Glock G38
Glock Ges.m.b.H. · Pistol · In Production · 2005
Also known as: G38, Glock 38
Overview
The Glock G38 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in .45 GAP, produced by Glock Ges.m.b.H. Featuring a 8-round magazine capacity, this pistol offers compact firepower for concealed carry applications.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 685 g (24.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 900 g (31.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 183 mm (7.20") |
| Barrel Length | 102 mm (4.02") |
| Height | 127 mm (5.00") |
| Width | 30 mm (1.18") |
| Sight Radius | 165 mm (6.50") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Safe Action |
| Trigger Pull | 28 N (6.3 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 279 m/s (915 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 580 J (428 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 400 mm (15.75") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Tenifer |
Calibers
- .45 GAP · primary — also known as .45 Glock Auto Pistol, .45 G.A.P.
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Trigger Safety, Firing Pin Safety, Drop Safety
- Features: Compact Frame, Accessory Rail, Polygonal Rifling, Safe Action Trigger, Ambidextrous Slide Stop, Textured Grip, Reversible Magazine Release, Striker Fired
Variants
- Glock G38C — Compensated
Service history
Operators
- Various U.S. Law Enforcement Agencies
Production
Production years: 2005-present
Limited production due to declining popularity of the .45 GAP cartridge. Exact production numbers not disclosed by Glock.
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Gaston Glock
Notes
The .45 GAP cartridge was introduced in 2003 as the first commercially available cartridge designed specifically for Glock pistols. While it delivers ballistics comparable to standard .45 ACP loads, the shorter case length allows it to fit in frames designed for 9mm and .40 S&W. Despite initial law enforcement interest, particularly from the New York State Police and Florida Highway Patrol, the .45 GAP never achieved widespread commercial success due to limited ammunition availability and higher cost compared to .45 ACP. The G38 accepts 8-round standard magazines and 10-round extended magazines.
Background
The .45 GAP was Glock's only proprietary cartridge, designed to give shooters .45-caliber performance without the larger frame required by the .45 ACP. While it was adopted by agencies like the New York State Police, the cartridge struggled against the entrenched .45 ACP market and eventually became a commercial footnote, though Glock continues to produce the G37, G38, and G39.