Embracing Glock: A Personal Journey Through Reliability and Innovation
My Glock 47 with Holosun SCS MOS in a T.Rex Arms Sidecar Holster.
I got into airsoft in my late teens and my first airsoft pistol was a Glock 17 clone. Even as an airsoft pistol, I liked the way it felt in my hand, I liked the design, I liked the profile. It pointed naturally, ergonomically it fit me well. When it came time for me to buy my first firearm, there was no question for me: Glock 17 Gen 3. In the first year (I'm no professional and have a day job), I spent my time at the range making it my goal to become proficient with the weapon, putting somewhere around 3000 rounds through it.
Glock's Legacy
My journey with Glock began with that first airsoft replica and was solidified with my first Gen 3 Glock 17. It was only later, after I had already made the platform my go-to choice, that I really started diving into the history of the company. Learning about how Glock came to be only made me more of a fan. “Gun guys” are familiar with the story.
Founded in 1963 by Gaston Glock, the company initially focused on manufacturing consumer goods from polymers and metals. It wasn’t until the early 1980s that Glock broke into the firearms world, spurred by the Austrian military’s call for a new service pistol. Glock, despite having no prior firearms manufacturing experience, delivered something revolutionary.
The Glock 17 was born—a semi-automatic pistol with a polymer frame, striker-fired mechanism, and a 17-round capacity. It was lighter, more durable, and had fewer moving parts than the steel-framed pistols of the era. It was subjected to and passed rigorous testing, earning adoption by the Austrian Army in 1983, followed by NATO durability certification and acceptance by multiple international forces.
The Revolutionary Design That Captivated Me
It was the feel that got me first. The way it pointed naturally, the ergonomics that just made sense. But later, I began to appreciate the technical reasons why it was such a solid platform.
- Polymer Frame: Durable, corrosion-resistant, and significantly lighter than its steel counterparts.
- Striker-Fired System: Fewer moving parts, simpler mechanics, consistent trigger pull.
- Safe Action System: Three passive safeties that work together seamlessly.
- High Capacity: The G17 held 17 rounds at a time when most service pistols held far fewer.
Everything about the Glock platform feels intentional. Not flashy. Not over-engineered. Just solid. Simple, logical. Gets the job done.
My Everyday Companions: Glock 43X and Glock 26
These days, for EDC, I rotate between the Glock 43X and Glock 26.
The 43X is thin, easy to conceal, and fits well under anything from a T-shirt to a jacket. The grip texture is just right, and the 10+1 capacity is more than enough for what I need day-to-day. It points as naturally as my original 17 did, and I trust it completely. When I first got the weapon, I was concerned that it didn’t shoot as accurately as I expected. Come to find out, I didn’t shoot as accurately as I thought. Years later, on my second go-round with the platform, I found that with more time and skill development, I can trust it just as much as any of my full-size Glocks for both accuracy and reliability.
The Glock 26, on the other hand, is a little chunkier, but it offers the advantage of being compatible with magazines from the 17 and 19—an absolute win for anyone already in the Glock ecosystem. It shoots like a full-size pistol, which makes training days all the more consistent.
Duty-Driven Dependability: Glock 47 and Glock 19
Professionally, I use both the Glock 47 and Glock 19 in my work. The Glock 47 is robust, modular, and designed with duty use in mind. It’s got the durability I need and the part compatibility that makes maintenance and logistics easier for our team.
The Glock 19 is still the gold standard for versatility. Compact enough for concealment, large enough to handle full-duty demands, and with a track record of reliability that speaks for itself. It’s no wonder it’s used by law enforcement and special forces units around the world.
Blacklands Trusts Glock
At Blacklands Security Group, we place a high premium on equipment that performs flawlessly under pressure. Glock’s reliability, ease of use, and universal part compatibility across 9mm platforms make it the obvious choice for our Commissioned and Protective Officers. While officers can use the platform of their choice, you’ll see a lot of Glocks on our team for good reason.
In an industry where seconds count and trust in your sidearm is paramount, we stand by Glock—not just because it's popular, but because it earns that reputation every single day. Whether in the hands of our officers or our clients, it delivers.
Why Glock Has My Loyalty
I’ve spent time on the range with plenty of other brands. Sig. Ruger. Canik. Some are good. A few are even great. But Glock has always had my loyalty. From the first time I picked up that airsoft clone to now, thousands of rounds and four Glock models later, it's the platform I come back to every time. That’s why when I look at my gun storage, I see a 47, 45, 19, 43X a 26 and even a training 19x - an airsoft pistol. Some things never change.
It's not just about the design, or the reliability, or the name. It’s about the fact that I know what to expect every time I draw it. And in both my personal and professional life, that consistency is invaluable.
Glock has never let me down—and that’s why it remains my sidearm of choice.
Tom Plemmons is the Blacklands Security Group CAO and an avid gun enthusiast. He is currently working toward his NRA instructor certification and will receive his Glock armorer certification in May of 2025. He is a member of GSSF and looks forward to competing in the coming year.
