Let’s Talk About Lone Wolf Arms Glock 17 9mm Barrel
The Lone Wolf Arms Glock 17 9mm Barrel is marketed as a drop-in replacement barrel, precision-machined from high-grade stainless steel. Lone Wolf Arms promises enhanced accuracy and the ability to shoot lead, plated, or jacketed bullets. Having used aftermarket barrels in my Glocks for years, chasing that tighter grouping and the flexibility to run different ammo types, I was eager to see how this offering stacked up.
My Glocks are tools, plain and simple. I trust them with my life in certain scenarios, so I always aim to thoroughly vet every piece of equipment that goes into them. After hearing about the Lone Wolf Arms reputation, I picked up a Lone Wolf Arms Glock 17 9mm Barrel to see what I could get out of it.
Unboxing was uneventful, with the barrel arriving in standard packaging. My initial impression was of a raw, unfinished piece. The steel looked decent, but I immediately noticed the roughness around the feed ramp.
I’ve used barrels from Zev Technologies and Faxon Firearms in the past. Both offer exceptional finishing and tight tolerances. I chose the Lone Wolf Arms Glock 17 9mm Barrel this time because of its purported ability to handle lead bullets without issue, something that some tighter-tolerance barrels advise against. First impressions were not confidence-inspiring, especially compared to those other offerings. The rough finish gave me pause.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic, hoping the performance would outweigh the less-than-stellar aesthetics. Unfortunately, my initial impression proved correct. It was more disappointment than excitement, especially with the fitment issues I would encounter later.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lone Wolf Arms Glock 17 9mm Barrel to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range. I wanted to see how the Lone Wolf Arms Glock 17 9mm Barrel handled a variety of ammunition, including some lead reloads I had prepared specifically for this barrel. I fired around 200 rounds that day.
The barrel exhibited significant issues right out of the gate. It frequently failed to fully seat into battery. The slide would stop short, requiring a forceful push to lock. This occurred regardless of ammunition type, adding to my immediate concerns about its reliability.
Ease of use was low due to the lockup issues. I spent more time manually manipulating the slide than actually shooting. I hoped it was a break-in issue, but my gut told me otherwise. The first-time use was plagued with failures to lock.
Extended Use & Reliability
After the initial range trip, I continued to use the Lone Wolf Arms Glock 17 9mm Barrel over the next few weeks, hoping the issues would resolve themselves. I ran approximately 500 rounds through it. My earlier concerns were validated.
The barrel’s reliability did not improve with extended use. The failure to lock into battery persisted, making it completely unreliable for anything other than casual range use. Wear and tear were already visible on the barrel hood where it was making contact with the slide during the forced lockups.
Maintenance was straightforward; the stainless steel was easy to clean. However, the initial roughness of the feed ramp made me hesitant to aggressively clean it, fearing I might exacerbate the problem. Compared to my experience with other aftermarket barrels, the Lone Wolf Arms Glock 17 9mm Barrel was a significant disappointment, failing to deliver the basic reliability I expect.
Breaking Down the Features of Lone Wolf Arms Glock 17 9mm Barrel
Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm Luger. This is standard for Glock 17 and allows for a wide range of readily available ammunition.
- Material: 416 Stainless Steel. Lone Wolf Arms claims this provides a lifetime of service.
- Rifling: Standard groove and land rifling. This allows for shooting lead, plated, or jacketed bullets.
- Compatibility: Glock 17 9mm. It is designed as a drop-in replacement.
- Finish: Raw Stainless. This provides minimal corrosion resistance compared to coated barrels.
The caliber allows for plentiful, affordable ammunition, but the raw stainless finish is a cost-cutting measure that impacts durability. While Lone Wolf Arms touts the barrel’s longevity, I don’t trust the raw stainless to withstand prolonged exposure to the elements. The rifling is beneficial for those who shoot lead bullets.
Performance & Functionality
The Lone Wolf Arms Glock 17 9mm Barrel underperformed significantly during my testing. It failed to consistently lock into battery. This rendered it unreliable and unsuitable for self-defense or competition.
The barrel’s primary strength, at least on paper, is its ability to handle various types of ammunition, including lead. However, the functionality issues overshadow this benefit. The biggest weakness is its unreliable lockup.
This barrel did not meet my expectations for a drop-in replacement. The inconsistent performance made it a frustrating experience. It is a far cry from the reliability I expect from an aftermarket barrel.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Lone Wolf Arms Glock 17 9mm Barrel is simple and functional, but lacks refinement. The raw stainless steel finish gives it a utilitarian look. The design lacks the polishing and attention to detail found in higher-end aftermarket barrels.
The build quality is subpar, particularly in the feed ramp area. The roughness and lack of finishing are concerning. There is virtually no learning curve for installation. However, its problematic performance detracts from its ease of installation.
Durability & Maintenance
The 416 stainless steel should theoretically provide decent durability. However, the poor initial finishing raises concerns about long-term wear and corrosion resistance. I anticipate potential issues down the line, especially in harsh environments.
Maintenance is simple due to the stainless steel construction. But the rough feed ramp requires careful cleaning to avoid snags and potential damage. Without a proper coating, it’s hard to trust the bare stainless steel for long term use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lone Wolf Arms Glock 17 9mm Barrel does not come with any accessories. As a drop-in replacement, it’s designed to work with existing Glock 17 components. The barrel is compatible with most standard Glock 17 accessories.
It should function with various compensators and threaded adapters designed for the Glock 17 platform. However, due to the lockup issues, adding any additional weight to the barrel could exacerbate the problems. Be careful, because any added components can result in a poor experience.
Pros and Cons of Lone Wolf Arms Glock 17 9mm Barrel
Pros
- Potentially compatible with lead, plated, and jacketed bullets.
- Simple drop-in installation if it works properly.
- Affordable price point.
Cons
- Frequent failures to lock into battery.
- Rough, unfinished feed ramp.
- Questionable long-term durability due to raw stainless finish.
Who Should Buy Lone Wolf Arms Glock 17 9mm Barrel?
The Lone Wolf Arms Glock 17 9mm Barrel is potentially suitable for casual range shooters who are willing to tolerate occasional malfunctions. Those on a very tight budget and primarily interested in shooting lead bullets might find it acceptable. However, I can’t recommend it for any serious use.
Anyone relying on their Glock for self-defense, competition, or duty use should avoid this barrel. The reliability issues make it a liability in high-stakes situations. Save your money, and buy another barrel.
A must-have modification would be a thorough polishing of the feed ramp, but even that might not resolve the underlying lockup issues. At that point, you might as well invest in a higher quality barrel from the start.
Conclusion on Lone Wolf Arms Glock 17 9mm Barrel
The Lone Wolf Arms Glock 17 9mm Barrel falls short of expectations. While the price is attractive, the reliability issues and lack of finishing make it a poor investment. The promise of shooting lead bullets is overshadowed by consistent failures to lock into battery.
The value proposition is questionable, as reliability is paramount in any firearm component. The low price doesn’t justify the performance issues. As it stands, the Lone Wolf Arms Glock 17 9mm Barrel is not worth the money.
I cannot personally recommend this barrel. Its unreliability and poor finishing are significant drawbacks. Save your money and invest in a higher-quality aftermarket barrel. You will be much happier in the long run. Skip this one, and keep searching.