More info on the Glock Gen 5

By; Rich Grassi

The New Glock Pistol, Refreshed

The Gen5 Glock 19 is available with Ameriglo sights -- as on this sample. It features a "Marksman" barrel, a slide stop lever both sides of the frame, flared magazine well and a number of other enhancements.

We reported on the Gen5 Glock 17 and Gen5 Glock 19 pistols in Monday'ssShooting Wire. As Glock has now issued a press release, it was time to refresh that story with this one. On August 1st of this year, a group of media people were introduced to the new Glock line. This was at a pre-release rollout of the new guns at Glock Professional, the division responsible for training and for administering the Glock Shooting Sports Foundation.

Aside from the explanation and examination of the new guns, 12 of us took part in the Glock Operator Course. It was during this course, we shot the Gen5 pistols. The first day of the class, I shot the Gen5 Glock 17. The second day I shot the new Glock 19.

Aside from the demo of the Glock 18, on the second day, I figured we each shot at least five hundred rounds apiece from the new guns; it could well have been more. I was busy 'slamming magazines' and trying to keep my head in the training aspect.

The Gen5 slide protrudes from the frame -- the Gen 4 "Summer Special" does not. This may cause some holstering issues for the new guns.

As to the new guns, there are twenty changes between the new guns and the Gen4 versions – five of the changes are deemed "major." These include the Glock Marksman barrel with the tighter chamber, the muzzle crown and rifling. The metal parts are finished with nDLC – a finish "exclusive to the GLOCK manufacturing process." Corrosion and abrasion resistant, it improves function when dry of lube – and is exclusive to the Gen5 pistols for now.

The magazine well on the news guns is profoundly flared and there's a bilateral slide stop. The frame is the two-pin design: there's no locking block pin in the frame. According to a Glock official, "there's no need for it."

Finally, there are no finger grooves on the frame.

Why the changes? According to Josh Dorsey, VP of Operations at Glock, the changes were driven by consumer feedback. It's well known that many opt for fitted 'match' barrels in Glock 19s and the complaining by many of the finger grooves started on the third generation of Glock pistols has been long documented.

The more critical of the issues are functional. The new guns are designed to achieve 11,000 rounds mean rounds between failures. An example went 30,000 without a stoppage in testing. The accuracy – based in part on the new barrel, led to 4" groups at 50 meters. As to the role of customers, customer feedback drove the changes. The Glock ethos, Dorsey noted, is a focus on end users, "those going in harm's way."

What else can we expect? Well, Ameriglo sights are now a factory option – on Gen5 guns. The Gen5 guns are currently G17 and G19 only. Do you want updated variants?

The slide lock is powered by a round spring, not the flat spring common in earlier guns.

Tell Glock.

That's what happened here. You notice that the changes were driven, in part, by the Modular Handgun System project and the FBI contracts. There's not much difference between the "M" guns and the Gen5 guns. South Carolina Highway Patrol, Indianapolis PD, Monterey Calif, and Lake Co. Ill., among other police agencies, have adopted Gen5 Glock pistols.

My impression? Easy. I didn't strip the guns, but it's clear that there are internal differences: the ring at the front of the slide is substantial – and the slide protrudes from the front of the frame on the Glock 19. This prevents fit in some holsters, including the Safariland 7TS. So far, I've found the Gen5 G19 fits some holsters meant for the previous versions – but not all holsters do. I found I couldn't adjust the Blade-Tech holster at the Glock Operator class enough either.

Going on with differences, the friction stippling on the frames seems more abrasive than the pair of Gen4 19s I've been using. The magazine floorplate is different – longer to enhance your ability to strip a magazine out if something goes awry. The magazine follower is orange – a nice touch bringing the Glock pistols into the modern era.

I didn't notice the accuracy component on the first range exercises at Glock Professional. That took more time. As the class progressed, I found that the accuracy was quite good with the Fiocchi range ammo we were using.

And now? There's a Gen5 in the shop undergoing examination.

A word about the production introduction: this was the way to do it. If you have a training program and a training staff, put the media types through the course and use the new products. It's not the first time or first place I've done this, but it was one of the best in terms of organization and getting rounds down range – much better than "here's a five-round magazine. Shoot that and we'll give you another – oh, time to move on. There are others behind you."

We really got to get the guns hot and it was all shooting with a purpose: that was best use of the pistol in a serious context.

I've already seen derisive comments on social media from those who'd gripe if you hanged them with new rope. My experience with Glock pistols is using them in the law enforcement and training environments. I was negative about them until well along in my career, but nearly all the participants in law enforcement training I conducted had Glock pistols: showing up with something different just got in the way of the training.

I sure could have used the Glock Operator Course in those days. As it was I took every class at police conferences that I could and consumed 3,000 rounds of ammo to 'hardwire' the strange feeling Austrian gun my gun handling. Later, I took the Gunsite 250 with the gun I'd retired with.

Now, having done Glock Operator with the Gen5 guns, I have to say I'm happy with Glock's efforts.

- - Rich Grassii 

Glock Gen 5

Hi folks, well as I mentioned in the previous post I actually had the opportunity to run some rounds through the new Glock Gen 5, 19.  I fired about 50 rounds through a brand new gun, that except for the test firing that takes place at the factory, had never be shot.  The target I used was an NRA 5.5" bullseye target.  I started out at about 4 yards and fired 10 rounds with my sights set center on the X ring.  All 10 shots fired made a nice clean 3/4 of an inch hole about 1.5" low left.   That was a little surprising because my experience with most Glocks is that they generally print a little high left.  I fired the remaining rounds at various distances out until about the 15 yard line and the same results stayed consistent.  When I held the sights slightly high and right at 2 o'clock the X ring began seeing some day light.  To verify that this was just not me I had two other shooter fire the gun and they got the same results.  The way this gun printed may just be something that is relevant to this particular gun and not a problem in general.  I will keep my eye out!   

I found this gun pleasant to shoot as I do with most of my Glock pistols.  The absent of the finger groves did not to seem to make a difference to me.  I have no problems with the finger grooves on Glock pistols as my hand generally fits very nice with most models.  The new 5.5 trigger seemed smooth and responsive.  The beveled mag well was a nice addition and did make for a smoother and faster reload.  

To some it up even though the gun has been drastically redesigned, mostly in the internal parts of the gun, it is still a Glock and my favorite pistol.  

The only things that I would have liked to see on this new model would have been a slide with front cut serrations and a set of good metal sights, preferably a fiber optic front with plain black rear.  I think that a slight smooth cut under the trigger guard would have really been nice and that these additional few features would have enhanced the appearance and function on this new model.   I think with all the hype about this new generation pistol, why not go really big.  But, again that is my opinion and you know what they say about opinions!  

New Glock Gen 5

Well, today folks is the big day for Glock and Glock fans.  It's the offical introduction of the new Glock Gen 5 pistol.  I was going to do a write up on it but I found a very well written informative article by, a gentleman, Daniel Terrill that covers it extremely well.  Why rewrite something that has already been written.  I have handled both the 17 and the 19 and will fire both of them early next next week.  Will do a follow up once I have had an opportunity to run the guns.  See you in a few days!

Glock announces new G17, G19 Gen 5 pistols

The same but better. That’s the impression given about Glock’s new fifth generation of pistols — the G17 and G19 Gen 5 — released Friday at an industry trade show in Milwaukee.

“These weapons have made some material improvements over the previous generations. In my view, in my humble opinion, I believe that this Gen 5 has the potential to revolutionize the handgun market,” said Josh Dorsey, vice president of Glock, during a media demonstration at the company’s facility in Smyrna, Georgia, last month.

The design functions and operates the same as before, but with upgraded components that are manufactured with newer standards in mind. Dorsey explained the Gen 5 performance exceeds the “benchmark for material liability for small arms,” which is 11,000 plus rounds, and even had one test gun fire 30,000 rounds without a stoppage.

“I’m really excited about these kind of reliability numbers because anybody whose been shot at knows how important that is because you pull a handgun you know you’re in deep shit,” Dorsey said. “Ok. The gun’s gonna go off.”

The major feature changes include the addition of a Glock Marksmanship barrel with a new rifling and crown design; a flared magwell for easier magazine insertion; a throwback to earlier generations with the removal of finger grooves; an ambidextrous slide stop; and a new nDLC finish that “comes in all your favorite colors” as long as its black.

Other than the obvious aesthetic differences, almost all of the changes are internal. Glock’s National Sales Manager Bob Radecki explained for the Gen 5, engineers removed a locking block pin, so there’s two instead of three; dehorned the nose of the gun; altered the magazine floorplate and dehorned the magazine follower; added a firing pin safety similar to the G42 and 43 models; added a new extractor; and the front rails have been reinforced.

But there were also substantial changes to the trigger. Radecki said the company added a trigger spring assembly that compresses instead of stretches; redesigned the trigger mechanism housing; re-contoured the bottom of the trigger; modified the trigger pin so the slots are “not quite as deep and actually engages on the ambidextrous slide stop lever in both spots versus the one spot on the old style”; and the trigger bar has been modified to work with the new trigger spring.

“The differences are substantial,” Radecki said, adding “There’s gonna be less parts interchangeability than the previous generations than say between the Gen 3 and Gen 4.”

The changes were largely influenced by the requirements set by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which awarded Glock an $85 million contract in June, and otherchanges required to compete for the Military Handgun System contract.

By, Daniel Terrill

As I mentioned in my previous post, I was going to take my Browning H P to the range and run it through some drills. Well I did and I had a lot of fun shooting it.  I guess it has been about 10 years since I last shot this gun.  Been shooting Glocks since the late 90's.

 Pic #1 shot the Larry Vicker's Drill call the Test.  Starting from the ready position,10 shots in 10 seconds or less from 10 yards. At least 9 have to be in the 5.5" bullseye.  Your allowed 1 miss, but that adds 1 second to your time and to pass you still need to be under 10 seconds.  Shot it in 9.44 seconds, no misses.

Pic#2 Gun and holster.  Gun, Browning High Power single action 9mm pistol with Millett adjustable rear sight, Pachmayr wrap around rubber grip.  This firearm is sometimes referred to as P-35.  It has a 13 round magazine.  It was actually one of if not the first high cap 9mm pistols. Was also once, one of the most highly used pistols around the world.  This firearm like the 1911 is designed to be carried cocked and locked.

Holster is a Blade Tech strong side belt holster.  This is one of their original holsters.  When they first came out I was a distributor for them.

Pic #3  Gun in the holster.

I started out slow and deliberate with any of the drills that I did that required the gun being presented from the holster.  As I mentioned before this is a single action pistols that is designed to be carried in condition 1 (chamber loaded, hammer locked back thumb safety engaged.  Since I have really not carried this type of pistol in awhile I wanted to get a confident feel for the correct procedures for this pistol, especially for the draw and the recovery to the holster.  A lot different than the Glock stricker fire system in which there is no external safety to take off and put on.  You do not want to re-holster this type of pistol without putting on the thumb safety!

When I first started out I was getting the gun out of the holster and  firing one shot, one hit on a 6" x 12" steel plate target 21' away in 1.70 seconds.  Once I got got comfortable I was able to get down to 1.25 seconds.  I guess not bad for a old guy!

Please read the previous post as Tiger Mckee did a very nice job explaining this pistol!

 

One of the Classic Pistols of all times!

Skill Set: Browning Hi Power

The Browning Hi Power is an iconic pistol. It was carried was carried by both Germany and the Allies during WWII, and over fifty nations since then. It's probably safe to say it's one of the most extensively used military pistols ever.

John Browning began designing the Hi-Power in the 1920's in response to a request from the French military. The design of the Hi Power is similar to the 1911, but the details are very different. Browning's assistant, Dieudonne Saive, designed the "double stack" magazine for the Hi Power, and took over the project after Browning died. FN began selling the pistol in 1935. The French didn't accept the pistol, but many others did.

My history with the Hi Power started in 1978. I had grown up shooting 1911's, but because of my hand size sometimes I didn't get the standard G.I. grip safety depressed. I was finishing high school and decided I wanted a semi-auto 9mm as a graduation present from my parents.

At that time your choices in hi-cap semi-auto nines were the Browning or the Smith & Wesson nines. Dad took me to the gun shop, and I handled each of them. Just like my well worn copy of Small Arms of the World claimed, the pistol's "…better than usually instinctive pointing qualities" felt great in my hand. I informed Dad it was the Browning for me. He smiled, the shop owner smiled and I knew I had made the right choice. (In fact, the 20th Group SF presented Dad with a Hi Power during his Change of Command ceremony when he stepped down as their commanding officer.)

My dad knew the High Sheriff, so I already had a pistol permit; my jobs sometimes required me to carry deposits to the bank. I got a belt holster and a shoulder holster for carry and I was set. Even though it has a double stack magazine that holds thirteen – I always loaded twelve – a loaded Hi Power is lighter than the 1911. The slide is thin and tapers in the front, which means it's easy to conceal and comfortable to carry. That Browning served me well for many years – until I could afford to have a custom 1911 built that actually fit my hands – and it's one of those guns I'll never get rid of.

In today's market of high capacity polymer pistols the Hi Power is often overlooked. But it makes a great carry pistol. There are plenty of options available for custom Hi Powers. Cylinder & Slide and Robar offer parts and smithing services for the Hi Power. Nighthawk Custom offers full tilt custom Hi Powers. And there's plenty of surplus Hi Powers available from one of the many countries that made clones.

If you've never thought about the Hi Power give it a try. You might be shocked to find that a pistol from the 1930's is still great for today. In fact, I may just have to pick up another one to get some custom work done.

Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy, located in northern Alabama. 

I came across this article and it reminded me of how much fun I use to have when I was shooting my Hi Power.  I haven't shot it in years but I think that it's coming out of the safe and coming with me to the range this weekend.  I have plenty of ammo loaded so I intend to give it a good work out.  I will post some pics after I run it.  Thanks Tiger for posting you article!

Skill Set: Preparing For Violence

Skill Set: Preparing For Violence

Classes are for learning, and students ask questions. Sometimes they will want to debate the merits of a certain principle or technique. Often this debate is based on stories heard from a friend of a friend, or what I call gun fighting "myths," and even pure fiction, something they saw in a movie. It's good they are getting clarification. What's not good is that up to this point their education has been centered on false information.

"A friend of mine knows someone…" A lot of discussions start out this way. Some of these stories are simply impossible. They sound more like an urban legend. Or, maybe it is true, but a highly unusual situation, one of those rare exceptions. Your skills and tactics shouldn't be developed around legends or one of those one-in-a-million anomalies. Only the facts count.

There are plenty of gun fighting myths. These are stories that may have been based on fact – as mentioned above. But over time the plot has taken more twists and turns than one of our backcountry road. You've all heard these. "Semi autos aren't reliable," or, "When I rack my twelve gauge they'll run away." All sources should be proven reliable. Don't be afraid to ask "who, what, when and where."

Fiction, such as movies, should never be a source of tactics. Even if they are based on true events. Movies are entertainment. It's about is about telling a story and making it look good. Just because it looks good on screen doesn't mean it's a viable technique.

Every violent confrontation is truly unique. What we know for sure is that these skills will be required: moving, communication, and the use of cover, shooting (if necessary) and thinking. The common traits of confrontations are well documented. The majority of attacks occur in low-light environments. This could be in a parking lot at night, a dark parking garage during the daytime, or any other place where light is in short supply. The distances are likely to be close; the threats will be trying to intimidate you with proximity. There is a good chance of it involving more than one threat, and they'll be moving. The event will probably only last a few seconds. But, there are also exceptions to all these "norms."

You move for a lot of reasons. Movement forces the threat to react to you. You move to cover, to obtain a clear angle of attack on the threat or create distance. You communicate with the threat, issuing verbal commands, with friends and family or bystanders. Cover provides protection. You shoot if necessary. Finally you must be thinking, solving the problem as efficiently as possible.

There are plenty of documented situations available to study without having to rely on tales, myths or pure fiction. A great source of information on confrontations is Mass Ayoob's articles from American Handgunner, "The Ayoob Files." Ayoob has been collecting, documenting and writing about violent confrontations since 1985, and his entire collection is available fromFMG.

Learning how to respond to a violent attack is about preparing. Training introduces you to the skills required, and then practice is necessary in order to actually learn these skills. You study previous confrontations in order to learn what things may look like. While you never know exactly where the fight will occur, what form the threat will take or what will be necessary to solve the problem, there are basic principles and techniques to apply in response to danger.

Make sure during this process everything is based on the truth. When you hear about something research it to be sure of the details and actual facts. Self-defense is a serious subject, and should be approached accordingly.

Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy