Glock is partnering with Lipsey’s on a retro-style commemorative edition P80 pistol based on the original Austrian military trials model. Called the “Pistole 80” for its military adoption, the design would soon be world-renown as the Glock 17.
“Glock, in conjunction with Lipsey’s is very pleased to commemorate the adoption of the Glock P80 by the Austrian Army with a recreation inspired by the original Glock Pistole 80,” said National Sales Manager Bob Radecki. “The P80 was Glock’s first pistol and was the catalyst that led to the introduction of the G17 which revolutionized the pistol market and launched Glock as the pistol manufacturer trusted around the globe for over 30 years.”
The Austrian trials Glock was developed in 1981 to replace the Walther P38 still in service. It would compete against industry leaders from Beretta, FN Herstal, Heckler & Koch, SIG Sauer and Steyr, and, following the trials, was adopted in 1982.
Even though it was a new contender, Glock leaned on leading gun designers and military and competition shooting experts to develop a product everyone recognizes today, inspiring countless future handguns based on its principles.
After the P80 was adopted by the Austrian military, Glock returned to the in-house name Glock 17 for commercial and law enforcement sales internationally. In the U.S., P80s are exceptionally rare and extremely difficult to import, until now.
The new P80 is a real first-generation Glock, not a current-production pistol styled after the archetypal model. In addition to the period markings, the P80 has a single-pin frame with the first pebble texture and no accessory rail.
The grip has a straight frontstrap without finger grooves, just a wraparound texture and a small magazine release button. At the bottom of the frame at the front is a cutout for clearing stuck magazines and other mag-related malfunctions.
See Also: Glock Adds Rail to Slimline Pistols, Now Optics-Ready, Too
The P80 uses the same flat extractor and smooth “safe-action” trigger as the first-gen guns, too. It comes with the original-pattern polymer sights, original “Tupperware” peel-top box, and in a collector’s edition overbox with a certificate of authenticity from Glock.
Specifications are as expected. Chambered for 9mm Luger, the P80 has a 17+1-round capacity, a 4.5-inch barrel and an unloaded weight of just over 25 ounces. The P80 ships with two magazines and packages with 10-round mags are available for restricted markets.
The one difference between the new P80s and the originals is that these guns have a black diamond-like coating finish instead of a ferritic nitrocarburized finish. There is always room for a little more perfection.
Pricing is set at $669 which isn’t bad at all for a special edition like this. Realistically collectors will pay full retail for these and deals might be hard to come by, so if you see one and want one, go ahead and treat yourself.
For more information about these and other special edition pistols visit the Lipsey’s website.
Old school with a Gat Switch ala Glock 18!
Why would any right-minded firearms owner wants to purchase this?? It is not an original, and it certainly is “retro“ with respect to its function.
Agreed! Who wants a fake old gun?! Gen 3’s are th best anyways!