Category: Glock Shop Technical
A series of technical descriptive articles by Mechanical Engineer Simon Stewart
Front Sight Sharpness Measurement
Over 45 and find that you are having difficulty reading without a pair of readers? If this is the case you will probably be having trouble keeping your front sight is focus as well. Eye Armor offers an off the shelf solution for this. You can order a set of Eye Armor safety shooting glasses with a corrected zone for your dominant eye. This correction is available in 1/1.5/2/2.5 diopter increments for immediate dispatch 3 diopter and higher will have to be custom made and will take an additional 7 working days.. The methodology employed is to get the front sight as sharp as possible, whilst maintaining a good view of the actual target. This lens arrangement is not going to be suitable for daily use. This arrangement is specifically for shooting glasses.
Step 1. Try out various strength readers until your front sight is sharp.
Using a pen tilted forward in the hands you will be able to simulate the distance from eye to front sight without actually having to draw your Glock at your local Dischem while trying out various readers strengths.
Step 2. Corrective script for your Dominant Eye
Check which is your dominant eye and see how many diopters was the readers lens that enabled you to see the tip of the pen clearly.
Step 4. Select the correct diopter lens from the dropdown
Choose the diopter strength and left or right eye correction from the dropdown and your new set of prescription shooting glasses will be couriered to you the same day – if ordered by or before 12 noon.
Roni Buyers Guide
This Roni buyers guide has been updated to include a review of the CAA Roni – MCK Gen 2
The Micro Roni Glock carbine conversion improves ergonomics and boosts accuracy. Did I mention looks pretty cool too. There have been a number of developments with micro Roni’s over the last two years. I often get queries in my mailbox about the different Roni models. Now with the release of the MCK Gen 2 it becomes even more confusing. As a result, I have drawn up this Roni Buyers Guide to try and assist in your selection and purchase of a new Roni for your Glock “Safe Action” pistol. Prices have come down and bargains are to be had.
Essentially these are the frame variants currently available:
- Roni Gen4 Triangular shroud (G17/19/19X/22/23/45) R5150 incl VAT (Currently no stock in SA)
- Gen4X Triangular shroud (G17/19/19X/22/23/45}. R6500 incl VAT (currently no stock in SA)
- Roni MCK Gen1 Round shroud in two variants (G17/19/19X/22/23/45)//(G20/G21) R4995 incl VAT
- Roni MCK Gen2 Round Shroud in five variants: R6499.00 incl VAT
(G17/19/19X/22/23/45)/ /(G26)/ /(G43/43X/48)/ /(G20/G21)/ /(G34)
Roni Kit and Roni Advanced Kit. What’s the difference?
You can buy your Roni three ways:
- bare chassis and you then add on extras you require
- basic kit
- advanced kit.
The best value for money is # 1 – the bare chassis and then add on.
The basic kit includes: Sling& Swivel, Thumb Rest and Flip Up Sight Set.
The advanced kit includes Sling& Swivel, Thumb Rest and Flip Up Sight Set a plastic storage case and the CAA flashlight. All Roni variants are available in these advanced kits including MCK Gen 2.
Roni Buyers Guide – Chassis Options Explained
Roni Gen4
The Roni Gen4 chassis is not frame specific. Therefore it is suitable for full-frame Glock (G17) as well as Compact Frame Glocks (G19) in 9mm/40S&W and 357SIG. There is a simple shroud adjustment that needs to be made with an Alan key to accommodate a Full frame or Compact frame Glock “Safe Action ” pistol.
PRO
- Gen3/Gen4 and Gen5 compatible
- Full Frame & Compact Frame Compatible
CON
- Diagonal Strut on fore grip is not to everyones taste – works fine me though!!
Roni Gen4X
The Roni Gen4X does not have the 45 degree brace on the fore grip like the Gen4 and like the Gen4 is not frame specific. It is suitable for full-frame Glock (G17) as well as Compact Frame Glocks (G19) in 9mm/40S&W and 357SIG. There is a simple shroud adjustment to accommodate a Full frame or Compact frame Glock “Safe Action ” pistol. The Alen key provided is used to reposition the insert inside the triangular shroud to accommodate the two frame sizes.
PRO
- Gen3/5 and 5 compatible
- Full Frame & Compact frame compatible
CON
- Triangular shroud limits third party attachments
Roni MCK Gen1
The Roni MCK Gen 1, is not frame specific. The Roni Buyers Guide best value option for sure. It is suitable for full-frame Glock (G17) as well as Compact Frame Glocks (G19) in 9mm/40S&W and 357SIG. There is a simple adjustment on the MCK to accommodate a Full frame or Compact frame Glock “Safe Action ” pistol.
PRO
- Glock Gen3/5 and 5 compatible
- Glock Full Frame & Compact frame compatible
- improved adjustment screw for Full frame or compact frame selection
- ergonomic front grip
Roni Buyers Guide CAA Roni MCK Gen2
Certainly the president of CAA USA, Mikey Hartman can not be accused of being complacent with what many consider to be a damn fine product. Of course I refer to the MCK Gen1. CAA have now introduced the MCK Gen 2 version and yes there are significant improvements over the previous model. Some of these improvements have been costly though. This is reflected in the price difference between a Gen 1 as opposed to a Gen 2. Gen 1 Roni MCK is still available and still offers great value for money. I am going to cover three of the major design upgrades from Gen 1 to Gen 2 here in this Roni Buyers guide.
MCK Gen 2 Aluminium Accessory Rail
The MCK Gen 2 has a fully aluminium picatinny accessory rail mounted on top. Really well made and precisely machined this rail not only allows sights to be securely attached but promotes added stiffness to the frame. This added stiffness is clearly demonstrated out at the 45m mark where improved grouping and accuracy is easily noticeable. Some – including myself – may question that the 45m plus mark is a greater distance than we intend to use a 9mm carbine conversion. I guess old habits die hard though and Mikey as a retired Lt. Colonel who commanded the IDF Sharpshooting and Marksmanship School just couldn’t resist an opportunity to improve long distance performance of this platform.
MCK Gen 2 Magazine Release
Roni’s have always had a friction fit spare magazine holder in the fore grip. I for one have never had an issue with this and always coped reasonably well with the design. Having a spare mag holder that is engineered so well that when you insert a mag you are rewarded with a very satisfying snug click is most welcome. When you need the spare mag the release button is intuitively positioned. The mag needs to be removed from the holder after pressing the button. It obviously does not “free fall” drop out like a pistol as that would be an error in design. The mag is full and you don’t want it dropping out of reach.
MCK Gen 2 Charging Handle
The MCK Gen 2 comes with the newly redesigned charging handle. Not only does this new charging handle grab the rear slide serrations it makes more surface contact with the entire top of the slide. Furthermore there is a small pocket in the charging handle (indicated in yellow below) that grabs hold of the rear sight as well thus maximising surface area contact . The consequence is a smoother, stronger pullback and less wear and tear on the slide as well as the charging handle.
Roni Buyers Guide to Accessories
- Quick Detach swivel R299.00
- One point sling R987.85
- Torch R2294.25
- Flip-Up Sights R2183.85
- Red Dot Sights R2250.00
- Thumb rests R373.75
Sling & Swivel
Are you patrolling long hours or doing a spot of rappelling with your Roni? If the answer is yes then this is an essential accessory. It’s a well made elasticised MIL-spec piece of kit.
If you are vehicle-based or the average oke and have selected a Roni for home defense leave the sling and swivel out. Slings have a habit of getting in the way when you don’t need them to. Enough said.
Flashlight Torch
- Can you get a better brighter torches for less money? Yes.
- Is the CAA Roni Torch great value? No
- Do I have one on my personal Roni? Yes
It’s expensive but it fits and works perfectly with your Roni. I have tried third party lights mounted on the side rails but they just don’t cut it.
- neat and integrated into frame
- easy and intuitive to operate
- mounting point on the axis of the pistol
Cons
- Pricey
Flip Up Sights
Essential equipment for your Roni. Use these as a BUIS (back up iron sight) for a Red Dot or as the primary sighting system. The rear aperture is large and excellent for low light conditions and close-quarters work. There is a medium aperture for targets further out. There has been a redesign on these sights and the earlier models are no longer available. The new design (pictured below) is frankly not as well made as the earlier model. The upside is that being a cheaper design the price has dropped. Would you fit them onto an M4 platform? No. They are fine for a Roni.
Roni Buyers Guide – RED DOT SIGHTS
You will never have so much fun with a red-dot on your Roni. I guarantee you will shoot more ammo than you can afford and be buying a new recoil spring assembly for your Glock before you know it. The Aimpro Dual Retiicle quad colour (pictured below) is my recommendation. The two choices of reticle color for contrast against any target/background (red and green) Furthermore, there is unlimited eye relief. with a wide field of view. 24x33mm window for ultra-fast target acquisition. R2250 incl VAT
Thumb Rests
Last on the list for a reason. In my opinion a total waste of plastic. The Roni has close to zero recoil so I think the thumb rest is redundant. Save the money for ammo.
Glock 19X Buyers Guide
The Glock 19X buyers guide points out why this purchase is such a good deal . Launched 6 years ago, the G19X is now offered in a choice of three derivative’s. Namely the cheaper polymer sight version, standard with night sights and then SILC with night sights threaded barrel option.
Overlooked Extras
The 19x ships with three mags not two like all other GLOCKS in South Africa. That in itself is a saving of between R700/800. Then factor in that the stock Glock 19X comes standard with a decent set of night sights instead of Glock polymer sights. Decent night sights are going to cost at least R2.5k. This means that straight out the box the 19X has R3500.00 worth of extras. Couple this with the fact that the 19X has a superior hand feel to any Glock 19 yet is almost as easy to carry leaves me scratching my head why we sell any G19Gen5’s. It’s got to be the colour I guess.
The Glock 19X buyers guide must stress that this pistol combines the best features of two of Glock’s most popular pistol platforms. The full-size GLOCK 17 frame and the compact GLOCK 19 slide. The G19X comes with the first-ever factory coloured slide. If you exclude black/grey as a colour!! The slide is not “Ceracoate.” The surface treatment on the slide is nPVD (Physical vapour deposition) which prevents corrosion. The PVD coating is deeper than the colour. The result is that even if the coating appears to have worn down with holster wear, the slide is still protected from corrosion. Additional features include the GLOCK Marksman Barrel (GMB), no finger grooves, ambidextrous slide stop levers and lanyard loop. The 19X comes with a coyote coloured polymer foam lined pistol case.
Looking for the Roni Buyers Guide? GO HERE
Glock 19X Buyers Guide Heads-up Extended 24 Round Magazine
Glock 19X 24 round extended are now available. These reliable Glock OEM magazines are in exactly the same colour “Coyote” polymer as the mags that come with the 19X.
Full Glock 19X Buyers Guide Specifcations on the Glock EU website
MOA and Red Dot Sights
The choice of the correct MOA (minute of angle) for your red dot sight is critical. A red dot or reflex gunsight is a major investment. A Trijicon or Aimpoint will set you back the price of a new Glock 19 Gen5 MOS. The Truglo RMR (rugged mini red-dot) weighs in at about half that price but it’s still a sizeable investment. So let’s look at the apparent size of the dot on the target and what will be optimum for you.
What is MOA?
A degree is divided into 60 even parts called ” minutes of angle.” This minute of angle subtends an arc of different lengths depending on the distance from the origin or center of a circle.
So at 100m, the arc length of 1 MOA (minute of an angle) is 29mm and because it’s linear, at 1000m, 290mm. Realistically, I am going to stop right there. Most of the technical stuff written about MOA – and there’s tons of it – is for long distance precision shooting. How is this applicable to Red Dot Reflex sights for handguns? The MOA of the sight will determine how big the dot appears on the target.
Optimum Dot Size
Initially please understand that I use the term “Red Dot” in a broad way. The fact is that reflex or red dot sights are available with a variety of different reticles. As a
Reflex Sight Blooming
Reticles that have adjustable brightness have a tendency to look larger at high brightness. This can however be used to advantage. When the brightness is dialled back the dot appears smaller and is then more suitable for finer aim. The Japanese made Shilba 17 x 24 demonstrates this effect particularly well.
Relation between MOA and Red Dot Sights apparent dot size
The correlation between MOA and a Red Dot Sights apparent dot size provides these figures. At 25m a 3MOA is 21mm and at 25m a 7 MOA is 49mm. Drop back to 15 m and a 3MOA red dot is an apparent 15mm. A 7 MOA red dot, however, at 15m is 31 mm.
So what does this mean for a pistol
The best rule of thumb to follow here
Red Dot on a Roni
As a result of the ability of a Glock Roni combination to shoot passable groups out to 70m and beyond the temptation is there to scope the micro Roni with a small MOA dot of around 1 or two MOA. Much like you would do an AR. Again the caveat here is to ensure that for a CQC scenario your fine reticle is large enough for rapid target acquisition.
Glock 43X Magazine
One of the most common requests we get is if there is an extended magazine for the Glock 43. Glock
Micro Roni Gen 4 Review
This micro Roni Gen 4 review is about some amazing engineering that has been going on at CAA. The Gen 5 Glock is 2mm wider than it’s Gen3/4 predecessors. Amazingly the new micro Roni Gen 4 works with the Glock Gen 5 and the two previous generations. Gen 3,4 and 5. Most importantly, it works for full frame and compact frame Glocks as well. That is a huge step forward. From our experience, micro Roni’s are often owned by enthusiasts with more than one Glock. Often in two frame sizes. This inherent interchangeability really is good news.
CAA – Command Arms Accessories
The Roni system was developed in 2008 by Command Arms Accessories – CAA. Roni (pronounced Row-Nee) is the name of the daughter of CEO, Moshe Oz. Roni means “Sweet Music” ~ load up a 33 round happy stick and indeed that is what this latest offering delivers.
Aircraft Grade Aluminium and Tough Polymer
The Micro Roni Gen 4 is made from a tough polymer body, injection molded around an aircraft grade aluminum spine. There is a full-length Picatinny rail on top as well as two smaller lateral rails located on the port and starboard side of the centerline. Furthermore, there is recessed hard point directly below the barrel that accommodates a CAA torch.
To open the folding stock press the release catch on the underside of the Roni. Immediately you realize this is not an airsoft toy. Lockup on the stock is mil-spec tight. Absolutely no wiggle. Furthermore, the weapon can be fired with the stock folded. and again controlled and accurate. Single handled fire is possible and again controlled and accurate.
Negligible Recoil
The butt of the stock is adequately comfortable in the shoulder considering it’s pretty slender. Fine though for 9mm but would pinch with a 7.62 round. The recoil is negligible so the slenderness is not an issue at all. The lack of recoil, however, does allow you to execute impressive double taps that would make Mike Rousseau proud.
Roni Quick Detach Sling
Below the stock is a quick detach point for a sling. CAA make an excellent one point sling at a very reasonable price. HERE. Getting familiar with the Roni platform is effortless. Seamlessly integrating with your Glock, it feels like a natural extension rather than a third party add-on.
Micro RONI Gen 4 Review
Exposed Slide Release:
The micro Roni now has the slide release exposed. Right in front of the charging handle, it is simple to reach and makes the slide release super easy to get to and use.
Larger Ejection Port:
A larger ejection port makes it a breeze to visually inspect the breech and magazine-well without even demounting the Roni from your shoulder. Furthermore, potential jams are super easy to clear due to the ease of access even with tactical gloves on.
Charging Handle:
The charging handle is a simple molding that is now captive in the Roni and not removable. As a result, getting misplaced or lost is a thing of the past. Why is the charging handle in FDE coloured polymer instead of matching the rest of the Roni? I really can’t answer that. I just know if the micro Roni Gen 4 review directed the question to CAA the response would be: “Am I more concerned about form than functionality?” The charging handle attaches by locating in the serrations of your Glock slide. It simply clicks into place to become the charging handle slide assembly. Manipulating the slide is very easy as the slide handle creates mechanical advantage. The Gen 4 handle integrates with Gen3/4 and 5 Glock slides. Furthermore, it is ambidextrous.
CAA 500-Lumen Flashlight
The CAA torch at first appears unimposing. Especially when you consider the nearly R2K excluding VAT price tag. All is forgiven though when you slide it into the purpose-built recess under the barrel. You are rewarded with a satisfying click of good engineering. The torch is light and bright and tough. The position is perfect for balance and maximum illumination of the target. You could, of course, mount a third party flashlight on one of the two side accessory rails if you wanted to save a few hundred on a torch.
Foregrip
The micro Roni foregrip also houses an ambidextrous trigger cover that acts as a safety. It is unobtrusive and will stay out of the way if that’s what you desire. Even if you place a lot of trust in the Glock “3 safety system” it still makes sense to have a trigger safety. This trigger guard safety ensures nothing gets close to or snags the trigger.
The foregrip doubles up as a spare magazine carrier. It has a friction slot that holds an extra magazine in reserve. Select the right size Glock mag and it really gives the kit a very cool look. The mag I choose purely for aesthetics for the images on The Glock Shop site was a 17 Plus 2. The mag in the Glock 17 is a 33 round happy stick. Some may be concerned about a magazine just being located by friction. Don’t be! The retention on that backup mag is very stiff. To such a degree though that it does make it a little difficult to pull the mag out. There is a bit of technique involved but it may be a challenge under pressure.
New Triangular Barrel Shroud
Incorporated in the new triangular-shaped barrel shroud is the sliding sleeve that allows the micro Roni Gen 4 to accommodate both full and compact frame Glocks. Simply back off the alan head set screw at the top of the shroud and slide the sleeve forward or backward. This allows shifting between full frame (Glock 17) and compact frame-sized Glock pistols Glock 19.
Breecher Flash Hider
The breecher flash hider is an expensive albeit visually intimidating add-on to the micro Roni Gen 4. The Flash hider transforms the already purposeful looking Roni into the intergalactic realms. The serrated fore-end is purpose designed to break vehicle windows. Also, use to devastate your 0pponenent when the ammo runs out. Perhaps a hole saw for your next DIY project?
Micro Roni Gen 4 Accuracy
The accuracy of your Glock is not improved by the Roni kit. You – the operator’s accuracy is improved by using the micro Roni Gen 4 – dramatically.
Purely by having four points of contact, the Roni will optimize the accuracy of your Glock. Follow up shots are quick and accurate. Impressive groups out at 40 m completely achievable.
It’s a formidable package. It looks the part. Aggressive – Tactical and Tech.
Those very characteristics may give you the psychological advantage over opponents facing you in a break in/ gunfight scenario.
Glock Parts
- Slide (special order only)
- Barrel ( restricted licensed part special order)
- Recoil Spring Assembly
- Firing Pin
- Spacer Sleeve
- Firing Pin Spring
- Spring Cups
- Firing Pin Safety
- Firing Pin Safety Spring
- Extractor
- Extractor Depressor Plunger
- Extractor Depressor Plunger Spring
- Spring Loaded Bearing
- Slide Cover Plate
- Rear Site
- Front Site 16a Front Sight Screw
- Frame ( restricted licensed part special order)
- Magazine Catch Spring
- Magazine Catch
- Slide Lock Spring
- Slide Lock
- Locking Block
- Trigger Mechanism Housing
- Connector
- Trigger Spring
- Trigger c/w Trigger Bar
- Slide Stop Lever
- Trigger Pin
- Trigger Housing Pin
- Locking Block Pin
- Magazine Tube
- Follower
- Magazine Spring
- Magazine Insert
- Magazine Floor Plate
45ACP
45ACP
The .45ACP (11.43 x 23mm) Automatic Colt Pistol. Developed by John Browning over a century ago. It remains a legendary and devastatingly effective personal defense caliber. Despite what the protagonists may say. Believe me, there are tons of them.
Many US tactical police units still use the 45ACP which combines accuracy and stopping power for use against human targets. It has relatively low muzzle blast and flash. Furthermore, it produces moderate recoil in handguns. The standard .45 ACP round has a 230-grain bullet that travels at approximately 850 feet per second.
Interested in shooting this legendary caliber that was used by the USA in both WWl and WWll ? Sign up for a Glock Experience Event, tailor-made to suit your requirements.
info@glockexperience.co.za
www.glockexperience.co.za
9mm short (380 ACP)
9mm short (380 ACP)
The 9mm short (380 ACP) has a case measuring 9 x 17mm. Opposed to the 9 x 19mm Parabellum cartridge case which is longer. Be assured that the effectiveness of this round as a self-defense caliber fires up hot debate whenever this topic is brought up.
Developed by Colt firearms a century ago. Designed by none other than John Browning who worked for Colt. Initially designated the .380 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) cartridge. As a result of its small size and low weight, it has seen a recent surge in popularity as a concealed carry weapon. Also known as a BUG or back up gun.
Perhaps Massad Ayoob sums it up best: “Some experts will say it’s barely adequate, and others will say it’s barely inadequate.”
Sign up for a Glock Experience Event, tailor-made to suit your requirements and test fire the 9mm short with the excellent combination of small size and light recoil.
info@glockexperience.co.za