Austrian engineer Gaston Glock, whose journey from crafting curtain rods led to the groundbreaking development of globally acclaimed handguns, passed away at the age of 94 on Wednesday.

Glock Inc. officially confirmed the founder’s demise on the company’s website without disclosing a specific cause of death.

The site featured a somber tribute, “In Memoriam Gaston Glock 07/19/1929 – 12/27/2023,” accompanied by a photo of Glock in a dark suit and maroon tie, standing with crossed arms against a black backdrop.

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Acknowledging Glock’s significant impact, the company highlighted his role in revolutionizing the small arms industry in the 1980s and establishing the Glock brand as a leading force in the global handgun sector.

The Glock pistol, widely favored by law enforcement agencies and featured in blockbuster movies such as “Die Hard 2” and “U.S. Marshals,” has left an indelible mark in popular culture, finding mentions in various rap songs, including Wu-Tang Clan’s “Da Glock.”

Born in Vienna, Austria, in 1929, Glock’s initial business involved supplying knives and bayonets to the Austrian Army during the 1970s.

In 1980, Glock identified the army’s need for a new handgun, despite not personally owning one.

He assembled a team of experts to create what became known as the “pistol of the future.”

During the project, Glock underwent handgun training and test-fired prototypes with his left hand to ensure continuity in case of accidents.

The result was the Glock 17, a groundbreaking semi-automatic handgun crafted from industrial plastic or polymer, featuring a magazine capacity of 17 rounds and an additional round in the chamber.

The Austrian Army adopted the Glock as its new service pistol in 1983, followed by the Norwegian Army in 1984, designating it as their standard sidearm.

Glock’s influence extended to the United States, where the company established its headquarters in Smyrna, Georgia, in 1985.

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It claimed that over 65% of U.S. federal, state, and local agencies have been equipped with Glock pistols, solidifying Gaston Glock’s lasting impact on the global firearms industry.