Building custom G17 for competition... need advice

[Capricorn]

Starting to think through a custom Glock for USPSA open. It'll be a Glock 17, I have a radian compensator and looking into having it milled for an optic. Is it worth considering lightening cuts, windows, enhanced serrations? Will I need to tune the guide rod? I'd love to hear from people more experienced what the right direction to take this build in is. Thanks!

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[Papercidal]

Glocks don't hold up very well to major power factor ammo but if you choose to go that route you will want the optic frame mounted and non reciprocating.

 

[Capricorn]

Glocks don't hold up very well to major power factor ammo but if you choose to go that route you will want the optic frame mounted and non reciprocating.

What holster do you run with this set up?

 

[Papercidal]

What holster do you run with this set up?

I don't shoot open but open shooters use a race holster that attaches to the trigger guard. Open is a very specialized division dominated by 2011s. Unfortunately it is also the only USPSA division that allows a compensator but running a compensated Glock in open is like taking your daily driver to a f1 race.

 

[1775usmc]

Direct mill (avoid optic plates)

I personally don't like window cuts. I like front serrations and top serrations. Back up irons go away now when I get a slide milled. Optic only.

Comps can do funny things depending on ammo, I have had comps that won't cycle 115 consistently. Once you start adding and removing mass the gun can become compromised. Not saying it will. But there is a possibility anytime you start tweaking with stuff.

Frame gets stippled.

All that being said I don't do much of the competition stuff. So my needs/expectations may differ from yours.

Let us know how everything works out!

 

[spookshack]

I'd have the mods move this thread the competition section. Better visibility with the target audience. I don't shoot USPSA, but if I did and ran in open, it would not be with a Glock. Not the best tool for the job. I'd opt for a 2011 or maybe a Dan Wesson DWX. Heck, if I wanted to shake my tail feathers, I'd roll with a CZ Parrot.

If you are set on a Glock, skip the 17 and go with a 35. Better yet, skip USPSA altogether and pick yourself up a Mantis from CP Firearms and start ripping it up at some steel matches!

 

[Camelfilter]

Moved to competitive shooting section...

 

[when_DM_smiles]

I've run a stock Glock 45 with a Radian Ramjet/Afterburner and optic in USPSA Open Division (just for the fun of it). The compensator does help with split times, but not enough to make a significant difference in overall hit factor. I'm a solid C class in Carry Optic because I don't move quickly at my age. Therefore, I focus on accuracy.

You'll be at a scoring disadvantage in Open since your G17 won't run "major" power factor consistently and/or safely. Don't be discouraged though to try out open in "minor" power factor. It's still a fun time at the range/competition. It's also good practice for other USPSA divisions where your stock G17 w/ or w/out optic would fit in nicely (Carry Optics/Limited Optics, Production).

The way Practiscore shows participant scores, you can compare your shooting no matter what division you shoot. It's all the same stages and targets per match. Adjust your "Charlies" as if they were scored major and you'll get a good sense of where you would be if you decide to spend a few grand (or more) on an open gun + ammo.

Also, if you want to get more competition experience, you can shoot your G17 with a Radian Comp at an IDPA match in CO or ESP, with or without optic, respectively. The firearm just needs to fit the applicable box (and some other restrictions being IDPA).

Good luck!

 

[NeoBlackdog]

If you want to shoot major go with a Glock 35 or 24. They're 40 cal and will make major without damaging the firearm or you.

 

[dondoo1315]

I run a Glock 35 gen 4 with a mecanik mo3 dot (the sro killer) and a timney comp trigger. If you want to shoot 9mm buy a conversion barrel I got mine as a leo trade in and it was brand new basically. With dot and trigger I think I'm into it 600 dollars. Also for a comp holster I'm running a black scorpion gear competition holster they are great just enough retention for running and gunning but it doesn't slow down your draw whatsoever

 

[friz]

A G17 or G47 will make a good comp gun. If you forego the compensator you can shoot in carry optics instead of open. Front serrations can be functional but lightening cuts are mostly aesthetic, although a comp gun is a fun place to give yourself some aesthetic treats. Adding a brass Speed Feed grip plug is a nice way to give the gun a bit more heft and make it feel more balanced. Messing with the trigger is not necessary but polishing the stock trigger is a fun project (

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhHtYfuvVbM
) and will make the pull maybe a pound lighter and a bit smoother. The Glock performance trigger is a nice option too. Having the option to change recoil spring weights is another nice option. Starting with an uncaptured guide rod makes swapping springs cheap and easy (https://www.carvercustom.com/ecommerce/carver-gen-5-g17-ss-wolff-uncaptured-assembly.cfm)

 

[Adamz55]

Wanna make it really easy?
This is for sale or possible trade. I also have the CR Speed race holster customized by carver custom for these open builds and a full belt rig with cr speed mag pouches and 3 mags.

 

[ma96782]

Building custom G17 for competition... need advice

Question #1 : Do you own a Dremel Tool?

Aloha, Mark

 

[newthings]

If you're thinking about building a USPSA Open Glock, you're good with the comp and optic, that's where the real gain is. Cuts and windows? They look sick and might make it a touch faster, but you don't need them. Serrations? Just makes racking easier, totally optional.

The thing you really gotta focus on is the guide rod and springs. Throw on the comp, maybe run some hotter ammo, and you'll probably have to tweak spring weights to keep it running smooth. A tungsten rod helps with recoil too.

 

[Centermass]

As said, slide lightening (cuts/windows) is pointless unless your running the gun in speed steel matches. No power factor, so you can run powder puff loads and light recoil springs. Slide lightening in that case can be beneficial. If you plan on shooting USPSA Open just for fun at local, small matches, a Minor PF tricked out Glock is fine and you'll have fun with it. If you want to be competitive, shooting Minor PF and a Glock puts you at a major disadvantage in Open. Carry Optic may be a better division to get rolling. Maybe think about running some local Steel matches as you build the Glock up and see how it handles before going full bore in USPSA. It'll help you work out any bugs and decide what you like and may want to change on the pistol, your holster setup and ammo/load selection.

 

[GoShooting]

Blog - Stonebridge Gunworks LLC

This guy shares his experience about his choice for USPSA (Glock 17 Gen 5). Everyone has an opinion. He also does some gunsmithing.

According to Ben Stoeger G47 is a good candidate or the G17.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wbyv_iUce8Q

Trigger Tech has a new competition trigger in the final developmental stage for the Glock. Stoeger says he can shoot the Glock as fast as his 2011's with their new trigger.
I think it is about $250.

Easy to spend a lot of money on something that doesn't work.

If you had 10 guns at the range, and shot the same stage with each one, you would know which gun that "you" shot the best. Maybe it wasn't the coolest gun, or the most expensive, but you shot it the best for whatever reason. That's the one I would consider shooting first… IMO.

Pretty hard to not like a Glock… unless you shoot them poorly.

Have fun building your new pistol.

 

[Derk]

idk keep it close to stock and mill for a dot if you are not doing production.