In 1964, Gaston Glock started the Glock company in Deutsch-Wagram, Austria as a manufacturer of curtain rods. In the 1970s, Glock diversified into making plastic containers, field knives, plastic magazines, ammunition belts and practice hand grenades. In 1980, Glock launched the first model of its pistol Glock 17, which was capable of firing 17 rounds. Glock 17 was soon selected as the official weapon of the Austrian army. Data shows that in 2006, Glock 22 was the sidearm weapon of choice of the United States police.