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Mech-Tech Glock carbine conversion opinions..

Lucky007Lucky007 Member Posts: 308 ✭✭✭
edited June 2013 in Ask the Experts
I am thinking about getting a carbine upper from Mech Tech for either a Glock 17 or Glock 22. If you've used one of these units, how was the accuracy and reliability? Were there any problems overall? Did you put a sling on the gun or any other practical attachments other than optics?

Comments

  • beantownshootahbeantownshootah Member Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Never used one, but I would like to clarify one thing.

    Apparently, per a relatively recent ruling of the BATFE it *is* legal to convert a pistol into a carbine using one of these conversions, then convert it back again to a pistol without creating an SBR or requiring paperwork/tax stamp:

    http://www.mechtechsys.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=431

    On the original question, these have been around for at least ten years, and they use a simple straight blowback design, so they should be fairly reliable so long as you're using normal ammo.

    As to what to hang off the thing, I think that depends entirely on what you intend to use it for.

    IMO, a pistol caliber carbine like this is really intended for close range only and I don't think magnification adds much here. Yes, I know its "possible" to make hits with something like this out to 100+ yards, but once you get out that far you lose velocity and get significant bullet drop. Too much magnification and you may lose some of the quick "pointability" of the gun, which is one of the big advantages of something like this.

    For optics, personally, I'd go with a simple dot sight.

    If you think you ever may be shooting the gun somewhere OTHER than a range, a sling is a good idea. IMO, a rifle sling is like a handgun holster. If you intend to carry the thing anywhere outside its case, its not really optional.

    Bipod might make sense if you were going to use this for hunting/survival.

    If you're going to use this for defense (maybe to share mags and ammo with your sidearm), a stock ammo pouch/carrier to hold a few extra magazines could make sense.

    For a defensive gun mounting a flashlight could also make sense. I also don't think it would be "crazy" even to mount a bayonet (if that's feasible).
  • CS8161CS8161 Member Posts: 13,596 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have a conversion for my Glock 20 and I am very happy with it. It has been 100% reliable with different 10mm loadings and accuracy is excellent. I use a red dot sight and also have backup iron sights. I hit better with the red dot.
  • dfletcherdfletcher Member Posts: 8,173 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Regarding legality I would add that state laws should be checked. In some states the Mech Tech will make "assault weapon" status as a "centerfire rifle with a detachable magazine" and the muzzle device, though perfectly useless, may be considered a flash hider. Further, although ATF did a neat bit of wordsmithing to determine a handgun assembled as a rifle is somehow different than being manufactured a rifle - state law may hold otherwise as it does (unsurprisingly) in CA and once assembled must remain as a legally configured rifle. But again, on federal law you're fine.

    I'd note that Mech Tech sells their unit with no buttstock too. Some folks have assembled the unit as a pistol using a handgun scope.

    I have one in 1911 and enjoy it for what it's worth - a short range plinker, fun and with OK accuracy. They are easy to assemble. Mine is very reliable and uses the AR 15 adjustable stock. The add ons are a bit "mall ninja" style but I found the rail and AR carrying handle to be worthwhile.

    Being a blowback design the action gets dirty as heck, but with the "lower" removed is easy to clean.

    From what I've read the 10mm does very well in this unit, folks plink out to 100 yds. The 45 ACP is good for about 50 yds and even then it's "bang, wait for it .... whap" as the bullet meanders to the target.
  • BHAVINBHAVIN Member Posts: 3,490 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I had one about 10 years ago. They may still use it but at that time you had to drop a feed ramp block (comes with the unit) into the frame for the Glock Conversions. Easy to do but also easily lost. Mine shot fine. It was for a G17.
  • CS8161CS8161 Member Posts: 13,596 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    They make a new magnetic feed ramp that is ALOT easier to use than the old drop in one. I have been very impressed with my conversion. The weight of the carbine tames the hottest 10mm loads! I have only shot mine at targets out to 50 yards and steel gongs at 100 and 200 yards, but I am very happy with the accuracy!
  • Lucky007Lucky007 Member Posts: 308 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks for all of the replies....I think I'm going to get one of these units eventually...maybe a used one. I just need to decide if I am going with the G17 or G22 version. seems like it would be a fun little carbine and since I'll never live in a state like California or New York...etc, I don't believe using a pistol frame with a longer barrel upper is an issue.
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