GLOCK (23)
Solved - Where are the MBS pins for the new Gen4 pistols?
Written by reg mathuszSo, I feel silly but I went to put on the next size back strap on my new Gen4 model 27 to make it the same size as my Gen3. Obviously the short one is in the pistol, but where was the longer one?
Ok, before you call me completely stupid the new Gen4s now come with (4) back straps including the two beavertail panels. They come attached on a bracket that also includes the MBS removal tool. I looked in the box (which is where they used to come) and couldn't find it.
So, I called Glock and the Sales Rep. I talked to was also confused and that they must be doing something new. She confirmed that they used to just come in a little plastic bag with the panels. See, I don't feel completely stupid now. Well, at least until I found out where they were. She transferred me to tech support where I did feel stupid.
For fun before I tell you where they are here is the original camera phone snap shot of my Gen4s. See if you can figure out where they are.
Click on the pic to enlarge:
Ok, you probably know where it is. I can't for the life of me figure out why I couldn't.
Click on the link for the pic (and you can click on the pic to enlarge):
The Answer (pic)
Anyway, I thought I would help anyone else that may have actually read the new manual and finding that it doesn't tell you where to find the long pin. Oh, and thanks to Glock Tech Support for quickly answering my question and not laughing (at least while I was on the phone) :)
I am a sucker for ballistics, although admittedly their value is often over-stated and people spend far too much time arguing which one is "better." Choosing 115gr vs 124gr vs 147gr should not be a traumatic experience :) However, I find it interesting when we get real world data.
Here is a great thread from: http://www.warriortalk.com/showthread.php?96214-Factory-ammo-chronographed-in-G30-and-G21
Since I am looking to get a Gen4 (29 or 30) in the near future I found it interesting. Especially since it includes two of my favorites: Speer GoldDot and Hornady TAP.
Highlights:
1. Remington Golden Saber 230gr
765 fps/ 805 fpsA mild to shoot load. Pretty weak as well. Unlike the others (except for #2 this one is a few years old.
2. Federal 230gr Hydro Shock
810 fps/ 830 fps
Another older and very mild to shoot load.3. Buffalo Bore 230gr JHP (Montana Gold bullet) +P
---/940 fps.
One thing about Buffalo Bore is their bullets go as fast as they say. When I pulled the trigger on this load I had to really hang on to the gun. Big kick and big boom. Truth in advertising but pretty usless for point shooting or any one handed shooting. I did not bother with the G30 test.4. Hornady TAP 230gr +P (XTP bullet)
847 fps/ 865 fps.
Heck of a nice load. Easy shooter for full power. Obviously +P means different things to different ammo makers. This is a great full power 45 acp load.5. Hornady TAP 200gr +P (XTP bullet)
938 fps/ 965 fps
Also heck of a nice load. Plenty of speed but easy to shoot. Outstanding load.6. Speer Gold Dot 230gr
802 fps/ 846
Good standard pressure performance and as gentle as can be. Made the G21 feel like it was shooting marshmallows. Easier to shoot than the Hornaday loads.7. Speer Gold Dot 200gr +P
997 fps/ 1050 fps
Woof! I didn't know Speer had it in them. This load is a rocket! Recoil and blast are really up there though. With enough practice I could learn to shoot it well but not without specific training (remember... point shooting, on the move and either hand). It's an awesome powerful load but too much of a good thing at least for me.8. Double Tap 230gr JHP (Gold Dot's)
860 fps/ 890 fps
This is the load I carry when I'm toting a Glock 45. It's a standard pressure load that moves the bullet very very fast. I reshot them last weekend in a direct comparison to the Hornady loads above. I could not tell a recoil difference. Easy, fast and accurate. The only downside is they are only occasionally available from Double Tap.
Let's add some more from: http://www.stoppingpower.net/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=19298
Highlights:
5 shots ave with each rounds. Chronograph 12 feet 65 70 deg 2500 feet el.
Glock 21. Glock 30
Double tap 185 +P. 1119 fps. 999 fps
Rem 185+P. 1126 fps. 1096 fps
Rem golden saber 185+P 1094 fps. 1033 fps
Rem golden saber 230. 856 fps. 813 fps
Corbon 185 +P. 1127 fps. 1108 fps
Winchester 230 SXT +P. ??? 875 fps
Google-FU is strong on this topic (http://glocktalk.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-1305515.html):
corbon 185jhp +P 1127 fps 1108 fps
rem 185jhp +P 1143 fps 1096 fps
double tap 185jhp+p 1119 fps 1060 fps
rem golden saber 185+P 1092 fps 1033 fps
rem golden saber 230 856 fps 813 fps
Interesting that the Rem GS load is significantly higher than what FirearmsTactical and the person above got (both in the 1030ish range).
Glock Armorers no longer (as of Sept) eligible for Blue Label purchase program!
Written by reg mathuszI just confirmed with GSSF that Glock Armorers are no longer eligible for the purchase program. Previously, Armorers (that are not first responders) could buy (2) Blue Label Glock pistols. This decision was made in September and no notification was given. I only found out due a single sentence stating it in the new "Glock Report" which I received on Sat.
I emailed GSSF for clarification and received this:
"GLOCK, Inc. has discontinued the additional discount purchases for all Armorers. The went into effect at the end of September. This included all armorers. Unfortunately, we were given no advance notice regarding this change.
GSSF members are still eligible for one pistol purchase coupon per year. That program has remained unchanged."
GSSF Glock Armorers (non-responders) no longer eligible for blue label pistols?
Written by reg mathuszJust got the Volume II, 2012 "Glock Report" and it says:
GSSF members are no longer eligible to purchase additional firearms through their Armorer certifiction
WHAT??? I was just about to make a XMAS-present-to-myself purchase - a Gen4 30. If I am no longer eligible for blue label then, to be honest, I will need to re-evaluate other brands.
I have emailed GSSF for clarification. Googling brings up nothing either.
NRA Instructors eligible for Glock (IW) Instructor Workshop Course
Written by reg mathuszI have heard from a few folks that the Glock IW Course is now open to NRA Certified Instructors. A caveat though, I just took the Armorer's Course and it wasn't mentioned so it must be new.
For information on the Armorer's Course or the Instructor's Workshop please visit: glocktraining.com.
Not really firearms related, but an interesting read.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-glock-trial-starts20120220,0,431224.story
Lone Wolf 3.5# Connector for Glock - because Glock won't sell theirs
Written by reg mathuszI was disappointed that the actual Glock 4.5# connector (it used to be called the 3.5# connector) is a restricted part from Glock even though it is used in their competition models. This is true even for Glock Certified Armorers and law enforcement (unless they get their chief to sign off!)
Surprisingly, my LGS actually carries the Lone Wolf version in stock! No shipping or wait to get it.
Now, here is a silly disclaimer: This post is strictly for education purposes. You need to be make sure that in your area it is legal to install a lighter connector, use after market parts, shoot a firearm, or even read this post. I am not endorsing or encouraging it. Additionally, I am not going to tell you how to replace the connector or where to get parts. I will not tell you that original Glock minus connectors are available on line or to get an aftermarket one from lonewolfdist.com and that you can find how to videos on youtube.
So, about 30 seconds after getting home I installed it (that's how long it takes to install). The difference? Actually not much. Not nearly the dramatic 'hair trigger' that some have made it out to be. However, the trigger initial stacking (not the dead space slack) is reduced. What I am talking about is the point after the take up and you feel the initial resistance to the trigger being pulled back. My stock trigger feels like you have to increase pressure to get past it, whereas this one does not. I like it. I will mention that this is true of my 23, but my much newer 27 doesn't seem to have this stacking.
Trigger reset is supposedly improved, but I couldn't really tell. Personally, I think the whole "trigger reset" is more academic than practical. Even rapid firing I have never been taken back by a pistol's "spongy trigger reset."
A really popular combination is the lighter connector, commonly called the minus (because of the '-' marking) along with the NY trigger spring which makes the take up feel a little heavier. This would be a good combination to give the user an OVERALL trigger pull similar (if not a little heavier take up) to stock with a cleaner break.
For those (like me) who find the stock Glock trigger's "sproing" to throw you a little to the left (it also doesn't help that I am left eye dominate) this may help.
Glock has stopped using Tenifer (tm) metal treatment!
Written by reg mathuszThis is part 3 of my Melonite vs Tenifer series. Hopefully my last. LOL
It stemmed from a 'discussion' (haha) on XDTALK. Part 2 is here
As I posted on XDTalk:
Well, I warned everyone that I would return from after taking my Glock Armorer Course. Unfortunately, it was a bit of a wait to schedule it. Some things were clarified:
1. Glock HAS stopped using the Tenifer metal treatment process about 2 years ago (but see #3) and use an 'equivalent' process that has the same Rockwell Hardness. My guess is that they don't have to pay royalties for their new process. We saw some high mileage Gen3 and 4 pistols and the 4 actually had less normal finish wear (they probably were handpicked but still impressive).
2. beginning about 2 years ago they started making COMPLETE pistols in the U.S. (just a coincidence to #1? I don't think so). Sorry, there was not time to get more details. I wish I had clarified what was being produced on the US line.
3. the 2011 Glock Annual still says that the sub-compacts are Tenifer treated, but try to find the word 'Tenifer' anywhere else!
So, my guess is that the Tenifer treatment is being phased out and so are the royalties to HEF. Incidentally, look for Tenifer references on the Walther PPQ? I can't find them any more either...
Anyway 1 and 3 I have seen confirmed in writing (#2 was verbal). Thought I would update only for the sake of thoroughness. I will not post again unless I get additional info. Flame away 
"
Tenifer vs Melonite part 2 of 3 / Glock Gen4 slides are still Tenifer treated and made in Austria!
Written by reg mathusz
Previously, I had posted the information that I received personally from HEFUSA about Melonite vs Tenifer (LINK).
This is often a hot topic and I recently have seen claims that Glock is no longer Tenifer hardening their Gen4 slides, that the slides are made in the U.S. and it is illegal to Tenifer them, etc. etc.
Well, according to my conversation with Glock yesterday Gen4 slides (as well as the entire pistol) are indeed made in AUSTRIA and are assembled here in the U.S..
The slides and barrels are still Tenifer treated. The "top coat" however as most people have noticed has changed. Glock calls it their "matte" finish instead of the Gen3 "glossy." Yes, it is more silverish than the previous deep black. I didn't ask why or for details. The coating has nothing to do with Tenifer. Now back to my story...
Arguments about Tenifer/Melonite/etc. such as this one on XDTALK always seem to boil down to a lot of "I heard..." and "I read..." or "I know because Gaston told my uncle's friend's coworker..." and NOT a lot of fact or verifiable informtion.
I post this thread because it contains all that conjecture but also because it contains some new information and new conjecture! I warn you, it is not until about page 6.
So, I found that HEF India offers Tenifer AND Melonite as finishing options! This kind of conflicts with what HEF USA told me - that Melonite is exclusive to the U.S.
We know that Tenifer is used in other industries (there is a link in that thread to some BMW parts literature that references it). So, what I suspect (here is where I cannot provide any proof) is that the name Tenifer is licensed to GLOCK exclusively in the firearms industry and Melonite to everyone else. Remember, Glock entered into this agreement with Durferrit, who owns the trademarks to both Tenifer and Melonite, back in the 80's (if not earlier). No one in the firearms industry did anything remotely similar.
I have requested some additional information from HEF India to clarify if there is a difference. In converse, I have also requested some information on Springfield's XD to see if they are Melonite'd here or in Croatia since HEFUSA said Melonite is exclusive to the U.S.. This may be of limited value though since the pistols are for the U.S. market and for a U.S. company. Oh, I also asked if they could/would/will offer Melonite on 1911's for those curious (I am).
And so, the great Melonite/Tenifer debate(s) continue!
More...
600+ miles back & sometimes simplicity (Glock sport holster) works best
Written by reg mathuszI just got back to WA after a 13hr car drive. As soon as we hit the OR side of the ORCA border my triple-locked pistol case (seriously, three separately keyed padlocks) came out of the trunk, unlocked and my Glock 27 rejoined with the mags, which had been locked separately in the glove box.
My ankle holster (although Renegade is an excellent one) wasn't going to work. From my previous post about the drive down a 12 hour ride was just uncomfortable. I was also in 100degree weather and in shorts.
The MaxpeditionVersipack bag would have worked (from an older previous post on a drive to Oregon), but I wanted to try something different and little more accessible. Oh, I may have forgot to mention, you need the Maxpedition "universal holster" if you are going to put such a small pistol in it. It is a $10 option.
Instead, I had grabbed my Glock Sport holster. It was about $10 (probably a few bucks more now since I bought mine back sometime in the 90's) but is basically an open bottom plastic holster molded for Glocks. Incidentally, it fits just about everything I have ever put in it. No, it is not a combat grade, multi-level rententon holster but it works. Especially with a short barrel and short gripped pistol like the Glock 27.
I like to wear OWB at about the 3:30 to 4:00 position. But when driving I slide it to my side. With such a small pistol there is no discomfort. 13 hours later, my back didn't hurt!!
Now, I don't know how well it would have worked (comfort-wise) with a bigger pistol. I normally would have brought a bigger pistol but I didn't want to bring a normal capacity magazine (greater than 10) into CA. I figured if I was going with a 9 shot pistol I might as well bring something small and lightweight.
So, more expensive holsters are nice but there is something to be said for an inexpensive holster that works. It's especially nice when it works for something such as a 13 hour drive and you don't have to buy something expensive (like a shoulder rig I have been meaning to order for months).
Seems like much internet jabber about the GSSF seems to be focused around the hat. Certainly not that important to me, but apparently a lot of people are concerned/complaining about their hat coming squashed.
I am happy to report that I got my credentials in about 1.5 weeks (yes, the coupon was there). However, I got a letter saying that the packet had been delayed. No biggie. I think it took an additional 2 weeks to get it....including the hat.
Now, this is the part that will interest somebody. The hat was in the same manila envelope as everything else, however it had a cardboard brace for the front so that it would not get squashed! YAY!
It appears that GSSF has solved the squashed hat problem! A huge victory for GLOCK!
Just kidding, but if you Google GSSF a large majority of posts are about the hat (!?)
An argument for the "man bag" (Maxpedition Fatboy)
Written by reg mathuszA while ago I bought a Maxpedition "Fatboy" Versipack.
I am too lazy to snap a pic, but it looks like this:
I wanted it for hot weather. I found that I didn't like the concept because it was kind of purse-like. It might have been in my head but I could have swore that I heard people snickering at me when I carried it in a store. I ended up only regularly carrying it when walking the dog. In that case, I wished I got the "Jumbo" which has a water bottle side pouch.
But I digress. Out here in the Pacific NW it has been pretty hot. But not too hot to discourage me from carrying a midsize pistol (and switching to a BUG). Over the 4th of July weekend we drove down into Oregon. Not a long drive but over 3 hours.
I don't know about you, but carrying a pistol on the hip, or in the waistband (my two most common modes of carry) for 3+ hours is NOT comfortable. And before you ask, YES I am licensed to carry in Oregon.
I have found that a shoulder holster is a good (meaning fairly comfortable) way to carry while driving. Over the years I have gotten rid of my shoulder rigs, except for 1911's and BIG revolvers. I could have carried a 1911 but for summer I am in a Glock 40 mood (23 and 27 BUG). Flame away, but I like that combo for summer.
So, what I ended up was using my Maxipedition "FatBoy"! Perfect! I could sling it across my body while in the car or lodge it in between me and the car seat. Instant access while driving and getting in/out of the car. Did I mention perfect? Now I could stop and buy beef jerky at my leisure.
Inside the the Maxipedition I had packed my CompTac CTAC holster (GREAT holster). So, before I got to my destination I just popped into the bathroom and switched to my IWB.
Carrying a midsize during hot weather takes a little more effort than just carrying my Glock 27 in an ankle holster (or a J frame) but still doable. Definitely no need to switch just to a smaller pistol :)
So, long live the "man bag" (as my wife calls it).
