Glock

The Rise of America's Gun

By: Paul M. Barrett

Narrated by: Kiff VandenHeuvel

Length: 8 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Based on 15 years of research, Glock is the riveting story of the weapon that has become known as America’s gun. Today the Glock pistol has been embraced by two-thirds of all U.S. police departments, glamorized in countless Hollywood movies, and featured as a ubiquitous presence on prime-time TV. It has been rhapsodized by hip-hop artists, and coveted by cops and crooks alike.

Created in 1982 by Gaston Glock, an obscure Austrian curtain-rod manufacturer, and swiftly adopted by the Austrian army, the Glock pistol, with its lightweight plastic frame and large-capacity spring-action magazine, arrived in America at a fortuitous time. Law enforcement agencies had concluded that their agents and officers, armed with standard six-round revolvers, were getting "outgunned" by drug dealers with semi-automatic pistols. They needed a new gun.

When Karl Water, a firearm salesman based in the U.S. first saw a Glock in 1984, his reaction was, “Jeez, that’s ugly.” But the advantages of the pistol soon became apparent. The standard semi-automatic Glock could fire as many as 17 bullets from its magazine without reloading. (One equipped with an extended 33 cartridge magazine was used in Tucson to shoot Gabrielle Giffords and 19 others). It was built with only 36 parts that were interchangeable with those of other models. You could drop it underwater, toss it from a helicopter, or leave it out in the snow, and it would still fire. It was reliable, accurate, lightweight, and cheaper to produce than Smith and Wesson’s revolver. Made in part of hardened plastic, it was even rumored (incorrectly) to be invisible to airport security screening.

Filled with corporate intrigue, political maneuvering, Hollywood glitz, bloody shoot-outs - and an attempt on Gaston Glock’s life by a former lieutenant - Glock is at once the inside account of how Glock the company went about marketing its pistol to police agencies and later the public, as well as a compelling chronicle of the evolution of gun culture in America.

©2012 Paul M. Barrett (P)2012 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“This book - from a top-notch reporter - will enlighten you about both gun culture and business culture. It’s fascinating, even-handed, and packs considerable punch!” (Bill McKibben, best-selling author of The End of Nature, Deep Economy, and The Age of Missing Information)

“ Glock is a riveting tale with masterful pacing and meticulous research. Paul Barrett knows his subject intimately, and it shows.... It’s a must-read for anyone with an interest in handguns or the firearm industry or even American pop culture.” (Cameron Hopkins, editor in chief, Combat Tactics magazine; American Rifleman’s Industry Insider blog)

“With his customary insight and crystal-clear style, Paul Barrett has told the story of how a simple toolmaker from Austria came to be the dominant force in the manufacture and sale of pistols in the United States.... Glock is not at all just for the gun enthusiast. This book is for anyone concerned about the level of gun violence in America, and that should be all of us.” (Richard Aborn, president, Citizens Crime Commission of New York City; former president, Handgun Control, Inc.)

Very impressive, informative, not political

What did you like best about this story?

The author does a very good job of not taking sides. He doesn't portray gun enthusiasts as nuts, nor does he display anti-gunners as extremists. He is down on the NRA but I agree with some of his criticisms. He picks one of the most respected experts, Massad Ayoob, and spends a lot of time with him learning what self defense is all about. I do not agree with many of his suggestions or conclusions at the end of the book but they are not presented in a hostile or argumentative manner. All in all he has navigated a minefield skillfully. He clearly wanted to present as truthful a history of the Glock firearms as he could, and it would be impossible without putting it in the context of gun culture. A very, very difficult thing to pull off without sounding partisan. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to hear the facts, not just someone who agrees with their point of view.

What about Kiff VandenHeuvel’s performance did you like?

The performance was businesslike and professional. The subject is such a potential minefield, it would be easy to detract from the character of the book, and Mr. VandenHeuvel does a very good job.

Any additional comments?

Remarkable from many aspects. I learned a lot. This is more about people than firearms, and that's what matters.

Gun owner or not this is great.

really enjoyed this title. Well done written and very interesting. Glock has many secrets and this just let's you in a little.

Insightful look into Glock

Author performed stellar research and told the story with gusto. For fans of Glock he defines the legacy with charm and guts. This business biography is fulfilled with a cast
of characters in Glock's inner circle of top executives. It takes place in an industry of guns - what's not to like. Albeit the sinful nature enveloping this world makes good on its promise to climax in scandal, but without a single knock against GLOCK for the most part. However, in the closing pages of his book author Paul Barret has opinions of his own about Glock's claim to fame. Right or wrong, he's not indifferent to Glock's success in America and I'm certain he sees the rise of America's Gun not necessarily a bad thing either, but without question Glock is here to stay.

Very informational book! My 1 audible book 😀

This is my first audible book and am very impressed learned alot of information GLOCK

Great Book!

Where does Glock rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Best book I've listened to this year. A great read for those interested in firearms.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Gaston Glock will go down in history as one of the great firearm designers.

Any additional comments?

Every gun collector should have at least one Glock!

Excellent book for every Flock enthusiast!

Very interesting historical account of the entire Glock story. Capitalism at its best, and worst. Very intriguing.

Shot in the Dark

Any additional comments?

This was a good solid story. I like how it proves once again. If you have an idea, Go for it. Never know what will happen. Gun guys will like it. Even if your not a gun person. This is a Pretty good story about a man with a dream. I dug it. Check it out.

A good history of Glock/semi auto pistols

This book was performed really well.

The story was good as well. However, at times it seemed like the author couldn't keep from showing how disappointment that glock didn't embrace gun control. However, the book is mostly nonpartisan.

I learned a lot about the industry and business. Is recommend it to others.

Essential book for serious glock owners

This book covers the entire history of Gaston Glock and his company and the history of how the gun grows in Europe and America. It is well worth the time trust me

Interesting

This is the third I have listed to it. It is really interesting how Glock took the U.S. by storm and all the shady stuff going behind the scenes. As a Glock owner, I can say everything in the book about the firearm is correct. Everything about the company, all I can say is wow.