By: Friedrich Seiltgen
Copyright © 2023
ABOUT GLOCK
Gaston Glock is known for designing one of the most well-known firearms in the world. But what many people don’t know is that he didn’t start as a gun designer. He started his company in 1963 with his wife Helga, producing curtain rods, knives, hand grenades, machine gun belts, and entrenching tools for the Austrian army.
His firearms career started in 1981 when Glock overheard Austrian military commanders complaining they lacked a pistol that met their specifications. Glock told them he would build them one, and the commanders laughed in his face. People who knew Herr Glock will tell you not to laugh at him; he takes it personally. Glock took a year to design the polymer-framed, recoil-operated, semi-automatic Model 17 pistol, stating that his lack of firearms knowledge was an advantage.
In 1982, he applied for the Austrian patent for his Model 17 pistol, and in 1983, he was awarded a contract for 25,000 guns for the Austrian army. In 1985, Glock opened a U.S. subsidiary in Smyrna, GA, and now Glock has the largest chunk of the law enforcement market.
Herr Glock is also a very tough man. In 1999, Glock’s longtime business associate Charles Ewert hired former French mercenary Jacques Pecheur to murder Glock to cover up his embezzlement of millions from the Glock Corporation! Ewert took him to a Luxembourg parking garage to look at a sports car when a man came out of the shadows and attacked Glock. Glock, who was always physically fit, swimming miles daily, managed to fend off the hitman even after being struck in the head with a hammer seven times! The hitman received 17 years and Ewert 20. Glock would later say that the attack was the best thing that ever happened to him. “Otherwise, I would have gone on trusting Ewert.”
THE GLOCK 49
Rumors of the Model 49 first surfaced a few years ago when Glock produced the Model 47 cross-up pistol for Customs and Border Patrol agents using the G19 slide, combined with the G17 frame. The Model 49 is the opposite, using the G17 slide with the G19 frame.
A few Glock fans have already been producing their version of the Model 49 pistol by hacking parts from the 17 and 19.
Glock and TALO distributors announced the new pistol recently, saying the handgun is “taking advantage of the proven carry frame size with a longer barrel and sight radius.”
“TALO Distributors, Inc. and its member distributors are proud to announce the introduction of the Glock G49 MOS to the United States commercial market. The G49 MOS is the next in a lineup of crossover models, similar to the popular Glock G45 . . . This pistol is chambered in 9mm Luger, holds 15+1 rounds in standard magazine capacity, has a 4.49” barrel, Gen 5 characteristics, and the MOS system for mounting optics.”
THE FRAME
The Glock 49 frame is taken from the G19 compact pistol. Features include the flat-faced grip, ambidextrous slide stop levers, Picatinny rail on the dust cover, and a flared magwell.
THE SLIDE
The barrel and slide are taken from the full-size G17 pistol, which lets you take advantage of the longer barrel and sight radius. The Model 49 is equipped with the Glock Modular Optics System, which is cut at the factory for an RMR and includes adapter plates to mount the latest model optics. Cocking serrations are on the front and rear of the slide for better handling, and the longer, heavier slide helps with recoil control.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Striker Fired, Semi-Automatic
Caliber: 9mm
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds using a flush-fit standard magazine
Sights: Standard Open Notch Sights, Modular Optics System
Barrel Length: 4.49 Inches
Overall Length: 7.95 Inches
Weight: 1.4 Pounds
MSRP: $647.99
URL: www.galleryofguns.com
THE VERDICT
The latest cross-up pistol from Glock may be the perfect solution for your situation. Check one out today and see if it fits the bill.
That’s all for now, folks! Please keep sending in your questions, tips, and article ideas. And as always – “Let’s Be Careful Out There.”
Friedrich Seiltgen is a retired Master Police Officer with 20 years of service with the Orlando Police Department. He conducts training in Lone Wolf Terrorism Counterstrategies, Firearms, and Active Shooter Response. His writing has appeared in RECOIL, Soldier of Fortune, The Counter Terrorist Magazine, Off Grid, American Thinker, Homeland Security Today, and The Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International.
Contact him at [email protected].