They are also stamped with "Austria" or "Made in Austria" on the slide and frame, respectively. The part number on the box starts with a "P".

US-made Glocks, on the other hand, have a 7-digit serial number in the format ABCD123. They are stamped with "USA" or "Made in USA" on the slide and frame. The first letter of the serial number is a "U", and the state of Georgia, with a "P" in the middle, can be found in three locations.

It is worth noting that Glock serial number formats have changed over time. Older Glocks, for example, may have a 2-letter serial number indicating they were made in Austria, or a 3-letter serial number indicating the slide/barrel was made in Austria and the frame in the USA. Additionally, special runs may have an odd model number ending in AUT or US to designate origin.

Glock 42 and import restrictions

The Glock 42 is a subcompact .380 pistol, designed for concealed carry. It is manufactured in the United States and is not subject to any import restrictions.

Glocks are manufactured in both Austria and the United States. The country of manufacture can be identified by the stamp on the slide, which will read either "Austria" or "USA". The serial number can also be used to determine the country of manufacture, with Austrian Glocks having a 6-digit serial number (ABC123) and US Glocks having a 7-digit serial number (ABCD123).

There are no functional differences between Austrian- and US-made Glocks, and the quality and specifications of the two are identical. The only notable differences are the format of the serial number and the stamp indicating the country of manufacture.

Some Glock models, such as the Glock 25, are subject to import restrictions in the United States due to the criteria set by the Gun Control Act of 1968. The Act established a point system, administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF), which determines the importation of handguns based on criteria including the gun's length, height, weight, caliber, construction, safety, features, sights, and grips.

In addition to federal import restrictions, certain states and localities in the United States have their own laws and regulations regarding the importation and possession of firearms, including Glocks. It is important to be aware of and comply with all applicable laws and regulations when importing or purchasing a Glock or any other firearm.

Glock's Austrian manufacturing facilities

Glock has two manufacturing facilities in Austria, one in Deutsch-Wagram and the other in Ferlach. The Deutsch-Wagram facility, located north of Vienna, was constructed in 1999 and houses the most modern production machinery for injection moulding, as well as the full assembly line and test-firing facilities. The Ferlach factory, located in the southern region of Austria, started production in 1987 and has since expanded to house the most advanced metallurgical technologies for handgun manufacturing.

The company also has a subsidiary in the United States, Glock Inc., which was founded in Smyrna, Georgia, in 1985. This facility began full production operations in 2013 and follows the same production standards and procedures as the Austrian facilities. The US facility has about 25% of the production capacity of the Austrian plant and employs over 400 people.

Glock's US manufacturing facilities

Glock has manufacturing facilities in the US and Austria. The US manufacturing facilities are located in Smyrna, Georgia, and were bought by Mr. Glock in the early '80s. The US facility was initially set up to assemble and test fire pistols and to distribute them. The US facility expanded in 2014 and started producing the Glock 42, which is a 6-round, subcompact, .380 Glock. The facility now also produces other models that are commonly found in the US.

The US facility employs over 400 people and has a production capacity of 10,000 guns per week. The Austrian facility, on the other hand, has a production capacity four times that of the US facility. The Austrian facility is also responsible for all research and development. The US facility uses the same machines and materials as the Austrian facility and Glock Austria keeps 100% quality control of every aspect of production.

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