Posted: 9/22/2006 6:04:51 AM EDT
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21 Sept 06 News from Glock-dom: Friends at Glock tell me (1) Glock polymer, pistol frames are now being manufactured entirely in the USA (GA). The intent is to move a large portion of production over here from Europe. This is strong evidence that Glock is anticipating large, US military orders, where one condition will be that weapons be made within the borders of CONUS. The USMC has taken the lead on designing the new, military pistol. However, certain semi-autonomous military units, weary of waiting on the military bureaucracy to make a decision, have, on their own, ordered quantities of G22s, in 40S&W! So, it looks as if we'll end up with a mixture of pistols, and calibers, throughout the military system, no matter how hard those within the system try to standardize on one. Interestingly, 40S&W is a good performer in its various high-performance manifestations, all of which feature controlled-expansion bullets. Conversely, 40S&W hardball doesn't perform much better than does 9mm hardball! Are these high-speed folks planning on being autonomous enough to procure their own, non-hardball ammunition inventory too? (2) Glock's contender for this next, military pistol will look likea G21, only slimmer. The slide will be the same size, and it will still have a double-column magazine, but the grip will not be nearly as fat as is currently the case with the G21. Right now, it's called the "SF45.†In Glock numerology, the next number in line would be "G40," which would, of course, generate no end of confusion, so the designation, for now anyway, is GSF45. The Marines like 45GAP caliber, considering it a good performer, even in the hardball configuration they believe themselves to be stuck with. However, vendors have been told there will be no new small-arms calibers in the military system for the foreseeable future. No 45GAP. No 6.8mm. The issue is not performance. It's a ponderous military logistics system, combined with the extremely limited ammunition production capacity we find ourselves presently saddled with. Under the GH Bush and Clinton Administrations, our national archipelago military ammunition plants were all decommissioned, save one. We now discover, to our dismay, that one plant, with the assistance of virtually every major, domestic, private-sector ammunition manufacturer, still cannot keep up with demand, even in the relatively low-intensity conflict we're in right now (much less, a world war!). Under the GW Bush Administration, the situation has not improved. So, to get a new pistol caliber ordered, produced, an into every military storage area (and there are thousands!), worldwide, in sufficient quantity to supply a major operationwould take at least six years, more like ten! Accordingly, I'm told any new gun, rifle or pistol, that ever sees the light of day, is going to have to shoot what we already have on hand (with all its faults). The new pistol will be chambered for 45ACP. NATO pressure to stick with 9mm are, at least for the present, being ignored. (3) The SF45 will have an ambidextrous, two-position, manual safety. It is designed to mostly disengage itself as the shooter acquires a normal, shooting grip. But, it must be manually, consciously re-engaged. Resembles a cross-bolt. Magazine release is ambidextrous/switchable. The ostensible necessity for a manual safety is still being hotly debated, but the “pro" side currently has the upper hand. (4) The "G36 Tactical" will soon make its appearance. The current G36 is Glock's slim, single-column, compact 45ACP carry gun. I carry my copy regularly, and it is a great concealment pistol. Now, imagine a G36 with a five-inch slide! Apparently, there is a big demand for a Glock pistol that is close to the dimensions of a 1911. The customer is always right! (5) Those anticipating the debut of Glock's long-awaited 223 rifle and/or staple-gun, will still be waiting this time next year! Glock is trying to get it produced, but we've been hearing about it for ten years now, and I suspect the military pistol project is consuming so much attention that no Glock rifle will see the light of day in the foreseeable future. Both the GSF45 and the G36T will be making their debut at the 2007 SHOT Show in Orlando, FL in January. More later /John Farnham |
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I don't want a manual safety on my Glock...if I did i'd just get another HK or Sig. But I guess Glock has do what they have to do to try and get some military contracts. I'd be all for a single stack full size Glock in .45ACP. Once that's done maybe they can work on a single stack Glock 26/27/33. Can anyone say "kahr who?". Glock .223 carbine????? Sure, i'll believe it when I see it. 45GAP? No way, i'll stick with my .45ACP. Oh well, it is always good to hear rumors. Atleast it sounds like Glock is working on other new guns. Steve |
Thanks, keep us posted! |
