GLOCK 18
The
GLOCK 18 is a
handgun manufactured by
GLOCK. It is a
GLOCK 17 with a mode of fire selection
switch on its
slide that enables it to fire in
semi-automatic or
fully-automatic modes. Rotating the fire selection switch to the bottom of the frame allows for fully automatic fire, while rotating the switch to the top activates semi auto. Placing the fire selection switch in between the top and bottom positions renders the gun "safe".
The GLOCK 18 appears identical to the GLOCK 17, with the addition of the selector lever. However, the internal dimensions of the main parts of the GLOCK 18 are slightly different from the GLOCK 17, and are not interchangeable. This was done by GLOCK so that the GLOCK 17 could not be considered a semi-automatic version of the GLOCK 18, but rather they are two separate guns. Some countries and jurisdictions have laws that place special restrictions on semi-automatic versions of full-automatic weapons, and if the GLOCK 18 were identical to a GLOCK 17, the GLOCK 17 would fall under those laws and be unavailable in those jurisdictions.
The GLOCK 18 is (in the
U.S.) a law enforcement-only pistol that uses standard GLOCK 17
magazines, holding 17 or 19
rounds. It is sometimes used with special 31 or 33-round extended magazines as well, but this configuration is less commonly used. There are known to be a few Glock 18's privately owned in accordance with the
National Firearms Act.
The
GLOCK 18C adds a
compensator to the barrel and slide in the form of
ports to direct some of the gases from the
muzzle to counteract muzzle climb in automatic fire.
|
Early version of GLOCK 18C, with three compensator cuts on its barrel, which extends past the frame rather than integrating into a slide with cutouts, as on later versions. Note also no finger grooves or thumb indentations on the grip and no weaver rail on the dust cover |
*
GLOCK 17*
Machine pistol*
GLOCK*
GLOCK's official page on the GLOCK 18*
Article on GLOCK 18*
Video of a GLOCK 18 firing using a high speed camera.
