The Glock pistol with its polymer frame revolutionized handgun design in the 1980s. Gaston Glock completely changed the industry’s approach to not only gun frame material, but to ignition system design and parts interchangeability. The Glock 17 and follow on models have been described by many as the “perfect 9mm” — reliable, accurate, simplistic and virtually indestructible. While some gunsmiths offer “services” for the Glock, they’re nowhere near as extensive as for the 1911 pistol. The basic Glock 9mm is in service worldwide and works extraordinarily well. So when editor Dave suggested I accompany him to Robbie Barrkman’s ROBAR booth at the SHOT Show for a look at a “customized” Glock 17, I went more out of curiosity than interest.
The ROBAR Glock
Walking to the ROBAR booth, I half-expected to find a modified stock Glock — grip reduction to fit average to small hands. Certainly I expected high visibility night sights, a replacement barrel to offer more case head support, and the use of lead bullets and replacement ignition system parts to give a smoother pull and quicker reset. I could not have been more wrong.
I was presented with not one but two approaches to a Glock upgrade, changing the look, feel and functionality of the gun to an extent I’d have previously thought impossible. Utilizing the CCF RaceFrame as a base, ROBAR has rebuilt the G17 and G22 for those .40 S&W into one of the most impressive pistols I’ve seen in some time.
I must tell you I like the Glock pistol — in 9mm. I’ve had Glock 40s and 45s, but have used and carried a G19 for over 15 years. I have no issues with the trigger system; it’s been utterly reliable with myriad ammunition and different bullet configurations. It fits my hand and I’m “okay” with the 9x19 cartridge. But looking at the ROBAR improvements made me realize my nearly ideal 9mm just became significantly better.
The advantages of the CCF RaceFrame have been reported in this and other magazines since inception. Aside from additional weight (the aluminum frame adds 3.7 oz and the steel frame 18.6 oz to the weight of the G17/22), you’ll find a crisper trigger pull without trigger system modifications, a more ergonomically adaptable grip and light rails that won’t flex when an illumination device is added. Robbie Barrkman recognized this and other features and decided Glock’s “perfect” pistol could be product improved — PIP’d.
ROBAR offers two packages for the Glock 17/22. The first is called the Alloy Extreme and includes the CCF RaceFrame in aluminum or stainless steel, a new ROBAR standard length or extended slide, match barrel, sights and refinishing in one of ROBAR’s trademark finishes. The second package, and our focus here, is called the ROBAR REVIVE.
Revival Meeting
Having worked with the Glock system in the law enforcement community since its introduction in this country, I had firm ideas of what was realistic to expect in a service 9mm — realistic in terms of a duty gun and what a cop would be willing to pay for improvements. I wanted to keep my improved Glock similar in pattern to that of an M1911 being readied duty use.
The Glock trigger for service use needs no improvement right out of the box. Although some agencies specify the Glock NY1 trigger spring to give a more “revolver-like” feel and a faster trigger reset. But, we agreed to limit our modifications to those essential for function and performance: namely, the CCF RaceFrame, easily acquired and sturdy sights with night use capability, custom barrel to provide better case head support and use of other than jacketed bullet ammunition and refinish in a dark Roguard finish, I also wanted the 1911 backstrap insert in this pistol, especially considering this gun was being configured with law enforcement use in mind.
Robbie gave me a standard G22 and told me to hold onto it in my firing grip used when “in close” with a suspect. I did so and he grabbed the front of the slide and twisted the gun out of my hand. He then gave me a CCF framed gun with the 1911 backstrap configuration and attempted the same thing — the controllability of the gun with the CCF frame was astounding. The narrower grip coupled with the flat backstrap allowed the pistol to be locked into my grip — there was no radiused backstrap expanding my fingers and making a less secure area to hold on to.
I chose the Glock sight system from 10-8 Performance, which included a tritium insert front sight. A working federal law enforcement agent designed this sight and it’s robust yet streamlined, visible and available with varying widths of rear notches to accommodate old guy eyes like mine.
I also asked Robbie to install the new CCF barrel. The Glock factory barrel is more than sufficiently accurate and reliable for law enforcement use, but because of its polygonal rifling pattern it is required to be shot with jacketed bullet ammunition only. This precludes its safe use with lead bulleted and some softer frangible bulleted ammunition. Plus the new CCF barrel, because of its almost match grade tolerances, would improve accuracy. ROBAR understands a defensive pistol must be reliable even at the expense of accuracy — his experience in barrel fitting provides the best of both worlds. And I also wanted the increased case head support in the event of a ruptured case — it happens even with factory ammunition.
And finally, I asked for a black matte Roguard finish that would approximate the Glock factory finish. Roguard is a phenolic-based polymer with Molybdenum Disulfide. It’s not only wear-resistant but also has an increased lubricity feature that improves reliability. Robbie also included the NP3 finish on the internal parts, adding a protective coating along with additional lubricity for even smoother functioning.
In Service
As this pistol is intended to be an LE duty weapon, it required an examination of holsters and ammunition to complement function. I’ve never been a uniformed cop, but have worked with many in my federal LE career. With respect to uniform duty holsters, suffice it to say what is available for the standard G17 will fit the ROBAR Glock with CCF RaceFrame. The manufacturers of the CCF Raceframe maintained virtually identical dimensions to the original Glock frame and holster fit was not an issue.
Using the pistol in either a duty or tactical team application I selected the BLACKHAWK! SERPA tactical thigh holster. I like the unique security system and find it to be comfortable, secure and fast.
In the off-duty or plainclothes mode, I chose a favorite — the Milt Sparks IWB Summer Special, long the benchmark for IWB holsters. Since its development and introduction by Bruce Nelson with Milt Sparks as the maker, Tony Kannaly and crew at Milt Sparks Holsters carry on with superbly crafted products.
Even thought the G17 is a full-size gun, it feels closer dimensionally to a Colt Commander. Now with the CCF RaceFrame, it balances even better due to the additional weight provided in the aluminum frame.
Ammunition Selection
I looked to 9mm loads in service with LE agencies and established track records for effective performance. While reliability trumps accuracy in a combat pistol, it’s important to show the improved accuracy results brought about by the RaceFrame and barrel. Just as the pistol was delivered I had the opportunity to see the result of tests conducted by Winchester on improved 9mm loadings. By now most American COP readers know Winchester has won the single largest ammo contract ever awarded in law enforcement history — the FBI and other federal agencies. The 9mm loading submitted and selected by the FBI was the bonded 147 Ranger hollowpoint — that’s what I chose too.
Winchester is also in the process of a bullet redesign on their Ranger ‘T’ series of LE ammunition. Another Winchester loading with a proven record, their 9mm +P+ 127 round, is currently undergoing this redesign. Any of the loadings mentioned would be ideal rounds for the ROBAR Glock.
The PIP’d Glock
Robbie Barkmann takes a well-tested pistol and makes it even better. You have to handle and shoot this pistol to fully appreciate the improvements brought about by the addition of the CCF RaceFrame and barrel, 10-8 sights and Roguard finish. It works smoothly from the holster, is not noticeably heavier than the polymer G17 and just plain feels good. Words like ultimate, perfection and other superlatives are tossed around in the gun writing press all too frequently so let’s refrain from using them. This gun meets and significantly exceeds duty requirements.
|
