Tuesday, 10 May 2011 14:58

Clarification: Why I don't think Glock is the best platform for 10mm/45 Super

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So, someone asked for clarification on my statement on why I don't think that GLOCK is the best platform for the 10mm (or 45 Super).

I think that the GLOCK is a fantastic platform in general. They do an amazing job of balancing spring weight with slide mass to function with every standard factory load.

The problem is when you vary from that. Well, increase the loadings such as with full power 10mm and 45 Super. Full power loads would be from companies like SwampFox, Buffalo Bore, DoubleTap, etc.

There is really no way to absorb the increased recoil (for simplicity's sake) other than put in a heavier recoil spring. The 1911 for example can have a heavier recoil spring, but also have a heavier hammer spring (like FN/Browning did on the Hipower when upgrading the High Power for 40) and a flattened firing pin spring increasing lock time from a faster operating cycle.

I first ran into this when Ace Hindman helped me put together my first 45 Super back in the early 90's (Springfield 1911). When I got my second 45ACP it was a Glock 21. He would not recommend shooting 45 Super out of my Glock 21 (even with a heavier spring) unless I also had it MagnaPorted to slow the slide down.

Some folks complain about the lack of chamber support on GLOCK and over the years they have quietly increased head space support. I personally don't think it is a problem -- most 1911's DON'T have supported chamber. Neither my Colt Delta Elite and Dan Wesson Commander Bobtail (CBOB) have supported chambers. Although in the last year of the CBOB, DW did add it. Perhaps noteworthy, Kimber 10mm's do.

I have not had any problems with either with fullpower ammo (DoubleTap and my own handloads). But, I think that NOT having a supported chamber exacerbates any lock time issues, especially if the pistol fires out of battery (not saying the GLOCK does).

SwampFox has had some issues with the GLOCKs and their full power loadings and now has a warning against using it in firearms without a fully supported chamber. This implies that a replacement barrel with fully supported chamber (Lone Wolf Dist, KKM, Bar-Sto, Storm Lake, etc) should be OK.

So, IMO, the Glock is not the best platform for 10mm or 45 Super. Now, don't get me wrong, if you are not looking for the top end of handgun ammunition power they are pretty darn close.

Read 4241 times Last modified on Tuesday, 16 February 2016 19:46