Glock G37

About the Glock G37

The Glock G37 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in .45 GAP, produced by Glock Ges.m.b.H. since 2003. This Austrian-manufactured firearm reflects the engineering traditions and quality standards of its country of origin, designed to meet the demands of both civilian and professional users in a competitive global marketplace. Featuring a 10-round magazine capacity, this pistol offers adequate firepower for defensive carry. The striker-fired action provides a consistent trigger pull for every shot, simplifying training and reducing the manual of arms - a design philosophy that has become the dominant paradigm in modern defensive handguns. The 4.5-inch barrel provides an excellent balance between sight radius and portability, making it equally suitable for duty carry and recreational shooting. Weighing 740g (26.1 oz) empty, this firearm strikes a practical balance between manageable carry weight and sufficient mass to moderate felt recoil during shooting. The polymer frame construction reduces weight while providing a textured, ergonomic grip surface designed for secure handling in all conditions. This firearm represents its manufacturer's commitment to delivering a well-engineered, reliable product that serves the needs of discerning shooters seeking quality, accuracy, and dependable performance from a proven platform.

The .45 GAP represents Glock's only venture into designing its own cartridge, and the results were mixed. The concept was brilliant: a shorter .45-caliber round that fit in a 9mm-sized frame, giving agencies .45-caliber stopping power without the bulky grip of the Glock 21. The New York State Police adopted it, as did the Georgia State Patrol, but the wider firearms market never embraced the cartridge. Ammunition remained expensive and scarce compared to .45 ACP and 9mm. By the time the FBI's 2014 study validated 9mm as ballistically equivalent to larger calibers with modern ammunition, the .45 GAP's raison d'etre had evaporated. The G37 stands as an interesting footnote in firearms history: a well-executed solution to a problem that the market ultimately decided did not need solving.

Glock G37 specifications

The .45 GAP cartridge uses a shorter case (19.18mm vs 22.81mm for .45 ACP) with higher operating pressure and a small pistol primer instead of the .45 ACP's large pistol primer. This shorter cartridge allows the G37 to use the same frame as the G17/G22, keeping grip circumference manageable for shooters with smaller hands while still delivering .45-caliber performance. However, the .45 GAP never achieved widespread commercial success, with limited ammunition availability and higher per-round costs compared to .45 ACP. Most adopting agencies have since transitioned to other calibers. The G37 and the entire .45 GAP lineup have been discontinued.