Today’s feature comes to us from our companion service, Shooting News Weekly.
GLOCK has announced the discontinuation of more than thirty models of their uber-popular handguns yesterday in a move prompted by a combination of litigation and “right-sizing.” The company posted the full list here. The only models not discontinued will be the their single-stack models such as the 42, 43, 43X and 48X. As for the stated reasoning for the move, the company said this . . .
Why is GLOCK discontinuing so many models?
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.
What does this mean for me as a customer?
You’ll still have access to the most popular GLOCK models you know and love—just with a more focused selection.
Will discontinued models still be supported?
Yes! Just like we do with previous generations. We will continue to service discontinued models.
Do these portfolio changes affect law enforcement agencies?
GLOCK remains fully committed to supporting the varying needs of our law enforcement partners. While IOP programs may be affected, GLOCK is prepared to work closely with LE partners to make sure officer and agency needs are met. For more questions, contact your LE District Manager.
Well, streamlining their commercial portfolio is one of the objectives. GLOCK is axing pistols chambered in now arcane calibers like .45 GAP, and .357 SIG.
GLOCK will also be stopping production of whatever remaining Gen3 pistols they’ve been producing. That will be a problem for people in California who’ve been enjoying what Perfection® they can with the few Gen3 pistols that were still in production and are on the not-so-Golden State’s approved handgun roster.
The other more significant reason for the move is a legal one. Last week, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill outlawing “machinegun-convertible pistols.” What that really means is GLOCKs that, with the illegal addition of illegally produced switches, either imported from China or 3D-printed, can be made to fire fully automatically.
In December GLOCK will begin shipping a series of new models with “V” designations after the model numbers. The new V models will have rear plates and redesigned trigger bars that will prevent the use of full-auto switches. There will be new models in 22, 9mm, 40 S&W, 10mm, and 45 ACP. Firearm distributor Lipsey’s sent this notice to their customers with the new model numbers of the guns GLOCK will continue to produce.
So there you have it. While GLOCK no doubt had long wanted to streamline its product list, this was doubtlessly moved along by the California ban and other potential similar actions by other states.
Some might blame big blue cities with chronic gang violence problems (and the federal government), jurisdictions that failed/refused to do anything about the recidivist criminals and enabled
— Dan Zimmerman
More from GLOCK, Inc.
GLOCK sent out a release on Tuesday in response to social media rumors that “GLOCK pistols are being discontinued, replaced by a new line of guns.” As Dan has indicated, speculation included rumors that the new pistols are incompatible with the illegal and potentially dangerous “Glock switch” (sic) conversions to make pistols into machine guns, among other things.
It was supposed to be a response to the California law and the product liability lawsuits.
Maybe.
But there were rumors of the “Gen6” GLOCK line in advance of the California ban. Doubtless feeling the winds of legal turmoil – and already developing the next line of products – they moved to block the threat by designing around it.
Here's the company release from yesterday:
The GLOCK V Series is Coming
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. Our dedication continues to be with maintaining the highest level of quality, reliability, and accessibility that you expect from GLOCK.
The GLOCK V Series is here to establish a baseline of products while simplifying our processes.
Externally, the pistols remain the same trusted look (sic) and performance you already know.
An image provided at the top of the release showed a gun that looks remarkably similar to previous GLOCK pistols – even down to plastic sights.
We’ve reached out to GLOCK, Inc. for clarifications. When we know more, you will.
— Rich Grassi