History of the Glock

Many of today’s most popular pistol companies have long histories. Glock is one of the exceptions to that rule. A relative newcomer to the space, Glock combined new ideas with the staples of engineering knowledge to produce a pistol that would impact the entire handgun industry.

A Beginning Without Guns

Glock KG was founded in 1963 by Austrian engineer Gaston Glock. Glock at this point was already a successful businessman with experience in injection molding.

Within only a few short years, in the early 1970s, Glock was manufacturing military equipment, including grenade casings, machine gun belt links, and field knives. Gaston Glock was also asking his military contacts what they wanted most from a firearm.

The list was daunting. They wanted a pistol that was reliable and durable. They wanted something that would be easy to learn. They also wanted something that was simple to fire. And they were looking for a weapon that would have a larger ammunition capacity than current options.

A Military Request

In 1980, Glock received a formal invitation to create a new service pistol. Taking the requests of his contacts into consideration, the G17 was developed. The sidearm used a new 3-party internal safety system that was revolutionary to the industry and included the trigger, drop safeties, and firing pin.

Understanding that simplicity is key to reliability, Glock developed the pistol with, on average, only 35 parts. With fewer parts to clean or wear, the gun was durable and easy to maintain.

Other requirements from the Austrian government included being lightweight with a hammer-forged barrel. To address this, Glock designed the handgun with a polymer frame. The weapon also offered a 17-round capacity.

Thanks to these innovations, the Glock pistol was adopted as the Austrian Army’s standard service pistol in 1983.

Global Adoption

Shortly after it’s incorporation into the Austrian military’s usage, the G17 went through NATO durability testing and passed with flying colors. This set the stage for it to become the preferred pistol of international law enforcement agencies.

It was also at this time and because of its proven durability that the Norwegian Army accepted the Glock as the sidearm of choice for its service men and women.

The Move to the United States

Following its successes in Europe, Glock made the move to the United States in 1986. The features which made the G17 attractive to European military and international law enforcement caught the eye of U.S. police departments.

The gun came to the U.S. at exactly the right time. Law enforcement across the U.S. was feeling the pressures of addressing an increasing and aggressive drug trade in the 80s, and the pistol gave police an advantage that they were missing. Not only did it have a larger capacity than their standard sidearm, but the ease of use, consistent trigger action, and light weight resulted in officers finding the weapon easy to learn while also increasing their marksmanship.

With law enforcement in the U.S. switching to Glock pistols, the gun became a well-known, and therefore, attractive option for the civilian market.

The late 80s also saw more improvements to the pistol. The second generation of the Glock was released in 1988, with more calibers being added to the lineup. The G19 Compact and the G17L Competition pistols were also introduced that year.

A Boost from Popular Culture

As the Glock became popular with seasoned professionals, the entertainment industry began to feature the pistol in films. The year 1990 was a big year for the Glock in popular culture. First, the pistol appeared in on the TV Show Law and Order. Later that same year, Bruce Willis’s character, John McClain, used the weapon in Die Hard 2, cementing the pistol as a fixture in popular culture.

As the 1990s progressed, Glock added additional pistols to their line. Additional models were introduced throughout the 90s, expanding the caliber and capacity of the Glock pistols to answer the demands of a wider audience. The Glock 17T is also introduced during these years, providing law enforcement the equipment it needed to safely train.

The third generation of Glock pistols was introduced in 1998, with a rail for adding accessories such as tactical lights and lasers. Advancements continued on the pistols, including the addition of the G36 Slimline in 1999, and safety and regulatory additions like integrated key locks in 2001.

By 2007, less than 40 years after being adopted as the Austrian Army’s service weapon, Glock had sold more than 5 million pistols worldwide, and today, Glock continues to improve and evolve their pistols.

For the slimmest possible IWB concealed carry, buy a Clipdraw for Glocks.

The article History of the Glock originally appeared on Clipdraw

Sharp Dressed Man – Concealed Carry When You Need to Look Good

Casual days make it easy to conceal carry your gun. A sweatshirt or sweater, jacket, or even an untucked t-shirt or button down keeps just about any way you carry your weapon under wraps.

But what about when you’re getting dressed up? Whether it’s for work or for a night out, looking polished shouldn’t mean you can go without protection. But a tucked in dress shirt hardly provides the coverage you need for most concealed holsters. And wearing a suit coat for an entire day can be uncomfortable and, depending on the time of year, hot.

There are ways to carry your gun without showing it to the world even when dressed in a suit or simply khakis and a tucked in polo. IWB concealed carry wearing business casual attire can be easier than you think if you have the right product!

Check out our solutions:

• Clipdraw Selection Guide
• Trigger Safety Products

Garment Over Top

While wearing a jacket all of the time might not be realistic, there may be instances where you’ll only be dressed up for a short period of time. In these cases, it may be completely reasonable to use your Clipdraw and don a sports coat or blazer to hide your gun.

Another option for very dressy occasions, or for business dress, is to consider a vest. Button down vests are a common garment for formal occasions, but many men wear vests as a regular accessory. A vest may also help to conceal your weapon, but make sure to spend time practicing your draw with this slightly more constricting garment on.

Another option if you’ll be wearing your jacket 100% of the time is to consider a shoulder holster. However, a shoulder holster may cause more problems than it solves. Most people are unfamiliar with carrying their weapon this way, and more importantly, have little practice in drawing their gun from this location. Without practice, owners run the risk of pointing the gun at themselves or accidentally pointing it at others while they draw from a shoulder holster. Without a lot of practice, this type of carry isn’t recommended.

Make Room at the Waist

More realistically, though, you’ll want to wear your weapon in such a way that you can remove your jacket throughout the day or go without something like a vest. Even in these instances, you have options.

One option is to use an inside the waistband holster that also allows you to tuck in your shirt. These “tucker” holsters provide the option to tuck your shirt in over your gun, but behind the clips.  You’ll want to make sure to purchase pants large enough to accommodate the extra bulk of the gun and holster at the waist and wear shirts with extra room so that they can be bloused over the clips.

This type of carry can be safer than the shoulder holster but still requires practice. Drawing your weapon means using your support hand to untuck your shirt while you draw with your strong hand. While this may sound complicated, with practice you will be able to get your draw down to under 2 seconds.

Another option is a pocket carry. However, a pocket carry may limit your choice of weapons you can carry, since a pocket holster and gun may produce a bulge if they are too large.

For safety sake, it is important with a pocket carry to use a holster designed for this purpose and not just place the weapon in your pocket. You should also plan for that to be the only item in the pocket. Accidents can and have happened to people who have reached for a wallet or keys in the same pocket their weapon was stored in.

It will take a little more planning but carrying a concealed weapon while wearing dress clothes or simply a tucked in shirt is achievable. Whichever method you decide to use, practice will be the most important thing you do to ensure safety and your peace of mind.

Add a Saf-T-Blok for extra safety:

The article Sharp Dressed Man – Concealed Carry When You Need to Look Good originally appeared on Clipdraw

ClipDraw Offers New Custom Engraved Products

Gift giving can be a challenge, especially for men. Under normal circumstances, it’s hard to decide what they will like, how much to spend, or even where to begin.

The stakes are raised when you’re shopping for someone special, or the gift is for a particularly meaningful occasion. Best friend’s big birthday? A gift for your best man? A thank you for the man who raised you? These can put extra pressure on finding the perfect item.

ClipDraw is here to help. With our new line of custom engraved products, it’s easy to find that special gift that speaks to how important the receiver is to you, no matter what the occasion. We’ve got you covered for Father’s Day, an anniversary, for groomsman’s gifts, and even for no reason at all.

We know it can be hard to choose, though, so we’ve put together a few suggestions to help make your choices easier.

For the Outdoorsman

Outdoorsmen have a myriad of tools, toys, and gear that they need. Campers need tents and cooking equipment. Hunters want calls and blinds. And anglers hope for lures and reels.

But one thing that every outdoorsman needs is a high-quality pocket knife. And they will all tell you that they have different knives for different purposes.

Makes sure that they have one that reminds them of you forever. With a custom engraved knife, they will think of you and appreciate the gift every time they use it, whether that is to cut their line free from a tangled hook or slice an apple for a quick snack on the trail.

Engraved Black Folding Pocket Knife

For the Handyman

Whether working on their car, doing a DIY home repair or improvement, or building something new, a handyman uses a lot of specialized tools. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room in his tool chest for a multitool.

Our 10-function stainless steel multitool is perfect in the garage or in their pocket. Have it engraved with “World’s Greatest Dad”, “Thanks for being there”, a meaningful date, or anything else that will set this tool apart for your gift recipient.

Custom Engraved 10 Function Stainless Steel Multi Tool

For Mr. Prepared – or Mr. Unprepared

Some people seem to be ready for any situation, inspiring confidence in friends and family. Others we loveably acknowledge their shortcomings, seemingly forgetful or unprepared at the best of times.

Regardless of which camp your intended recipient falls into, they will appreciate a mini Maglite flashlight, engraved with a special message.

The ultra prepared will appreciate the thoughtful gift, as well as the extra lamp stored in the tail cap. It’s water and shock resistant, making it perfect no matter when or where the need arises.

Your less prepared friend or family member will love this light, too. The beautiful case allows them to keep it close for emergencies. Plus, it comes with two AA batteries so that it can be used immediately – even if your gift recipient doesn’t have any on hand.

Engraved Flashlight

For Always Being Remembered

Some people and some occasions call for something a little more special than others. If you’re also buying that special gift for someone who loves the practical, choosing the right item can be anxiety-inducing.

Take the anxiety out of gift giving with our beautiful silicone band bracelet. This bracelet has a fully adjustable band to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. The stainless steel plate can be engraved with messages of support, love, quotes, or even bear important medical information. It’s as perfect for the crafts or tradesman as it is for the corner office.

The article ClipDraw Offers New Custom Engraved Products originally appeared on Clipdraw

Appendix Carry – Why Clipdraw is Superior

One question to consider when conceal carrying your weapon is how you plan to carry it.

Will you carry inside your waistband, behind the hip?

Or in a shoulder holster?

As you think through your options, you might also want to consider an appendix carry with Clipdraw.

What’s Appendix Carry?

Thinks of every cowboy and action movie you’ve ever seen. Sure, the cowboys carry a weapon in a thigh holster, the action heroes behind their hip in their waistband.

But when they are in a pinch? They tuck that handgun into their waistband in front. That’s appendix carry.

With your gun tucked in the front, it’s easily accessible and quick to draw. It’s also fairly well concealed under an untucked t-shirt, polo, or button down.

However, this has been a polarizing topic. Proponents strenuously defend the method, while others claim it isn’t safe or comfortable. We’re here to look at the truth.

Clipdraw Pistol Draw Demonstration

Is it Safe?

Critics of appendix carry often talk about how it’s not a safe location. And it’s true that, should your weapon accidentally discharge, the damage done could be significant.

This position points your holstered weapon at your thigh, and as any student of human anatomy will tell you, the thigh is where you keep one of the biggest blood vessels in your body – the femoral artery. This large artery supplies blood to your legs, and damage to it can be fatal.

We have to remember, however, that anywhere you carry your firearm, if not handled with care and safety, can be dangerous to you or someone in your immediate area.

The measure of safety of a carry position is in how you handle the weapon.

For instance, an accidental discharge of the weapon can be prevented in any carry position by following the rule to keep your finger away from the trigger until your gun is pointed down range.

This falls under proper handling and eliminates one of the factors that could cause your weapon to go off unintentionally while carried in the inside front of your waistband.

Concerns around the trigger being pulled while holstered is also a matter of common sense gun safety. Using a trigger guard or lock will prevent the trigger from accidentally being pulled.

Is it Comfortable?

The answer to this question is different for everyone and has largely to do with body type and how much you plan on sitting or bending over while your gun is holstered.

Most people who find appendix IWB to be comfortable are those that don’t have a lot else taking up space in their waistband. Or, to be blunt, the more slender you are, the more comfortable this carry position is for you.

But waist size isn’t the only component to consider for comfort.

Given where the weapon sits in a front carry position, many find sitting uncomfortable and bending over – say, to tie your shoes – downright painful.

The only way to know if this position is comfortable for you is to try it.

1911 Draw Demonstration

Benefits of Appendix Carry

The biggest question, of course, is why would you consider holstering your weapon this way at all. Carrying your weapon in the front of your waistband has several advantages.

The jury is divided when it comes to draw speed. Detractors of the carry style say that moving your clothing to pull from the waist slows you down.

Supporters claim that the gun is easier and quicker to grab, especially in tight quarters.

There is also a protection factor. It’s easier to protect your firearm from someone trying to grab it when it’s in front of you than when it is situated behind your hip.

The usefulness and comfort of IWB carry is largely a personal choice. If you’ve tried it before and found it to be uncomfortable or inconvenient, you may want to give it another try with a holster specifically designed for front of the waistband concealment.

You might find that with the right equipment, appendix carry lets you enjoy the multiple benefits it offers.

Helpful Guides:

• Clipdraw Selection Guide
• Clipdraw Models

The article Appendix Carry – Why Clipdraw is Superior originally appeared on Clipdraw

Enhanced Carry Permit Allows Guns in Arkansas Capital, Bars, and Churches

New enhanced concealed carry permits became available in early 2018 in Arkansas, allowing permit holders to carry on university campuses, churches, bars, and the state Capital building.

What is especially unique about the permit process is it makes Arkansas the first state to require active shooter training as part of the process. Requirements for the enhanced permit include a course that includes instruction on what to do in an active shooter situation as well as a live-fire exam.

The license training was designed by the Arkansas State police, with the intent of preventing a permit holder from increasing the chaos at the scene of a shooting. With the training, responsible permit holders wouldn’t create a more confusing scene for responders.

Speaking about the thoughts behind the development of the enhanced training, Arkansas State Police spokesman Bill Sadler said, “The licensee must be able to egress from the active shooter situation and not necessarily become someone who is going to act as a law enforcement officer might.”

The active shooter classes can only be attended after achieving a 70% hit accuracy on a stationary paper target in a live fire exam. In the six-hour training class, students are instructed to understand that, even during an active shooter situation, their weapon is a last resort.

Nathan House, an enhanced permit instructor, told applicants in classes this year that they should concentrate first on running and help others escape. “Make them come to you,” House told the class. “If that active shooter decides that they want to come into that room where you are at, then you are prepared to defend yourself.”

Some privately-owned buildings have been designated “sensitive places”. These include bars and churches. The owners of these establishments have the option of not honoring the law. If a church decides that a permit holder can’t carry in their building, the gun owner must follow their wishes.

Republican state Representative Charlie Collins sponsored the bill that passed last spring that allows for the enhanced permits. He strongly believes that Arkansas will be safer with guns in the hands of the right people. In the event of an attack, Collins says “You have the potential for one of these enhanced concealed-carry holders to literally be on scene, and to be able to draw a weapon and shoot back.”

The article Enhanced Carry Permit Allows Guns in Arkansas Capital, Bars, and Churches originally appeared on Clipdraw

In Wisconsin? Be Aware of Recent Safe Transport Ruling

If you’re a resident of the state of Wisconsin or will be traveling to or through there with your firearm under a reciprocity agreement, you need to be aware of a recent controversial Wisconsin State Supreme Court ruling.

Gun rights advocates used the 2014 arrest of Brian Grandberry to draw attention to potentially conflicting wording between two laws in the state – the Concealed Carry Statute and the Safe Transport Statute.

Grandberry was stopped while driving in Milwaukee. He was asked at the time if he had a weapon and indicated that in the glove compartment there was a loaded .45 High Point. According to the Safe Transport Statute, a handgun may be transported loaded and uncased. Other weapons must be unloaded, or in the case of a bow, unstrung, and transported in a case.

He also informed the officers that he had a concealed carry permit. However, the officers were unable to find a record of Grandberry’s permit. He then admitted that he had taken the appropriate course but hadn’t applied for the permit yet. He was convicted of a misdemeanor for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit.

Gun advocates, however, encouraged Grandberry to appeal the ruling. Because the Safe Transport Statute allows for having a loaded, uncased gun a vehicle without specifying the need for a concealed carry permit they argued that Grandberry was within his rights to have the gun in his glove compartment.

Grandberry argued that because he was following the stipulations in the Safe Transport Statute and wasn’t actually “carrying” the weapon, he was in compliance with the law.

Unfortunately for him and for other gun advocates, the appeals courts and the Supreme Court of Wisconsin agreed with the lower court’s ruling, but not without controversy.

The majority ruled that the two statutes were not in conflicted and that Grandberry could have complied with the law by putting his gun out of reach or by completing the process to obtain his CCW permit. However, there was both a concurring opinion and a dissenting opinion filed with the ruling.

In the dissenting opinion, Justice Rebecca Bradley stated that the application, in this case, was unconstitutionally ambiguous. As a result, she felt that Granberry’s conviction should have been overturned.

In the concurring opinion, Justice Daniel Kelly said the court came to the correct ruling, but that the two statutes created a gray area that was unnecessary.

The outcome means one thing for gun owners, though. If you transport your weapon in Wisconsin and you don’t have a CCW permit that is recognized by the state, you’re better off complying with the letter of the law and not the spirit.

The article In Wisconsin? Be Aware of Recent Safe Transport Ruling originally appeared on Clipdraw

Teachers Around the Country Are Participating in Concealed Carry Classes

Given recent events, it’s not surprising that educators across the country are looking for ways to protect themselves and their students. This week we round up stories throughout the United States about teachers and concealed carry.

Free Concealed Carry Classes for Teachers

A number of states have seen gun ranges offer free concealed carry training classes for teachers.

In Illinois, On Target Range in Crystal Lake, located in the northern suburbs of Chicago, is offering their two-day course for free to teachers. The range announced the offering on Tuesday, March 13^th. According to On Target’s director, Thomas Dorsch, 50 teachers signed up in the first 24 hours.

“It’s a telltale sign of what the teachers want,” he said. “They want to protect themselves and they want to protect their kids.”

The Armory KC in Missouri has also offered up a free class for teachers. The class teaches firearm safety, defensive techniques, and instruction on the carry laws as written for the state. Graduates from the course receive their concealed carry certification.

But despite announcing the free course on their Facebook page a month ago, only one teacher has signed up. Store co-owner Chad Reed believes that may be because teachers are prohibited from carrying in the classroom.

“Right now, federal law prohibits them from carrying in the classroom. But I suspect we could see that change in the future,” said Reed. “And when it does, I want them to be ready to do that.”

The Orem police department in Utah also offered a free class to teachers and administrators. The class concentrates on gun safety, but Orem officers said they would like to offer a class about active shooter tactics in the future.

New Bill to Allow Concealed Carry for Teachers in Louisiana

A controversial bill is being drafted in Louisiana that would allow teachers and other school employees the ability to carry a concealed weapon on school grounds and in classrooms.

Allowing armed teachers would be up to the school board for each district. The educators would be held to the same concealed carry standards as other citizens, including annual eight-hour tactics and safety class.

While some lawmakers were against the bill, others were willing to consider it under certain circumstances. East Baton Rouge School Board President David Tatman felt teacher and educator training would need to go further than current concealed carry training does. “I think it’s got to be a specific type of training, that how do you handle that situation on campus,” he said.

The article Teachers Around the Country Are Participating in Concealed Carry Classes originally appeared on Clipdraw