As the year wraps up, it is time to look back at the stories, insights and behind-the-scenes access that shaped my GLOCK coverage over the past year. This year was not just about platforms and performance. It was about the people, the training and the evolution of a brand that continues to influence the firearms community at every level.
Training at GLOCK Professional
This year, I revisited and wrote about my first hands-on experience with GLOCK Professional, which began more than 10 years ago when I attended the GLOCK Armorer Course and the Advanced Armorer Course. These articles gave a detailed look at what the courses cover, why they matter and how they deepen a shooter’s understanding of the platform. The Armorer Course article explored fundamentals such as field stripping, parts identification, troubleshooting and proper maintenance. The Advanced Armorer Course went even further, covering diagnostics and the reasoning behind GLOCK’s engineering decisions. These were more than educational recaps.
These posts are foundational pieces for readers who want to understand their firearms beyond surface-level operation. Writing about these courses also opened the door to exploring the training culture and instructional standards that support the brand. These stories provide a clear picture of how GLOCK Professional builds competency and consistency across its national training programs.
People Behind the Brand
A major shift in this year’s coverage was the intentional focus on the individuals who keep GLOCK’s training ecosystem strong. My interview with Mr. Scotty Banks, who has served as a mentor to me throughout the years, shares his wisdom when it comes to empowering women through firearms education. He is the training manager with GLOCK Professional, which equips him to offer a rare insight into GLOCK’s instructional philosophy, course development and the behind-the-scenes responsibilities that shape the national training footprint. Scotty’s leadership, expertise and dedication remind readers that while the platform is iconic, the human element behind the brand is equally significant. His interview reinforces a theme that carried through the year: the people behind the products deserve as much recognition as the platform itself.
Profiles: Team GLOCK Women
The Women of Team GLOCK series was one of the most meaningful storytelling opportunities in 2025. These profiles highlighted competitors whose backgrounds, perspectives and work ethics bring new energy to the shooting sports community.
These articles offer readers representation, relatability and a deeper understanding of the discipline behind elite performance. Most importantly, they broaden industry storytelling by spotlighting women who are reshaping the landscape regardless of age or background.
What Is Next: GLOCK Gen 6
One of the most surprising moments of the year took place at the end of the year. The GEN 6 press release event. Covering this launch allowed me to preview the newest factory enhancements, updated ergonomics and performance-driven refinements. During this event, I also had the unexpected opportunity to meet Kathrin Glock, the owner of GLOCK, which added even more depth to my understanding of the brand’s legacy and direction. Even though GEN 6 arrived late in the year, it sets the stage for conversations that will continue into the new year.
As I close out this year of writing, several reflections come to mind. Revisiting the Armorer and Advanced Armorer Courses strengthened the foundation of my work and reminded me of the importance of understanding the engineering that drives the platform. Focusing on the people behind the platform, from instructors to competitors, enriched every post and added a dimension that technical specifications alone cannot capture. And while GEN 6 entered the conversation toward the end of the year, it reaffirms that GLOCK’s evolution is continuous, powered by both innovation and the individuals committed to advancing a high caliber brand.
Find out everything GLOCK offers at the GLOCK website.
Avery Skipalis is the owner of Skip’s Tactical Solutions, an organization that focuses on empowering women, men and children to make sure that no one else becomes a victim. She gained her firearms experience from the military where she’s been a military firearms instructor for 10.5 years. She’s also a certified NRA rifle and pistol instructor and Glock Advanced Armorer since 2015. She’s attended Sig Sauer Academy, FNH, Special Operations Command Armorers courses as well as multiple Advanced Shooting Schools across the United States. She resides in Florida with her husband and 2 kids. She’s currently serving in the United States Air Force and loves sharing her passion with others. She thinks it’s important that women also feel like they’re in control of their own safety. View all posts by Avery Skipalis
