Glock’s list of discontinued models swelled to 34 models—54 if you include Gen variants—this month, which caught many fans by surprise. The news first leaked on Oct. 20. The next day the famed Austrian manufacturer issued a press release stating, “Yesterday, a retailer NOT affiliated with Glock Inc. made premature statements concerning the availability of certain Glock pistols. The individuals making these representations are not authorized to speak for Glock.”
“As part of Glock’s commitment to future innovations, we are making necessary updates to our product line to align with upcoming offerings,” the official announcement explains. “Our dedication continues to be with maintaining the highest level of quality, reliability and accessibility that you expect from Glock.”
New offerings are expected to hit retail shelves by December and, “The Glock V Series is here to establish a baseline of products while simplifying our processes.” Soon-to-be-available models will include the: G17 V; G19 V; G19X V; G45 V; G26 V; G20 V MOS; G23 V; G23 V MOS; G21 V MOS; and G44 V. A quartet of distributor-exclusive pistols will consist of the G19C V, G45C V, G17C V and G19X V MOS TB. All will wear a distinctive “V” on the frame.
Reason and Reassurance
The are no plans for the firm’s pistols to undergo radical cosmetic or ergonomic changes. The press release explains, “Externally, the pistols remain the same trusted look and performance you already know.”
“In order to focus on the products that will drive future innovation and growth, we are making a strategic decision to reduce our current commercial portfolio. This streamlined approach allows us to concentrate on continuing to deliver the highest-quality and most relevant solutions for the market,” according to the above-linked webpage. Glock will continue to service all generations of its pistols, including discontinued models.