The Gun Digest Book of the Glock, 2nd Edition
How to Accessorize and Tune Your Glock
Performance Evaluations of All Models and Chamberings
by Patrick Sweeney
335 pages, 599 photos
softcover, perfect bound, 8.5 x 11 inches
Krause Publications
copyright 2008
Patrick Sweeney has perspective. He’s been in the gun field - as a gunsmith, instructor and writer - for a long time. He brings all of that experience to bear in the pages of this book.
The Gun Digest Book of The Glock is not a Glock lovefest. Sweeney is a level-headed writer who compares and contrasts the features of the Glock against the combat pistol that has seen more action than any other; the Colt 1911. After all, that is who was sitting on the throne when the Glock arrived. Has Glock executed the coup that it hoped to? Sweeney’s considered opinion may surprise you.
The book is logically laid out for a gradual and instructional introduction to the Glock and its features. Recommendations are made regarding caliber and frame size for new Glock shooters. As the reader gets deeper into the book, Sweeney delves into more advanced topics such as third-party barrels, sights, compensators, caliber conversions and finally competition.
In this new Second Edition, Sweeney covers the GAP model Glocks (37, 38, 39) and compares the new round in detail to .45 ACP. You’ll be surprised to see the photo of him shooting .45 GAP in a revolver. He also goes into detail about the design and benefits of the Glock 21 SF model.
Sweeney’s not another Glockophile unendingly singing the praises of the Austrian “Uberpistol.” He recognizes his responsibility to his readers to actually explore the benefits and deficiencies of Glocks.
There are some who object to his frequent mention of the Colt 1911 platform. It is only natural to compare the new maverick to the old standard. Those who object are probably already embroiled in the futile war of marques like Ford vs Chevy, Coke vs Pepsi or dare I say .45 vs 9mm. There is hardly a pistol shooter over 35 who did not grow up shooting a 1911, and so views all other semi-autos from that standpoint.
Sweeney’s style is conversational with a friendly tone. Sweeney has a way of integrating interesting points and crucial facts into the weft and warp of his writing. The reader cannot simply skim his books or articles to glean information. He is a writer who uses the language to communicate, not just enumerate.
Introduction
(2 pages)
Sweeney begins by reminding us that in the five years between the first and second editions of his book, Glock as a gun, a company and a cultural icon has matured. The Glock pistol has become much more than a novelty, a metaphor or a cliché, it has become the absolute standard for sidearms of citizens and law enforcement alike, pointing out that, “Glocks are legendary for working right out of the box, every time and without fail.”
He assures us that he will provide unbiased information; the “good, bad, indifferent and downright strange, it’s all here.” He immediately begins his comparison with the former combat pistol standard, the 1911 by establishing his neutrality by saying, “just to make sure you know where I stand on the issue (firmly in the middle) it is my personal feeling that a Glock has all of the warmth, charm, personality and character of an industrial tool. It also has a standard of reliability, durability and function that I’m not sure other pistols can achieve, even the 1911.”
Finally, Sweeney does admit that, “having spent more time with them, and learning more since the first book that I’m starting to warm up to Glocks.”
How to Accessorize and Tune Your Glock
Performance Evaluations of All Models and Chamberings
by Patrick Sweeney
335 pages, 599 photos
softcover, perfect bound, 8.5 x 11 inches
Krause Publications
copyright 2008
Patrick Sweeney has perspective. He’s been in the gun field - as a gunsmith, instructor and writer - for a long time. He brings all of that experience to bear in the pages of this book.
The Gun Digest Book of The Glock is not a Glock lovefest. Sweeney is a level-headed writer who compares and contrasts the features of the Glock against the combat pistol that has seen more action than any other; the Colt 1911. After all, that is who was sitting on the throne when the Glock arrived. Has Glock executed the coup that it hoped to? Sweeney’s considered opinion may surprise you.
The book is logically laid out for a gradual and instructional introduction to the Glock and its features. Recommendations are made regarding caliber and frame size for new Glock shooters. As the reader gets deeper into the book, Sweeney delves into more advanced topics such as third-party barrels, sights, compensators, caliber conversions and finally competition.
In this new Second Edition, Sweeney covers the GAP model Glocks (37, 38, 39) and compares the new round in detail to .45 ACP. You’ll be surprised to see the photo of him shooting .45 GAP in a revolver. He also goes into detail about the design and benefits of the Glock 21 SF model.
Sweeney’s not another Glockophile unendingly singing the praises of the Austrian “Uberpistol.” He recognizes his responsibility to his readers to actually explore the benefits and deficiencies of Glocks.
There are some who object to his frequent mention of the Colt 1911 platform. It is only natural to compare the new maverick to the old standard. Those who object are probably already embroiled in the futile war of marques like Ford vs Chevy, Coke vs Pepsi or dare I say .45 vs 9mm. There is hardly a pistol shooter over 35 who did not grow up shooting a 1911, and so views all other semi-autos from that standpoint.
Sweeney’s style is conversational with a friendly tone. Sweeney has a way of integrating interesting points and crucial facts into the weft and warp of his writing. The reader cannot simply skim his books or articles to glean information. He is a writer who uses the language to communicate, not just enumerate.
Introduction
(2 pages)
Sweeney begins by reminding us that in the five years between the first and second editions of his book, Glock as a gun, a company and a cultural icon has matured. The Glock pistol has become much more than a novelty, a metaphor or a cliché, it has become the absolute standard for sidearms of citizens and law enforcement alike, pointing out that, “Glocks are legendary for working right out of the box, every time and without fail.”
He assures us that he will provide unbiased information; the “good, bad, indifferent and downright strange, it’s all here.” He immediately begins his comparison with the former combat pistol standard, the 1911 by establishing his neutrality by saying, “just to make sure you know where I stand on the issue (firmly in the middle) it is my personal feeling that a Glock has all of the warmth, charm, personality and character of an industrial tool. It also has a standard of reliability, durability and function that I’m not sure other pistols can achieve, even the 1911.”
Finally, Sweeney does admit that, “having spent more time with them, and learning more since the first book that I’m starting to warm up to Glocks.”
Chapter 1 - History of the Glock
(16 pages)
In these pages, Sweeney describes the new-fangled Glock’s place in the gun world at-large. “The pre-Glock world would seem strange to many who have grown up knowing the Glock. There was a time when plastic was viewed as a cheap substitute for real substances (i.e. wood, metal, leather and - for those really stuck in the nineteenth century - stag grips) and not something to depend on.” He details how shooters came to accept plastic as an acceptable material from which to make guns.
Sweeney recounts the humble origins of the first Glock, known to the Austrian Army as the P-80. Each of the 17 requirements with commentary are listed. From the fundamentals such as the fact that the pistol must be self-loading, chambered in 9mm to the challenging like: “all manipulations for preparing to fire, firing and manipulation after firing must be single-handed capable, right-handed or left-handed” to bordering on revolutionary such as: “Maintaining and cleaning of the pistol must be possible without any tools,” and “The firer must not be endangered by case ejection.”
After the design was accepted, learn what changes has to be made so the new Glock pistols could legally be imported into the USA. Sweeney goes on to describe in detail the American law enforcement gun market during the mid 1980s and how the much-needed transition from revolvers to semi-autos played right into Glock’s hand. Read the story of how one man in Miami changed gun history forever by convincing the Police Department to adopt Glocks. Learn who in that department were issued G-22 serial numbers “MIA 0001” and “MIA 0002.”
“At first, the Glock product line was simple - one pistol, the G-17. When it came out there was all kinds of outrage and controversy. On the gun-owners’ side it was simple stuff like the designation G-17. No, not because it held 17 rounds or the Austrian Army had some secret code with their seventeen requirements, but because it was the seventeenth product Glock made. On the part of Glock’s competitors, the question of the durability of the polymer frame came into question (the frame proved quite durable enough, thank you, although the front sight has always been a question mark).
“On the legislative front, things were not so easily settled. More than one journalist tried to raise a stink about the polymer frame and its near-magical ability to evade metal detectors. In an x-ray machine though, a Glock looks just like what it is, a pistol. If a metal detector is properly adjusted to detect more than the fillings in your teeth, it will beep plaintively when you pass a Glock through it. But when you’re up against those who don’t like you (and buy ink by the barrel) even the truth is not much of a defense.”
(16 pages)
In these pages, Sweeney describes the new-fangled Glock’s place in the gun world at-large. “The pre-Glock world would seem strange to many who have grown up knowing the Glock. There was a time when plastic was viewed as a cheap substitute for real substances (i.e. wood, metal, leather and - for those really stuck in the nineteenth century - stag grips) and not something to depend on.” He details how shooters came to accept plastic as an acceptable material from which to make guns.
Sweeney recounts the humble origins of the first Glock, known to the Austrian Army as the P-80. Each of the 17 requirements with commentary are listed. From the fundamentals such as the fact that the pistol must be self-loading, chambered in 9mm to the challenging like: “all manipulations for preparing to fire, firing and manipulation after firing must be single-handed capable, right-handed or left-handed” to bordering on revolutionary such as: “Maintaining and cleaning of the pistol must be possible without any tools,” and “The firer must not be endangered by case ejection.”
After the design was accepted, learn what changes has to be made so the new Glock pistols could legally be imported into the USA. Sweeney goes on to describe in detail the American law enforcement gun market during the mid 1980s and how the much-needed transition from revolvers to semi-autos played right into Glock’s hand. Read the story of how one man in Miami changed gun history forever by convincing the Police Department to adopt Glocks. Learn who in that department were issued G-22 serial numbers “MIA 0001” and “MIA 0002.”
“At first, the Glock product line was simple - one pistol, the G-17. When it came out there was all kinds of outrage and controversy. On the gun-owners’ side it was simple stuff like the designation G-17. No, not because it held 17 rounds or the Austrian Army had some secret code with their seventeen requirements, but because it was the seventeenth product Glock made. On the part of Glock’s competitors, the question of the durability of the polymer frame came into question (the frame proved quite durable enough, thank you, although the front sight has always been a question mark).
“On the legislative front, things were not so easily settled. More than one journalist tried to raise a stink about the polymer frame and its near-magical ability to evade metal detectors. In an x-ray machine though, a Glock looks just like what it is, a pistol. If a metal detector is properly adjusted to detect more than the fillings in your teeth, it will beep plaintively when you pass a Glock through it. But when you’re up against those who don’t like you (and buy ink by the barrel) even the truth is not much of a defense.”
Chapter 2 - How the Glock Functions
(29 pages)
Sweeney starts at the ground floor explaining the genetics of the Glock pistol. By following the pistol’s firing cycle step-by-step, we are introduced to each vital component of the gun. We see Gaston’s logic in choosing and improving by simplifying the Browning tilt-barrel system. Making both operation and manufacturing more straightforward and reliable. Sweeney presents an incredibly lucid description of the firing cycle. He compares conventional hammer-equipped cocking function and Glock striker charging steps and gives the reader a comprehensive tour of the Glock trigger and its functions and idiosyncrasies.
Sweeney presents a brief rundown of Glock safeties: their strengths, shortfalls, similarities to others and unique genius. What makes the Glock “disconnector” different from all others? It is in fact not even really a “part.”
Disassembly and reassembly are described with a few photos of key steps.
Sweeney discusses Glock’s modern ultra-high precision machining and manufacturing procedures and how they make Glock’s precision and parts “swapability” a reality.
Next, Sweeney does not simply recount the old Glock Torture test, he compares how a steel-frame gun would fare against the same abuse. He keeps score as the two guns theoretically get frozen in a block of ice, buried in dirt, exposed to gooey river mud, submerged for an hour, thoroughly degreased and fired, run over, and others. The results are very interesting. Here too is a fun bit about why dropping a pistol from a helicopter is actually a non-issue.
Finally, a discussion of Glock durability as measured by round counts as compared to other pistols. Sweeney finds documented 1911s with 300,000 rounds through them and Glocks with half a million.
“When Glock began offering their G-17 here in the United States, they were very aggressive about proclaiming their pistol’s superiority. It didn’t take long for tales to be told at matches and clubs, tales of Glocks being towed behind the rep’s car as he drove into the parking lot of the range where he would demonstrate the new G-17. Of Glocks thrown into running cement mixers (sans cement, of course) tossed over walls, thrown out of speeding vehicles and dropped from helicopters. Even of Glocks being fired underwater. And, it would be hard to find such a tale that was indeed a tale and not the truth. For the then-new and subsequent Glocks have gone through all that and more.”
(29 pages)
Sweeney starts at the ground floor explaining the genetics of the Glock pistol. By following the pistol’s firing cycle step-by-step, we are introduced to each vital component of the gun. We see Gaston’s logic in choosing and improving by simplifying the Browning tilt-barrel system. Making both operation and manufacturing more straightforward and reliable. Sweeney presents an incredibly lucid description of the firing cycle. He compares conventional hammer-equipped cocking function and Glock striker charging steps and gives the reader a comprehensive tour of the Glock trigger and its functions and idiosyncrasies.
Sweeney presents a brief rundown of Glock safeties: their strengths, shortfalls, similarities to others and unique genius. What makes the Glock “disconnector” different from all others? It is in fact not even really a “part.”
Disassembly and reassembly are described with a few photos of key steps.
Sweeney discusses Glock’s modern ultra-high precision machining and manufacturing procedures and how they make Glock’s precision and parts “swapability” a reality.
Next, Sweeney does not simply recount the old Glock Torture test, he compares how a steel-frame gun would fare against the same abuse. He keeps score as the two guns theoretically get frozen in a block of ice, buried in dirt, exposed to gooey river mud, submerged for an hour, thoroughly degreased and fired, run over, and others. The results are very interesting. Here too is a fun bit about why dropping a pistol from a helicopter is actually a non-issue.
Finally, a discussion of Glock durability as measured by round counts as compared to other pistols. Sweeney finds documented 1911s with 300,000 rounds through them and Glocks with half a million.
“When Glock began offering their G-17 here in the United States, they were very aggressive about proclaiming their pistol’s superiority. It didn’t take long for tales to be told at matches and clubs, tales of Glocks being towed behind the rep’s car as he drove into the parking lot of the range where he would demonstrate the new G-17. Of Glocks thrown into running cement mixers (sans cement, of course) tossed over walls, thrown out of speeding vehicles and dropped from helicopters. Even of Glocks being fired underwater. And, it would be hard to find such a tale that was indeed a tale and not the truth. For the then-new and subsequent Glocks have gone through all that and more.”
Chapter 3 - Calibers of the Glock
(26 pages)
This is a lot more than a list of guns and their correct ammunition. The discussion starts with an examination of the supply-and-demand of caliber, pistol size and configuration. Why are calibers chosen? Why are pistols shaped and designed the way they are?
Each Glock caliber is then examined in depth, not only in reference to its Glock application, but its inherent utility, strengths and weaknesses and various characteristics. Remember, Sweeney is a knowledgeable gunsmith with a wealth of experience. In every paragraph there is something new to learn. The calibers he covers are:
.380 Auto (aka 9mm Corto, 9mm Kurz and 9x17): Do you know why 95 grains is the heaviest bullet you can effectively use in this diminutive round?
9mm Parabellum: Did you know that the trusty 9x19 was designed as a necked-up 30 Luger?
9x21: First loaded in Italy as a civilian alternative to 9x19 ammo, the 9x21 had a short romance with IPSC shooters who could pack its longer brass with more powder. Know why?
10mm: What started out as modified .30-30 brass - barely survived the botched Bren Ten incarnation and then got rejected by the FBI - is perhaps the most capable and flexible pistol cartridge ever.
40 S&W: A compromise round sired by the 10mm, the 40 S&W outperforms 9mm, but fits into the same frame. Learn here why reloaders must take special care when making their own in this caliber.
.357 SIG: In an effort to get a 9mm bullet to travel at higher and therefore deadlier velocities, a 40mm case was necked down to create this “Super Nine.”
.45 ACP: As always, Americans finally prevailed and got Glock to build a pistol for those who prefer big and slow over small and fast.
.45 GAP: Is Glock’s own .45 a panacea? Big bore in a small package? Find out how you pay for all this high-tech modern engineering in the end.
.22LR: Although not a factory Glock load, the caliber is positioned here as a inexpensive training caliber available with a conversion kit.
Other unusual calibers covered include: 30 Luger, 38 Super, .45 HP, .400 CorBon, .45 Super, .460 Rowland, .38 Casull. Naturally, Sweeney goes over the Glock training calibers too (9x19FX, 8x21AC, rubber-bullet rounds and the Red-Frame 17T Glock).
A brief discussion of the logic and illogic of caliber conversions is offered. Here too is a concise explanation of cartridge Power Factor; what makes a round Major or Minor in practical shooting matches and how to calculate it.
Want to roll your own? Sweeney recommends going by the book when reloading, but contentiously goes through crucial points and tips to cook up safe, effective and cost-saving reloads. Excellent overview and precautions on the following topics: sizing, primer seating, case neck diameter, crimp, overall length, bullet weight, powder selection, plus an expanded discussion of lead bullets and Glocks.
Finally, the specter of the KaBoom is raised and satisfactorily put to rest.
“Glock’s first model, the G-17, came out in 9mm Parabellum. Why? Because that was what the Austrian Army wanted. The 10mm and .40 hadn’t been invented yet and only Americans wanted a cannon like the .45. The 9mm was and is a near-universal police and military caliber, so much so that in some countries possession of the ammunition or a firearm chambered for the ammunition is forbidden.”
(26 pages)
This is a lot more than a list of guns and their correct ammunition. The discussion starts with an examination of the supply-and-demand of caliber, pistol size and configuration. Why are calibers chosen? Why are pistols shaped and designed the way they are?
Each Glock caliber is then examined in depth, not only in reference to its Glock application, but its inherent utility, strengths and weaknesses and various characteristics. Remember, Sweeney is a knowledgeable gunsmith with a wealth of experience. In every paragraph there is something new to learn. The calibers he covers are:
.380 Auto (aka 9mm Corto, 9mm Kurz and 9x17): Do you know why 95 grains is the heaviest bullet you can effectively use in this diminutive round?
9mm Parabellum: Did you know that the trusty 9x19 was designed as a necked-up 30 Luger?
9x21: First loaded in Italy as a civilian alternative to 9x19 ammo, the 9x21 had a short romance with IPSC shooters who could pack its longer brass with more powder. Know why?
10mm: What started out as modified .30-30 brass - barely survived the botched Bren Ten incarnation and then got rejected by the FBI - is perhaps the most capable and flexible pistol cartridge ever.
40 S&W: A compromise round sired by the 10mm, the 40 S&W outperforms 9mm, but fits into the same frame. Learn here why reloaders must take special care when making their own in this caliber.
.357 SIG: In an effort to get a 9mm bullet to travel at higher and therefore deadlier velocities, a 40mm case was necked down to create this “Super Nine.”
.45 ACP: As always, Americans finally prevailed and got Glock to build a pistol for those who prefer big and slow over small and fast.
.45 GAP: Is Glock’s own .45 a panacea? Big bore in a small package? Find out how you pay for all this high-tech modern engineering in the end.
.22LR: Although not a factory Glock load, the caliber is positioned here as a inexpensive training caliber available with a conversion kit.
Other unusual calibers covered include: 30 Luger, 38 Super, .45 HP, .400 CorBon, .45 Super, .460 Rowland, .38 Casull. Naturally, Sweeney goes over the Glock training calibers too (9x19FX, 8x21AC, rubber-bullet rounds and the Red-Frame 17T Glock).
A brief discussion of the logic and illogic of caliber conversions is offered. Here too is a concise explanation of cartridge Power Factor; what makes a round Major or Minor in practical shooting matches and how to calculate it.
Want to roll your own? Sweeney recommends going by the book when reloading, but contentiously goes through crucial points and tips to cook up safe, effective and cost-saving reloads. Excellent overview and precautions on the following topics: sizing, primer seating, case neck diameter, crimp, overall length, bullet weight, powder selection, plus an expanded discussion of lead bullets and Glocks.
Finally, the specter of the KaBoom is raised and satisfactorily put to rest.
“Glock’s first model, the G-17, came out in 9mm Parabellum. Why? Because that was what the Austrian Army wanted. The 10mm and .40 hadn’t been invented yet and only Americans wanted a cannon like the .45. The 9mm was and is a near-universal police and military caliber, so much so that in some countries possession of the ammunition or a firearm chambered for the ammunition is forbidden.”
Chapter 4 - The Advantages of the Glock
(9 pages)
Really, what makes a Glock a Glock? You cannot separate a Glock’s advantages from what it is. After all, it has little historical value, style or traditional beauty. Sweeney approaches the problem practically, citing real-world examples and recorded figures.
Reliability: Sweeney suggests here that, yes Glocks are just as preternaturally reliable as claimed, but that any pistol made to its standards would be and that its success was a product of timing as much as design.
Durability: Sweeney admits that Glock’s durability is not a marketing fluke. They are tough as hell. He recounts an unbelievable torture test perpetrated by none other than Armando Valdes in the early days.
Weight: Out of hundreds of pistols personally weighed by the author, only a handful came in lighter than the benchmark Glock 17. Sweeney further dispels any argument against the lighter pistols being thrown off balance by diminishing ammo supplies in magazines.
Grip Shape: Here, the author states the obvious and puts to rest bickering about “pointability” and optimum grip angle while pointing out a few definite advantages of the Glock.
Low Bore: Without immediately mentioning the benefits of a low bore axis (less felt recoil, less muzzle flip, therefore quicker follow-up shots) Sweeney dissects the mechanical reasons for high bore axis in pistols like the 1911 and Beretta 92. Glock’s design naturally lowers the bore. Sweeney explains why.
Low Felt Recoil: The author points out the four features of the Glock that contribute to the well-known mild recoil of Gaston’s pistols.
Maintainability: Here Sweeney discusses the unique Glock ease of swapping parts to repair, customize and maintain your Glock and compares it to the filing, fitting and lapping needed for conventional pistols. He explains clearly what and where Tenifer is and precisely what Glock owners need to do when the black finish burnishes off their slides.
Capacity: No contest. Glock wins.
Simplicity in Use: The Glock has been described glibly as a “point and shoot” device or a “magazine-fed revolver,” but in this section Sweeney explains in detail why only the Glock can be transitioned safely and effectively both to and from other platforms.
“Indeed, par of the initial attraction for law enforcement was that they could view the Glock as a “magazine-fed revolver.” The decades of revolver training could be easily shifted to the Glock. (That didn’t keep some police administrators from being irrational, almost to the point of schizophrenia. Some would castigate the Glock for its lack of external safeties, while wearing a revolver that had even fewer safeties. And publicly, too!)
“For training, less time spent learning the “knobs and buttons” meant that more time could be spent learning sight alignment and trigger control. Students issued Glocks posted higher qualification scores with less time and shooting than those issued revolvers or other pistols.”
(9 pages)
Really, what makes a Glock a Glock? You cannot separate a Glock’s advantages from what it is. After all, it has little historical value, style or traditional beauty. Sweeney approaches the problem practically, citing real-world examples and recorded figures.
Reliability: Sweeney suggests here that, yes Glocks are just as preternaturally reliable as claimed, but that any pistol made to its standards would be and that its success was a product of timing as much as design.
Durability: Sweeney admits that Glock’s durability is not a marketing fluke. They are tough as hell. He recounts an unbelievable torture test perpetrated by none other than Armando Valdes in the early days.
Weight: Out of hundreds of pistols personally weighed by the author, only a handful came in lighter than the benchmark Glock 17. Sweeney further dispels any argument against the lighter pistols being thrown off balance by diminishing ammo supplies in magazines.
Grip Shape: Here, the author states the obvious and puts to rest bickering about “pointability” and optimum grip angle while pointing out a few definite advantages of the Glock.
Low Bore: Without immediately mentioning the benefits of a low bore axis (less felt recoil, less muzzle flip, therefore quicker follow-up shots) Sweeney dissects the mechanical reasons for high bore axis in pistols like the 1911 and Beretta 92. Glock’s design naturally lowers the bore. Sweeney explains why.
Low Felt Recoil: The author points out the four features of the Glock that contribute to the well-known mild recoil of Gaston’s pistols.
Maintainability: Here Sweeney discusses the unique Glock ease of swapping parts to repair, customize and maintain your Glock and compares it to the filing, fitting and lapping needed for conventional pistols. He explains clearly what and where Tenifer is and precisely what Glock owners need to do when the black finish burnishes off their slides.
Capacity: No contest. Glock wins.
Simplicity in Use: The Glock has been described glibly as a “point and shoot” device or a “magazine-fed revolver,” but in this section Sweeney explains in detail why only the Glock can be transitioned safely and effectively both to and from other platforms.
“Indeed, par of the initial attraction for law enforcement was that they could view the Glock as a “magazine-fed revolver.” The decades of revolver training could be easily shifted to the Glock. (That didn’t keep some police administrators from being irrational, almost to the point of schizophrenia. Some would castigate the Glock for its lack of external safeties, while wearing a revolver that had even fewer safeties. And publicly, too!)
“For training, less time spent learning the “knobs and buttons” meant that more time could be spent learning sight alignment and trigger control. Students issued Glocks posted higher qualification scores with less time and shooting than those issued revolvers or other pistols.”
Chapter 5 - Which Caliber for You?
(7 pages)
Sweeney gets personal here. After briefly reviewing the 100-year history of both the .45 ACP and 9mm Luger cartridges, he rises above the conventional caliber wars to help you figure out which Glock is best for you.
Sweeney makes a distinction between the “best” caliber for different purposes: Carry and Competition. He balances the factors in the field such as shootability, capacity, concealability, stopping power and ammo availability. Stopping short of declaring a definitive all-around-perfect round, he leaves the final decision to you after giving you well-considered data and history.
Finally, Sweeney examines the unique utility of four new calibers jockeying for the reader’s loyalty: .40 S&W, 10mm, .357 SIG and .45 GAP.
“The .45 GAP case is not simply a shortened .45 ACP case. The rim is smaller in diameter. Despite the assistance of Glock in the Second Edition, there were some things they were not willing to discuss. The exact reason for the rebated rim is one of those subjects. Why is it a matter of concern? If the rim is rebated (smaller in diameter than the case body itself) then the stripper rail, the par of the slide that pushes the top round out of the magazine, has a smaller target. Previous pistols using a rebated-rim case were found to be marginally reliable. Not so with .45 GAP pistols from Glock, probably because the rebated rim is smaller than the case body by such a small margin that it doesn’t matter to feeding. If it is so small it doesn’t matter, why is it smaller and not the same size? Sigh. The questions just add up.”
(7 pages)
Sweeney gets personal here. After briefly reviewing the 100-year history of both the .45 ACP and 9mm Luger cartridges, he rises above the conventional caliber wars to help you figure out which Glock is best for you.
Sweeney makes a distinction between the “best” caliber for different purposes: Carry and Competition. He balances the factors in the field such as shootability, capacity, concealability, stopping power and ammo availability. Stopping short of declaring a definitive all-around-perfect round, he leaves the final decision to you after giving you well-considered data and history.
Finally, Sweeney examines the unique utility of four new calibers jockeying for the reader’s loyalty: .40 S&W, 10mm, .357 SIG and .45 GAP.
“The .45 GAP case is not simply a shortened .45 ACP case. The rim is smaller in diameter. Despite the assistance of Glock in the Second Edition, there were some things they were not willing to discuss. The exact reason for the rebated rim is one of those subjects. Why is it a matter of concern? If the rim is rebated (smaller in diameter than the case body itself) then the stripper rail, the par of the slide that pushes the top round out of the magazine, has a smaller target. Previous pistols using a rebated-rim case were found to be marginally reliable. Not so with .45 GAP pistols from Glock, probably because the rebated rim is smaller than the case body by such a small margin that it doesn’t matter to feeding. If it is so small it doesn’t matter, why is it smaller and not the same size? Sigh. The questions just add up.”
Chapter 6 - Importation
(4 pages)
Reading this chapter you will realize what a miracle it is that you can own a Glock pistol at all. The ridiculous hoops that Gaston had to jump through to bring his baby to the USA were truly preposterous. Simply making the gun out of plastic lost Glock 20 points toward qualifying for importation. Learn how creative design foiled the nitpickers and why Glock can never import a much-called-for .22 rimfire model. It was the points system that shaped the present Glock design from certain trigger and grip features in order not to sacrifice the essential functionality of the design.
“Ever wonder about the second and third generation Glock frames, and the presence of the vestigial thumbrests? Again, importation is the answer. The small swells on the sides of the frame count as a “target grip” and gain Glock models five more points for importation. By adding grooves to the trigger, the trigger becomes a “target” trigger, gaining another two points. Why go to the bother?
“Because the subcompact Glocks lose points due to their small size, that’s why. The G-26 loses four points in the size line entry, and three more in the weight category. By changing the mold and adding the thumbswells, Glock gains five of those points back. By changing the trigger to a grooved “target” trigger they gain another two. By importing the pistols with target sights and the taking them off before shipping within the US, the gain a grand total of 10, getting back to the magical 75 points.”
(4 pages)
Reading this chapter you will realize what a miracle it is that you can own a Glock pistol at all. The ridiculous hoops that Gaston had to jump through to bring his baby to the USA were truly preposterous. Simply making the gun out of plastic lost Glock 20 points toward qualifying for importation. Learn how creative design foiled the nitpickers and why Glock can never import a much-called-for .22 rimfire model. It was the points system that shaped the present Glock design from certain trigger and grip features in order not to sacrifice the essential functionality of the design.
“Ever wonder about the second and third generation Glock frames, and the presence of the vestigial thumbrests? Again, importation is the answer. The small swells on the sides of the frame count as a “target grip” and gain Glock models five more points for importation. By adding grooves to the trigger, the trigger becomes a “target” trigger, gaining another two points. Why go to the bother?
“Because the subcompact Glocks lose points due to their small size, that’s why. The G-26 loses four points in the size line entry, and three more in the weight category. By changing the mold and adding the thumbswells, Glock gains five of those points back. By changing the trigger to a grooved “target” trigger they gain another two. By importing the pistols with target sights and the taking them off before shipping within the US, the gain a grand total of 10, getting back to the magical 75 points.”
Chapter 7 - Glock Numbers, Serial and Others
(8 pages)
The mystery behind the sundry codes and symbols punched into your Glock by various institutions and conventions is revealed and deciphered. Sweeney describes why Glock had to change its serial numbering system early-on, how to tell if your gun needs upgrade parts, if it is one of the extremely rare prefix codes or needs to be sent back to the factory for the infamous “frame rail recall.”
“The next time you have your Glock’s slide off, turn it over. On the underside you’ll find a line of very small numbers. I managed to find out that they are production code numbers. They indicate the steel lot number, heat-treat and Tenifer lot numbers, which CNC machine the slide was milled on, and more. Those numbers are probably written down or printed out in a looseleaf binder in Austria that resides in a safe in the plant. For what I know of Glock, there are probably a dozen people who are authorized to see that book. So don’t expect any explanation of what each entry means. Just know that Glock is tracking all those variables.”
(8 pages)
The mystery behind the sundry codes and symbols punched into your Glock by various institutions and conventions is revealed and deciphered. Sweeney describes why Glock had to change its serial numbering system early-on, how to tell if your gun needs upgrade parts, if it is one of the extremely rare prefix codes or needs to be sent back to the factory for the infamous “frame rail recall.”
“The next time you have your Glock’s slide off, turn it over. On the underside you’ll find a line of very small numbers. I managed to find out that they are production code numbers. They indicate the steel lot number, heat-treat and Tenifer lot numbers, which CNC machine the slide was milled on, and more. Those numbers are probably written down or printed out in a looseleaf binder in Austria that resides in a safe in the plant. For what I know of Glock, there are probably a dozen people who are authorized to see that book. So don’t expect any explanation of what each entry means. Just know that Glock is tracking all those variables.”
Chapter 8 - Buying a Used Glock
(5 pages)
Using many photos of a cutaway Glock 22, Sweeney goes through every system to check for functionality, wear and misguided gun-wrenching. He lays out a detailed procedure and key points in the transaction to bargain. Quickly and unobtrusively check for such cloaked surreptitious problems as worn or broken trigger parts, barrel bulges, slide and breech face peening, and magazine malfunctions.
“Check the underside of the slide for peening from impacts with the locking block. A small amount is OK, but very heavy peening indicates something is wrong. Perhaps the previous owner fired a great many hot loads through it or experimented with recoil springs, using lighter-than normal springs for some perceived advantage. As a result of those changes, other parts of the Glock may have been stressed. Look at the front of the slide. The excessive recoil may have stressed the front of the slide where the recoil spring assembly bears on it. A crack there is very bad and cannot be repaired. The slide must be replaced. Bargain the price down. Also, the slide is thin on the ejection port side, and a steady diet of +P or +P+ loads may have cracked it there.”
(5 pages)
Using many photos of a cutaway Glock 22, Sweeney goes through every system to check for functionality, wear and misguided gun-wrenching. He lays out a detailed procedure and key points in the transaction to bargain. Quickly and unobtrusively check for such cloaked surreptitious problems as worn or broken trigger parts, barrel bulges, slide and breech face peening, and magazine malfunctions.
“Check the underside of the slide for peening from impacts with the locking block. A small amount is OK, but very heavy peening indicates something is wrong. Perhaps the previous owner fired a great many hot loads through it or experimented with recoil springs, using lighter-than normal springs for some perceived advantage. As a result of those changes, other parts of the Glock may have been stressed. Look at the front of the slide. The excessive recoil may have stressed the front of the slide where the recoil spring assembly bears on it. A crack there is very bad and cannot be repaired. The slide must be replaced. Bargain the price down. Also, the slide is thin on the ejection port side, and a steady diet of +P or +P+ loads may have cracked it there.”
Chapter 9 - The Glock 17 & 17L
(11 pages)
This is an in-depth examination of how the first Glock model compared to the prominent semi-auto pistols of the late 1980s. Characteristics such as total weight, length, sight radius, locking system, trigger reach, etc. First up, the 1911. Head-to-head, the Glock 17 in 9mm and the 1911 in .45 ACP are compared, not as equivalent weapons, but as a 1911 shooter of the day would view the new upstart Glock.
Next comes the Beretta M-92 which as a 9mm is more easily compared, but their differences are carefully considered. Finally, a face-off with the Smith & Wesson M-59. The M-59 may be the closest thing to a Glock before there was a Glock.
After the comparison section, Sweeney argues for the G-17 on its own merits. Sweeney then examines the variations of the basic Glock 17 platform: The competition Glock 17L, and the rare Tasmanian Glock 17S.
“Some like to complain about the difference in grip angle. They point our that the Glock “points low” and isn’t as natural as the 1911 or some other pistol. They should get over it. The Glock points where the Glock points. Anyone who depends solely on pointing as a means of getting hits in a match or gunfight is setting himself up to lose. And yes, I say that knowing that all the “point-shooting” and “instinctive” shooting advocates will gear up to prove me wrong.”
(11 pages)
This is an in-depth examination of how the first Glock model compared to the prominent semi-auto pistols of the late 1980s. Characteristics such as total weight, length, sight radius, locking system, trigger reach, etc. First up, the 1911. Head-to-head, the Glock 17 in 9mm and the 1911 in .45 ACP are compared, not as equivalent weapons, but as a 1911 shooter of the day would view the new upstart Glock.
Next comes the Beretta M-92 which as a 9mm is more easily compared, but their differences are carefully considered. Finally, a face-off with the Smith & Wesson M-59. The M-59 may be the closest thing to a Glock before there was a Glock.
After the comparison section, Sweeney argues for the G-17 on its own merits. Sweeney then examines the variations of the basic Glock 17 platform: The competition Glock 17L, and the rare Tasmanian Glock 17S.
“Some like to complain about the difference in grip angle. They point our that the Glock “points low” and isn’t as natural as the 1911 or some other pistol. They should get over it. The Glock points where the Glock points. Anyone who depends solely on pointing as a means of getting hits in a match or gunfight is setting himself up to lose. And yes, I say that knowing that all the “point-shooting” and “instinctive” shooting advocates will gear up to prove me wrong.”
Chapter 10 - The Glock 19 & 26
(10 pages)
Following the Glock family tree, Sweeney next gives his detailed impressions of the G-19 and G-26, the 17’s younger, smaller siblings. He lays out the Glock 19’s adventures through police departments, competition and concealed carry. He also reminds 19 owners about the Glock trigger parts upgrade and how to determine if you need it.
In 1995, Glock introduced the revolutionary G-26. Sweeney discusses the innovations necessary to stuff all the technology of the Glock into a package smaller than a snub-nose .38. Here also, Sweeney touches on the infamous “smokestack” malfunction and why the baby Glocks prefer hot ammo.
“One big difference between the G-26 and its Glock big brothers in 9mm is the recoil spring. On the bigger Glocks it is a single spring wound around a center pin, and on anything since the very early production, is a captured assembly. That is, the spring and its guide rod are fabricated so they do not come apart when out of the pistol. On the G-26 it is a spring within a spring assembly. The dual spring design keeps enough spring force to work the action within the space available. To try to use a single spring would create problems. With a single-piece spring made of steel thick and large enough to properly cycle the action, the fully-compressed spring might not fit within the confines available within the frame of the G-26.”
(10 pages)
Following the Glock family tree, Sweeney next gives his detailed impressions of the G-19 and G-26, the 17’s younger, smaller siblings. He lays out the Glock 19’s adventures through police departments, competition and concealed carry. He also reminds 19 owners about the Glock trigger parts upgrade and how to determine if you need it.
In 1995, Glock introduced the revolutionary G-26. Sweeney discusses the innovations necessary to stuff all the technology of the Glock into a package smaller than a snub-nose .38. Here also, Sweeney touches on the infamous “smokestack” malfunction and why the baby Glocks prefer hot ammo.
“One big difference between the G-26 and its Glock big brothers in 9mm is the recoil spring. On the bigger Glocks it is a single spring wound around a center pin, and on anything since the very early production, is a captured assembly. That is, the spring and its guide rod are fabricated so they do not come apart when out of the pistol. On the G-26 it is a spring within a spring assembly. The dual spring design keeps enough spring force to work the action within the space available. To try to use a single spring would create problems. With a single-piece spring made of steel thick and large enough to properly cycle the action, the fully-compressed spring might not fit within the confines available within the frame of the G-26.”
Chapter 11 - The Glock 34
(4 pages)
Built specifically in order to fit the parameters set by the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC), the Glock 34 introduced some innovations that are now considered standard on other Glocks.
“If you want to use the Glock in competition, then the G-34 is the ticket for IDPA SSP Division and USPSA/IPSC Production Division. Using a G-34 or a G-35, Dave Sevigny has simply dominated practical shooting competition in the Production or production-like (as in IDPA SSP Division) since 2001. Basically coming out of nowhere, he has spent the better part of the first decade of the twenty-first century being untouchable. The margins may be getting smaller, but Dave keeps winning.”
(4 pages)
Built specifically in order to fit the parameters set by the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC), the Glock 34 introduced some innovations that are now considered standard on other Glocks.
“If you want to use the Glock in competition, then the G-34 is the ticket for IDPA SSP Division and USPSA/IPSC Production Division. Using a G-34 or a G-35, Dave Sevigny has simply dominated practical shooting competition in the Production or production-like (as in IDPA SSP Division) since 2001. Basically coming out of nowhere, he has spent the better part of the first decade of the twenty-first century being untouchable. The margins may be getting smaller, but Dave keeps winning.”
Chapter 12 - The Glock 18
(6 pages)
Sweeney gives his firsthand impressions of the ultimate Glock. He answers why it was designed, when it is useful, where it is useless and what to do if you ever get a chance to shoot one.
“The idea of the G-18 was that if the bad guys burst on the scene, they’d deliberately target the officers with MP-5s first. (I can imagine that scene at morning roll call: “OK, who wants to be the designated first targets today?” Just how may volunteers can you get with such a job title?) With the G-18, full-auto firepower was available without advertising it. With all due respect to the experienced operator who told me this, as a handgun the G-18 offers false hopes of firepower. As a submachinegun it is not very controllable (not at all controllable to those who haven’t put their time in with good technique, even tactical officers, and who then must practice regularly) and without a stock you can’t get much else out of it.”
(6 pages)
Sweeney gives his firsthand impressions of the ultimate Glock. He answers why it was designed, when it is useful, where it is useless and what to do if you ever get a chance to shoot one.
“The idea of the G-18 was that if the bad guys burst on the scene, they’d deliberately target the officers with MP-5s first. (I can imagine that scene at morning roll call: “OK, who wants to be the designated first targets today?” Just how may volunteers can you get with such a job title?) With the G-18, full-auto firepower was available without advertising it. With all due respect to the experienced operator who told me this, as a handgun the G-18 offers false hopes of firepower. As a submachinegun it is not very controllable (not at all controllable to those who haven’t put their time in with good technique, even tactical officers, and who then must practice regularly) and without a stock you can’t get much else out of it.”
Chapter 13 - The G-22 & G-24
(6 pages)
In this chapter, Sweeney presents the peculiar problems that Glock faced when the new caliber was introduced. Almost overnight big clients demanded a Glock for the .40 S&W round. The engineering challenges where many, and from every angle. Still, Glock delivered a pistol for the new round even before Smith & Wesson itself did! The Glock 22 is examined closely. Early issues with slide peening and locking block failure led to the more secure and now standard two-pin locking block design. Keep your eyes open for rare early two-pin models, but be wary and follow Sweeney’s advice on how to check for authenticity and needed upgrades.
Once the 22 - based on the G-17 - was perfected, the Glock 24 - based on the G-17L - was a natural. But what conspiracy of events insured this Glock was DOA?
“When you fire a round, the bullet leaves the muzzle and the barrel, slide and frame have to deal with the momentum created. If you use a 9mm barrel and slide for your .40, then the slide velocity will be much higher in the .40 than in the 9mm. (You can’t get something for nothing. More action out the muzzle means more reaction to deal with.) The .40 must therefore have either a heavier slide, a heavier recoil spring, a less-efficient locking cam angle, or some combination of the three.”
(6 pages)
In this chapter, Sweeney presents the peculiar problems that Glock faced when the new caliber was introduced. Almost overnight big clients demanded a Glock for the .40 S&W round. The engineering challenges where many, and from every angle. Still, Glock delivered a pistol for the new round even before Smith & Wesson itself did! The Glock 22 is examined closely. Early issues with slide peening and locking block failure led to the more secure and now standard two-pin locking block design. Keep your eyes open for rare early two-pin models, but be wary and follow Sweeney’s advice on how to check for authenticity and needed upgrades.
Once the 22 - based on the G-17 - was perfected, the Glock 24 - based on the G-17L - was a natural. But what conspiracy of events insured this Glock was DOA?
“When you fire a round, the bullet leaves the muzzle and the barrel, slide and frame have to deal with the momentum created. If you use a 9mm barrel and slide for your .40, then the slide velocity will be much higher in the .40 than in the 9mm. (You can’t get something for nothing. More action out the muzzle means more reaction to deal with.) The .40 must therefore have either a heavier slide, a heavier recoil spring, a less-efficient locking cam angle, or some combination of the three.”
Chapter 14 - The G-23 & G-27
(4 pages)
Want a packable pistol in a major caliber? The Glock 23 and 27 are more than whittled-down 22s, they are revelations to law-abiding citizens who carry concealed. Much of the design issues and triumphs of these guns were covered in earlier chapters, so here Sweeney emphasized the advantages of modularity, capacity and reliability of this hard-hitting duo.
“This compactness and handiness for carry comes at a price, however. The small frame offers a small place to hang onto when shooting. Shooters with large hands might find it a bit disconcerting to grab a pistol and find that their pinkie finder has no place to hold onto. For those shooters, a Pearce and Scherer mag extension that offers a finger rest but not more than one extra round of capacity will make the G-27 more comfy.”
(4 pages)
Want a packable pistol in a major caliber? The Glock 23 and 27 are more than whittled-down 22s, they are revelations to law-abiding citizens who carry concealed. Much of the design issues and triumphs of these guns were covered in earlier chapters, so here Sweeney emphasized the advantages of modularity, capacity and reliability of this hard-hitting duo.
“This compactness and handiness for carry comes at a price, however. The small frame offers a small place to hang onto when shooting. Shooters with large hands might find it a bit disconcerting to grab a pistol and find that their pinkie finder has no place to hold onto. For those shooters, a Pearce and Scherer mag extension that offers a finger rest but not more than one extra round of capacity will make the G-27 more comfy.”
Chapter 15 - The G-35
(4 pages)
Sweeney applauds the birth of Glock’s “Practical Tactical” 40. The Glock 35 arrived at just the right time to fill a need in competitive shooting, and Sweeney explains how and why.
“Theoretically, the longer barrel of the G-35 over that of a G-22 should mean more velocity. However, the extra length is just over three-quarters of an inch, and the velocity variances between barrels and individual rounds will probably be larger than the extra length accounts for. I once built identical competition guns using barrels from Bar-Sto that had been made in the same production batch and the same length. With the same ammo, at the same range visit, one barrel consistently posted velocities 50 feet per second faster than the other. Why? Beats me. Luckily the faster barrel happened to go into the gun I was building for myself. The accuracy was the same, tackdriving, with on-inch groups at 25 yards. After that experience I don’t worry about the velocity boost a longer barrel is supposed to provide.”
(4 pages)
Sweeney applauds the birth of Glock’s “Practical Tactical” 40. The Glock 35 arrived at just the right time to fill a need in competitive shooting, and Sweeney explains how and why.
“Theoretically, the longer barrel of the G-35 over that of a G-22 should mean more velocity. However, the extra length is just over three-quarters of an inch, and the velocity variances between barrels and individual rounds will probably be larger than the extra length accounts for. I once built identical competition guns using barrels from Bar-Sto that had been made in the same production batch and the same length. With the same ammo, at the same range visit, one barrel consistently posted velocities 50 feet per second faster than the other. Why? Beats me. Luckily the faster barrel happened to go into the gun I was building for myself. The accuracy was the same, tackdriving, with on-inch groups at 25 yards. After that experience I don’t worry about the velocity boost a longer barrel is supposed to provide.”
Chapter 16 - The .357 Glocks
(5 pages)
The benchmark for stopping power has for many years been the .357 Magnum. Sweeney explains what goes into fitting the power of the .357 Mag into Glock’s semi-auto line and why you would want one. Learn why the Chicago Transit Police chose the .357 SIG Glock over all others.
“Achieving the .357 performance in the 9mm Parabellum wasn’t possible. The “Mag” scooted its 125-grain bullet at 1450 fps out of a 6” revolver. The best a 9mm could do with standard ammo was a 125-grainer at 1100. To go to a +P or +P+ load might boost that same 125-grainer (most went with 115 grains) up to 1300 fps. Close, but not close enough. More case capacity was needed, but the .38 Super wasn’t a prospect. The Super gets closer, but its overall length precludes its use in a 9mm-size magazine.
“The introduction of the .40 S&W in 1990 changed all that. If someone wanted to neck down the .40 case (and SIGARMS apparently did), the resulting case has enough volume to boost velocities right up to the .357 Magnum level. And the necked-down case fits in a 9mm double-stack magazine tube. Barely. Any bullet loaded into a .357 SIG case must stay within the overall length of the 9mm, which means the longer 9mm hollowpoints won’t work. The short neck and short maximum overall length don’t allow short-seating long or heavier bullets. The.357 SIG is a 115- and 124- grain bullet cartridge.”
(5 pages)
The benchmark for stopping power has for many years been the .357 Magnum. Sweeney explains what goes into fitting the power of the .357 Mag into Glock’s semi-auto line and why you would want one. Learn why the Chicago Transit Police chose the .357 SIG Glock over all others.
“Achieving the .357 performance in the 9mm Parabellum wasn’t possible. The “Mag” scooted its 125-grain bullet at 1450 fps out of a 6” revolver. The best a 9mm could do with standard ammo was a 125-grainer at 1100. To go to a +P or +P+ load might boost that same 125-grainer (most went with 115 grains) up to 1300 fps. Close, but not close enough. More case capacity was needed, but the .38 Super wasn’t a prospect. The Super gets closer, but its overall length precludes its use in a 9mm-size magazine.
“The introduction of the .40 S&W in 1990 changed all that. If someone wanted to neck down the .40 case (and SIGARMS apparently did), the resulting case has enough volume to boost velocities right up to the .357 Magnum level. And the necked-down case fits in a 9mm double-stack magazine tube. Barely. Any bullet loaded into a .357 SIG case must stay within the overall length of the 9mm, which means the longer 9mm hollowpoints won’t work. The short neck and short maximum overall length don’t allow short-seating long or heavier bullets. The.357 SIG is a 115- and 124- grain bullet cartridge.”
Chapter 17 - The 10mm Glocks, the G-20 & G-29
(5 pages)
From a long history of trying to improve on the .45 ACP, came many attempts to produce a heavy-hitting, reliable and manageable 10mm pistol. Sweeney describes the process and the twists and turns in the road to gaining acceptance of the big Glocks. Other aspects covered include solutions for the G-20’s enormous grip size and the G-29’s tiny one. Sweeney calls the Glock 29 “the pocket Saturn V rocket.”
“You want power? You want lots of it? Great. Only one question: Do you have a big hand? The frame of the G-20 was scaled up from the G-17 proportionate to the cartridge it had to hold. Too bad, as it ended up too large for many shooters. The G-20 is comfortable to shoot, even though it is lighter than other 10mms. At 30 ounces empty it weighs six ounces less than my Colt Delta Elite, but the recoil of the Glock 10mm is much lighter. It has more surface area bearing against your hand, the polymer frame flexes and takes up recoil, and the heavier slide also dampens felt recoil.”
(5 pages)
From a long history of trying to improve on the .45 ACP, came many attempts to produce a heavy-hitting, reliable and manageable 10mm pistol. Sweeney describes the process and the twists and turns in the road to gaining acceptance of the big Glocks. Other aspects covered include solutions for the G-20’s enormous grip size and the G-29’s tiny one. Sweeney calls the Glock 29 “the pocket Saturn V rocket.”
“You want power? You want lots of it? Great. Only one question: Do you have a big hand? The frame of the G-20 was scaled up from the G-17 proportionate to the cartridge it had to hold. Too bad, as it ended up too large for many shooters. The G-20 is comfortable to shoot, even though it is lighter than other 10mms. At 30 ounces empty it weighs six ounces less than my Colt Delta Elite, but the recoil of the Glock 10mm is much lighter. It has more surface area bearing against your hand, the polymer frame flexes and takes up recoil, and the heavier slide also dampens felt recoil.”
Chapter 18 - The Glocks in .45 ACP and .45 GAP
(19 pages)
In this chapter Sweeney outlines the long road Glock took to bring a .45 ACP model to the USA and how important that model became to the American market. Read about the changes to the model 20 that Glock had to perform to get the less-powerful .45 ACP to work properly in a gun designed for 10mm. If some shooters find the Glock 21 too big to wrap their fingers around, they can shoot the smaller G30 without sacrificing ballistic performance. Learn why. Sweeney also comments in detail on the G-21SF, a G-21 with a factory grip reduction.
At last in 1999, Glock delivered the slimline model 36. Slimmer even than a 1911 with slimline grips, the G-36 is the fascinating and specialized black sheep of the Glock line.
Sweeney goes into great detail about the .45 GAP Glocks; development, precedents, rationale, early experiments, failures and ultimate triumph. He even explores the rebated rim issue.
Sweeney runs down the advantages and disadvantages of the Glocks in the all-American caliber including why many hardliners are disappointed with the .45 ACP and GAP product offerings.
“To stay ahead of the curve, and in anticipation of the military someday getting off its bureaucratic butt and deciding on something, Glock came out with the 21SF, or “Short Frame.” For those who have a cursory idea of what goes into firearms design, the 21SF was a “no-brainer.” Or, as we gunsmiths like to chuckle morosely at each other: “All you’ve got to do is…”
“The idea is simple: make the curvature of the backstrap shorter, that is, pull that surface towards the frontstrap. After all, “all you have to do is…” Well not quite.
“One of the problems gunsmiths like Robbie Barkkman had with the grip reductions on Glock frames was that you can only move the web-area of the frame forward so much before you start cutting into the space taken up by the ejector block. But Flock found a way around that: they changed the shape of the tail fo the ejector block. The bottom, instead of being squared-off, is tapered. That fives them more space in the back to move the web area of the backstrap forward. Me, I would hav done a much more radical trimming of the ejector block, but I’m not the one who has to go out and sell a truckload of them to justify the new mold costs.”
(19 pages)
In this chapter Sweeney outlines the long road Glock took to bring a .45 ACP model to the USA and how important that model became to the American market. Read about the changes to the model 20 that Glock had to perform to get the less-powerful .45 ACP to work properly in a gun designed for 10mm. If some shooters find the Glock 21 too big to wrap their fingers around, they can shoot the smaller G30 without sacrificing ballistic performance. Learn why. Sweeney also comments in detail on the G-21SF, a G-21 with a factory grip reduction.
At last in 1999, Glock delivered the slimline model 36. Slimmer even than a 1911 with slimline grips, the G-36 is the fascinating and specialized black sheep of the Glock line.
Sweeney goes into great detail about the .45 GAP Glocks; development, precedents, rationale, early experiments, failures and ultimate triumph. He even explores the rebated rim issue.
Sweeney runs down the advantages and disadvantages of the Glocks in the all-American caliber including why many hardliners are disappointed with the .45 ACP and GAP product offerings.
“To stay ahead of the curve, and in anticipation of the military someday getting off its bureaucratic butt and deciding on something, Glock came out with the 21SF, or “Short Frame.” For those who have a cursory idea of what goes into firearms design, the 21SF was a “no-brainer.” Or, as we gunsmiths like to chuckle morosely at each other: “All you’ve got to do is…”
“The idea is simple: make the curvature of the backstrap shorter, that is, pull that surface towards the frontstrap. After all, “all you have to do is…” Well not quite.
“One of the problems gunsmiths like Robbie Barkkman had with the grip reductions on Glock frames was that you can only move the web-area of the frame forward so much before you start cutting into the space taken up by the ejector block. But Flock found a way around that: they changed the shape of the tail fo the ejector block. The bottom, instead of being squared-off, is tapered. That fives them more space in the back to move the web area of the backstrap forward. Me, I would hav done a much more radical trimming of the ejector block, but I’m not the one who has to go out and sell a truckload of them to justify the new mold costs.”
Chapter 19 - The Compensated Glocks
(7 pages)
After a brief historical review of compensators, muzzle brakes and porting, citing Larry Kelly as the father of modern handgun compensating, Sweeney goes on to examine the development of the various option for compensating your Glock including the hybrid barrel. To get your ported Glock to do its job, Sweeney recommends one important but often overlooked step.
“How well do they work? Well enough, as mentioned that competitions have separate categories for ported guns. But what about loss of velocity? Or accuracy? From extensive experimentation with Mag-na-Port and pin shooting in the past, I can state that there is no loss of either. The amount of gases lost to porting is small enough that it does not affect velocity. There is no loss of accuracy. That said, the amount of gas diverted for recoil control is too small to change velocity, and as a result it is not the most effective recoil reducing method available. If you want true reduction, you have divert more gas. And that can either affect velocity, cost more money, or both.”
(7 pages)
After a brief historical review of compensators, muzzle brakes and porting, citing Larry Kelly as the father of modern handgun compensating, Sweeney goes on to examine the development of the various option for compensating your Glock including the hybrid barrel. To get your ported Glock to do its job, Sweeney recommends one important but often overlooked step.
“How well do they work? Well enough, as mentioned that competitions have separate categories for ported guns. But what about loss of velocity? Or accuracy? From extensive experimentation with Mag-na-Port and pin shooting in the past, I can state that there is no loss of either. The amount of gases lost to porting is small enough that it does not affect velocity. There is no loss of accuracy. That said, the amount of gas diverted for recoil control is too small to change velocity, and as a result it is not the most effective recoil reducing method available. If you want true reduction, you have divert more gas. And that can either affect velocity, cost more money, or both.”
Chapter 20 - Training Glocks
(8 pages)
Besides offering the world terrific weaponry, Glock provides superlative training tools, although not to everyone. If you want a Red Glock (17T) that is functional in every way except firing ammo, Sweeney explains that there are only two ways of getting one. He even points you toward a manufacturer from whom you can order a component that turns your working Glock into a safe training tool.
It is just as difficult to obtain the Blue Glock that fires marker or hard rubber pellets. Ideal for Force-on-Force training or off-range exercises, there is even a rare Blue Glock (7.8x21AC) that uses compressed air capsules to propel the projectiles in order to limit exposure to hazardous compounds in gunpowder. Sweeney explains the fascinating reason why the bore of the blow-back-operated Blue Glocks is eccentric.
“The barrel is serial numbered (again, it is a real Glock, so it has a serial number) to match the frame, so a quick look verifies that is doesn’t have a live barrel in it. The question comes up, could you re-activate a red Glock as a live firearm? Yes. It is in all paperwork matters and mechanical function (except for firing) a real firearm, and Glock treats it as such. No, scratch that: Glock treats it even more severely. Glock issues them only to their field reps and will sell them only to law enforcement agencies on a direct and on-letterhead request basis. Yes, I as a state-certified law enforcement firearms instructor can’t get one from Glock. The agency I’m teaching at could, but I can’t personally.”
(8 pages)
Besides offering the world terrific weaponry, Glock provides superlative training tools, although not to everyone. If you want a Red Glock (17T) that is functional in every way except firing ammo, Sweeney explains that there are only two ways of getting one. He even points you toward a manufacturer from whom you can order a component that turns your working Glock into a safe training tool.
It is just as difficult to obtain the Blue Glock that fires marker or hard rubber pellets. Ideal for Force-on-Force training or off-range exercises, there is even a rare Blue Glock (7.8x21AC) that uses compressed air capsules to propel the projectiles in order to limit exposure to hazardous compounds in gunpowder. Sweeney explains the fascinating reason why the bore of the blow-back-operated Blue Glocks is eccentric.
“The barrel is serial numbered (again, it is a real Glock, so it has a serial number) to match the frame, so a quick look verifies that is doesn’t have a live barrel in it. The question comes up, could you re-activate a red Glock as a live firearm? Yes. It is in all paperwork matters and mechanical function (except for firing) a real firearm, and Glock treats it as such. No, scratch that: Glock treats it even more severely. Glock issues them only to their field reps and will sell them only to law enforcement agencies on a direct and on-letterhead request basis. Yes, I as a state-certified law enforcement firearms instructor can’t get one from Glock. The agency I’m teaching at could, but I can’t personally.”
Chapter 21 - The .380 and 9x21 Glocks
(1 page)
A footnote, really, describing the rarest Glocks. Glock models 25 and 28 in .380 were intended for markets that disallow citizens to own military calibers such a 9mm. There are only a few in the USA in the hands of fervent collectors. Sweeney describes why the Glock representative he queried about the few .380s in the US got so upset.
Even more rare, the 9x21 only exists as three very special pistols supplied to the US Navy. Why would the Navy need such an uncommon Glock?
“In size, weight and function, the two .380s are identical to their larger cousins. While their specifications are in the Glock Armorer’s Manual, their parts are not. If you have a G-25 and need a part for it, you’d better hope a G-19 part works, for Glock isn’t acknowledging that parts even exist for the .380s. And may I say: you lucky devil, you. You have perhaps the rarest of the rate. It was my understanding from the Glock rep that there are fewer G-25s in the country than there are G-18s.”
(1 page)
A footnote, really, describing the rarest Glocks. Glock models 25 and 28 in .380 were intended for markets that disallow citizens to own military calibers such a 9mm. There are only a few in the USA in the hands of fervent collectors. Sweeney describes why the Glock representative he queried about the few .380s in the US got so upset.
Even more rare, the 9x21 only exists as three very special pistols supplied to the US Navy. Why would the Navy need such an uncommon Glock?
“In size, weight and function, the two .380s are identical to their larger cousins. While their specifications are in the Glock Armorer’s Manual, their parts are not. If you have a G-25 and need a part for it, you’d better hope a G-19 part works, for Glock isn’t acknowledging that parts even exist for the .380s. And may I say: you lucky devil, you. You have perhaps the rarest of the rate. It was my understanding from the Glock rep that there are fewer G-25s in the country than there are G-18s.”
Chapter 22 - Magazines and Magazine Accessories
(31 pages)
Just as extraordinary as Glock pistols are Glock magazines. Starting with a short history of what has always been the weak link in the semi-auto system, Sweeney moves into the specifics of how Glock magazines smashed that paradigm. He explains the difference and rationale between Non-Drop Free and Drop Free, and why Smyrna prefers the terms Non-Fully Metal-Lined and Fully Metal-Lined, and how to tell them apart.
Sweeney admits that Glock magazine disassembly is more difficult than Glock pistol disassembly, but makes the process straightforward with his concise description. He includes a detailed description of the generations and variants of official Glock magazines and discusses third-party magazines and their various pros and cons.
Although the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban has long since expired, a few paragraphs outlining its insane restrictions serve as warning for issues we may face in the future.
The next seven pages address the uses, benefits and brands of third-party magazine base plates.
Sweeney gives the reader overviews on Glock warranty procedures, how to repair Mag Catch wear, spring care and suppliers, the infamous 33-rounders and a handful of tips to keep your magazines working properly with your gun, including feed lip tolerances. Various methods of marking your magazines are discussed.
The next section concerns Magazine Funnels, or those various plastic or metal wedges that fit into the space behind the magazine well to facilitate rapid magazine insertion. He reviews a half-dozen and reveals what one police department uses Robin Taylor’s famous Seattle Slug for in emergencies.
An unusual, but welcome bonus in this chapter is a rundown on magazine manipulation techniques. He explains the importance of fast-slow-fast-slow-fast in the Speed Load and variants. And why once his good friend Mas Ayoob had to switch from performing Tactical/Retention reloading to speed loads in the middle of an important competition.
Finally, Sweeney spends a page contemplating the wonders of Glock magazine collecting. He calculates that there are more than eighty-eight distinct Glock magazines with all the calibers, sizes, modified capacities and legal inscriptions.
“Carrying a full-sized gun concealed isn’t easy. It is harder still if you are average or smaller in size. I’m 6’4” and 205 pounds, and I used to carry a full-sized 1911 all day. At the first opportunity I switched to a Light Weight Commander. When I got my hands on my first compact Glock, it was smaller and lighter still. Many other shooters who have CCWs have figured the same thing out. If you’re going to carry a compact pistol, you aren’t going to get 17 shots anyway. Since you can reload quickly, 10 is probably enough.
“As an unintended consequence of the switch from 1994 to 2004 to 10-shot mags and compact carry guns, interest in the big calibers is greater than ever. After all, if you’re going to be carrying only 10 shots, they might as well be the biggest 10 you can wrestle into the gun. Ten shots of .40 or .45 are a lot more comforting than 10 shots of 9mm. With the new magazines, the calculating gets a lot more interesting. Eight or 10 .45 bullets, vs. 15 9mm? And if those 9mms are +P or +P+?”
(31 pages)
Just as extraordinary as Glock pistols are Glock magazines. Starting with a short history of what has always been the weak link in the semi-auto system, Sweeney moves into the specifics of how Glock magazines smashed that paradigm. He explains the difference and rationale between Non-Drop Free and Drop Free, and why Smyrna prefers the terms Non-Fully Metal-Lined and Fully Metal-Lined, and how to tell them apart.
Sweeney admits that Glock magazine disassembly is more difficult than Glock pistol disassembly, but makes the process straightforward with his concise description. He includes a detailed description of the generations and variants of official Glock magazines and discusses third-party magazines and their various pros and cons.
Although the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban has long since expired, a few paragraphs outlining its insane restrictions serve as warning for issues we may face in the future.
The next seven pages address the uses, benefits and brands of third-party magazine base plates.
Sweeney gives the reader overviews on Glock warranty procedures, how to repair Mag Catch wear, spring care and suppliers, the infamous 33-rounders and a handful of tips to keep your magazines working properly with your gun, including feed lip tolerances. Various methods of marking your magazines are discussed.
The next section concerns Magazine Funnels, or those various plastic or metal wedges that fit into the space behind the magazine well to facilitate rapid magazine insertion. He reviews a half-dozen and reveals what one police department uses Robin Taylor’s famous Seattle Slug for in emergencies.
An unusual, but welcome bonus in this chapter is a rundown on magazine manipulation techniques. He explains the importance of fast-slow-fast-slow-fast in the Speed Load and variants. And why once his good friend Mas Ayoob had to switch from performing Tactical/Retention reloading to speed loads in the middle of an important competition.
Finally, Sweeney spends a page contemplating the wonders of Glock magazine collecting. He calculates that there are more than eighty-eight distinct Glock magazines with all the calibers, sizes, modified capacities and legal inscriptions.
“Carrying a full-sized gun concealed isn’t easy. It is harder still if you are average or smaller in size. I’m 6’4” and 205 pounds, and I used to carry a full-sized 1911 all day. At the first opportunity I switched to a Light Weight Commander. When I got my hands on my first compact Glock, it was smaller and lighter still. Many other shooters who have CCWs have figured the same thing out. If you’re going to carry a compact pistol, you aren’t going to get 17 shots anyway. Since you can reload quickly, 10 is probably enough.
“As an unintended consequence of the switch from 1994 to 2004 to 10-shot mags and compact carry guns, interest in the big calibers is greater than ever. After all, if you’re going to be carrying only 10 shots, they might as well be the biggest 10 you can wrestle into the gun. Ten shots of .40 or .45 are a lot more comforting than 10 shots of 9mm. With the new magazines, the calculating gets a lot more interesting. Eight or 10 .45 bullets, vs. 15 9mm? And if those 9mms are +P or +P+?”
Chapter 23 - Holsters
(32 pages)
Sweeney immediately points out that there used to be only two categories of holster: Concealed and Everything Else, both made of leather. Today there are five species: Concealed, Open/Field, Competition, Duty and Military/SpecOps and just as many materials from which these various contraptions can be made. After this orientation, he takes us on a tour of all the pertinent aspects to consider when buying, wearing and using holsters for your Glock.
Starting with what he calls the Carry Ensemble, Sweeney breaks down the equipment needed to carry your Glock securely, comfortably, efficiently and legally. He surveys the holsters and positions (strong side, shoulder, cross draw, ankle, even fanny packs both for pistol and magazines) offered by prominent manufacturers including: Fobus, Glock, Galco, Blade-Tech and Shooting Systems. Raising an under-appreciated point, he makes a very convincing argument to carry spare magazines with your concealed Glock. He also alerts permit holders that the most important piece of equipment of your rig is an ordinary piece of clothing you already wear.
After a thorough rundown of concealment holsters, Sweeney moves into the other categories. You may be surprised to learn the most dangerous aspect of a Open/Field holster which can land you in jail if you’re not careful. The most important aspect of a Duty holster is mastery of its retention mechanisms. Following a twelve-page examination of the many permutations of the competition holster, he addresses lanyards and the unique Safepacker holster.
Finally Sweeney recommends a support pack of cleaning materials and repair parts that goes with your Glock when in the field.
“In order to see if a holster is comfortable for daily wear, I have to wear it for longer periods that just at the range. So, as I sit here and write, I’m wearing a holster. You’d be surprised how many chairs aren’t comfortable while “packing” and how many normal daily activities are precluded or made very clumsy by wearing a holster. Each day when I sit down to write, I’ll have something different on, with a Glock in it. Which leads to other problems. What to do when the doorbell rings? It may be the postman, with something I have to sign for. It may be the UPS or FedEx driver. (Both of my regular drivers are knowledgeable about guns and would be more interested in what holster or gun I have on than alarmed that I’m wearing it.) Or someone with a petition. As a result, I keep a bathrobe by the front door, and put it on before answering. I’m sure the postman thinks I’m some kind of a slug, answering the door at three in the afternoon wearing a bathrobe.”
(32 pages)
Sweeney immediately points out that there used to be only two categories of holster: Concealed and Everything Else, both made of leather. Today there are five species: Concealed, Open/Field, Competition, Duty and Military/SpecOps and just as many materials from which these various contraptions can be made. After this orientation, he takes us on a tour of all the pertinent aspects to consider when buying, wearing and using holsters for your Glock.
Starting with what he calls the Carry Ensemble, Sweeney breaks down the equipment needed to carry your Glock securely, comfortably, efficiently and legally. He surveys the holsters and positions (strong side, shoulder, cross draw, ankle, even fanny packs both for pistol and magazines) offered by prominent manufacturers including: Fobus, Glock, Galco, Blade-Tech and Shooting Systems. Raising an under-appreciated point, he makes a very convincing argument to carry spare magazines with your concealed Glock. He also alerts permit holders that the most important piece of equipment of your rig is an ordinary piece of clothing you already wear.
After a thorough rundown of concealment holsters, Sweeney moves into the other categories. You may be surprised to learn the most dangerous aspect of a Open/Field holster which can land you in jail if you’re not careful. The most important aspect of a Duty holster is mastery of its retention mechanisms. Following a twelve-page examination of the many permutations of the competition holster, he addresses lanyards and the unique Safepacker holster.
Finally Sweeney recommends a support pack of cleaning materials and repair parts that goes with your Glock when in the field.
“In order to see if a holster is comfortable for daily wear, I have to wear it for longer periods that just at the range. So, as I sit here and write, I’m wearing a holster. You’d be surprised how many chairs aren’t comfortable while “packing” and how many normal daily activities are precluded or made very clumsy by wearing a holster. Each day when I sit down to write, I’ll have something different on, with a Glock in it. Which leads to other problems. What to do when the doorbell rings? It may be the postman, with something I have to sign for. It may be the UPS or FedEx driver. (Both of my regular drivers are knowledgeable about guns and would be more interested in what holster or gun I have on than alarmed that I’m wearing it.) Or someone with a petition. As a result, I keep a bathrobe by the front door, and put it on before answering. I’m sure the postman thinks I’m some kind of a slug, answering the door at three in the afternoon wearing a bathrobe.”
Chapter 24 - Sights for Glocks
(5 pages)
In this chapter, Sweeney starts out by declaring what no one else in the Glock world seems to believe: that stock plastic Glock sights are perfectly fine. He qualifies this by specifying that they are plenty durable enough for their intended use by police and military, but the abuse they receive in the American competitive circuit can be too much for them.
He explains why you should never use the old hammer-and-drift method to adjust Glock sights. You should always use a quality sight pusher. He decodes the meaning of the hieroglyphics on the side of Glock sights and reveals why different calibers come from the factory wearing different rear sights. He discusses improvements in adjustable rear sights and delineates the value of each click. Finally, regarding night sights he makes a sensible point concerning two- and three-dot systems that I’d never thought of before.
“Armando Valdes, who must do as many presentations as Chuck Taylor does, has not worn his sight down. He prefers the factory sights. He like the dot front sight. “My draw is so grooved that the sights come up aligned and I just use the dot on the front sigh as if it were a red dot sight.” (A grooved draw is one of the big secrets of the Grand Master shooters, by the way.) “If I need a finer sight alignment, for a far shot or a tight one between no-shoots, then I go with a classic sight picture. Otherwise I go with the front sight dot.”
(5 pages)
In this chapter, Sweeney starts out by declaring what no one else in the Glock world seems to believe: that stock plastic Glock sights are perfectly fine. He qualifies this by specifying that they are plenty durable enough for their intended use by police and military, but the abuse they receive in the American competitive circuit can be too much for them.
He explains why you should never use the old hammer-and-drift method to adjust Glock sights. You should always use a quality sight pusher. He decodes the meaning of the hieroglyphics on the side of Glock sights and reveals why different calibers come from the factory wearing different rear sights. He discusses improvements in adjustable rear sights and delineates the value of each click. Finally, regarding night sights he makes a sensible point concerning two- and three-dot systems that I’d never thought of before.
“Armando Valdes, who must do as many presentations as Chuck Taylor does, has not worn his sight down. He prefers the factory sights. He like the dot front sight. “My draw is so grooved that the sights come up aligned and I just use the dot on the front sigh as if it were a red dot sight.” (A grooved draw is one of the big secrets of the Grand Master shooters, by the way.) “If I need a finer sight alignment, for a far shot or a tight one between no-shoots, then I go with a classic sight picture. Otherwise I go with the front sight dot.”
Chapter 25 - Barrels
(17 pages)
There are three reasons why you would want to swap the stock Glock barrel out for a third-party unit. None of those reasons is quality or durability, but there are some reasons which are very important to many shooters.
Before delving deeper into the solutions to those perceived inadequacies, Sweeney takes us on a tour of our factory barrel. He concisely explains exactly what “hammer forged” means and the manufacturing processes involved. The fascinating and ingenious anatomy of the Glock barrel is described and analyzed. He reveals the reasoning behind such design decisions as barrel hood width, chamber dimensions, leade length, polygonal rifling (octagonal in .45, hexagonal in all other calibers) and the various bullet twist rates of Glock barrels.
Next, Sweeney answers the claims by some shooters that the stock Glock barrel falls short of “perfection.” In the field of accuracy, he finds that some third-party barrels are in fact more accurate. Since Gaston Glock built his pistol to satisfy NATO specs and to serve the European market where reloading and unjacketed lead bullets are virtually unknown, the issues that his barrels have with lead buildup was never a concern until American shooters became a factor. When shooting unjacketed bullets, Sweeney simply recommends a barrel swap. He even presents the math and rationale that supports serious shooters reloading and shooting lead.
The chamber of your factory Glock barrel is admittedly loose. It was designed that way and Sweeney tells you why. American competitors have never been pleased about the over-sized, under-supportive chamber for a number of reasons from diminished accuracy to reloading inconvenience. Sweeney provides a few different solutions to this often annoying, sometimes dangerous problem.
One benefit to the reloader with an after-market barrel is increased brass life. But are “drop-in” barrels really “drop-in?” And how much more accuracy can you expect? And do you really need that increased precision for the cost? Sweeney addresses these questions.
Sometimes the question is not “can” I install a super-accurate aftermarket barrel, but “may” I. In the world of shooting competitions the rules of the game prescribe the outfitting of your gear. Read the rules carefully before you install non-stock components. Sweeney highlights some red flags to watch out for.
If you do decide to install a third-party barrel, Sweeney outlines the procedure of polishing, filing and lathe work to get a stubborn barrel to cycle properly. It may sound daunting, but it is a piece of cake compared to the effort and skill needed to fit an irregular 1911 barrel!
Next, Sweeney explores the engineering of the Glock barrel and how it differs from a traditionally milled barrel. There are characteristics of the Glock barrel that make it more durable under some circumstances while more prone to failure in others. The stock Glock barrel is more than tough enough for most purposes, but there is one condition that it is particularly susceptible to due to what Sweeney calls it chocolate bar-like properties.
“I first tried the G-22 for groups with factory ammo with the Glock barrel, then took off the upper, swapped to the Bar-Sto barrel, re-fired the settling groups and then proceeded to try again with the factory ammo. The experiment was quite gratifying, as the Bar-Sto barrel markedly improved some ammo performance and slightly improved others, but was always better.”
(17 pages)
There are three reasons why you would want to swap the stock Glock barrel out for a third-party unit. None of those reasons is quality or durability, but there are some reasons which are very important to many shooters.
Before delving deeper into the solutions to those perceived inadequacies, Sweeney takes us on a tour of our factory barrel. He concisely explains exactly what “hammer forged” means and the manufacturing processes involved. The fascinating and ingenious anatomy of the Glock barrel is described and analyzed. He reveals the reasoning behind such design decisions as barrel hood width, chamber dimensions, leade length, polygonal rifling (octagonal in .45, hexagonal in all other calibers) and the various bullet twist rates of Glock barrels.
Next, Sweeney answers the claims by some shooters that the stock Glock barrel falls short of “perfection.” In the field of accuracy, he finds that some third-party barrels are in fact more accurate. Since Gaston Glock built his pistol to satisfy NATO specs and to serve the European market where reloading and unjacketed lead bullets are virtually unknown, the issues that his barrels have with lead buildup was never a concern until American shooters became a factor. When shooting unjacketed bullets, Sweeney simply recommends a barrel swap. He even presents the math and rationale that supports serious shooters reloading and shooting lead.
The chamber of your factory Glock barrel is admittedly loose. It was designed that way and Sweeney tells you why. American competitors have never been pleased about the over-sized, under-supportive chamber for a number of reasons from diminished accuracy to reloading inconvenience. Sweeney provides a few different solutions to this often annoying, sometimes dangerous problem.
One benefit to the reloader with an after-market barrel is increased brass life. But are “drop-in” barrels really “drop-in?” And how much more accuracy can you expect? And do you really need that increased precision for the cost? Sweeney addresses these questions.
Sometimes the question is not “can” I install a super-accurate aftermarket barrel, but “may” I. In the world of shooting competitions the rules of the game prescribe the outfitting of your gear. Read the rules carefully before you install non-stock components. Sweeney highlights some red flags to watch out for.
If you do decide to install a third-party barrel, Sweeney outlines the procedure of polishing, filing and lathe work to get a stubborn barrel to cycle properly. It may sound daunting, but it is a piece of cake compared to the effort and skill needed to fit an irregular 1911 barrel!
Next, Sweeney explores the engineering of the Glock barrel and how it differs from a traditionally milled barrel. There are characteristics of the Glock barrel that make it more durable under some circumstances while more prone to failure in others. The stock Glock barrel is more than tough enough for most purposes, but there is one condition that it is particularly susceptible to due to what Sweeney calls it chocolate bar-like properties.
“I first tried the G-22 for groups with factory ammo with the Glock barrel, then took off the upper, swapped to the Bar-Sto barrel, re-fired the settling groups and then proceeded to try again with the factory ammo. The experiment was quite gratifying, as the Bar-Sto barrel markedly improved some ammo performance and slightly improved others, but was always better.”
Chapter 26 - The Glock in Competition
(22 pages)
Sweeney surveys the many games in which Glocks are welcomed and points out the few at which Glocks are definitely not welcomed. Perhaps the best place to start your competitive career is at a Glock Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF) where ONLY Glocks are allowed. Sweeney outlines the courses of fire and basic strategy. Other benefits of shooting GSSF are the prizes (Glocks!) and access to free armorer services and of course the camaraderie of other Glock shooters and aficionados.
From here Sweeney moves into and explains the more conventional shooting sports including USPSA, IPSC, IDPA, PPC, Bowling Pins, and Steel and how you and your Glock can participate. Starting with USPSA/IPSC, Sweeney describes the differences between Major and Minor categories and what that means for your scores. He next describes how you can outfit and load up your Glock for each Division: Open, Limited, Limited-10 and Production. Sweeney’s section on IDPA runs down the Divisions: Custom Defense Pistol, Enhanced Service Pistol, Stock Service Pistol and Revolver and which one you are likely to compete in with your Glock.
There are many benefits of competing in the various shooting games. Whether it’s “loot” or “glory” or simply the practice accumulated, you and your Glock will be better for the experience. For further details on all the fun you can have with your Glock, Sweeney recommends Robin Taylor’s comprehensive book, “The Glock in Competition: A Shooter’s How-To Guide.”
“Many clubs holding their annual GSSF match have side events. Instead of the six plates of “Plates” they might have a plate rack with eight or nine plates in it. Or an array of poppers. Or anything that is fun to shoot but stays within the spirit of the GSSF match. And usually, the side events do not have an entry limit on them. Want to shoot the plates in a side match 20 times, and see if you can get your run under X seconds? Pay the man and get in line. It is easily possible to go to a GSSF match, meet hundreds of other Glock shooters, and turn a couple of hundred rounds of ammo into empty brass.”
(22 pages)
Sweeney surveys the many games in which Glocks are welcomed and points out the few at which Glocks are definitely not welcomed. Perhaps the best place to start your competitive career is at a Glock Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF) where ONLY Glocks are allowed. Sweeney outlines the courses of fire and basic strategy. Other benefits of shooting GSSF are the prizes (Glocks!) and access to free armorer services and of course the camaraderie of other Glock shooters and aficionados.
From here Sweeney moves into and explains the more conventional shooting sports including USPSA, IPSC, IDPA, PPC, Bowling Pins, and Steel and how you and your Glock can participate. Starting with USPSA/IPSC, Sweeney describes the differences between Major and Minor categories and what that means for your scores. He next describes how you can outfit and load up your Glock for each Division: Open, Limited, Limited-10 and Production. Sweeney’s section on IDPA runs down the Divisions: Custom Defense Pistol, Enhanced Service Pistol, Stock Service Pistol and Revolver and which one you are likely to compete in with your Glock.
There are many benefits of competing in the various shooting games. Whether it’s “loot” or “glory” or simply the practice accumulated, you and your Glock will be better for the experience. For further details on all the fun you can have with your Glock, Sweeney recommends Robin Taylor’s comprehensive book, “The Glock in Competition: A Shooter’s How-To Guide.”
“Many clubs holding their annual GSSF match have side events. Instead of the six plates of “Plates” they might have a plate rack with eight or nine plates in it. Or an array of poppers. Or anything that is fun to shoot but stays within the spirit of the GSSF match. And usually, the side events do not have an entry limit on them. Want to shoot the plates in a side match 20 times, and see if you can get your run under X seconds? Pay the man and get in line. It is easily possible to go to a GSSF match, meet hundreds of other Glock shooters, and turn a couple of hundred rounds of ammo into empty brass.”
Chapter 27 - Glockin’ with a Stock
(6 pages)
In this chapter, Sweeney reviews the Mech Tech Carbine Conversion Unit in-depth. In other words, you can make your favorite Glock into a rifle. He remarks on accuracy, velocity, reliability and fun-factor.
“The CCU instructions recommend the use of +P ammunition, to keep the mechanism working properly and not short-stroking. I found the unit worked fine with everything but the softest powderpuff ammo. All the 9mm ammo that made USPSA/IPSC Minor power level worked the CCU just fine. It was less reliable with hollowpoint ammo, but that isn’t a big deal. The idea is to have fun and get practice with inexpensive ammo, and for that hardball is just the ticket.”
(6 pages)
In this chapter, Sweeney reviews the Mech Tech Carbine Conversion Unit in-depth. In other words, you can make your favorite Glock into a rifle. He remarks on accuracy, velocity, reliability and fun-factor.
“The CCU instructions recommend the use of +P ammunition, to keep the mechanism working properly and not short-stroking. I found the unit worked fine with everything but the softest powderpuff ammo. All the 9mm ammo that made USPSA/IPSC Minor power level worked the CCU just fine. It was less reliable with hollowpoint ammo, but that isn’t a big deal. The idea is to have fun and get practice with inexpensive ammo, and for that hardball is just the ticket.”
Chapter 28 - Rimfire Glockin’
(4 pages)
In this chapter, Sweeney reviews the Advantage Arms Caliber Conversion Kit in-depth. In other words, you can make your favorite Glock into an inexpensive-to-shoot 22LR pistol. He remarks on accuracy, velocity, reliability and fun-factor.
“The magazine feeds well, and Advantage has gone to the trouble of testing it with many different types of ammo. The ones they recommend, and with which it works best , are CCI MiniMags, Remington Golden bullets, and Remington Thunderbolt. Many other brands of 40-grain high velocity .22LR ammo work well too. Since I had lots of Remington Golden ammo on hand, that was what I used in it for an afternoon of testing. Five hundred rounds later, I was out of ammo, every clump of dirt on the range had been dealt a devastating blow, I had a bunch of empty rimfire brass to pick up, and the conversion had not failed at all.”
(4 pages)
In this chapter, Sweeney reviews the Advantage Arms Caliber Conversion Kit in-depth. In other words, you can make your favorite Glock into an inexpensive-to-shoot 22LR pistol. He remarks on accuracy, velocity, reliability and fun-factor.
“The magazine feeds well, and Advantage has gone to the trouble of testing it with many different types of ammo. The ones they recommend, and with which it works best , are CCI MiniMags, Remington Golden bullets, and Remington Thunderbolt. Many other brands of 40-grain high velocity .22LR ammo work well too. Since I had lots of Remington Golden ammo on hand, that was what I used in it for an afternoon of testing. Five hundred rounds later, I was out of ammo, every clump of dirt on the range had been dealt a devastating blow, I had a bunch of empty rimfire brass to pick up, and the conversion had not failed at all.”
Chapter 29 - Let There Be Light
(3 pages)
In this chapter, Sweeney presents an overview of working with flashlights and lasers in conjunction with your Glock. Whole courses at reputable tactical academies are taught about this subject. Sweeney just goes over the big brands and your basic configuration options and rudimentary strategies. Find out why Sweeney believes laser sighting systems are not that useful.
“Using a pair of the same 3-volt lithiums as the Streamlight, the Sure Fire puts out a beam of light that you have got to see to believe. Using a new reflector technology, the Sure Fire doesn’t put out a beam like other lights, with crescent-moon-shaped light bars and dark bars. It puts out a solid, even cone of light. Rated at “only” 65 lumens, the Sure Fire light is much brighter to the eye than other, brighter-rated, lights, and the light is solid across its field. You can get more power in the same size as the G2, up to hundreds of lumens.”
(3 pages)
In this chapter, Sweeney presents an overview of working with flashlights and lasers in conjunction with your Glock. Whole courses at reputable tactical academies are taught about this subject. Sweeney just goes over the big brands and your basic configuration options and rudimentary strategies. Find out why Sweeney believes laser sighting systems are not that useful.
“Using a pair of the same 3-volt lithiums as the Streamlight, the Sure Fire puts out a beam of light that you have got to see to believe. Using a new reflector technology, the Sure Fire doesn’t put out a beam like other lights, with crescent-moon-shaped light bars and dark bars. It puts out a solid, even cone of light. Rated at “only” 65 lumens, the Sure Fire light is much brighter to the eye than other, brighter-rated, lights, and the light is solid across its field. You can get more power in the same size as the G2, up to hundreds of lumens.”
Chapter 30 - More Custom Glocks and Competitors
(7 pages)
Sweeney takes an up-close and personal look at Irv Stone III’s personal super-customized Glock. Building this pistol is way out of the budget of most shooters, but as the head of the famous Bar-Sto barrel manufacturing company, Mr. Stone has got access to machinery and talent necessary to create such features as special dovetailed rear sight, forward cocking serrations, and other mods.
The other gun manufacturers polymer-framed guns that are giving Glock a run for its money include the Smith & Wesson Sigma, Springfield XD, Smith & Wesson M&P and the Ruger SR9. Sweeney goes into detail regarding these early contenders and then comments extensively on CCF Raceframes’ steel and aluminum Glock receivers.
“One of the really cool parts of being a gun writer is the opportunity to test a custom gun. Or a bunch. The custom Glock I had a chance to test is the personal gun of Irv Stone III of Bar-Sto. As you can imagine, it has some really cool features, but surprisingly it has some box-stock ones, too. Why? Because some things on the Glock don’t need changing, even from the point of view of the picky American competition shooter.”
(7 pages)
Sweeney takes an up-close and personal look at Irv Stone III’s personal super-customized Glock. Building this pistol is way out of the budget of most shooters, but as the head of the famous Bar-Sto barrel manufacturing company, Mr. Stone has got access to machinery and talent necessary to create such features as special dovetailed rear sight, forward cocking serrations, and other mods.
The other gun manufacturers polymer-framed guns that are giving Glock a run for its money include the Smith & Wesson Sigma, Springfield XD, Smith & Wesson M&P and the Ruger SR9. Sweeney goes into detail regarding these early contenders and then comments extensively on CCF Raceframes’ steel and aluminum Glock receivers.
“One of the really cool parts of being a gun writer is the opportunity to test a custom gun. Or a bunch. The custom Glock I had a chance to test is the personal gun of Irv Stone III of Bar-Sto. As you can imagine, it has some really cool features, but surprisingly it has some box-stock ones, too. Why? Because some things on the Glock don’t need changing, even from the point of view of the picky American competition shooter.”
Chapter 31 - The Glock Armorer’s School
(6 pages)
This chapter is a combination of what Sweeney has picked up in the Armorer’s course and historical tidbits of interest. Guidelines for maintenance and spring replacement are given. Finally, he recommends a component that takes the bite out of your Glock’s recoil.
“The three-day class covers everything you’d need in order to work at the Smyrna assembly facility, and handle any problem that might come up. It requires memorization of parts names and demonstrating knowledge of the interchangeability of parts across models. I both classes you’ll do timed drills (“Get that Glock apart in 30 seconds…”) and recite the names and functions of the various parts. You’ll learn all there is to learn about keeping a Glock running and repairing one that isn’t. And it is a surprisingly small body of knowledge, for those of us used to the voluminous notes required for a 1911.”
Appendix - Suppliers
(1 page)
A page of companies mentioned in the book with addresses, phone numbers and websites.
(6 pages)
This chapter is a combination of what Sweeney has picked up in the Armorer’s course and historical tidbits of interest. Guidelines for maintenance and spring replacement are given. Finally, he recommends a component that takes the bite out of your Glock’s recoil.
“The three-day class covers everything you’d need in order to work at the Smyrna assembly facility, and handle any problem that might come up. It requires memorization of parts names and demonstrating knowledge of the interchangeability of parts across models. I both classes you’ll do timed drills (“Get that Glock apart in 30 seconds…”) and recite the names and functions of the various parts. You’ll learn all there is to learn about keeping a Glock running and repairing one that isn’t. And it is a surprisingly small body of knowledge, for those of us used to the voluminous notes required for a 1911.”
Appendix - Suppliers
(1 page)
A page of companies mentioned in the book with addresses, phone numbers and websites.
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Full House
Competitor
Quick-Start
Warrior-Sage
Historian
Reference
Full House
Competitor
Quick-Start
Warrior-Sage
Historian
Reference
I, Morgan Boatman, "Glock Books" and GlockBooks.com, BoatmanBooks.com and Winter Communication, LLC are not associated in any way with GLOCK, Inc. or GLOCK GmbH.
Copyright 2010 Winter Communication, LLC
