So to qualify for importation a particular Glock pistol model must score 75 points based on the following system per the U.S. Govt. ATF form 4590, “Factoring Criteria for Weapons”:
Characteristic / Points
Length: for each 1/4" over 6" - 1
Forged steel frame - 15
Forged HTS alloy frame - 20
Unloaded weight w/mag (per oz.) - 1
.22 short and .25 auto - 0
.22 LR and 7.65mm to .380 auto - 3
9mm parabellum and over - 10
Locked breech mechanism - 5
Loaded chamber indicator - 5
Grip safety - 3
Magazine safety - 5
Firing pin block or lock - 10
External hammer - 2
Double action - 10
Drift adjustable target sight - 5
Click adjustable target sight - 10
Target grips - 5
Target trigger - 2
As an example, here is how the G17 scores: Length (7.28") 5
Weight (24.79oz) 25
Caliber (9mm) 10
Locked breech 5
Firing pin block 10
Double action 10
Target sight 10
Target grips 5
Total 80
Here is how the Glock 26 scores: Length (6.29") 1
Weight (21.87oz) 22
Caliber (9mm) 10
Locked breech 5
Firing pin block 10
Double action 10
Target sight 10
Target grips 5
Target trigger 2
Total 75 - just enough to get in.
Changes and features made to Glocks to comply with the BATF rules:
- all models are imported with a cheap click-adjustable rear sight that is replaced at the factory with the stock sight
- target (grooved) trigger added to compacts & subcompacts
- target grips added to all models (required for the subcompacts)
- The G25 and G28 .380 autos do not score enough points to be imported
- I understand the Glock 42 .380 is marked “Made in the U.S.”, vs. “Made in Austria” so that model is not subject to this BATF importation scoring system.