Glock pistols are renowned for their simple design and the “Safe Action” system, but they notably lack a traditional manual safety․ This absence sparks debate, leading to discussions about aftermarket solutions and factory variants designed with manual safeties for specific markets․
Glock’s Safe Action System
Glock’s Safe Action System incorporates a trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety, all designed to sequentially disengage as the trigger is pulled․ This system aims to prevent accidental discharge without needing a manual safety lever․
Understanding the Three Internal Safeties
Glock’s renowned Safe Action System relies on three integrated safeties⁚ the trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety․ The trigger safety, a lever within the trigger, must be fully depressed to allow the trigger to move rearward, preventing accidental discharge from lateral pressure․ The firing pin safety is a spring-loaded block that prevents the firing pin from moving forward unless the trigger is pulled completely․ Lastly, the drop safety ensures that the firing pin remains blocked until the trigger is intentionally pulled, mitigating the risk of discharge if the pistol is dropped․ These safeties work in conjunction to provide a secure and reliable firearm․
The Debate Around Manual Safeties on Glocks
The absence of a manual safety on Glocks is a contentious issue․ Some argue for enhanced safety, while others maintain that the Safe Action system is sufficient and adding a manual safety is unnecessary․
Arguments for and Against an External Safety
Arguments for adding an external safety to a Glock often center on providing an additional layer of security against accidental discharges, especially for those accustomed to manual safeties on other firearms․ Proponents suggest it caters to a broader market and offers peace of mind․
However, opponents argue that Glocks’ Safe Action system is inherently safe when properly handled, and adding an external safety introduces potential failure points or delays in critical situations․ Concerns also arise about users forgetting to disengage the safety under stress․ Training and familiarity with the existing system are often presented as safer alternatives․
Factory Glock Models with Manual Safety
While standard Glocks don’t feature manual safeties, some models are factory-equipped for specific contracts․ Examples include versions made for the Thai Police and submissions to the U․S․ Military’s MHS trials․
Glocks with Factory-Fitted Manual Safeties (e․g․, Thai Police Models, MHS Submission)
Glock pistols are predominantly known for their absence of a manual safety, yet exceptions exist․ Certain Glock models, specifically tailored for law enforcement agencies like the Thai Police, come equipped with factory-fitted manual safeties to meet specific departmental requirements․ These models showcase a departure from Glock’s standard design philosophy to accommodate user preferences․
Another notable instance is the Glock submission for the U․S․ Military’s Modular Handgun System (MHS) trials․ This variant incorporated a manual safety to comply with the military’s requirements, demonstrating Glock’s adaptability․ These factory-fitted safeties are relatively rare, highlighting special circumstances․
Aftermarket Manual Safety Options for Glocks
For Glock owners desiring a manual safety, several aftermarket options exist․ These kits, like those from Cominolli and RDIH, offer an external safety lever that can be installed on existing Glocks․
Cominolli Custom Safety
The Cominolli Custom Safety is an aftermarket option engineered to enhance the mechanical safety of Glock pistols․ Located in Syracuse, NY, Cominolli has designed a system that provides Glock owners with an entirely mechanically safe firearm․ This aftermarket addition addresses the concerns of some users regarding the absence of a manual safety on standard Glock models․ The lever, however, has been criticized for being undersized and positioned poorly by some users․ Despite the criticism, it offers a tangible solution for those seeking an added layer of security․ It requires frame modification for installation․
RDIH Tactical Safety System
The RDIH Tactical Safety System for Glock pistols offers an aftermarket solution designed to provide a manually operated safety mechanism․ According to RDIH, the Tactical Safety System should be installed only on stock Glock pistols to ensure proper function․ This system aims to add an extra layer of security for Glock users who prefer the peace of mind that comes with a manual safety․ Field stripping a Glock with the Tactical Safety System installed doesn’t require added potential safety concerns․ Professional installation is generally recommended for optimal performance and safety․
Glock Manual Safety Kit (MSK)
The Glock Manual Safety Kit (MSK) presents another aftermarket option for Glock owners seeking to add a manual safety․ This kit includes instructional sheets, a new trigger mechanism housing block, a thumb safety lever, a detent pressure plate, a spring, and a trigger bar guide․ The MSK is designed to prevent negligent discharges by adding a manually engaged safety lever, providing an extra layer of security․ The safety blocks trigger movement but allows the slide to be cycled for loading or unloading while engaged․
Installation Considerations for Aftermarket Safeties
Installing aftermarket manual safeties on Glocks requires careful consideration․ While DIY kits exist, professional installation by a qualified gunsmith is generally recommended to ensure proper function and safety․
Professional Installation vs․ DIY
When considering adding an aftermarket manual safety to your Glock, the choice between professional installation and a do-it-yourself approach is crucial․ Professional gunsmiths possess the expertise to ensure the safety functions correctly, mitigating the risk of malfunctions․ DIY installation, while potentially cost-effective, demands a thorough understanding of Glock mechanisms and meticulous attention to detail․
Improper installation can compromise the firearm’s reliability and safety, leading to accidental discharges or failures to operate when needed․ Evaluate your technical skills and comfort level before attempting a DIY installation․ Prioritize safety and reliability by opting for professional assistance if unsure․
Pros and Cons of Adding a Manual Safety to a Glock
Adding a manual safety to a Glock offers increased peace of mind and potentially greater security․ However, it also introduces potential failure points and could hinder rapid deployment in critical situations․
Increased Safety vs․ Potential for Failure
The primary argument for adding a manual safety to a Glock revolves around enhancing safety and preventing unintentional discharges․ The addition of a manual safety lever provides an extra layer of security, especially beneficial for those unaccustomed to Glock’s trigger system or when handling the firearm in stressful situations․
However, this addition introduces potential drawbacks․ A manual safety adds a step to the firearm’s operation, which can be detrimental in self-defense scenarios where every fraction of a second counts․ Furthermore, any mechanical device can fail, rendering the firearm inoperable when needed most․ Balancing these considerations is crucial when deciding whether to modify a Glock with a manual safety․
Warranty Implications of Aftermarket Modifications
Modifying a Glock pistol with aftermarket parts, such as a manual safety, can have significant implications for the manufacturer’s warranty․ Generally, Glock’s warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use․ However, when a firearm is altered with non-factory components, the warranty may be voided, especially if the modification is determined to have caused the issue․
Installing an aftermarket manual safety often requires alterations to the frame or internal mechanisms, potentially invalidating the warranty․ It’s crucial to consult Glock’s warranty policy and seek clarification from Glock or a certified gunsmith before proceeding with any modifications to understand the potential impact on warranty coverage․
Reliability of Aftermarket Manual Safeties
The reliability of aftermarket manual safeties for Glocks is a critical consideration for owners contemplating such modifications․ Unlike factory-installed safeties, aftermarket options can vary significantly in quality, design, and installation complexity․ A poorly designed or improperly installed safety can compromise the firearm’s overall reliability, potentially leading to malfunctions or failures during critical situations․
It’s essential to thoroughly research and select reputable aftermarket safety systems with a proven track record․ Consulting with experienced gunsmiths and seeking feedback from other Glock owners who have installed similar safeties can provide valuable insights into their reliability and performance under various conditions, ensuring the added safety measure doesn’t become a liability․
Carrying a Glock with a Manual Safety
Carrying a Glock equipped with a manual safety requires a conscious effort to develop new muscle memory․ The user must practice engaging and disengaging the safety as part of their draw stroke․
Holster Compatibility
When adding a manual safety to a Glock, holster compatibility becomes a primary concern․ Standard Glock holsters are molded to fit the original frame dimensions, and the addition of an external safety lever can interfere with the fit․ Aftermarket safeties, such as the Cominolli or RDIH systems, may require specific holsters designed to accommodate the added hardware․
Some manufacturers offer holsters specifically cut to work with Glocks that have manual safeties installed․ It’s crucial to verify that the holster is compatible with both the Glock model and the specific safety system․ Failure to do so can lead to difficulty drawing the weapon․