After what can only be described as the most exhaustive weapons trial the UK has seen in two decades, the dust has finally settled. Viking Arms, the UK distributor for Glock, has confirmed that the Glock GR-115 has been selected as the primary firearm for specialist armed policing units across the country. This choice follows a rigorous evaluation process where the Austrian manufacturer had to prove its mettle against a crowded field of global competitors, ultimately securing its place in the lockers of our most elite responders.

The decision represents a notable shift in the UK’s approach to armed policing capabilities. During the selection process, the GR-115 distinguished itself by recording the highest scores for accuracy in both suppressed and unsuppressed configurations. For a nation that takes its firearms selection with a side of traditional British caution, the fact that a newcomer to the AR-15 platform outperformed established industry veterans is a detail that has certainly caused a few raised eyebrows in the tactical community.

Glock is hardly a stranger to the British thin blue line. The manufacturer has been a fixture of UK law enforcement since the 1990s, when its pistols became the standard sidearm for several forces. This long-standing partnership has evolved from merely supplying handguns to providing a comprehensive support ecosystem, including long-term servicing and logistical training. It appears the brand has successfully transitioned from being the safe bet for a holster to a serious contender for a sling.

Technically speaking, the GR-115 is the result of years of refinement focused on the AR-15 platform. While Glock is synonymous with polymer handguns, this rifle is a calculated foray into more complex territory. It was developed through extensive collaboration with end-users to ensure it functions effectively in high-pressure environments. The engineering focus was evidently on consistency; it is a rifle designed to do its job without any unnecessary dramatic flair, which is exactly what one wants in a duty weapon.

The journey of the GR-115 from rumour to reality has been a long one, closely tracked by industry observers like Spartan AT. Leaks first emerged in 2021 regarding Glock patents for AR-15 components, and by 2023, the rifle was officially registered at the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior. While the "GR-115F" designation was seen in British tender documents, the civilian-oriented version drops the suffix. It seems the "F" might stand for something specific to the tender, though we shall leave that to the imagination of the armchair experts.

Spartan AT in  2022 reported that the initial photos as seen at the start of this article were shared by Sean Odinson.  

Interestingly, as noted by Miguel Ortiz of WeAreTheMighty.com, that in terms of internal mechanics, the GR-115 utilizes an internal piston gas-operating system. This is a subtle departure from the external piston systems favoured by some European neighbours, such as the French and Germans with their HK416s. The Glock rifle also features an M-LOK handguard, allowing for attachments at various angles. Many professionals prefer the aesthetic and functional sleekness of M-LOK over the KeyMod interface, which has often been teased for its rather peculiar, somewhat phallic, silhouette.

According to him, while the design is purely Austrian, reports suggest the GR-115 is manufactured in Slovakia, a nation with a firearms heritage stretching back to the Czechoslovakian era. The Slovakian police have primarily been spotted using the 11.5-inch barrel configuration of the GR-115 and Ortiz also mentions that Brazilian law enforcement documents confirm that a 14.75-inch version also exists. This longer variant is particularly significant for the American market, as U.S. federal law requires a minimum 16-inch barrel for civilian rifles. By permanently pinning and welding an extended muzzle device—similar to the A2 bird cage style seen on Glock’s latest prototypes—the 14.75-inch barrel could easily meet legal requirements. However, despite this potential compatibility, there is currently no official confirmation that the GR-115 will be available for U.S. sale.

The rifle’s furniture and external interface rely on high-quality, industry-standard components. Ortiz further writes that according to the Brazilian contract details, the GR-115 is outfitted with a Magpul stock, pistol grip, and backup iron sights. The handguard features a modern M-LOK system for accessory mounting and utilizes a quick-detach interface where it meets the upper receiver. This combination of components suggests a focus on modularity and ergonomics right out of the box.

Internal and structural features further highlight the rifle’s premium construction. Both the upper and lower receivers are machined from billet, featuring an enlarged trigger well to accommodate gloved use and fully ambidextrous controls for the bolt catch and release. Accuracy and feel are bolstered by the inclusion of a Geissele trigger, a high-end choice known for providing a crisp, reliable break.

The specifications reveal a rifle built for balance rather than just being lightweight. The 11.5-inch barrel variant weighs in at approximately 6.2 pounds, slightly lighter than a standard US military M4A1. This weight is attributed to a medium-profile barrel designed for thermal stability and consistency. The rifle also incorporates high-quality third-party components, including a Magpul stock and a Geissele trigger, ensuring that the interface between the officer and the machinery is as crisp and reliable as possible.

Despite the excitement from the civilian shooting community, the GR-115 remains a restricted commodity. Currently, it is only available to selected law enforcement and military customers. While there is persistent chatter about a potential release for the domestic market in Europe or the United States, for now, the GR-115 remains an exclusive tool for those whose job description includes carrying a heavy vest and a very high level of responsibility.