It was cheaper to produce because of the polymer frame, was easy to maintain, and reliable. The Glock 17 had extraordinary magazine capacity for the time at 17 rounds. Was able to beat out these reputable established brands. But still, this first-timer still created a product so well-conceived that it We are talking about H&K, FN, Sig Sauer, and Beretta. The other companies competing for the military contract all had extensive experience and reputation in the industry.Therefore it doesn’t matter how old you are when you start something, all that matters is that you have the will to see it through. Gaston Glock was already in his 50s before he started development on his first pistol.I particularly find the story of Glocks winning the bid for their handgun fascinating for two reasons. In 1981 Glock secured the patent for their handgun design and in 1982 what we know today as the Glock 17 was born and accepted into military service with the Austrian armed forces. This was the first time the company would develop a firearm after just recently getting a contract with the Austrian military for manufacturing bayonets. Development of the first Glock model began in 1980 by Gaston Glock (the owner of the company) after he overheard military officers discussing the need for a new service pistol to replace the Walther P38.īeing a fabricator of curtain rods and polymers the officers did not have such high hopes in the Glock design.