Gaston Glock, creator of handgun that flooded the world, dies at 94
Gaston Glock, a name synonymous with the polymer-framed handguns that have flooded the world, has died. He was 94.
Glock, an Austrian engineer and founder of the gun maker, passed away Tuesday at a clinic in Vienna, according to an announcement made Wednesday by the company. A cause of death was not disclosed.
Glock designed and built the legendary Glock handguns in Austria in the early 1980s and they quickly became the handgun of choice in military and law enforcement around the world. The company has since expanded to making other weapons, including rifles and shotguns, as well as accessories.
Glock was a self-taught engineer with no experience in building firearms when he developed the highly durable and easily mass-produced handguns. He held more than 80 patents worldwide, including for many other innovations such as tooling, buckles and handcuffs.
Glock stated he was inspired by Army-issued Heckler & Koch P9 pistol, and wanted to create something that was “better, stronger and cheaper.” His design was quickly seized upon by military and law enforcement thanks to its durability and price point.
Glock didn’t make his fortune solely from the gun business. He was also a successful entrepreneur, and the Glock family still owns several of the company’s shareholdings.
Reaction to the news of his death spread like wildfire, with fans and opponents alike expressing their thoughts and sympathies on social media. His legacy will continue to live on through the company he founded, as well as the legacy of his firearms in the world.