I just finished reading an article describing this lock. I have to say that as such a concept goes, I am impressed with Glock's solution.
I personally have no need nor interest in a gun with an integral (or external, for that matter) lock, but there ARE people who may have such a need. You may or may not be one of them, but you may find this information interesting or useful.
Here are some of the main points of information I found on this mechanism:
So far every integral lock I've seen has been a simple device, using a universal key. This means that anyone with access to one key has access to any gun that uses it. These keys also are small, and so far as I've seen, must be inserted into a small hole oriented in the correct direction.
Glock chose to use a cylindrical lock that uses a unique key. The key is essentially a flat tab with smooth sides. It has no grooves or teeth. Each side has 2 rows of depressions of varying size. By changing the sizes and ordering of these holes, millions of combinations are possible, rendering a high degree of security against other keys unlocking it. The key goes in without regard to orientation, and precise alignment via grooves is not required, it simply goes in. The key measures about 1 11/16th inches in total length, of which about 5/8th of an inch goes into the lock.
The lock itself is unique. Only Glock has them. It is located inside what has so far been a hollow space at the rear of the grip frame. The key inserts from the bottom, behind the magazine well.
This appears to me to be simple and robust enough to use even in the dark. When engaged, a metal
tab protrudes from the rear of the grip, so the user knows instantly whether the gun may be fired or not simply by holding it.
The lock engages the trigger group itself and prevents the trigger from being pulled. The magazine may be removed or inserted while the gun is locked. The slide may be cycled, so the chamber
can be cleared even if locked. Since the trigger can't be pulled, the gun can not be stripped
while locked.
I have no idea how much difference in price there is between Glock models with and without the lock.
I read nothing to indicate that they would be available as a retrofit to existing models. I imagine that it would be possible, but it would require a new trigger group to replace the old one.
I personally have no need nor interest in a gun with an integral (or external, for that matter) lock, but there ARE people who may have such a need. You may or may not be one of them, but you may find this information interesting or useful.
Here are some of the main points of information I found on this mechanism:
So far every integral lock I've seen has been a simple device, using a universal key. This means that anyone with access to one key has access to any gun that uses it. These keys also are small, and so far as I've seen, must be inserted into a small hole oriented in the correct direction.
Glock chose to use a cylindrical lock that uses a unique key. The key is essentially a flat tab with smooth sides. It has no grooves or teeth. Each side has 2 rows of depressions of varying size. By changing the sizes and ordering of these holes, millions of combinations are possible, rendering a high degree of security against other keys unlocking it. The key goes in without regard to orientation, and precise alignment via grooves is not required, it simply goes in. The key measures about 1 11/16th inches in total length, of which about 5/8th of an inch goes into the lock.
The lock itself is unique. Only Glock has them. It is located inside what has so far been a hollow space at the rear of the grip frame. The key inserts from the bottom, behind the magazine well.
This appears to me to be simple and robust enough to use even in the dark. When engaged, a metal
tab protrudes from the rear of the grip, so the user knows instantly whether the gun may be fired or not simply by holding it.
The lock engages the trigger group itself and prevents the trigger from being pulled. The magazine may be removed or inserted while the gun is locked. The slide may be cycled, so the chamber
can be cleared even if locked. Since the trigger can't be pulled, the gun can not be stripped
while locked.
I have no idea how much difference in price there is between Glock models with and without the lock.
I read nothing to indicate that they would be available as a retrofit to existing models. I imagine that it would be possible, but it would require a new trigger group to replace the old one.