Many people, new and old shooters alike, come across or choose Glock as their first handgun for either carrying or home defense. I don't think anyone has ever been captivated by it's trigger or shoot-ability. It seems that the legendary status of the Glock is due to name and reliability. Kinda like Nike during the '90s, the brand has penetrated into modern lexicon as something that is the benchmark for all handguns.
In actuality it's, to me, an average handgun that fits the bill for a wide range of shooters. By that it is good for Duty due to it's reliability and the beginner because it's affordability, value is really good, and the fact that the amount of maintenance involved is rather low. However it doesn't mean it's the end all for a handgun nor is it something that everyone should be pressured into owning.
I will confess that it would be the first gun that I'd recommend to someone who doesn't know what they want or know much about firearms. Glock is a gun that I can easily say that you'll be happy with since you don't know the joys of a good trigger, the manual of arms is as easy as an AK, and your friends will be impressed that you chose a Glock. It meets the trifecta of the Glock owner who doesn't use it as a duty gun, it goes bang when needed, it's the socially accepted firearm that no one questions you on, and an idiot can handle it.
To me the dimensions aren't any better or worse compared to other pistols in the same category like the M&P or XD series. There are definitely better firearms out there yet the person buying their first handgun doesn't know better or unbeknownst to them self is a Glock fanboy who thinks that it's something mystical. To me, it doesn't matter, when I ask "hey, how do you like your Glock?" and they say, "yeah man, it's really awesome! do you own one?" I'll say no but I do like them and when they start to challenge my mancard with a Glock I'll ask if they own any other guns. When they say, "why? the Glock is all I need!" I'll just end the conversation knowing way too much about them, some stereotypes are true. Of course they can say they do own other firearms but rarely do I hear it's the best end all gun or they actually do love their Glock and will readily admit it humbly and say that it's just the one that works for their situation in life, which I can totally understand. Just so you know, if you put down money for a Glock because it's all you can afford or your limited to one gun because your social coordinator, that's all you have to say and I'll understand completely.
I do think Glock has some fantastic firearms, I'm personally looking at buying a G19 because it's a G19 and I should own one... because even the Civil War gun collectors have one in their personal collection somewhere. It's one of those guns that no matter what your a fan of, eventually you have to own one. My other choice would be a G42, now many questioned Glock on the introduction of the G42 before the G43. If you can comprehend the gun market at the time was mainly focused on sub-compact, single stack 9mm handguns. It is my belief they were testing the market for smaller calibers that weren't 9mm. The .380 acp has very limited amount of handguns bigger than a mouse gun, many were older styles from the Beretta 84 on back into history. Now it seems like manufacturer has a larger than a mouse gun, such as the Browning 1911-380, Walther PK380, Bersa, Beretta Px4 380, or the EAA Pavona. There aren't many .380 acp handguns that aren't trying match the Ruger LCP. I think it's great they have launched into that market and it shows some willingness to try new things.
Many know that I'm making an 80% that is a Glock 17 "clone," if you want to call it that. I by no means think Glock the best gun in the world, I think I've heard it said that it's more like the Toyota Corolla of guns and I think that is spot on. Personally I'm a fanboy of many brands and models, I love the AR rifle but I know the disadvantages, I'm a 1911 fan but I know the disadvantages, and I'm a CZ fanboy but it's the perfect gun and why you don't own one is beyond me because there aren't any disadvantages...
Be adventurous in the gun world,
-Van
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Why gun caliber is Important to the frame of Handgun
Why is it that the 9mm Parabellum is the first choice when choosing a handgun no matter how small it is? I think the notion that it's the best caliber overall for self defense is ridiculous especially in smaller framed guns. I don't disagree that it is a good round for self defense because it's cheap, plentiful, and will cause massive internal trauma in self defense situations depending on shot placement. It's toted as the minimum in the gun world for self defense however it's the worst in small framed guns.
What use is a gun if you cannot consistently hit the target? This rings especially true during moments of stress when at best you'll only perform at the skills you've already mastered. For instance, lets say that you own a Keltec PF9, which is 9mm, and that you've mastered the safe handling of this firearm from a concealed holster. A crazed knife wielding individual threatens your life and you pull your gun and fire multiple times at the perpetrater . What are your chances that the bullets will find their mark? I don't disagree that with proper training that this scenario would end with the baddy having multiple 9mm size entrance holes but for the average person who shoots once a year, this instance would be difficult to achieve.
How much training is required for successfully stopping any form of attack upon your person with the best factors to your advantage with the exception of mastering a small framed gun chambered in 9mm? Answer is more than your average mid-size to full-size handgun, even more if it's a small framed gun in .40 S&W and other larger rounds. I never hear of people going to the range and unloading hundreds of rounds through their small guns unless it's .380 acp or smaller.
One training technique to help out with getting around putting hundred of rounds through a gun, if it's uncomfortable is to get a similar firearm in .22lr and train with both during the same course of time at the range. A good example is having a person train with a 1911 in .45 acp and with .22lr. This works with even beginners, my first handgun I trained on was with my father's Kimber Custom Classic paired with a Ruger 22/45 Slabside. Being 13 or 14 years old at the time, I had issues with recoil. Without the benefit of having multiple handguns in differing calibers and sizes, I was given one and then the other until recoil wasn't a issue and over a short time I could shoot one or the other easily.
The differing calibers can be done with smaller, hard to shoot handguns too. However, like I mentioned before, not everyone has time to train and master so making the most at the range can be training at home. This usually involves snap caps and practicing trigger pull. This can be done at home, I would also make double sure that there is no ammo in your gun or even in the general area. Just find a target or even just put a dark piece of tape on the wall and keep your sights on it while pulling the trigger. If this is done regularly, go to the range and see if your training has shown any results.
If training is still hard to get to, which if you carry I'm a big proponent of making it to the range at least twice a year and shooting over 500rds. How much should one go for optimum results? Every month with at least one class with a certified teacher/instructor, round count should be in the thousands. Best case for me most of the time is once a month with another person who you can cross train with, switching up with people can be a great opportunity, they'll make note what is wrong and teach you other techniques or tell you about things to look into. Not to mention you'll more than likely get to try other firearms in the process.
Personally, sometimes all the training isn't worth it with such large rounds in small guns. I'm really fond of the .380 acp and the .32 acp in regards to small guns shooting small calibers. I own a Beretta 84FS because even though it's a metal framed gun the size of a Glock 19, I can empty 14rds onto the target faster than a 9mm with little effort and even less training. I can even hit a 12" target at 25m consistently at probably the same rate as a 9mm. The multiple hit probability with a smaller handgun is higher closeup with a smaller round due to less recoil, while a larger round may get one hit on target and the following rounds not hitting the mark.
The frame size, caliber, and even material make a big difference when choosing a close in handgun. I think a Glock 19 would be the smallest frame I'd take with a 9mm in plastic, however a single stack 9mm in a steel frame I'd probably go down to a Sig P238 since it's a metallic frame and has a little more heft. The smallest gun I own is a Keltec P32, which is probably the minimum caliber handgun I'd carry, of course any gun is better than no gun.
Since the early 1900's the .32 acp was carried by the police in different countries, it killed Arch Duke Ferdinand and started WWI. It's not a powerful round but with modern gun powder and new JHP bullets, it can perform. Watching youtube videos, a Keltec P32 shooting some round with a Hornaday .32 XTP bullet was able to penetrate 12" of ballistic gelatin. Which shows that even smaller rounds can be counted on in a defense situation.
No matter the gun, recoil plays an important factor in shooting, especially defense shooting. Quite often guns are chosen because of weight. To me this plays into some importance when choosing a gun however with the right size of gun along with a good holster many aluminum alloyed frames aren't without consideration. A heavier frame and lighter round can shoot with little to no recoil, a Beretta 81FS, same size as a Glock 19 can achieve this, it'll way considerable more but it's advantages are many.
Looking at a Ruger LCP or Keltec P3AT seem to recoil alot causing the shooter to loose interest training. Whilst the .32 acp cousin allows for all day shooting and much more training. Sometimes choosing a gun with low recoil in a sub-9mm round has it's advantages. Yet there aren't many guns, sure there is the Beretta Tomcat or the girlier looking EAA Pavona. To me a compact CZ or similar made gun in .380 in an alloy/steel frame would be well worth it to carry. If Tanfoglio offered a .32 acp I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
However with the average US citizenry picking up Glocks and whatever else catches their fancy in 9mm I have heavy doubts that gun manufacturers will look into smaller caliber handguns in a a compact sized frame. I think many new shooters would be better off as it doesn't require as much training to shoot a gun like that accurately and even less to shoot them faster and on target. If you do find yourself tinkering with the idea of a smaller gun in .32 or .380 acp, then by all means. There is an almost cult following to smaller guns and rounds. I'd say I myself would be in that group.
It's hard to argue this point and feel that this doesn't justly communicate my full opinion, later on I might try and expand upon this concept but until then I guess this will have to do.
What use is a gun if you cannot consistently hit the target? This rings especially true during moments of stress when at best you'll only perform at the skills you've already mastered. For instance, lets say that you own a Keltec PF9, which is 9mm, and that you've mastered the safe handling of this firearm from a concealed holster. A crazed knife wielding individual threatens your life and you pull your gun and fire multiple times at the perpetrater . What are your chances that the bullets will find their mark? I don't disagree that with proper training that this scenario would end with the baddy having multiple 9mm size entrance holes but for the average person who shoots once a year, this instance would be difficult to achieve.
How much training is required for successfully stopping any form of attack upon your person with the best factors to your advantage with the exception of mastering a small framed gun chambered in 9mm? Answer is more than your average mid-size to full-size handgun, even more if it's a small framed gun in .40 S&W and other larger rounds. I never hear of people going to the range and unloading hundreds of rounds through their small guns unless it's .380 acp or smaller.
One training technique to help out with getting around putting hundred of rounds through a gun, if it's uncomfortable is to get a similar firearm in .22lr and train with both during the same course of time at the range. A good example is having a person train with a 1911 in .45 acp and with .22lr. This works with even beginners, my first handgun I trained on was with my father's Kimber Custom Classic paired with a Ruger 22/45 Slabside. Being 13 or 14 years old at the time, I had issues with recoil. Without the benefit of having multiple handguns in differing calibers and sizes, I was given one and then the other until recoil wasn't a issue and over a short time I could shoot one or the other easily.
The differing calibers can be done with smaller, hard to shoot handguns too. However, like I mentioned before, not everyone has time to train and master so making the most at the range can be training at home. This usually involves snap caps and practicing trigger pull. This can be done at home, I would also make double sure that there is no ammo in your gun or even in the general area. Just find a target or even just put a dark piece of tape on the wall and keep your sights on it while pulling the trigger. If this is done regularly, go to the range and see if your training has shown any results.
If training is still hard to get to, which if you carry I'm a big proponent of making it to the range at least twice a year and shooting over 500rds. How much should one go for optimum results? Every month with at least one class with a certified teacher/instructor, round count should be in the thousands. Best case for me most of the time is once a month with another person who you can cross train with, switching up with people can be a great opportunity, they'll make note what is wrong and teach you other techniques or tell you about things to look into. Not to mention you'll more than likely get to try other firearms in the process.
Personally, sometimes all the training isn't worth it with such large rounds in small guns. I'm really fond of the .380 acp and the .32 acp in regards to small guns shooting small calibers. I own a Beretta 84FS because even though it's a metal framed gun the size of a Glock 19, I can empty 14rds onto the target faster than a 9mm with little effort and even less training. I can even hit a 12" target at 25m consistently at probably the same rate as a 9mm. The multiple hit probability with a smaller handgun is higher closeup with a smaller round due to less recoil, while a larger round may get one hit on target and the following rounds not hitting the mark.
The frame size, caliber, and even material make a big difference when choosing a close in handgun. I think a Glock 19 would be the smallest frame I'd take with a 9mm in plastic, however a single stack 9mm in a steel frame I'd probably go down to a Sig P238 since it's a metallic frame and has a little more heft. The smallest gun I own is a Keltec P32, which is probably the minimum caliber handgun I'd carry, of course any gun is better than no gun.
Since the early 1900's the .32 acp was carried by the police in different countries, it killed Arch Duke Ferdinand and started WWI. It's not a powerful round but with modern gun powder and new JHP bullets, it can perform. Watching youtube videos, a Keltec P32 shooting some round with a Hornaday .32 XTP bullet was able to penetrate 12" of ballistic gelatin. Which shows that even smaller rounds can be counted on in a defense situation.
No matter the gun, recoil plays an important factor in shooting, especially defense shooting. Quite often guns are chosen because of weight. To me this plays into some importance when choosing a gun however with the right size of gun along with a good holster many aluminum alloyed frames aren't without consideration. A heavier frame and lighter round can shoot with little to no recoil, a Beretta 81FS, same size as a Glock 19 can achieve this, it'll way considerable more but it's advantages are many.
Looking at a Ruger LCP or Keltec P3AT seem to recoil alot causing the shooter to loose interest training. Whilst the .32 acp cousin allows for all day shooting and much more training. Sometimes choosing a gun with low recoil in a sub-9mm round has it's advantages. Yet there aren't many guns, sure there is the Beretta Tomcat or the girlier looking EAA Pavona. To me a compact CZ or similar made gun in .380 in an alloy/steel frame would be well worth it to carry. If Tanfoglio offered a .32 acp I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
However with the average US citizenry picking up Glocks and whatever else catches their fancy in 9mm I have heavy doubts that gun manufacturers will look into smaller caliber handguns in a a compact sized frame. I think many new shooters would be better off as it doesn't require as much training to shoot a gun like that accurately and even less to shoot them faster and on target. If you do find yourself tinkering with the idea of a smaller gun in .32 or .380 acp, then by all means. There is an almost cult following to smaller guns and rounds. I'd say I myself would be in that group.
It's hard to argue this point and feel that this doesn't justly communicate my full opinion, later on I might try and expand upon this concept but until then I guess this will have to do.
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Polymer80 Spectre
-Notice: This is a review of a product that was bought with my own money, please read the original manufacturer for details on legality as I'm not responsible for any information that may or may not be misrepresented. Below are my personal opinions and should not be used as facts. Reader is responsible for his or her own actions on whatever direction(s) they may choose in life...
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Moving on....
The point of the Polymer80 Spectre (found here) or sometimes referred to the Polymer80 S150 v.1 which for all intensive purposes is a project for those of us who like to build and shoot our own firearms, its a polymer frame that fits Glock 17(L), 22, 24, 31, 34, and 35 parts. They were designed for use with the aforementioned models in 9x19, .40 S&W, and .357 Sig. However unlike the more modern versions of the Glock variants only utilize the 3 pin assemblies used in Glock generations 1, 2, and 3.
With the general information out of the way, I'm by no means a Glock owner nor a fanboy/hater of Polymer80 or Glock. I think Glocks are for duty and/or beginner shooters since they have a high value for a firearm, shoot well, and from some experience with multiple G19's and a .40 that I forget what model number among many it is, think they are a very dependable firearm. The manual of arms is simple and easy to teach and learn. I think Glock offers a wide range of products that will fit and suit the end users needs and expectations. Full disclosure, I don't get the ravings of Glock fanboys in the sense that they make rave reviews about a product that is just okay, it only fills a role of one thing that doesn't really do everything well. Triggers aren't that great, width isn't all that good either, and I of course must mention the angle of the grip which does take some time to get used to but overall isn't that much of a big deal.
No matter where you land on the subject of Glock, I think that a 80% receiver that isn't a 1911 is a great thing. Most 80% receivers are mainly military rifles and handguns are very limited. I remember running across some Sig castings awhile back and beyond that it's just many different 1911 frames that are usually casted aluminum or steel from a variety of manufacturers/sellers. I think the production of a frame that accepts Glock parts will open up the eyes of the 80% market to other handgun designs. I'm still hoping for a casting or molded receiver that accepts CZ parts... One can only hope...
To start off I like to do to go over the quality of the 80% receiver and other bits as I received it. Box and other goodies were as expected, comes with a steel rail insert, some screws, and all the drills and endmills. The frame came in the box in the red fixture and everything was satisfactory up until then. Upon closer inspection of the frame I found some minor mold issues.
Let me start off I'm by no means a expert in molding, however I've worked in the automotive world and have worked with molded parts before. All outside features are molded to perfection, the graining is good and the mold lines are great. Only mold issues are probably shooting it with too high of pressure because there is some flash shown on the picture below. Other molded non-issues are sink marks in the magwell where the round thumb indentations are. There are really no show stoppers in the end product, the flash can be removed with nips and filing and sinks are just cosmetic in a area that isn't seen.
Other than the mold I started handling it and can say that this is one fat frame and probably the angle of the grip doesn't help because it makes the pistol grip long from the beaver tail to the trigger. If you have large to extra large hands you'll probably have no problems. Those of us that have hobbit hands to medium size mitts might have issues with the slide stop release and actually holding on to the thing.
Note the above tacticool rail for your tactical whatever, it's very nice...
I placed a full sized CZ 75 pre-B next to it, hint hint CZ... Magwell has actually a nice flare to it and you can start to see the boxiness of the pistol grip. I can get my hands around a CZ and it fits nice but I can barely get my thumb fully around the Spectre. Shooting this, once it's fully registered in my home state, will require some effort in handling it during training.
A look at the internal portion of the frame, very well done.
I think the overall difficulty to get this to a working pistol is very minimal compared to other firearms such as a AR-15. I'm pretty sure with the right file one could finish this with a screwgun. Expertise level to finish this is actually pretty low too.
Apart from the rails, Polymer80 has completed a well thought out design in my opinion. I can't wait to start on this project and think that the end product will be a pleasant shooter. Again please follow all laws where you live, follow proper safety practices, and have fun!
Kind Regards,
-Van
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