I’ve got to be honest, never really been a glock guy. Perfectly serviceable and highly reliable without a doubt, and I recommend them to those starting out in shooting often. I usually say to them that the G-19 is the easy button for a first pistol. Glocks just never seemed to like me, I didn’t shoot them well. The typical complaints. I can adjust to just about any handgun, but my G-17 (Gen 2) I just couldn’t really get comfortable with.
Anyway, I decided to build an 80% 19. Partly just to do it, and all the “ghost gun” blah, blah…
Cool right. Man, these things are simple. The big suprise came when I got it all together. I liked the way it felt in my hand. I like the feel when shooting it. The design of the grip is “off” for a glock, but “on” as far as I am concerned.
My question is what to expect from this thing. An 80% AR lower I expect to be as durable and reliable as a factory lower as long as the machine work is correct. I’m not sure what to expect from this. It is obviously not identical. Concessions (from the original at least) have been made to allow for easy completion by the end user. Mine is a P80, so specific or in general what are your experiences with these 80% glocks?
Thanks I’ll check the videos. I’ve built one, have one more. Seriously though it is very simple. Kind of like an open book test on tying shoes. It seems like the only way to F it up is to not pay attention to the details. I will see if I pick up valuable tips for #2.
Still looking for any input on durability, long term reliability, etc. How well has anyone liked (or hated) theirs.
I got a really good deal on these with other parts, so unless I take a slide to the kisser I figured I couldn’t lose.
If you use all GLOCK parts including a GLOCK slide = no issues (based on the premise that you milled it correctly). People start to have issues when they add random aftermarket parts.
Built one when I jacked up a gen 2 23 frame. Used my cousin’s cheap drill press and it went well. Had some runnout on his cheap drill but all the holes came out fine. Will take some time to get the pins loose enough to come out with a glock armor’s tool. It has a dual illumination rmr and no sights, so strictly a gaming gun. I like the grip and added an overwatch trigger.
I’ve got three P80 frames that used to replace the frames on three of my Glocks (one G19 size and two G17 sizes). I prefer the feel of the P80 frames, but don’t like that they won’t fit standard Glock holsters due to the wider trigger guard. They will fit most of my holsters that retain using the light. I ended up chopping the G17 size grips to G19 length (or close to it) and fitting mag wells on them, and they help me keep a higher grip on the frame. The slide rails on the P80 frame did require some tweaking/filing to ensure that there wasn’t any binding, but once I did that, I haven’t had any issues and they’ve been as reliable as the Glock frames they replaced. Anyone getting one needs to know that minor fitting may be required, just like any other aftermarket part.
No each side separate. Took some machining classes in college so I had a good grasp on it. Followed them up with a hand drill to just chace the holes after assembling a few times with a hammer and punches. They fit better now. Better to be tight than falling out loose.
I put one together and I’m not too crazy about it. I have a few issues with it. I’ve emailed the company and they blow me off. I’m using stock Glock internals with Brownell’s slide and barrel.
I finished my PF940CL build recently and have noticed that my slide doesn’t easily return to battery. I always have to push it forward, sometimes even when firing, but almost always when manually running the slide. The connector rubs pretty hard on my slide and end plate. My factory Glock 19 does not have this level of interference. Also the rear edge of the cruciform/trigger is rubbing badly on my end plate. It has removed the finish in one spot. If I strip the slide and remove the barrel, it moves freely on the rails.
P80 gave me a run around about “just shoot it”, but I don’t think that’s the answer. It doesn’t seem to be getting any better.
Can you identify any areas that are causing the bind? I had to do some minor filing and polishing on my build. I too had occasional failure to return to battery. My rail inserts were not quite square when checked using a straight edge. I cleaned them up and the problem is resolved.