Yes, you read that right GLOCK is working on a rifle. How do we know that? Rumors about a carbine have been circulating for some time now. No one has seen it, but there are supposed to be parts in the factory, a 3D print in Gaston Glock's office... He was never satisfied with the design, the rumors say - and even more rumors. While everyone is speculating, we have now found clear evidence of the new project: patents from GLOCK, very fresh.

The first sketches of the new GLOCK carbine

There are about a dozen patents that were published in mid-April. They provide very interesting, extremely detailed insights into the operating principle of the new GLOCK assault rifle. There are no definitive images and an overall concept publicly available yet, but we have pieced together a lot of information from the known sources. We also reached out to GLOCK directly. The request went unanswered, but we do know that there are real weapons of this type. In the image above, you can see the carbine, as it is called in the patents, field-stripped in a schematic sketch.

Here is the whole rifle assembled, in full size. There is a certain visual similarity to the AR15 system, but that is probably due to the sketched stock and magazine. Inside, the Glock assault rifle has very little to do with any known systems. The observant viewer will notice that the stock is planned slightly above the barrel axis. This could have a positive effect on recoil management.

Exciting detail solutions from GLOCK

Let's start with the cocking handle and the information obtained from the patents. The cocking handle does not move during firing. It will be operable from both sides and the charging handles will fold in, so that nothing protrudes. The patent also states that the handles are individually replaceable, allowing for all shapes and opening angles. The cocking handle can also be removed without tools, as shown in the image. The positioning of the handles will be in the front area of the weapon above the barrel. This way, the cocking handle can also be used in the firing position.

Here is the barrel with the bolt carrier (No. 28, in the previous image as No. 18) and the gas pressure system. This is a "Mid-Stroke" system, as the displacement of the gas piston (18) is supposed to be between 20 and 30 mm. But where is the gas piston?

Yes, we have not seen such a mechanism before. The gas piston (18) is designed as a ring and pushes the bolt and bolt carrier backwards via a linkage. The excess gases are then directed forwards towards the muzzle.

Here in cross-section the furthest forward and rearward position of the gas piston. It is also interesting to note that there are two gas ports in the barrel. One above and one below. In the previous images, the numbers always refer to the same parts, so you can always orient yourself to where each part is.

Here the lock and bolt carrier in detail. Due to the top-mounted closing spring, the design reminds us of the good old AK-47, but only because of the position. What stands out is the relatively small number of parts, for which GLOCK pistols are already known.

The lock viewed from the front at an angle. At first glance, the lock does not show any special features, but a lot of tinkering has also been done here. Overall, the lock with slide piece (which is called the bolt carrier in the patent) is very compactly designed. No buffer tube is needed, as is typical for AR-15 systems, so the GLOCK assault rifle could also be equipped with a folding stock. We have not found any details on this yet.

The extraction and ejection process is also patented. Essentially, there is nothing new here, but the how may have been solved very ingeniously. The patents do not provide information on which calibers are planned. It is formulated quite generally that the dimensions of the individual components can be adapted to various calibers, but the operating principle always remains the same. We are inclined to think that 5.56x45 mm will be a fixed starter.

In addition to the charging handle, the magazine holder is operable on both sides. There is a clear similarity to the AR-15, but the assembly works without screws. It appears that the GLOCK assault rifle is intended to use AR-15-like magazines.

The magazine holder in its full rendered glory. When it comes to magazines, we are betting on proprietary polymer magazines, as GLOCK is highly experienced with plastics.

The GLOCK assault rifle is said to have a barrel quick-change system. The principle reminds us somewhat of the Steyr AUG or Stg77, where the barrel is fixed with a clamping lever. This can probably only be done in disassembled condition.

The barrel clamping assembly in section. The barrel is inserted from the front and twisted. This is secured with the clamping lever. According to the patent, the clamping pin does not directly touch the barrel, unless it is not twisted, but has a 0.1 mm play. This is intended to allow the barrel to swing freely.

Finally! The GLOCK Carbine is here

CONCLUSION: These are all the information we have been able to gather so far about the GLOCK rifle based on the recently released patents. In summary: it has a quick-change barrel system, ambidextrous charging handle and magazine release, and a "Mid-Stroke" gas system. Overall, it is also understood that the entire weapon is intended to be very modular, particularly regarding the forend, etc. Polymer will play a significant role in the overall appearance, if the drawings are interpreted correctly. We expect to see the first photo of the real weapon soon... And we are excited: not only have we been waiting for a rifle from GLOCK. We are guessing the SHOT Show 2022. Hence, here is the video in English:

GLOCK on the Internet

And what did Glock patent all the AR15 parts for? - The second part of the SPARTANAT report on the GLOCK rifle.