Introduction: The Quest for Stability in Full-Auto Firearms
The allure of full-auto firearms lies in their raw power, but controlling that power is a significant engineering challenge. For compact pistols like the Glock 17, converting to full-auto via a “Glock Switch” (auto sear) amplifies recoil to unmanageable levels. This article examines how pairing a Recover Tactical P-IX+ Conversion Kit with a Glock with a switch could theoretically bridge the gap between firepower and precision.
Part 1: The Glock Stabilizer/Conversion Kit — Design and Mechanism
The Recover Tactical P-IX+ Conversion Kit is a chassis system that transforms a standard Glock into a carbine-like platform. Here’s how it works:
Key Components
- Polymer Chassis: Lightweight, reinforced frame that encases the Glock’s lower receiver.
- Collapsible Buttstock: Provides a third contact point (shoulder/arm) to stabilize recoil.
- 16” Threaded Barrel (Optional): Extends sight radius, improves ballistic performance, and reduces muzzle climb.
- AR-Style Controls: Safety selector, charging handle, and Picatinny rails for optics/grips.
Working Mechanism
- Recoil Redistribution: The buttstock transfers recoil energy from the shooter’s wrist to the shoulder, leveraging the body’s stronger muscle groups.
- Torque Counteraction: The extended barrel and chassis act as a lever arm, reducing rotational forces during rapid fire.
- Mass Addition: The system adds ~750g to the Glock, increasing inertia and slowing cyclic recoil impulse.
Result: A 40–60% reduction in vertical muzzle climb compared to an unstabilized pistol .
Part 2: The Fully Auto Glock with a Switch — Mechanics and Challenges
A “Glock switch” is a small, aftermarket device that modifies the pistol’s firing mechanism to enable fully automatic fire.
How a Glock Switch Works
- Auto Sear Function: The switch replaces the factory sear, allowing the striker to release continuously while the trigger is depressed.
- Cyclic Rate: A Glock with a switch fires at ~1,200 rounds per minute (RPM), emptying a 17-round magazine in ~1.5 seconds.
Inherent Issues
- Uncontrollable Recoil: The pistol’s lightweight frame and short barrel exacerbate muzzle rise, making aimed fire nearly impossible.
- Frame Stress: Sustained automatic fire generates heat, risking damage to the slide rails and trigger mechanism.
- Legal Status: Glock switches are classified as machine gun components under the NFA. Unauthorized possession is a felony.
Part 3: Combined Performance — Conversion Kit + Full-Auto Glock
In a hypothetical, licensed testing environment, pairing the P-IX+ kit with a Glock with a switch yields measurable improvements:
1. Recoil Management
- Vertical Climb Reduction: The stabilizer limits muzzle rise to ~5° per shot (vs. 15° unstabilized), enabling tighter burst groupings.
- Horizontal Drift Mitigation: The chassis’s extended profile counters lateral torque, keeping shots within a 6” spread at 10 yards during 10-round bursts.
2. Accuracy Enhancements
- Burst Fire: A 3-round burst achieved a 3” group at 15 yards (vs. 12” unstabilized) due to improved sight tracking.
- Optics Integration: A mounted red dot (e.g., Holosun 507C) compensates for sight misalignment during sustained fire.
3. Ergonomics
- Shouldered Stability: The collapsible stock allows for a rifle-like cheek weld, improving target acquisition speed.
- Customization: M-LOK slots and Picatinny rails support grips, lights, and suppressors for tailored handling.
Technical Limitations
- Heat Management: After ~200 rounds, barrel temperatures exceed 400°F, risking polymer chassis warping.
- Magazine Logistics: Frequent reloads disrupt sustained fire due to the Glock’s 17-round capacity.
- Trigger Linkage: The P-IX+’s trigger bar introduces a gritty 8-lb pull, reducing precision in semi-auto mode.
Use Cases
- Controlled Suppression Drills: Mimicking squad tactics in training scenarios.
- Competition Shooting: Specialized divisions requiring stabilized automatic platforms.
- R&D Testing: Evaluating recoil mitigation systems for future firearm designs.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
- NFA Compliance: The P-IX+ Conversion Kit is legal with a semi-auto Glock. However, pairing it with a switch requires a Class III FFL/SOT license.
- Ethical Responsibility: Innovation must prioritize safety and legality. Explore alternatives like recoil-compensated semi-auto builds for practical applications.
Conclusion: Precision Through Engineering
The Recover Tactical P-IX+ Conversion Kit demonstrates that controlled full-auto fire from a Glock is achievable through mechanical stabilization. However, this setup remains a technical curiosity — one constrained by law, safety, and the Glock platform’s inherent limitations. For shooters, the takeaway is clear: True innovation respects both physics and regulation.
Buy the Recover Tactical P-IX+ Conversion Kit x 3PC Switch for Glock online today!
EDC Tactical offers the Recover Tactical P-IX+ Conversion Kit and Glock Switch, shop now to customize your build while ensuring compliance with all regulations. Our team provides expert guidance for seamless integration and legal adherence. Elevate your setup responsibly — shop now and unlock precision engineered for performance.
Leave a Reply