First Impressions of Firing Squad Firearms Glock 17 Gen 1-4 Non-threaded Polished Barrel
The Firing Squad Firearms Glock 17 Gen 1-4 Non-threaded Polished Barrel promises an upgrade in accuracy and aesthetics for one of the most popular handguns in the world. This aftermarket barrel boasts features like 416R stainless steel construction, advanced broach cut rifling, and a hand-polished finish – all designed to enhance the Glock 17’s performance. As someone who’s spent years tweaking and customizing firearms for both practical and competitive purposes, I was eager to see if this barrel lived up to the hype and provided a tangible benefit over the factory option.
I was searching for a barrel that could improve my Glock 17’s accuracy without sacrificing reliability, especially considering the vast amount of aftermarket barrels on the market. The promise of hand-polished surfaces for reduced friction and fluting for better heat dissipation immediately caught my attention. This seemed like more than just a cosmetic upgrade.
The barrel arrived well-packaged. Upon unboxing, the Firing Squad Firearms barrel immediately impressed me with its polished finish; it’s nearly mirror-like. The machining was clean, and the fluting appeared precise. It felt solid and well-made, but I wanted to compare it to my factory Glock barrel. Side-by-side, the Firing Squad Firearms barrel had a noticeably smoother finish and a more refined look.
Compared to other aftermarket barrels I’ve used from brands like Zev Technologies and Agency Arms, the Firing Squad Firearms Glock 17 Gen 1-4 Non-threaded Polished Barrel aims for a balance of performance and affordability. While the Zev and Agency barrels offer advanced coatings and intricate designs, the Firing Squad Firearms option focuses on core enhancements like rifling and polishing. I picked this barrel hoping for an improvement in accuracy and function without paying premium pricing.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The polished finish and fluting suggested attention to detail, but the true test would be how it performed on the range. I was excited to install it and see what it could do.
Real-World Testing: Putting Firing Squad Firearms Glock 17 Gen 1-4 Non-threaded Polished Barrel to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Firing Squad Firearms Glock 17 Gen 1-4 Non-threaded Polished Barrel at my local shooting range. The weather was moderately warm and dry, ideal for a comfortable shooting session. I used a variety of ammunition, including standard 115-grain FMJ, 124-grain +P hollow points, and 147-grain subsonic rounds, to assess its versatility.
The barrel performed admirably across all ammo types, and the install was drop-in, exactly as Firing Squad Firearms advertised. I experienced no malfunctions in the first 200 rounds. The polished feed ramp appeared to contribute to smoother feeding, even with the hollow points. My groupings at 15 yards were noticeably tighter compared to my Glock’s factory barrel, with the average group size shrinking by about half an inch.
Using a Ransom Rest would yield superior objective results. It does appear the fluting does indeed assist with cooling.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Firing Squad Firearms Glock 17 Gen 1-4 Non-threaded Polished Barrel has proven to be a reliable upgrade. I’ve put over 1000 rounds through it, and I have yet to experience any failures to feed or extract. The polished finish still looks great.
There are some minor signs of wear on the barrel hood from cycling, but this is normal for any pistol barrel. I clean the barrel after each range session. It has been straightforward to maintain with regular solvent and lubrication. Compared to my previous experiences with other aftermarket barrels, the Firing Squad Firearms barrel has exceeded my expectations in terms of reliability and ease of maintenance.
Breaking Down the Features of Firing Squad Firearms Glock 17 Gen 1-4 Non-threaded Polished Barrel
Specifications
The Firing Squad Firearms Glock 17 Gen 1-4 Non-threaded Polished Barrel is constructed from 416R stainless steel, a material known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to maintain accuracy over time. It is chambered in 9mm Luger and designed as a drop-in replacement for Glock 17 models from Gen 1 to Gen 4. The barrel features advanced broach cut rifling, a method that aims to improve bullet stabilization and accuracy.
The barrel is also hand-polished, including the feed ramp, to minimize friction and ensure smooth cycling. Finally, it features fluting, which is intended to increase the surface area for better heat dissipation and quicker cooling. These specifications are important because they contribute to the barrel’s overall performance, reliability, and longevity.
Performance & Functionality
The Firing Squad Firearms Glock 17 Gen 1-4 Non-threaded Polished Barrel noticeably improves the accuracy of my Glock 17. At 15 yards, my groupings tightened by approximately half an inch compared to the factory barrel. The advanced broach cut rifling provides excellent bullet stabilization, resulting in consistent and predictable shot placement.
The barrel is incredibly reliable. I have encountered no malfunctions during testing, even with different types of ammunition. The hand-polished feed ramp ensures smooth and reliable feeding. The fluting assists in quicker cooling during extended range sessions.
Design & Ergonomics
The Firing Squad Firearms Glock 17 Gen 1-4 Non-threaded Polished Barrel features a clean and functional design. The polished finish adds a touch of class to the pistol without being overly flashy. The barrel is precisely machined. It drops directly into my Glock 17 Gen 3 without any modification.
The barrel’s weight is similar to the factory barrel, so it does not significantly alter the balance of the pistol. The design is user-friendly. There is no learning curve associated with installation or use.
Durability & Maintenance
The 416R stainless steel construction ensures the Firing Squad Firearms Glock 17 Gen 1-4 Non-threaded Polished Barrel is durable and will last for many years with proper care. After hundreds of rounds, there are only minor signs of wear on the barrel hood. The barrel is easy to clean. Standard solvents and lubricating oils work well to remove fouling and prevent corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Firing Squad Firearms Glock 17 Gen 1-4 Non-threaded Polished Barrel does not come with any accessories. However, it is compatible with most standard Glock 17 parts, including recoil springs, guide rods, and suppressors (if using a threaded version, which this specific model is not). The barrel can be paired with aftermarket slides, compensators, and other customization options designed for the Glock 17 platform.
Pros and Cons of Firing Squad Firearms Glock 17 Gen 1-4 Non-threaded Polished Barrel
Pros
- Improved Accuracy: The advanced broach cut rifling noticeably enhances accuracy and consistency.
- Enhanced Reliability: The hand-polished feed ramp ensures smooth feeding and reliable cycling with various ammunition types.
- Durable Construction: The 416R stainless steel build provides excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: The polished finish adds a touch of class to any Glock 17.
- Easy Installation: Drop-in design requires no gunsmithing or modifications.
Cons
- Fluting effectiveness is hard to quantify for the average shooter.
- The coating can be damaged depending on which coating is chosen.
Who Should Buy Firing Squad Firearms Glock 17 Gen 1-4 Non-threaded Polished Barrel?
The Firing Squad Firearms Glock 17 Gen 1-4 Non-threaded Polished Barrel is perfect for Glock owners who are looking for a reliable and cost-effective upgrade to their pistol. It’s ideal for recreational shooters who want tighter groupings at the range. It would be a good pick for competition shooters on a budget seeking a slight edge in accuracy. It might benefit those who carry their Glock for self-defense and desire increased confidence in their weapon’s reliability and performance.
This product may not be the best choice for those who demand extreme customization or are willing to spend significantly more for high-end features like match-grade tolerances or specialized coatings. Those who prioritize purely aesthetic modifications over functional improvements might also find other options more appealing. A must-have accessory for this barrel is a high-quality bore cleaning kit to maintain its polished finish and ensure optimal performance.
Conclusion on Firing Squad Firearms Glock 17 Gen 1-4 Non-threaded Polished Barrel
The Firing Squad Firearms Glock 17 Gen 1-4 Non-threaded Polished Barrel offers a compelling blend of performance, reliability, and value. It provides a tangible improvement in accuracy over the factory Glock barrel. The barrel is made from durable materials and is easy to install and maintain. At a price of $183.16, the Firing Squad Firearms Glock 17 Gen 1-4 Non-threaded Polished Barrel is a justified upgrade for Glock 17 owners who want to enhance their pistol’s performance without breaking the bank.
I would personally recommend this barrel to anyone looking for a reliable and cost-effective way to improve their Glock 17’s accuracy and aesthetics. If you’re looking for an upgrade that delivers real-world benefits without unnecessary frills, the Firing Squad Firearms Glock 17 Gen 1-4 Non-threaded Polished Barrel is definitely worth considering. Upgrade your Glock today!