You heard about the Glock 17 and the Glock 19 but have you heard of the Glock 18?
It is a bulky pistol with a 9mm bullet capable of firing up to 1200 rounds every minute. The model is very similar to the real one – the Glock 17, but there is an additional button, which allows one to switch between singlе shot/firing and rapid-fire and this is also the reason this model is very popular among people who shoot airsoft guns too.
This switch works because of a trick you are likely to see in the following explanation. There is another piece at the trigger which strikes a metallic part when one wants to switch on the full-auto mode.
This keeps the gun firing as long as the trigger is being pulled! The Glock 18 is capable of full-automatic fire and is still manageable at the same time, and that’s why everybody wishes he had one of these beside him. As for the Glock 18C model which is a derivative of the G18, its design is such that it allows for the release of the gas and hence minimizes the motion of the gun upwards during firing.
In this blog post, the author seeks to detail some of the specific attributes of the Glock 18 and why it is unique among all the variants of Glock’s pistols.
History of the Glock 18
The Glock 18 was introduced in 1986 as a 9mm select-fire pistol which is intended for military and police use based on the request from an Austrian counter-terrorism unit. The main difference between it and previous models is the ambidextrous, rotating, lever-type fire-control switch on the left of the slide. This switch, indicated with indented dots, allows switching between semi-auto and full-auto versions of the weapon.
The Glock 18C was issued in 1996, in order to improve control during full-auto firing. This model comprises a compensator around the front part of the slide to minimize the rising of the gun muzzle when the gun is fired at a very high rate. The compensator has several ports which progressively increase in size from the rear to the front; the gas emerges at the top and forces the barrel downwards during high-frequency shooting.
The semi-automatic pistol Glock 18 employs the Browning cam-lock system. The handgun is designed with an extremely rigid frame mounted with a linkless vertically tilting barrel that locks into the slide. After firing as chamber pressure decreases and the bullet leaves the barrel the barrel and the slide go into unlocking. This is done through camming done through a lug extension ramp at the base of the barrel and a locking block dovetailed into the frame.
In contrast to most of its counterparts, besides the striker-fired mechanism, the Glock pistol has no hammer. This is a firing pin which is partially cocked each time the pistol is reloaded into the breach. The Luger’s trigger works by pulling it back fully racking the striker back and into position to fire. An integral disconnector can then discharge the striker to fire the cartridge and then move the striker back to its half-cock position.
Safeguard Glock termed this as the Safe Action trigger which in a way is unique to it and cannot be interchanged with parts from other Glock models.
The Evolution and Generations of the Glock 18
The Glock 18 appeared in the world many years ago, and throughout the years, it has gone through several modifications and improvements, primarily to consider its efficiency, durability, and usability. Such knowledge enlightens the changes and the technical and aesthetic aspects of this firearm and its evolution.
Glock 18 Gen 1: This model was released in the mid 1980’s and while the Glock 18 was quite modelistic to the Glock 17 Gen 1, it had some minor differences. It had a polymer frame, a Slade made of steel and the Airsoft Glock Safe Action System consisting of three safeties. Its unique selling point was an outside trigger selector which allows the user to switch between the semi-auto and full-auto options.
Glock 18 Gen 2: The second generation of the Glock 18 introduced subtle improvements that focused on ergonomics and durability. These enhancements included a revised grip texture and a larger magazine release button. The Gen 2 model retained the external selector switch for full-automatic capability, maintaining the strong build and reliability of its predecessor.
Glock 18 Gen 3: The Glock 18 Gen 3, known as the most recognizable version, brought several important upgrades. This generation introduced an accessory rail for attaching tactical lights or laser sights, increasing its utility in various operational contexts. Improvements to the grip texture and the addition of finger grooves ensured a firmer and more comfortable grip.
Glock 18C: One such variant is the Glock 18C which comes along with an integrated compensator. This compensator is mounted on the slide and barrel and it assists in the reduction of muzzle lift and recoil when firing several rounds at once. This enhancement renders the firing control of the Glock 18C when firing on full-automatic mode better hence improving control.
The Glock 17 Gen 4 provides more accessory Picatinny rails, and incorporates more custom backstrap options, via the dual recoil spring assembly, and aggressive textured grip pattern, well suited by different types of shooters.
Key Features
- Full-Automatic Mode: The first and one of the most important modifications that can be considered is the full-automatic mode of firing, at the possibility of shooting with the rate of approximately 1,200 rounds per minute.
- Selector Switch: Located on the left side of the slide this switch allows the user to select between semi automatic and fully automatic.
- Design and Build: Like other models from the Glock company, the Glock 18 is made of polymer for the frame where the steel makes for the slide. It has the Safe Action System, the three of which are independent safety mechanisms meant to improve trigger safety.
Applications and Usage
The Glock 18 is predominantly utilized by military and law enforcement agencies due to its substantial firepower and adaptability in tactical scenarios. It is especially useful in close-quarters combat, where the capability to quickly unleash bursts of fire is often essential. However, its full-automatic feature restricts its suitability for civilian use in many areas due to safety and regulatory considerations.
For testing purposes, the Glock 18 was fired with different types of 9mm bullets and magazines including those made by Glock and third parties. It worked efficiently; the cannon did not jam at any one point.
Personal Testing
In full-auto, this is one tough product. Believe it or not, the recoil of the Glock 18 is quite manageable. Its design, especially the polymer frame, enables it to absorb recoil adequately. To shoot at a particular target, positioning the sights about a degree to the lower middle of the target ensures that one takes shorter bursts of three to four rounds, especially if he leans forward slightly to overcome the camera’s backward recoil.
Why the Glock 18 Continues to Be Popular
Despite its restricted availability and the complexities of its legal status, the Glock 18 continues to captivate firearm enthusiasts and collectors. Its distinctive attributes and historical importance contribute significantly to its lasting appeal.
Full-Automatic Firing Capability: A key feature that makes the Glock 18 highly attractive is its full-automatic firing mode, which allows it to shoot up to 1,200 rounds per minute. This rare capability distinguishes it from most other handguns and offers a unique experience for owners, fueling its desirability among gun enthusiasts.
Historical Significance: In the history of firearms, the Glock has established a special niche for itself. It is one of the very few pistols designed for fully automatic firing which is a dramatic shift in handgun design. This historical feature makes it fascinating to collectors and historians who embrace exclusive innovations in the fire control system.
Versatility and Design: The Glock 18 has attributes such as reliability, durability and ease of handling as observed in other Glock models. Its polymer frame, Safe Action System, and its high capacity magazines increase its flexibility. The full-automatic mode, and the possibility to have the compensated model like in the Glock 18C, define the gun’s versatility and its widespread usage.
Limited Availability and Exclusivity: Owning a Glock 18, and more so a pre-1986 legally registered one, makes it all the more awe inspiring. These are models that are rare to find within the market and are greatly favored amongst collectors; they are considered the key asset within the community. To describe, possessing a Glock 18 legally can only be a dream due to the legal complexities attached to the gun and this makes it all the more attractive.
Strategic Uses: The ability of the Glock 18 to fire in bursts, or full-auto, makes it suitable for use by Military or Police forces in contexts where their enemies are heavily armed. In close range use, this feature is particularly helpful to discharge flurried shots and is the best feature that keeps the Glock 18 as a smart and treasured weapon for tactical purposes.
Where to Purchase a Glock 18
For those who meet the stringent criteria for owning a Glock 18, here are some potential avenues to consider:
- Licensed Firearms Dealers: I suggest you contact other business people who hold licenses to deal in firearms, especially NFA firearms. It will be able to give details on how to acquire a pre-1986 registered Glock 18 and will help in the lengthy procedure of acquiring the same.
- Firearms Auctions: Pre-1986 registered machine guns, including the Glock 18, sometimes become available at high-end firearms auctions. These auctions are attended by collectors and individuals who hold the necessary licenses to legally acquire such firearms. Platforms like Airsoft Station, are the home of everything you need to dominate the airsoft field. Whether you’re an airsoft starter or a seasoned expert, you can find everything from spring airsoft guns, pistols to gas rifles, electric guns to airsoft grenades., Airsoft Station is a valuable resource for collectors seeking a Glock 18.
- Firearms Collectors’ Networks: Joining networks or associations of firearms collectors may turn out to be beneficial. Some members can buy unusual and legally transferable firearms and they may have useful information concerning a sale.
- Direct from Manufacturers (For SOT Holders): Other legal ways of getting a Glock 18 model is through buying it from the manufacturer or an authorized dealer through legal means that is through the purchase of a SOT license.
Conclusion
Thus, the Glock 18 is a true innovation on the basis of the earlier versions including the Glock 17 and the Glock 19 in terms of full-automatic fire. This model not only improves tactical operations through the faster shooting capability but also appeals to collectors and gun lovers because of historical and scarce gun models. The company has always been an innovator in the field of firearm industry and invariably the glock 18 is a living example of it. Direct access to it for those who meet the requirements and desire to hold this marvelous gun in their hands is available for visits in your local airsoft store. These airsoft stores are persons of recognized skill of status in the firearm community which means that they have access to the exclusive auctions in addition to having a strong collector base. Embrace the legacy of Glock and consider adding the iconic Glock 18 to your arsenal through a trusted airsoft store, enriching your collection with a piece of firearm history.