Gaston Glock, the Austrian engineer renowned for revolutionising the small arms industry and establishing the globally acclaimed Glock brand, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 94, News About Nigeria reports.
Glock Inc. confirmed the founder’s death on the company’s website, providing no specific cause of death.
The company paid tribute to Gaston Glock, acknowledging his profound impact on the small arms industry during the 1980s.
Glock not only transformed the industry but also positioned the Glock brand as a leader in the global handgun market.
The Glock pistol, favoured by law enforcement agencies, achieved widespread recognition, featuring in blockbuster movies such as ‘Die Hard 2’ and ‘U.S. Marshals’.
Additionally, the Glock pistol is mentioned in numerous rap songs, including Wu-Tang Clan’s ‘Da Glock’.
Born in Vienna, Austria, in 1929, Glock initially supplied knives and bayonets to the Austrian Army in the 1970s.
His big moment came in 1980, when he identified the army’s need for a new handgun.
Despite not personally owning a handgun, Glock collaborated with experts to create what would become the groundbreaking Glock 17.
The Glock 17, a semi-automatic handgun crafted from industrial plastic or polymer, featured a magazine capacity of 17 rounds and an additional round in the chamber.
Adopted by the Austrian Army in 1983 and the Norwegian Army in 1984, the Glock pistol became the standard sidearm for various military forces.
Gaston Glock’s influence extended to the United States, where Glock Inc. established its headquarters in Smyrna, Georgia, in 1985.
The company claimed that over 65% of U.S. federal, state, and local agencies were equipped with Glock pistols, solidifying the brand’s presence in the American market.
