From the Glock to the Garand, these are some of the most influential and groundbreaking firearms in history. GLOCK 17. Gaston Glock created what is now an iconic sporting and self-defense weapon – the Glock 17. ... AK-47. ... M1 GARAND. ... COLT M1911. ... MG-42. ... SMITH & WESSON 29. ... M4/M16. ... Uzi.