The indestructible Glock 17: Torture test legends and unparalleled reliability (2024)

In the late 20th century, a revolutionary handgun emerged from Austria that would forever change the firearms industry. The Glock 17, a polymer-framed, striker-fired 9mm pistol, quickly gained a reputation for unmatched reliability and durability, solidifying its place as a favorite among military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. This article delves into the legendary torture tests that cemented the Glock 17’s status as one of the most resilient and dependable semi-automatic pistols ever created.

The Austrian Army’s Brutal Trials (1982)

Shortly after the Glock 17’s introduction in 1982, the Austrian Army subjected the new pistol to a series of grueling field tests. These trials included freezing the gun in a solid block of ice and subjecting it to temperatures exceeding 212°F (100°C). Remarkably, the Glock 17 endured these extreme conditions and continued to function flawlessly, earning it the Austrian Army’s pistol contract.

Miami Police Department’s Helicopter Drop Test (1987)

Five years later, the Miami Police Department sought to replace its officers’ revolvers with semi-automatic pistols. Sgt. Paul Palank, the department’s armorer at the time, took the torture testing to new heights. In a daring move, he dropped a Glock 17 from a helicopter at an altitude of 400 feet. Apart from a broken front sight, the pistol remained operational, convincing the Miami PD to adopt the Glock 17 as their standard-issue sidearm.

Chuck Taylor’s Legendary Endurance Tests (1990 – Present [sic])

Perhaps the most renowned Glock 17 torture tests were conducted by Chuck Taylor, a U.S. Army Special Forces Vietnam veteran, renowned firearms instructor, and author. Initially skeptical of the Glock due to his preference for the M1911A1 and .45 ACP, Taylor eventually conceded, They work.

Taylor’s endurance tests began in 1990 [sic] with 10,000 jam-free rounds without cleaning the Glock 17. As he later wrote, No other pistol I knew of would have gone anywhere near 10,000 rounds and still work. But the torture didn’t stop there.

At a staggering 325,000 rounds, Taylor’s Glock 17 finally experienced a trigger spring breakage, leading to a stoppage. However, after a quick repair, the gun continued firing. Even after another hundred rounds, when the firing pin tail chipped, the Glock 17 remained functional.

Taylor’s tests also showcased the Glock’s resistance to rust and corrosion. He intentionally submerged the pistol in saltwater for 30 days, and later, for an astonishing six months. Upon retrieval, the only corrosion evident was on the slide stop lever, which wiped off easily. Taylor’s Glock 17 endured submersion in mud, sand, dust, and snow, yet it never malfunctioned.

The Glock’s Tenifer finish, more rust-resistant than stainless steel, played a crucial role in its exceptional durability.

While the Glock 17 may not be the most accurate pistol on the market, its practical accuracy remains impressive. As Taylor noted, even after 325,000 rounds, his test Glock 17 could still cluster decent ammunition within an inch or better at 15 meters from a Ransom Rest.

In conclusion, the Glock 17’s legendary status is undoubtedly rooted in it.

Source: eraweekly.com/the-indestructible-glock-17-torture-test-legends-and-unparalleled-reliability/