When you’re told you cannot have something, it’s only human nature to see it as more appealing, attractive, and valuable. This is especially true for firearms. In fact, Glock is one example of a brand that has a few models that are not manufactured for civilian ownership. This alone makes these pistols much more desirable. Let’s take a look at five different Glocks that we all want but cannot have.

Different Glocks We Want but Can’t Have

Glock 18

The Glock 18 is a full-sized automatic handgun that is similar to the design of the Glock 17. However, it has a selector switch on the right rear of the slide, allowing the user to switch between semi-automatic or fully automatic.

Once switched to fully automatic, this 9mm handgun can fire 1,200 rounds per minute. This classifies this incredibly powerful handgun as a machine gun.

Due to federal laws preventing ownership of automatic weapons, specifically the National Firearms Act of 1934, the Gun Control Act of 1968, and the 1986 Firearms Owners Protection Act, the Glock 18 is illegal for civilians to own. 

While they are not made for civilian use, there are three options that can help you own one. The first option is to find a transferable Glock 18. This means that the Glock 18 must be registered before May 19th, 1986. This can pose a bit of a challenge as these firearms were manufactured in 1986.

If you are able to get extremely lucky and find one that is transferable, be prepared for the hefty price. Due to their rarity, these firearms will not be cheap.

Another option is to purchase a pre-sampled Glock 18. A presample gun is a gun imported between January 1st, 1986, to May 19th, 1986. Since the Glock 18 is classified as a machine gun, only dealers were allowed to have them, and given they surrender their license, they could keep them.

Similar to a transferable Glock 18, you will run into the same issues of presample Glock 18’s being costly and rare.

Finally, the last method is to have a Class III dealers’ letter from a police department. However, this method is only suitable for dealers, law enforcement, and military. 

California Prohibited

Gen 4

In July 2010, Glock began releasing fourth-generation handguns. They became known for their interchangeable backstrap, a reversible magazine catch, a rough textured frame, and laser etched “Gen 4,” stamp located on the slide.

Two of the first Gen 4 models included the Glock 19 and Glock 23. Throughout the years, Glock 20, Glock 30, and Glock 41 are a few examples of popular models that were created. 

While the handguns from this generation are not illegal, it is important to acknowledge that certain states, specifically California, do not allow citizens to purchase Gen 4 Glocks. This is primarily due to California’s microstamping law.

Microstamping is a ballistic identification technology that puts a code onto the firing pin of a firearm. This stamps the code onto the cartridge casing when the gun is fired.

Additionally, California’s laws require firearms to have a loaded chamber indicator and magazine disconnect. Each of these three features is not a part of the Gen 4 Glock design, and it would be too costly for Glock to manufacture a separate California line.

However, law enforcement officers are allowed to use these tools. 

Gen 5

Similar to the Generation 4, Glock Generation 5 models are not permitted for civilians to own in California. This is also due to the microstamping law, the lack of a chamber indicator, and the magazine disconnect.

Gen 5 Glocks were released on August 10th, 2017, with the first two pistols being the Glock 19 Gen 5 and the Glock 17 Gen 5. The Gen 5 pistols are known for their flared mag well for faster reloads, an ambidextrous slide stop lever, and a firing pin safety and trigger spring enchantment that allow for a smooth trigger pull and reset.

Moreover, Gen 5s are designed with an enlarged floor plate, and depending on the pistol size, you can get them with a larger magazine capacity. Gen 5 Models vary from 9×19, .40 S&W, 10MM Auto, and .45 Auto.

Editor’s Note: For a list of California-certified Glocks, please refer to the California Roster of Certified Handguns. According to the site, No Gen 1, Gen 2, Gen 4, or Gen 5 Glock handguns have been approved to date. Likewise, no Glock handguns made in the USA have been approved to date.

Once Prohibited, Now Legal

Glock 25

The Glock 25 is a semi-automatic pistol that has the capacity to hold fifteen rounds of .380 ACP. This striker-fired handgun is excellent for self-defense and recreational shooting. However, it’s important to acknowledge that there was a time when the Glock 25 was not available for American citizens to own. 

While this handgun was not technically illegal, it was not allowed to be imported to America for sale. This was due to the Gun Control Act of 1968, which stated that imported firearms had to reach a certain score to be sold in the United States.

Seventy-five points were necessary to import a firearm. These points were calculated based on numerous features such as a firearm’s barrel length, weight, caliber, and safety features. Unfortunately, due to its caliber, the Glock 25 did not meet the requirements and was not permitted for civilian ownership.

However, for those who dreamed of owning this firearm, you are in luck. In 2023, Glock announced that the Glock 25 would make its long-awaited appearance to the U.S. market. It would not only be made in Smyrna, Georgia, but would also be distributed exclusively by TALO. 

Glock 28

The Glock 28 is a .380 ACP pistol that can hold ten rounds and is comparable to the size of the Glock 26. The size alone gives this firearm a reputation for being excellent to pocket and ankle carry.

Similar to the Glock 25, the Glock 28 was not made available to U.S. citizens due to the Gun Control Act of 1968. The caliber alone was the reason this pistol could not rack up enough points.

While Glock introduced the Glock 28 in 1977, it wasn’t until April 2023 that it became available to American civilians.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Glock 18, 25, 28, and Gen 4 & 5 handguns are not made for everyone to own. At least not initially. This is primarily due to cost, availability, and, more importantly, federal and state laws.

It can be disheartening to fall in love with a firearm and find out you can’t have it. However, it is important to acknowledge that Glock manufactures a lot of different models from which you can happily choose. With the recent availability of models G25 and G28, the list continues to grow.

Always remember that just because you can’t have a certain firearm does not mean you can’t appreciate it. And who knows? They may become available someday. It happened with the G25 and G28.